India and ASEAN are reviewing their trade agreement to tackle the growing trade deficit. India's counter proposal aims for more market access and resolution of third-country routing issues. The review will be completed by 2025 and discussions will intensify at the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit. The agreement, implemented in 2010, has resulted in a significant trade gap.
NSC, a state-owned seed corporation, plans to increase sales turnover by 33% in FY26 by expanding its product range and utilizing online platforms. The corporation aims to reach more farmers through its dealers and farmer producer organizations. With the introduction of online sales and partnerships with logistic players, NSC hopes to reduce costs and increase the seed replacement ratio.
MCA waives additional fees and extends deadline for annual filings under Companies Act for FY25. Companies can now upload annual filings till Dec 31, 2025 without additional fees. Revised e-forms have been deployed on MCA-21 Version 3 portal. This is a breather for companies adjusting to new reporting mechanism and aligned with ease of doing business vision.
Indian equities are expected to perform well this year, with large-cap stocks providing good value and earnings potential. The Sensex's P/E ratio has slightly risen, while the BSE Micap's has fallen and the BSE Smallcap's has risen. The recent GST cut and income tax benefits are predicted to boost corporate earnings and aid the Indian market.
Bollywood star Salman Khan has invested in a sprawling 150-acre property in Panvel, named Arpita Farms after his beloved sister. The property boasts a rustic farmhouse, state-of-the-art gym, horse stables, and a luxurious swimming pool. During the pandemic, fans got a glimpse into the actor's inner world as he shared photos and videos from the serene hideaway on Instagram.
India and the EU are negotiating a free trade agreement, with the deadline nearing. The 14th round of talks didn't result in any major progress, but discussions at the political level will persist. The EU wants lower tariffs in different sectors, while India seeks duty-free entry for labor-intensive goods. Disagreements persist in sustainability and investment.
ICAI to enhance review of financial statements for fraud detection, with focus on highly leveraged, low-audit fee paying, and negative reserve companies. Insolvency resolution firms will also be prioritized. No specific thresholds, but parameters will be used to efficiently detect financial irregularities. FRRB, a non-standing committee, will probe cases like Gensol and IndusInd Bank.
Ram Singh, director and professor at Delhi School of Economics and member of the Monetary Policy Committee, supports a shift to an accommodative stance and further rate cuts due to benign inflation and signs of private investment recovery. However, he cautions that global headwinds and external volatility may limit aggressive rate action.
The Indian government plans to create a $50 billion sovereign wealth fund, called the 'Bharat Sovereign Wealth Fund', to support economic growth and invest in strategic sectors domestically and globally. While facing resistance, this fund is seen as a way to project India's soft power and achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
India's goal of reaching 500 GW of green power by 2030 is hindered by a decrease in bidding and investor interest, as well as delays in power purchase agreements and transmission. Over 40 GW of projects are stranded, and grid limitations, execution difficulties, and supply chain issues are major obstacles for developers.
The third edition of The Battery Show India (TBSI) 2025 will be held from October 30 to November 1, 2025, at the India Expo Centre & Mart (IEML) in Greater Noida. The expo will bring together stakeholders from the energy storage and electric mobility sector to discuss growth and emerging opportunities. It will feature over 350 exhibitors and 400 brands from different countries.
After being laid off from LinkedIn, Oscar Cecena Fujigaki decided to finish his science fiction novel that he had been working on for years. He treated writing like a 9-to-5 job and completed the 112,000-word book by August. He is now searching for a job that allows him to balance work and writing, and advises others not to take layoffs personally and focus on the present.
Delhi's air quality hit 'severe' levels in various regions on Sunday, a day before Diwali. The Central Pollution Control Board reported hazardous conditions with AQI levels exceeding 400. Akshardham and Anand Vihar were the most polluted areas, while other parts of Delhi and NCR also showed poor air quality. Measures such as water sprinklers were implemented to combat pollution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly told Donald Trump in a phone call last week that Ukraine must give up full control of Donetsk, a key region in eastern Ukraine, for the war to end, according to two senior officials familiar with the conversation, The Washington Post reported.
the festival celebrating the special bond between brothers and sisters, will be observed on October 23. Marked by love, rituals, and prayers for each other’s well-being, this auspicious day brings Diwali festivities to a heartfelt close with traditional tilak and blessings. Check for timings here.
Rohit Sharma, India's batting icon and captain, achieved a significant milestone in his 17-year international career, becoming the fifth Indian cricketer to make 500 appearances. He joins an elite group of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rahul Dravid.
Florida council member Chandler Langevin is under fire for social media remarks calling for the deportation of Indians. He has been formally censored by the Palm Bay City Council, The Washington Post reported. Over several weeks this fall, Langevin wrote on X that Indians come to the United States to “drain our pockets” and return to India, “or worse… to stay.”
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticizes BJP for supporting government officials attending RSS events, citing a rule prohibiting political affiliations. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya threatens legal action over suspension of official attending RSS event, sparking political debate with Congress.
Meesho, backed by SoftBank, plans to raise Rs 4,250 crore through its IPO with a mix of fresh equity and secondary share sale. The funds will be used for brand building, cloud infrastructure, and hiring for AI and tech development. Key investors will also offer shares. Kotak Mahindra Capital, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are the book-running lead managers.
A 41-year-old Indian national was arrested in Bangkok after he was seen wielding a lighter shaped like a pistol and shouting at people, causing panic in crowded Siam Square on Monday. Video footage shows him dancing on the road, verbally abusing bystanders, and pointing the lighter at people.
Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, claims that Indian elections are rigged and there is a lack of freedom of speech. He claimed that polls in India are rigged and alleged that the Election Commission and the Supreme Court do not acknowledge this. BJP leaders criticised him for his remarks, calling him a "serial offender."
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved a 3% increase in DA for employees and pensioners of local bodies and state government PSUs, effective from July 1. The hike will be paid with the October salary. This follows UP government's announcement of a similar 3% hike as a Diwali gift for its employees and pensioners, benefiting around 28.5 lakh people.
Zeteto founder and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan attended a “No Kings” rally on Saturday, delivering blistering remarks against US President Donald Trump in Washington
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah cautions against RSS, citing their historical opposition to Dr. BR Ambedkar and the Constitution. Urges people to reject orthodox and "sanatani" beliefs and work towards social change. Criticizes RSS for spreading false information about Ambedkar and asserts his government's commitment to following his principles. Minister's objection to RSS programs also highlighted.
Air quality in Delhi-NCR has worsened to "severe" levels, with the AQI reaching 295 and 274 in the city. Several areas recorded hazardous levels, and breathing the air is equivalent to smoking six cigarettes a day. The situation is similar in neighboring areas like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida. Transport emissions contribute to 15% of the pollution load.
Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, warned India on Saturday, demanding New Delhi to resolve disputes while cautioning that “there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment.”
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered across the United States on Saturday for the second “No Kings” rally. The nationwide protest is aimed at sending a message that, in America, power lies with the people, not any one leader.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a week of border violence that claimed dozens of lives. The peace deal was reached in Doha, Qatar, after talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey.
Chandrayaan-2, India's lunar orbiter, observed the Sun's Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) impacting the Moon for the first time. This caused an increase in the total pressure of the fragile lunar exosphere, consistent with theoretical models. The Moon's exosphere is highly sensitive to factors like CMEs, which can temporarily alter its environment and pose challenges for building scientific bases.
Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Ashwini Vaishnaw credit Prime Minister Modi's leadership for the positive impact of recent GST reforms on the economy, including simplified tax structure and reduced rates. The reforms have led to increased consumer demand, lower prices, and a boost in key sectors like automobiles and electronics.
A fire at Dhaka's main airport caused delays and suspended operations for six hours. Flights have resumed and measures are being taken to prevent future incidents. The fire has been controlled with assistance from the army, navy, and air force. The estimated impact on imports and exports is over $1 billion. This is the third major fire in Bangladesh this week.
UltraTech Cement, the market leader in the cement industry, reported a 75% increase in net profit for the quarter ended September 30. This was driven by improved sales and lower energy costs. The company's revenue for the quarter was Rs 19,371 crore, up 21.32% year on year. UltraTech's target capacity addition for FY26 is 14.1 mtpa, and it plans to invest Rs 10,255 crore.
PM Modi urges Indians to embrace swadeshi this Diwali, as high-end products like iPhones and SUVs are now being manufactured in India. The new GST reforms and PLI scheme have encouraged this trend, with companies like Apple and Samsung expanding their presence. The automobile sector, including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, is also shifting towards Indian-made products.
Automakers reported a 20% increase in Dhanteras vehicle deliveries, thanks to GST reforms and strategic price cuts. Maruti Suzuki expects to deliver a record 51,000 vehicles, while Hyundai Motor India expects sales of 14,000 units. The festive momentum began with GST rate cuts and Navratri, leading to a 4.4% increase in passenger vehicle sales in September.
The India vs Australia ODI series holds more significance for the visitors, who are determined to defend their 50-over world champion title. However, the Aussies have shifted their focus to the upcoming Ashes series and have prioritized their domestic Sheffield Shield matches over the ODIs.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised the next-generation GST reforms for reducing prices of essential items and boosting consumption during the festive season. She also noted that businesses have passed on benefits higher than the GST cuts to consumers, leading to sustained growth in consumption and investment.
India and the US have made progress in trade talks with no major differences remaining. The next meeting date will be decided soon. India assured US of increasing energy imports while being mindful of costs. GST rate cuts boosted festive season consumption. India's exports expected to grow despite global trade disturbances.
PNB reports 14% increase in net profit for Q2FY26, exceeding Bloomberg estimates. The bank's NII saw a marginal fall, leading to a decline in domestic and global NIM. The GNPA and NNPA ratios improved, while RoA increased. The bank's focus on expanding RAM portfolio, digital engagement, and operational excellence has resulted in a significant write-back of provisions.
Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights", symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with traditional rituals and worship of Goddess Laxmi. It has become a global occasion with grand festivities in cities worldwide, including Singapore, Toronto, Leicester, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, showcasing its widespread popularity and cultural significance.
Young adults are increasingly choosing non-alcoholic drinks, leading to a rise in the "no-lo" category in the market. This is driven by a desire for moderate and mindful drinking, health awareness, and inclusivity. Sober and Heineken 0.0 are popular non-alcoholic options, providing a healthier and guilt-free alternative for social drinking without the negative effects of alcohol.
The gifting industry in India is shifting towards personalized and artisanal products that reflect thought, identity, and values. Niche brands are gaining popularity, offering unique, eco-friendly, and sustainable options. While scaling these bespoke gifts is a challenge, the increasing demand and customer satisfaction make it a worthwhile trend this Diwali.
Indian festivals are now promoting wellness by using natural sweeteners and healthier options in traditional sweets. Mithai is being made with organic superfoods and ingredients like jaggery, ragi, and millet by brands and chefs. Luxury hotels and patisseries are also following the trend, offering guilt-free and portion-controlled sweets.
Quick commerce platforms have made festival preparations easy and convenient for urban Indians. From gifting to home cleaning and catering, everything can be accessed in under 15 minutes through services like Amazon Now and Swiggy Giftables. Traditional elements like puja kits and artisanal sweets are also available, making it a stress-free, on-demand experience.
Dr. Brian Hoeflinger warns about the dangers of social smoking, which is often mistaken as harmless. Despite only occurring in social situations, it can lead to serious health risks and even addiction. Learn the difference between social and regular smoking before making a decision to quit smoking at Diwali parties.
The 52nd Daytime Emmys saw General Hospital take home the most awards, while Drew Barrymore surprised viewers by beating fan-favourite Kelly Clarkson for daytime talk series host. However, the standout moment was Sir David Attenborough's win for 'daytime personality' at the age of 99. His Netflix documentary, 'The Secret Lives of Orangutans', also won multiple awards.
UltraTech Cement, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, reported a massive 74.87% YoY net profit growth in Q2 FY26. Its consolidated revenue also grew by 20.3% YoY, reaching Rs 19,606 crore. The company plans to invest Rs 10,255 crore for capacity expansion, adding 22.8 mtpa in a phased manner. The recent acquisitions of India Cements and Kesoram are rapidly
AI tools are set to enhance Diwali celebrations by 2025, with a majority of consumers open to using them for shopping and research. The Maharashtra government has already utilized AI for personalized video greetings, while gifting and greeting websites offer AI-generated designs. Companies are also adopting AI for Diwali gifts to employees, with customization options available.
"A Sixth of Humanity" is a detailed account of India's development, covering state building, economic growth, societal change, and nation building. "Fixing the System" focuses on China's persistence in global involvement despite increasing protectionism. "Click Here" provides valuable insights on utilizing digital marketing for business success.
Shashi Budhiraja's book, The Governance Gap, exposes the flaws in India's political and economic systems and calls for urgent reforms. Backed by evidence, the author discusses issues like corruption in politics, dysfunction in Parliament, and challenges in federalism. He also addresses problems in the economy, including agriculture, education, health, and workforce.
"Geopolitics has greatly influenced the energy sector and its security. RN Prasher's book explores the role of energy in geopolitics and the urgency for a shift to green energy. It features essays from experts, providing a detailed view of the current state and potential directions.