The Trump administration is launching a new investigation into drug pricing practices of US trading partners, potentially leading to tariffs. This Section 301 investigation will determine if these countries are underpaying for drugs, while US patients currently pay the most. Trump has previously threatened a 100% tariff on imported drugs and is pressuring pharmaceutical companies to lower prices.
In India, the consumer sector is witnessing a major change in leadership, with 1 in 3 CEOs switching roles in the last 3 years. 57% of these leaders moved from multinational corporations to Indian firms, driven by generational changes and increasing trust in local brands. Indian companies are also offering competitive compensation, making them attractive for global talent.
Infosys promoters opt out of Rs 18,000 crore buyback exercise, details revealed in SEC filing. Record date yet to be announced. Buyback regulations allow promoters to participate. Promoters include Sudha Gopalakrishnan, Nandan Nilekani, Sudha Murty, Narayana Murthy, Rohan Murty, and Akshata Murty. Buyback price set at Rs 1,800 per share. Indian IT giants like Wipro, TCS
This Diwali season, UPI transactions reached a new peak, driven by festive spending and lower GST rates. On October 18, the platform processed 754 million payments worth Rs 1.02 lakh crore, the highest single-day tally. During the three-day period, average volumes and transactions were higher than the previous month. This reflects the sustained momentum in retail and merchant payments.
Zoho, a top Indian IT company, has created advanced software used by 130 million people in 150 countries. CEO Mani Vembu prioritizes long-term success and producing world-class products. Tally, an accounting software, has also revolutionized tasks for businesses. But, there is a demand for more Indian-made IT innovations to compete globally.
NHRC issues notices to police chiefs of Kerala, Manipur and Tripura over attacks on three journalists. Victims were hospitalized and cases were registered by police. Commission takes suo motu cognisance of media reports and asks for detailed report. Journalists attacked with sticks and sharp weapons, shot with air gun, and assaulted by group of people.
Vibe coding, a rising trend in tech, involves using AI and simple prompts to create apps. Startups in India and globally are developing these tools, targeting non-technical users and small businesses. Despite gaining traction and funding, concerns about the quality and security of AI-generated code remain. Experts predict a hybrid model where human developers refine and secure the final product.
Private sector banks saw improved asset quality in Q2, with lower slippages leading to a decline in GNPA and net NPA ratios. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank reported sequential improvements, while IndusInd Bank and IDFC First also saw a decrease in their ratios. Lenders remain focused on maintaining a healthy asset quality while balancing growth and prudence in the face of evolving macro conditions.
Karnataka Police SIT uncovers that a data centre operator was paid Rs 80 for each fraudulent deletion in Aland's voter list. Rahul Gandhi had accused BJP of "vote chori" and SIT raided properties of BJP leader Subhash Guttedar, seizing laptops and mobile phones. Investigation reveals 75 mobile numbers were used to make fake requests for voter list changes.
Zoho's CEO Mani Vembu talks about their indigenous messaging platform, Arattai, as a cost-effective and innovative alternative to global apps. With a user-centric approach and emphasis on privacy, Arattai aims to connect family conversations across mobile and TV screens. Full encryption services for messaging are also in development.
A new study has found that large language models, the backbone of artificial intelligence (AI), fed on a diet of meme threads & clickbait content suffer irreversible “brain rot” leading to cognitive decline. Careful data curation is therefore critical to protect the integrity of AI systems
The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has rejected the request for an extension on the deadline for implementing mandatory anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on two-wheelers below 125cc. The cost impact of adding ABS is manageable and prices have come down with the lowering of GST rates.
Reckitt, a British FMCG major, reported a 7% growth in net revenue on a like-for-like basis in the September quarter. The company's performance in India was impacted by the implementation of GST rate changes, resulting in a shift of trade orders to Q4. Despite this, its brands, including Dettol and Durex, saw growth in the Indian market.
The government has given the 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, an extra month to submit its report on tax devolution and grants for the next five years. States have asked for a larger share of the tax pool and some want a decrease in income disparity weightage. The Commission was appointed in December 2023 and is due to submit its report by November 30.
The Food Ministry has announced that edible oil units must register on the national portal and declare monthly stock to avoid penal action. The industry has responded positively with many units registering, ensuring accurate data collection and improved policy intervention. The new regulations apply to all entities involved in production, processing, blending, or re-packing of edible oils.
Even as Washington’s decision to ease H-1B visa fees offers short-term relief for thousands of Indian students and professionals, it may not be the full picture. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned that the Trump administration’s volatile immigration policies could ultimately disrupt India’s future talent flow to the US.
The Select Committee on Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, chaired by Baijayant Panda, is seeking input from experts, industry bodies, and stakeholders to improve India's insolvency framework. The committee is reviewing the amendment Bill and will submit recommendations to the government after consulting with stakeholders.
MeitY has proposed new amendments to regulate deepfakes and other synthetic content under the Information Technology Rules. This marks the first legal definition of such content and will require social media platforms to label and identify it. The rules will also apply to significant social media intermediaries.
CDSCO has released a draft guidance document to clarify regulatory aspects of medical device software, including in vitro diagnostic software. The guidelines provide scope, classification, and quality management system requirements for domestic manufacturers and importers. The software is categorized into SiMD and SaMD.
The Indian government has increased fertilizer imports by 75% to meet demand for the upcoming season, due to previous shortages and supply disruptions. This surge could lead to the current fiscal year's fertiliser subsidy bill exceeding budget estimates, with overall imports expected to exceed 18 MT. The low retail price of fertilizers is also a contributing factor.
Belgian court rules that fugitive Mehul Choksi, main accused in Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, faces no risk of ill-treatment or unfair trial if extradited to India. Court dismisses Choksi's appeal against extradition, stating he failed to provide evidence of torture or denial of justice. India's case for extradition validated, Choksi can appeal to Belgium's Supreme Court.
Journalist Vir Sanghvi has shared a detailed account of his experience at Delhi airport customs, accusing officials of harassment and calling on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take action. He described a "harrowing exchange" with officials who searched his and his wife's bags, and found nothing. When He asked what had raised their suspicion, but they did not answer.
Cisco is witnessing a rise in the use of AI in customer experience by Indian enterprises, but most are in the initial stages of implementation. Only 21% have the required infrastructure for AI workloads, and updating networks is vital for progress.
NHAI to use Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) to collect data on road inventory and pavement condition in 23 states covering 20,933 km. This data will be uploaded on NHAI's 'AI' based portal Data Lake for analysis and decision-making.
NABARD and AICIL are working together to extend weather-linked insurance products to all farmers, including those in the dairy and fisheries sectors. This will provide timely and effective support in case of losses due to weather variations. NABARD also plans to develop a credit score system for farmers and create insurance products for Farmer Producer Organisations.
In 2007, the Sensex was rising rapidly, reaching 19,000 points in just four days. The market regulator, Sebi, under M Damodaran, proposed to ban P-notes, a popular investment instrument for foreign investors. However, after a 1,700 point fall in the Sensex, the ban was not implemented.
India's commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal, stressed the need for self-reliance and diversification of supply chains to mitigate vulnerabilities. He also highlighted the country's willingness to pay more for domestically made products and the importance of south-south cooperation in addressing critical mineral and environmental issues.
The general insurance industry is expecting a boost in motor insurance premiums in the second half of the financial year due to festive demand and the GST rate cut. ICICI Lombard and SBI General have already seen growth in premium income, and other insurers are also reporting strong numbers.
LG Electronics India is set to introduce the 'Essential' series of home appliances, catering to the mass-market segment. This range will offer top-notch features at a reasonable price, tapping into the rising demand for cost-effective options. The company is also prioritizing its B2B portfolio, with plans to manufacture and export from India.
South Indian Bank recorded its highest-ever quarterly net profit of ₹351.36 crore in Q2FY26, thanks to growth in MSME and retail segments, readiness for ECL framework, and careful handling of jewel loans. Retail and MSME disbursements saw substantial growth, while credit costs remained low.
Mutual funds trimmed small-cap exposure as institutional flows from EPFO, NPS, insurance funds, and AIFs chased large-cap stocks, Jefferies said in its latest India equities report. While SIP inflows stayed strong and domestic equity flows steady, fund managers booked profits amid stretched small-cap valuations.
Singer Lucky Ali apologized for calling lyricist-filmmaker Javed Akhtar 'ugly as f**k' after a clip of Akhtar's purported comment on the Hindu-Muslim dynamic in India went viral. Ali clarified that it was a mistaken communique and that he meant arrogance is ugly. Akhtar, who identifies as an atheist, has faced backlash from both Hindu and Muslim groups for his views.
Kotak Mahindra Bank is set to release its Q2FY26 results on October 24. Analysts expect the bank to deliver a stable quarter, with a focus on NIMs, growth outlook, and asset quality. Axis Securities and InCred Equities anticipate a pickup in growth and outperformance in margins, while Anand Rathi predicts a 7% increase in NII and 3.6% rise in PAT.
India's IT hiring landscape in the first half of FY26 has seen a 25% rise in campus intake and a 27% increase in demand for engineering, technical, and AI profiles. Companies are prioritising skill depth and adopting a "train-then-hire" approach to bridge the talent gap in AI and cloud roles. Quality-led and demand-synced workforce planning is being emphasized to ensure market-ready talent.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a record-breaking Diwali sales of Rs 6.05 lakh crore, driven by GST rate cuts and high demand for 'swadeshi' products. This marks a 25% increase from last year's festive sales and is the highest-ever in India's trading history. Mainline retail accounted for 85% of sales, and reduced GST rates significantly improved price competitiveness.
Faqeer, also known as Rishabh Tandon, a talented singer-actor, passed away at the age of 35 due to a heart attack while celebrating Diwali with his family in Delhi. He had been taking care of his father's health and had recently made a comeback to the industry after a 10-year break. His unexpected death has left his loved ones and fans devastated.
Delhi’s air quality plummeted to the “very poor” category last week and worsened on Diwali, with an average AQI of 345 recorded, according to CPCB data. However, many were left scratching their heads on Tuesday when global media citing IQAir, reported pollution levels shooting past 2,000
PNB's MD & CEO, Ashok Chandra, expects a 10-15 bps NIM improvement by Q4, driven by green shoots in private capex and margin recovery. The bank anticipates minimal impact from ECL norms and sees GST cuts driving retail and MSME lending. PNB's recoveries have outpaced slippages for 6-7 quarters, leading to a strong recovery of Rs 3,900 crore. The bank's subsidiaries are also performing well
Kangana Ranaut's Diwali 2025 celebrations have taken social media by storm, with her traditional Patola saree and lavishly decorated home stealing the show. The Internet is buzzing with inquiries about the designer who worked on her century-old Delhi residence, which seamlessly blends heritage with modern design.
The Antwerp Court of Appeal has approved the extradition of Mehul Choksi to India for his involvement in the PNB fraud case. The court dismissed Choksi's claims of political motivation and ill-treatment, stating that India has provided detailed assurances. The alleged offences are punishable under both Indian and Belgian law, satisfying the principle of dual criminality.
President Droupdi Murmu's helicopter caused a portion of the newly constructed helipad in Pramadam, Kerala, to cave in upon landing. Officials were caught on video pushing the tilted helicopter out. Due to bad weather, the President had to travel to Pamba by road instead of the originally planned location. The decision to land at the stadium was a last-minute one.
Reliance Industries' Q2 earnings show a strong emphasis on retail and quick commerce, with 600 dark stores and 3,000 physical stores added. BNP Paribas predicts this will drive future growth, supported by a 19% revenue increase and 200% surge in quick commerce orders. Expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, new brand launches, and wider distribution have also contributed to the company's success.
HDFC vs ICICI Bank: Q2 FY26 results show strong loan growth and resilient asset quality. HDFC Bank eyes margin recovery in Q3 FY26, while ICICI Bank sustains steady NIM and profitability. Brokerages stay bullish, calling both among the best private bank stocks to buy in 2025 as the HDFC Bank vs ICICI Bank battle intensifies in H2 FY26.
Three men, linked to gangster Rohit Godara, have claimed responsibility for shooting Punjabi singer Teji Kahlon in Canada. They issued a warning on social media, stating that this was just the beginning and they were willing to go to extreme measures, even potentially ending the singer's life. The three gang members involved are Mahendar Saran Dilana, Rahul Rinau, and Vicky Phalwan.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, will appear in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 alongside lead actress Smriti Irani to promote awareness about maternal and newborn health. This collaboration is fitting as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focuses on these causes. Gates has also made cameos in shows like Frasier.
Director Farah Khan and actor Raghav Juyal had a chat on Farah's vlog, praising Aryan Khan's directorial debut and discussing Bollywood's current trends. They also talked about Juyal's rise from a background dancer to a TV star after his success in a Netflix series. Khan acknowledged Aryan as her worthy successor and his directorial skills were praised.
India and the US are close to reaching a trade agreement, with the US potentially lowering tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 15-16%. This is in exchange for India reducing its reliance on Russian oil and easing restrictions on US corn and soymeal imports. India may also advise state-run oil companies to diversify their crude sourcing towards the US.
White House official Steven Cheung criticized ex-press secretary Jen Psaki for her recent comments about Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha. Cheung called Psaki a "dumbass" and accused her of projecting her own issues onto others.
Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has offered to fund the development of 10-15 roads in Bengaluru, drawing praise from Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram. He suggested a governance model where a contractor will execute the work, while a supervising company or industrialist, like Mazumdar-Shaw, would be responsible for the quality and timely execution of public works.
The government shutdown has caused staffing issues in air traffic control, resulting in delays at Houston and Newark airports. Communication issues and absences from controllers have caused over 5,800 flights to be delayed. There are concerns for the well-being of unpaid controllers and TSA officers. The FAA is struggling with a shortage of controllers.
Malala Yousafzai's new book, 'Finding My Way', has been praised for its honest portrayal of her life beyond activism. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, she reveals her age, transformation from teenage activist to married woman, and battle with mental health. The book shows a more relatable and 'normal' side of her, while still emphasizing her commitment to girls' education.