Several banks across the country will be closed from October 21 to 23 due to various festivals, including Diwali and Bhai Dooj. Bank holidays vary from state to state, with online banking and ATMs still functioning. Fourth Saturday and Sunday will also see bank closures. Chhath Puja and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary will result in bank closures in certain regions.
The 1-hour special market session for Diwali will take place today on both NSE and BSE, with MCX also participating. All trades will have regular settlement obligations. The session will start at 1:45 pm and end at 2:45 pm, with a cut-off time for position limit and trade modification at 2:55 pm. October 22 will be a trading holiday for all exchanges.
The Indian economy has shown resilience despite global uncertainty and weak external demand, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals. High-frequency indicators suggest a revival in urban and rural demand. Inflation has moderated, and domestic structural reforms are offsetting the impact of external conditions. The rupee has depreciated and foreign investment remains negative
British chess prodigy of Indian origin, Bodhana Sivanandan, has added a new record to her growing achievements. The 10-year-old has become one of the youngest players ever to defeat a former world champion. The feat came during the European Club Cup in Rhodes, Greece, where she defeated Ukraine’s former Women’s champion, Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk.
Google's former CEO, Eric Schmidt, has been accused by his ex-girlfriend of stalking, abuse, and digital surveillance. The couple's legal battle over money, a failed AI startup, and a Bel Air mansion made headlines in 2024. However, the domestic violence restraining order was withdrawn in January after a settlement was reached, with Schmidt making significant payments to his ex-girlfriend.
America’s visa system is notoriously complex, and Priyanka Kulkarni knows it better than most. The 34-year-old machine learning scientist spent nine years juggling the visa process herself. Now, she’s using artificial intelligence to help others handle work-based immigration smoothly and hassle-free.
Indian markets open for special Muhurat trading session on October 21, investors bet on long-term investment ideas. Asian markets rally on positive cues from US-China trade talks and prospects of new Japanese prime minister. US markets close higher, gold prices near record highs, crude oil prices fall. FIIs and DIIs net buyers in recent trade.
The White House has begun construction on a $250 million ballroom, despite lacking approval from the federal agency overseeing such projects. Photos show demolition work on the East Wing, where the first lady's offices are located. The project, which Trump says will be privately funded, will be the largest structural change to the Executive Mansion since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948.
The day after Diwali, Delhi woke up under a thick layer of smog, with air quality dropping to the ‘very poor’ category. The average AQI stood at 346 at 5:30 am on Tuesday, raising serious health concerns across the National Capital Region (NCR).
New guidance from the USCIS clarifies that the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee will not apply to foreign nationals changing their status within the US. The fee will only be applicable to new petitions filed for beneficiaries outside the country. This update brings much-needed clarity amid the controversy surrounding Trump's proclamation.
Gold prices edged higher on Tuesday to hover near all-time highs, as strong safe-haven demand and hopes of further interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve boosted demand for the precious metal.FUNDAMENTALS* Spot gold was up 0.2% at $4,363.58 per ounce, as of 0106 GMT, having hit a record high of $4,381.21 on Monday.
Japan's Nikkei share gauge continued its record run on Tuesday, ahead of a parliamentary vote expected to confirm fiscal dove Sanae Takaichi as the nation's next prime minister.
US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese singed an $8.5 billion rare earths deal at the White House on Monday, in an effort to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains. Yet, it wasn’t the signing ceremony but Trump’s offhand quip to Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd that became the talking point of the day.
A 49-year-old man was arrested for making terroristic threats and attempting to commit aggravated assault at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Police discovered an AR-15 rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition in his truck, preventing a potential tragedy. Officials also revealed that the man's family had been warned about his intentions to "shoot up" the airport.
Amazon has fixed a major outage in its cloud computing service, which impacted popular platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Zoom worldwide. The issue was caused by a DNS problem and has now been resolved, but some services may still experience errors. The outage was centered in the US-East-1 region, a key hub for AWS operations.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has impressed long-term users with its user-friendly interface, elegant design, and seamless compatibility with other Apple devices. Despite a smaller battery, its software optimization ensures fast and efficient performance, even on older models.
The use of technology, such as AI and telemedicine, has greatly improved the approach to women's cancer care. Breast and cervical cancers are the leading causes of cancer burden, but with risk-based screening and AI-assisted mammography, early detection and treatment are possible. Policy support is crucial for successful implementation, leading to longer and better lives for patients.
Portable power banks have become a necessity due to power-intensive activities and the use of multiple devices. The Eveready Ultima PB-10 and Ubon PB-X106 are top contenders with 10,000mAh capacity and fast charging capabilities. The Joos Mag Mini 10 from Tempt offers magnetic wireless charging and a LED battery display for convenient use. All three options are priced between Rs 2,499 to Rs 4,499.
India's economic growth is at risk due to US trade policies, requiring a swift change in policy approach. Nagesh Kumar, a member of the monetary policy committee, discusses the shift to an accommodative stance and the effects of US trade measures on MSMEs, jobs, and domestic demand. The response should prioritize lowering tariffs and expanding export markets.
Nutanix is boosting its R&D in India, establishing it as their biggest hub and a critical growth market. With the rise of cloud usage and the importance of digital infrastructure in business strategy, the company sees their Bengaluru and Pune facilities as hubs for innovation. India presents a significant opportunity for Nutanix, with a 33% increase in revenue in the fourth quarter of FY25.
The government is planning to expand saline water aquaculture in northern states to utilize salt-affected farmland for fish farming. The Department of Fisheries has approved projects covering over 263 hectares with a budget of ₹36 crore. Under the PMMSY, Punjab has attracted investment of ₹187 crore and increased fish production to 0.18 MT.
NSC, a state-owned seed corporation, aims to increase sales turnover by 33% in FY26 by increasing production and expanding its reach through dealers and farmer producer organizations. The corporation has also adopted online platforms for selling seeds, reducing costs and increasing seed replacement ratio for higher yields.
MCA allows companies to file financial statements and annual returns for FY 2024-25 without additional fees on new e-forms. The deadline for completing annual filings for FY25 has been extended to December 31, 2025. This move is to help companies adjust to the new reporting mechanism and promote ease of doing business. However, the extension does not apply to the statutory time for holding AGMs.
The government is urging public sector banks to raise the limit for digital-based loans to Rs 1-2 crore, potentially resulting in Rs 1 lakh crore in loans by 2025-26. This new approach uses digital data from MSMEs for credit evaluation, offering an alternative to traditional methods. SBI, the largest bank in the country, has already reached Rs 56,000 crore in digital lending, with a set target.
Vedanta Resources is set to reach a $100 billion valuation by investing in energy, critical minerals, and technology. CEO Deshnee Naidoo aims to complete the demerger process this fiscal year to unlock more value. The company is also expanding production, reducing India's reliance on rare earth imports, and exploring new opportunities in energy and emerging sectors.
Gold loans are gaining popularity in the banking sector due to increasing gold prices. Small finance banks are expanding their gold loan portfolios by adding branches and employees, shifting towards secured lending. This has improved liquidity and capital efficiency, with loans against jewellery growing by 117% in August.
The earnings season has started with decent results, with a 6% increase in net sales and a 177 basis point expansion in operating profit margins for 230 companies. Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank saw strong growth, while banks and financials benefited from smaller provisions.
RBL Bank, currently ranked 13th among Indian private sector banks, plans to expand to 150 branches in a year and join the top-five banks in 3-5 years. Emirates NBD's $3 billion investment will not only bring in capital but also open up opportunities in wholesale banking, positioning RBL Bank for growth in a dynamic market.
Ram Singh, director and professor at Delhi School of Economics and member of RBI's monetary policy committee, believes that benign inflation and private investment recovery support further easing. However, global headwinds and external volatility limit aggressive rate action.
Samvat 2081 was a disappointing year for investors as the Sensex and Nifty had their worst performance in three years. Despite a positive start, the benchmark indices only saw modest gains and investors' wealth had its lowest increase in three years.
Analysts predict RIL to prioritize retail and fuel refining for growth, with focus on new energy and AI for future growth. Despite Q2FY26 earnings missing estimates, RIL's performance is expected to boost investor confidence and prompt a re-rating. The company's solar and giga factories are on track, and its retail business saw significant growth in fashion, grocery, and consumer electronics.
In a daring and expensive daylight robbery, four experienced thieves used power tools to steal 8 valuable pieces of jewelry, including those worn by Empress Eugenie, from the opulent Galerie d'Apollon at the Louvre. The museum, known for its grandeur, was compared to the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. The thieves executed the heist calmly and successfully.
IndiQube, co-founded by Meghna Agarwal, is a leading managed workspace provider in India with 8.7 million square feet under management in major cities. Its recent listing on the public markets showcases the success of its business model and the growth of the flexible workspace industry in India.
JM Financial has selected 12 stocks for Diwali, including Axis Bank, Anant Raj, Maruti Suzuki, Apollo Hospitals, Fiem Industries, IIFL Finance, L&T Finance, Brainbees Solutions, Lloyds Metals & Energy, Astral, Ratnamani Metals & Tubes, and Eureka Forbes. These stocks have potential for growth, with expected upsides ranging from 12% to 31%.
Hyundai is changing its strategy to focus on hybrids and plans to introduce eight models in India by 2030. This will compete with Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, and Honda's dominance in the hybrid market. The company will develop hybrid versions of popular models like the Creta, as importing global models is costly. They also aim to launch three new CNG cars.
At the age when most cricketers think about retirement, cricket fans are curious about a Pakistani player who made his Test debut in his late thirties. Asif Afridi has seen a dramatic spike in Google searches, trending with over 20,000 searches on October 20
"Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and directed by Keerthiswaran, released on October 17, 2025, to a successful opening at the Box Office despite the festive season. With a Gen Z vibe, the romcom has earned Rs 52 crores and counting, surpassing its budget.
Nippon TV revealed the names of 21 individuals receiving the Persons of Cultural Merit and Order of Culture awards, with anime icon Masako Nozawa being the first voice actor to receive this honour. Other notable awardees include manga artist Keiko Takemiya, actor-dancer Min Tanaka, and playwright and actor Hideki Noda. The award is accompanied by a government-sponsored recognition.
IndusInd Bank shares rose 2.6% after posting Q2 earnings, but concerns over accounting discrepancies and weak loan growth remain. Brokerages have mixed views, with Nuvama maintaining a 'Sell' rating and Jefferies staying with a 'Buy' call. Elara Capital reiterates a 'Sell' rating, citing uncertainties and the need for stability. The bank reported a loss of Rs 450 crore in Q2.
Indian market opens strong with Nifty near all-time high and Sensex at four-month high. Bank Nifty sets new records with strong results from HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB, IndusInd Bank, Federal Bank, and AU Small Finance Bank. RBL Bank share price jumps 6.67% after announcement of $3 billion fund infusion.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the annual inflation adjustments for tax year 2026. The changes are made for over 60 tax provisions, including tax brackets, deductions, and credits. Most of these changes will apply when you file your 2026 tax return in 2027, according to irs.gov
Stacey Hatfield, a popular Australian food influencer and nutritionist, tragically passed away at the young age of 30, just hours after giving birth to her first child. Her husband, Nathan Warnecke, confirmed the news and revealed that Stacey died from a rare complication after giving birth at home. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, she could not be saved.
Diwali, the grand festival of India, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and elaborate rituals. The day holds great significance as people worship goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, success, and prosperity. Along with Lakshmi Puja, devotees in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam also celebrate Kali Puja, dedicated to goddess Kali.
In 1978, Jobs denied being the father of his newborn daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, while Apple secretly developed a computer that would later carry the same name. Decades later, Lisa’s memoir, Small Fry, reveals her complex relationship with her father, showing how his denial and eventual admission affected her life.
The Indian American Advocacy Council (IAA Council) expresses gratitude to Congress members for introducing a House Resolution recognizing the contributions of Indian Americans and condemning hate and racism. The resolution also highlights the success and impact of the Indian American community in various fields. This comes amidst rising anti-Indian sentiment in the US.
HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector lender, saw a 1.5% increase in share price today following its Q2FY26 results. The bank reported a standalone net profit of Rs 18,641.28 crore, up 11% YoY. Net interest income rose 4.8% YoY to Rs 31,550 crore, while core net interest margin stood at 3.27%. Brokerage firm Nuvama has maintained a 'Buy'.
An undocumented immigrant from Mexico was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly posting a TikTok video offering a $10,000 bounty for the murder of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to NBC.
Indices opened higher on Monday, with the NSE Nifty 50 rising 0.60% and the BSE Sensex opening 0.61% higher. The Bank Nifty also opened on a strong note, along with small and midcap stocks. The market momentum is expected to continue with positive news, including good Q2 results from HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries. Early gainers include Reliance Industries, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and HDFC Bank.
A United Airlines flight made an emergency landing when the windshield of their Boeing 737 MAX 8 was mysteriously smashed at 36,000 ft, leaving the pilot with a bloody arm. Photos of the damage were shared on social media. The flight diverted to Salt Lake City and passengers were transferred to another plane. Initial reports suggest the debris may have been space matter. NTSB is investigating.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the Donbas region in Ukraine should be “cut up,” with most of it left under Russian control, as a way to end a war that has lasted for almost four years. Trump made the remark while on Air Force One. “Let it be cut the way it is.. It’s cut up right now,” he said.