Amit Shah defends electoral roll cleanup, stating it aims to remove ineligible voters and prevent fraud. He criticises Congress for protesting, saying it would affect their vote bank in border areas with infiltrators. SIR process necessary for integrity of democracy.
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.
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.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, saw a 13.84% increase in profit in Q2 FY26, with a net profit of Rs 2,649 crore. Its revenue also reached an all-time high of Rs 8,282 crore, a 3.47% growth from the previous year. The company's EBITDA stood at Rs 4,467 crore with a margin of 52%.
CM Siddaramaiah has criticised Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty for opting out of Karnataka's caste survey, clarifying that it is for all residents, not just backward classes. The survey covers economic, educational, and social aspects, the Chief Minister added. He said that the couple have been acting out of misinformation attached to the caste survey.
Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, famous for 'Ya Ali,' died in a tragic accident while partying on a yacht in Singapore. The police found no foul play, but an investigation is ongoing. Assam SIT officers will meet with Singapore Police to speed up the process. The 10th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival has been postponed to 2026.
Warren Buffett, also known as the Oracle of Omaha, is a renowned billionaire and philanthropist. He believes in simple habits like reading daily, going to bed early, and thinking before following trends. In a video, he advises young minds to identify qualities they admire in others and make them their own. He emphasises the importance of forming good habits early in life.
Mongolia's Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar has resigned after losing support from parliament, becoming the second leader to do so in just four months. The 55-year-old was confirmed as prime minister in June, but his predecessor also stepped down due to corruption allegations and protests. The country's head of state is expected to nominate the next prime minister.
Indian-origin model Neelam Gill made a powerful impact at the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with her fiery performance. As one of the few British-Punjabi models to attain global recognition, she has worked with top brands like Burberry and L'Oréal Paris. Gill is also an advocate for diversity and mental health.
Thamma, the newest horror-comedy film, is set to release on Diwali 2025 and stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rashmika Mandanna, and Paresh Rawal. The cast gave a sneak peek into the film at a promotional event, sharing insights on their characters and the filming process. Siddiqui received a unique tip from the director to prepare for his role as a vampire, while Khurrana and Mand
MrBeast, a popular YouTuber and influencer, recently dropped an expensive picture on the Internet featuring himself with Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. The picture, dubbed as a "billion-dollar picture," caused a frenzy among netizens, with some speculating a possible collaboration among the celebrities.
American singer Mary Millben slammed Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for his comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomacy with the US. She took to social media to call out Gandhi for not understanding the importance of prioritizing one's country's interests, unlike President Trump. Millben, who has performed for multiple US presidents.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged the increasing trend of digital arrests, specifically of senior citizens, and has requested a response from the Centre and CBI. The court expressed concern over the use of fake court orders to extort innocent people and has called for collaborative efforts to combat this issue.
Waaree Energies, a top solar module manufacturer, is committed to expanding in the US despite a trade probe. CEO Amit Paithankar emphasized the importance of the US market and their cooperation with authorities. The investigation centers on potential tariff evasion through mislabeling Chinese products as Indian. Waaree Energies is investing in increasing production capacity
Former national security advisor to Trump, John Bolton, faces 8 counts of sharing classified information and 10 counts of retaining it at his home. He denies any wrongdoing and believes the charges are an attempt by Trump to intimidate his opponents. Bolton is expected to surrender to authorities on Friday.
Tamil rom-com 'Dude' released to mixed reviews on social media. While some praise the film's Gen Z vibe and lead pair's chemistry, others criticize its slow pace in the second half. The movie, written and directed by Keerthiswaran, has collected Rs 3.89 crore from advance booking.
Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma showcased the company's Made-in-India Paytm AI Soundbox to Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, reaffirming their commitment to PM Narendra Modi's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The device aims to make technology and AI more inclusive for small and micro businesses.
A star-studded breast cancer charity event in South Korea hosted by W Korea and attended by top celebrities like BTS and Jay Park faced backlash for focusing more on glamour than raising awareness and funds. Despite the criticism, the 20th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Charity Event drew a large crowd of K-pop idols and actors to a hotel in Seoul on October 15 KST.
NYC mayoral debate saw heated exchanges between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo as they clashed over Mamdani's connection with the Muslim community and his past support of the "globalise the intifada" slogan. Cuomo accused Mamdani of being antisemitic, while Mamdani clarified that he no longer stands by the slogan.
Congress releases first list of 48 candidates for Bihar Assembly elections, with state unit chief Rajesh Ram and CLP leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan among them. Party still negotiating with allies for seat-sharing. Nomination deadline for first phase is October 17 and for second phase is October 20. Youth chief Prakash Garib Das also selected.
Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist of Kiss, died at 74 from a head injury. His family mourns his loss and remembers his iconic 'Space Ace' persona and guitar solos. Despite financial struggles, his love for music never wavered. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Wipro's share price dropped by 4.56% after the company posted its quarterly earnings for Q2 FY26. Jefferies predicts more downside for the stock, citing limited earnings growth and low dividend yields. Wipro's Q2FY26 results showed a slight increase in profit and revenue, with a positive outlook for Q3. The company also reported significant deal wins.
Infosys' Q2FY26 earnings saw a 2.2% QoQ revenue growth in constant currency terms, with some brokerage firms remaining positive on the stock's long-term prospects and others staying cautious. Nomura maintained a 'Buy' rating with a 16.8% upside potential, while Nuvama trimmed its target price to Rs 1,800 but still retained a 'Buy' rating.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath has increased DA and DR for state employees and pensioners by 3 per cent. This move would benefit 28 lakh people. The revised DA will increase from 55% to 58% of basic pay, effective from July 2025, resulting in an additional expenditure of Rs 1,960 crore for the state. This, the CM said, will improve the standard of living for workers and pensioners.