Indian Railways gears up for Diwali and Chhath Puja with special measures and increased train services. Northern Railways leads with 4,718 special train trips and 23 new trains. 2,70,532 additional seats and berths created to meet demand. Delhi-Bihar trains fully booked, with many showing no availability. Crowds expected to peak, with holding areas and standby rakes deployed.
Karur Vysya Bank reported a 21% increase in net profit for the second quarter, with total business reaching a milestone of ₹2,00,000 crore. The bank's total business grew by 15% year-on-year, with advances and deposits also seeing a 15% increase. The bank's asset quality improved, with Gross NPAs decreasing to 0.76% and Net NPAs decreasing to 0.19%.
AU Small Finance Bank's net profit decreased by 2% to Rs 561 crore in the quarter ended September, despite a 9% increase in net interest income and a 12% growth in other income. The net interest margin also increased to 5.5% and the gross loan book grew by 17%. However, the bank's unsecured business experienced a decline of 23%.
Hindustan Zinc, owned by Vedanta, reported a 14% surge in consolidated net profit in Q2 of FY26, with net profit rising 19% sequentially. The company's revenue from operations also increased by 4%, while its EBITDA saw a 16% increase. The CEO mentioned that the current surge in silver prices will benefit the company, as silver drives 40% of its overall profit.
Ceat, a leading tyre maker, is expanding its production capacity at all plants to meet the increased demand for tyres after the reduction in GST rates. The company saw a sharp decline in raw material prices and gained back market share in the OEM segment. It plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore for capacity expansion and expects a slight increase in margins in the coming year.
Reliance Industries' subsidiary Jio Platforms (JPL) saw a 3.78% rise in net profit in Q2FY26, driven by increased average revenue per user and data consumption. The company's revenue also saw a 3.71% increase, thanks to strong subscriber growth and digital services. JPL's Ebitda also rose, exceeding analyst estimates. Jio Infocomm, the telecom arm of RIL, saw a jump in PAT and revenue, with a
IndiGo has increased its order of Airbus A350-900 jets from 30 to 60, showing confidence in the future of Indian aviation and partnership with Airbus. The move will help the airline expand its presence in the long-haul international market and connect India to more global destinations. The A350-900s will offer new travel opportunities for passengers.
Tatas and Shapoorji Pallonji Group are discussing a share swap to help Mistrys gradually sell their 18.4% stake in Tata Sons. This would give SP market-liquid equity to repay their debt. Tatas want to avoid listing Tata Sons and maintain control, but there are still some concerns.
Chaitali Dutta discusses the financial implications of using fixed deposit funds to pay off expensive revolving credit card loans, the possibility of taking a top-up loan against a joint property, the option of getting a loan against property after repaying a home loan, the penalty for early repayment of a car loan, and the limitations of changing co-borrowers on a loan after marriage.
Reliance Retail's net profit rose by 22% to Rs 3,457 crore in the September quarter, thanks to GST cuts and festive sales. Net revenue also increased by 19% to Rs 79,128 crore, driven by the company's focus on operational excellence and digital investments.
Bank of India (BoI) saw a 7.6% rise in net profit in the September quarter, thanks to lower provisions and better asset quality. The bank's strategy includes prioritizing low-cost deposits, maintaining margins, improving asset quality, and upholding good corporate governance. Retail, agriculture, and MSME segments showed strong growth, and asset quality ratios improved.
PM Modi praises India's economic growth from 'Fragile Five' to top five economies, credits government's reforms. He highlights banking sector reforms, including 50 crore Jan Dhan accounts and digital transactions. He praises income tax and GST reforms for lower prices and smoother credit flow. PM Modi also mentions transformation of state-run BSN.
Reliance Industries (RIL) reported a net profit of Rs 18,165 crore for the July-September quarter, missing analyst estimates. However, revenue increased by 10% to Rs 2.59 lakh crore, beating expectations. The company's O2C segment saw gains, but the oil and gas segment remained weak.
PVR Inox, the largest multiplex operator in India, recorded a net profit of Rs 106 crore in Q2 of FY26, a significant improvement from a net loss of Rs 11 crore in the same period last year. This was due to higher revenue and footfalls, along with cost-cutting measures. The company has also reduced its net debt and plans to sustain growth through strategic cinema openings and diverse content.
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) reported a 9.6% rise in net profit for the second quarter, driven by strong performance in its retail and telecom businesses and a recovery in its oil-to-chemicals segment. The company also saw a 14.6% growth in consolidated EBITDA and a 9.94% increase in revenue. Key takeaways include a 22% surge in Reliance Retail's profit.
FADA has approached the Supreme Court for relief as ₹2,500 crore in accumulated compensation cess credits have lapsed due to new GST rules. The association argues that the credits should not be erased and should be used for regular GST payments or as a refund. Despite discussions, dealers have not received any relief from the government.
Embraer and Mahindra Group have joined forces to develop the C-390 Millennium for the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft program. This includes marketing, industrialization, and establishing India as a hub for the aircraft. The ultimate aim is to make India a key manufacturing and support center for the modern military transport aircraft, which is already in use by multiple nations.
Waaree Energies, a solar module maker, saw a rise in net profit and total income in Q2FY26. The US is looking into their labeling of Chinese-made solar cells as Indian to avoid tariffs. Despite this, their expansion plans in the US, including a battery storage system, will continue. They aim to reach a 27 GW module manufacturing capacity by the end of the year and expand cell and wafer production.
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's extradition cleared by court in Antwerp, Belgium, after his arrest by Belgian authorities on India's request was deemed valid. Choksi can appeal the decision in a superior court. India's case for extradition strengthened by Belgian prosecutors aided by Indian officials, citing Choksi's involvement in Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam.
JSW Steel, led by Sajjan Jindal, reported a 307% increase in net profit for Q2 FY2026, driven by lower costs and the absence of an exceptional item. However, it missed Bloomberg estimates. Revenue grew by 14%, while EBITDA was up 31%. The company's net gearing and net debt to EBITDA improved, and it maintained its capex guidance. BPSL, which was recently acquired by JSW Steel, reported
RBI reports high credit growth due to GST 2.0 and festival season, with deposits on the rise and bank investments remaining flat. Experts foresee continued growth, driven by retail segment and GST reforms. However, risks to asset quality are a concern with easy access to funding.
In 2024-25, CBDT signed a record-breaking 174 APAs, with the service sector receiving 60% of them. This increase was due to a special drive by CBDT, providing tax certainty for 524 APA years. The report also mentioned the first multilateral APA and the use of TNMM as the most popular method.
"Dhanteras is the perfect opportunity to invest in gold through an annual systematic investment plan (SIP) for long-term wealth creation. This cultural tradition helps to average out price volatility and align investment goals. If an individual had bought 10 grams of gold every Dhanteras since 2020, the current value would be Rs 6,33,250, showing a growth of 2.2 times.
Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is a day of shopping for wealth-related items. This year, falling on October 18, it adds to the festive buying as it's a weekend. Along with shopping, remember to send wishes to loved ones and to value true wealth, including health, happiness, and harmony. May the light of Dhanteras bring prosperity and peace. Happy Dhanteras!
India has cut its oil purchases from Russia by 50%, as stated by a White House official. However, the Ministry of External Affairs denies any knowledge of this conversation. Market data shows no decline in Indian imports of Russian crude, which are crucial and come with great discounts.
Zepto's recent $450 million fundraise has sparked fierce competition in the quick commerce industry. With plans to use the capital for discounts, marketing, and expansion, the company is shifting from financial restraint to growth. However, Zepto will have to face tough competition from rivals like Blinkit, Swiggy's Instamart, and established players like Flipkart.
The government has extended the application deadline for the PLI Scheme for white goods, offering incentives of 4-6% on incremental sales. So far, Rs 287 crore has been disbursed to 83 selected applicants with a committed investment of Rs 10,406 crore. The scheme now covers 14 sectors and has led to a significant increase in production and sales of over Rs. 2.3 lakh crore.
Yes Bank's stock dropped 4% after SMBC, the largest shareholder, announced they will not increase their stake beyond 24.99% and will not take an executive role. This news disappointed investors, who were expecting a stake increase and an open offer. However, analysts are still positive about Yes Bank's future and predict a 32% rise in net profit in Q2 results.
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed a Unified Markets Interface that utilizes wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) to tokenize financial assets and settlements. This digital platform, explained by Jayanth R. Varma, could serve as the foundation for India's next-generation financial market infrastructure.
Selling gold at record high prices has tax implications, with physical gold being taxed as capital gains. Digital gold and gold ETFs/mutual funds follow the same taxation. Sovereign Gold Bonds offer tax-free capital gains after 8 years. NRIs and Indian residents have the same tax rates. Advance tax payment can avoid interest. Be aware of these factors when selling gold.
The Indian gaming industry is adapting to new online gaming regulations by incorporating free-to-play models and community tournaments. Dream11, Zupee, Felicity Games, STAN, and Tara Gaming are all finding innovative ways to engage users and create immersive games. This presents a great opportunity for brands to tap into this growing market through partnerships and advertising on these platforms.
Multi-asset funds are a smart investment in Samvat 2082, offering stability during market downturns by strategically investing in equities, debt, and gold. These tax-efficient funds have a strong track record of outperforming in challenging market phases, thanks to the inclusion of gold and silver.
Indian exporters facing challenges in shipping to Japan and South Korea despite free trade agreements, says commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal. Exports to both countries have not grown significantly since the agreements were signed, while imports have surged.
India's logistics cost is set to decrease to single digits by December 2025, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. This will boost industrial profitability and global competitiveness. The country has made strides in cutting logistics costs, with a focus on sustainability through initiatives like Green Highways and alternative fuels.
IndusInd Bank has addressed a media report about a Rs 255 crore accounting issue, stating that it is not a new investigation and was previously reported by an independent agency in April 2025. The bank has disclosed and reflected the impact in its financial statement for FY25.
Indian Bank's Q2 net profit increased by 11% to ₹3,018 crore, with a 13% business growth. Despite challenges in deposit growth, the bank has seen overall improvement. Corporate credit growth was low at 5%, but sanctions have increased to ₹51,000 crore. Indian Bank is open to M&A funding and has introduced products to boost CASA deposits.
Sebi's new guidelines have led to a 10% decline in active clients for brokers, impacting profits for firms like Zerodha, Angel One, and Upstox. To combat this, they are diversifying their business and services. Despite the decrease, there is potential for growth in products like weekly Bank Nifty and commodities.
SBI raised Rs 7,500 crore through Tier 2 bonds with a lower-than-expected cut-off of 6.93%. The issuance received a robust demand, with bids three times the base issue size, from a diverse set of investors. This demonstrates the trust in the country's largest bank.
India's agricultural and processed food exports have increased by 12% this fiscal year, despite US tariffs. Rice, buffalo meat, and fruits and vegetables were the main drivers of this growth. India is now the second-largest exporter of buffalo meat and a key player in global rice trade.
The Centre has granted approval for Adani Power's Godda Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plant to connect to the Indian electricity grid through an overhead transmission line, as per a report by Indian Express. It is valid for 25 years. The company must obtain necessary clearances and comply with environmental and safety regulations before seeking consent from local authorities.
The Indian government is taking measures to ensure a steady supply of critical minerals by signing trade deals with Chile, Peru, and Australia. They are also boosting domestic exploration and processing capabilities. The minister advises the industry to diversify their supply chains to avoid dependence on the global market.
Bharat Steel, organized by the Union steel ministry, will showcase India's potential in the steel sector and provide opportunities for global investment, collaboration, and technology transfer. India aims to increase production capacity to 500 MTPA by 2047 and is a major player in the global steel trade.
Mahindra Group and Embraer Defense & Security have joined forces to bring the C-390 Millennium aircraft to India and establish the country as a hub for its production and support. This partnership aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative and aims to enhance the relationship between Brazil and India while engaging with the Indian aerospace industry.
Sebi reconstitutes AIPAC with 22 members, including new representatives. AIFs experiencing increased investments, especially in real estate, due to market volatility and geopolitical uncertainties. Committee's focus on attracting more accredited investors and incentivizing them to invest in alternative funds.
Chhoti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, falls a day before Diwali and this year, it falls on October 20. It is associated with the legend of Narakasur and Lord Krishna's victory over him. The main ritual is taking an oil bath in the Brahma Muhurat, which falls just before sunrise.
Coca-Cola is planning to go public with its India business in hopes of raising $1 billion and valuing Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages at $10 billion. While discussions with bankers have started, details of the offering are still being decided. This follows a trend of global companies listing their Indian businesses, but Coca-Cola faces competition from Ambani's Campa Cola.
Dixon Technologies sees 81% profit growth in Q2 FY26, with consolidated net profit of Rs 745.7 crore. The company also reports a 28.7% YoY revenue growth, reaching Rs 14,855 crore in Q2 FY26. This is a significant increase from the previous year's revenue of Rs 11,534 crore.
Dhanteras, the festival of wealth and prosperity, is being celebrated on October 18, 2025. It is a time to buy gold and silver, as well as other auspicious items like copper utensils, Lakshmi-Ganesha idols, brooms, and coriander seeds. However, it is advised to avoid buying iron and steel items, glass or crystal objects, sharp objects, and oil or ghee.
The stock market will be open on Monday, October 20, but closed on Tuesday and Wednesday for Diwali celebrations. The highly anticipated Muhurat Trading session will take place on Tuesday, October 21, from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM. After Diwali, the next stock market holidays will be on November 5 and December 25.
Temasek-backed Mohalla Tech, owner of ShareChat and Moj, has reduced operating losses by 72% in FY25 but narrow focus on profitability hindered revenue growth. Despite recording a loss before tax of Rs 1,105 crore in FY25, the company is now back in growth mode and expects 30% topline growth in FY26. While ShareChat's main app turned profitable in February, Moj continues to post losses.
'Brewers Karen' has been fired and banned from the stadium after a video of her threatening a Latino fan and making offensive comments went viral. The incident occurred during a game and has caused controversy. The Latino fan was also ejected and both individuals are now banned from the stadium.