PepsiCo reports 2.5% growth in international sales of snacks, driven by markets like India. However, the beverage business faces challenges due to weather and competition, leading to volume declines. The company is adjusting pricing and increasing volumes to counter the impact. India has also rationalized GST rates, and PepsiCo is prioritising price-pack capabilities.
Taliban spokesperson denies intentional exclusion of women journalists from Afghanistan foreign minister's press meet in Delhi, citing technical issue and limited number of passes. No discriminatory policy against women. Criticism from top women journalists raises questions about India hosting a women-oppressive regime. Taliban engaged in talks and established diplomatic ties with China and UAE.
Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to ground all Air India's Boeing 787 aircraft for a detailed inspection of the electrical systems. The body also requested a special audit of maintenance practices after two technical malfunctions in a week, including an uncommanded deployment of RAT, revealing declining standards and the need for improvement.
The year 2025 has been chaotic for global markets due to slow growth, inflation, and volatile commodity prices. Geopolitical tensions and trade frictions have also added to the uncertainty. To navigate these challenges, Indian investors can turn to international mutual funds such as ICICI Pru MNC Fund, Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF, and Edel for diversification.
After Donald Trump introduced a hefty fee for companies hiring H-1B visa holders and tightened immigration rules to favour American workers, many Indian students have started rethinking plans to study in the US. Many worried that pursuing higher education abroad could become riskier and more expensive.
Retired Judge Justice K T Sankaran has been appointed by the Kerala High Court to conduct an audit of all valuables, including gold, at Sabarimala temple. He will also examine the TDB's main strongroom at Aranmula. The court ordered the probe after noticing a reduction in the weight of gold-clad copper plates of the idols. The report will be submitted directly to the High Court.
MEA denies involvement in Taliban press conference in Delhi, attended only by male journalists. PM Modi demands clarification. Muttaqi's visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and India's commitment to Afghanistan. First visit by Taliban leader since takeover. Controversy surrounds event after women journalist were not allowed to attend the press conference.
Integris Medtech, supported by Everstone Capital, has submitted its DRHP for an IPO worth Rs 925 crore. The IPO will comprise of fresh issue and offer for sale, with Everstone Capital selling the majority stake. The funds will be used for loan repayment, expansion, and general corporate purposes. The company has displayed impressive growth and profitability
An Akasa Air flight from Pune to Delhi, operated as a Boeing 737 MAX8, landed safely in Delhi after suffering a bird hit. The flight is being examined, and all passengers and crew were deplaned. The airline's engineering team is conducting a detailed inspection before the plane can be cleared for further flights.
BluSmart, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), not only labelled its founders as “fraud” but also highlighted grievances within the ride-hailing company. The post revealed that employees have not received their salaries for four months and warned customers that there is no point in requesting refunds through social media.
The Samajwadi Party accuses Facebook of suspending the official account of its president, Akhilesh Yadav, who has over 8 million followers. The party blames the BJP-led government for silencing dissent and calls it an 'undeclared emergency'. SP vows to continue opposing the BJP's policies despite the attack on democracy.
Heavy rainfall in Mexico has resulted in 27 deaths and several missing persons. Landslides, power outages, and flooded rivers have caused damage to homes and schools. The states of Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz have been heavily affected. President Claudia Sheinbaum is working to support the affected population and restore services.
The Taliban's Foreign Minister held a press conference in New Delhi, with a Taliban flag and a painting of Bamiyan Buddha statues in the background. Many on social media soon pointed out the controversy, terming the moment "ironic". The statues were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001 after they declared them "un-Islamic".
TCS, a leading IT company, plans to create 5,000 new jobs in the UK in the next 3 years, showcasing its strong partnership with the country and commitment to innovation and talent development. The launch of an AI experience zone and design studio in London further solidifies this, following British PM's visit to India and a report praising TCS' impact on the UK economy.
Tata Trusts' board meeting on Friday focused on regular matters and did not address recent disputes among trustees. The day-long meeting included presentations on healthcare and rural development projects, with no contentious issues raised. This comes after Noel Tata and N Chandrasekaran met with government officials, and amid internal tension over board appointments at Tata Sons.
A 'whistleblower' has alleged large-scale misuse of the H-1B visa program at First Citizens Bank. The post, shared by an X user, claims that all of the bank’s directors and managers are Indians on H-1B visas, despite holding positions that, according to the source, do not require the kind of specialised skills usually associated with this visa category.
BJP to release list of candidates for Bihar Assembly elections soon, the state president said. He added that the seat-sharing arrangement has been finalised, and it will be announced today. He further credited the Modi-Nitish government for the state's development and said that the NDA is likely to return to power, adding that the BJP is confident of victory.
BJP leaders arrived in Delhi for a core committee meeting to finalize candidates for the Bihar Assembly elections. Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal denied any tension within the NDA and expressed determination to form a strong government. Other NDA leaders also showed unity and determination to provide good governance and defeat the INDIA bloc led by Tejashwi Yadav.
Trump reacted to missing out on the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, saying the actual winner, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, personally called to say she accepted the award “in honour of” him.
President Trump has made a deal with AstraZeneca to lower drug prices for Medicaid patients in exchange for tariff relief. This follows a similar deal with Pfizer and aligns with the White House's goal of reducing drug prices. AstraZeneca will offer discounts through TrumpRx and receive a tariff exemption.
President Trump is accusing Democrats of being responsible for the thousands of federal worker layoffs during the government shutdown. Around 300,000 workers are already set to leave due to downsizing efforts, and Trump has threatened to fire even more, specifically targeting agencies supported by Democrats. Despite pressure, Democrats are refusing to give in, while unions are taking legal action.
Citigroup's Head of Equity Capital Markets foresees a robust IPO pipeline in the next year, with an estimated $20 billion to be raised. India ranks fourth in IPO volumes by 2025, while the US takes the lead globally. The recent success of IPOs by WeWork, Tata Capital, and LG Electronics India indicate a promising primary market.
SEBI has reduced penalties from 235 to 90, with 40 violations removed and 105 minor lapses deemed as 'financial-disincentives'. This revised framework will be effective from October 15, bringing relief to stock brokers. A common reporting mechanism will also be implemented to reduce compliance costs, along with 30 additional reports by October 15, 2025.
India's underinsured population can benefit from the "Life Insurance for All by 2047" project, initiated by the IRDAI and the Government. This aims to increase awareness and affordability through measures like removing GST on policies and mandating coverage through employer-employee participation, potentially providing life cover for 300 million individuals in the next 10 years.
The US has decided not to increase tariffs on Indian generic medicines, providing relief to drug-makers. However, changes in domestic regulations may make it harder for companies to launch generic versions of new drugs. This move is a response to pressure from the Trump administration to reduce non-tariff barriers for US companies in India.
Papa John's is returning to India after eight years and plans to open 650 restaurants in the next decade. The company is focusing on one city at a time and prioritizing quality ingredients to cater to the growing demand for eating out. The first four dine-in restaurants have opened in Bengaluru, offering affordable yet high-quality pizzas, and introducing Indian-inspired menu items.
Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd has joined forces with NEURA Robotics GmbH to advance humanoid robotics and capitalize on the growing intelligent automation market. This partnership will allow Sona Comstar to expand beyond automotive and deliver top-notch solutions globally.
TCS's Q2 results have sparked debate among analysts, with some praising their move into data infrastructure as a strategic move for AI growth, while others question the low-return and asset-heavy nature of the business. Despite disciplined execution and strong deals, growth was modest and demand sluggish. Management is hopeful, but analysts predict a visible rebound in FY27.
The government has mandated importers of solar energy products to register on the renewable energy equipment import monitoring system. This applies to items like safety glass and photovoltaic cells, as well as certain items used in wind energy projects. Registration must be done 2 days in advance for air cargo and 5 days for sea and land shipments, and will be valid for 3 months.
NITI Aayog has proposed decriminalisation of minor non-compliances in the Income Tax Act to foster trust-based governance in India's direct tax system. The burden of proof of fraud should be on tax officers, and civil penalties should be imposed for lapses without malicious intent. The report suggests retaining criminal sanctions for deliberate, high-value, and injurious misconduct.
The new GST system offers a 90% provisional refund to the pharma and MedTech sectors, easing working capital constraints and promoting domestic manufacturing. The government has amended rules to expedite tax refunds and ensure transparency and fairness. Industry experts suggest including input services and capital goods in the process for neutrality.
Despite a 17% decrease in funding, fintech startups in India have shown sustained investor confidence with an 8% rise in early-stage deals. The sector also saw two major funding rounds and 23 acquisitions. While only one IPO took place, more are expected soon. Top investors include Venture Catalysts, Antler, and Fundament.
TTK Group, best known for its Prestige pressure cookers, faced a crisis in the 1970s when their products started exploding in kitchens. The solution came in the form of a simple innovation- drilling a hole in the lid to release excess steam. This safety feature, invented by the late TT Jagannathan, helped the company regain trust and become a billion-dollar enterprise.
The Centre has proposed legal amendments to introduce competition and market discipline in the electricity sector, allowing direct procurement from private players. This will improve revenue flows for discoms, reduce tariff distortions, and open distribution networks to multiple private companies. State regulators will determine tariffs and discoms will be exempt from supplying to open consumers.
Private sector employees may receive Diwali gifts from vendors, but if the total value exceeds Rs. 50,000 in a year, it is taxable. Only cash, property, and specified movable property are taxable, not gifts like electronics and vacation vouchers. Stamp duty may be levied on the entire amount, including GST, in the case of property purchase.
Travel insurance with a visa rejection rider is becoming increasingly popular, with a 30% rise in adoption by travelers. This rider covers non-refundable expenses for destinations with strict visa requirements. It can be added to standard plans for an extra cost, but it's crucial to know the exclusions. Consider a Cancel For Any Reason rider for broader coverage.
SC hints at relaxation of complete ban on firecrackers, acknowledges difficulty in enforcement. Green crackers developed to reduce pollution and noise, but ban has not led to decrease in pollution levels. Delhi government and BJP seek middle ground, former considering sale of green crackers. 50 companies in Delhi-NCR manufacture green crackers, manufacturers plead for decision before Diwali.
Life insurers are pushing for the government to let them spread out distribution costs to counter the effects of GST rate reductions. The 'Sabse Pehle Life Insurance' campaign has boosted awareness for term, savings, and retirement products, but converting it into action is difficult. The industry is also worried about input tax credit and is collaborating with regulators to address the issue.
Indian travelers planning international trips seek forex cards with zero markup to avoid additional fees. Advanced app-powered features, such as in-app security, real-time transaction tracking, instant reloading, disposable virtual cards, and card insurance, provide safety, control, and convenience. These features allow travelers to manage their spending, track transactions, reload funds instantly
September saw record-breaking sales of tractors in India, driven by a reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rate and festive demand. The tax cut to 5% and expectations of a positive Kharif outlook and strong monsoons boosted sales. Experts predict that sales will surpass one million units for the first time, aided by the upcoming Diwali season.
Gold prices are at record highs, affecting large-ticket purchases, but retailers are optimistic about steady festive demand. To encourage buying, retailers have rolled out offers such as discounts, exchange schemes, and investment-oriented purchases. Despite the price pressure, larger chains expect healthy double-digit growth, while smaller jewellers are seeing a shift towards lab-grown diamonds.
PFRDA Chairman Ramann is considering new options for NPS subscribers, including assured payouts and systematic withdrawal plans. The government supports this and is looking to incorporate insights from the Unified Pension Scheme. This may allow subscribers to use their savings more efficiently and reduce mandatory annuitisation. PFRDA also plans to replace part of the annuity with withdrawal plans
OMCs are projected to have lower earnings in the July-September quarter of 2025-26 due to costly crude oil and steady retail fuel prices. However, analysts anticipate better earnings than last year. They may also receive government aid for LPG sales. While GRMs are expected to improve, city gas distributors may face lower margins due to pricier gas.
The SP group is demanding a public listing of Tata Sons, citing their moral and social responsibility. Despite talks for a peaceful exit, the SP group remains firm on their demand, believing it will benefit shareholders and adhere to good corporate governance. However, Tata Sons has met regulatory conditions to remain private, but the SP group believes a transparent and publicly accountable.
Fintechs in India are diversifying their lending portfolio to reduce costs and enhance credit quality. They are also improving collection methods and building core capabilities. Despite a slow revenue growth, there is a positive investor sentiment and a push to attract domestic capital and create a strong acquisition system. It remains to be seen if banks will benefit from their tech investments.
The Sebi-formed HLC, led by Pratyush Sinha, will soon submit its report on conflict of interest norms. It has consulted with stakeholders and may suggest measures like public disclosures of assets and aligning employee regulations. Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has stressed the importance of managing conflicts of interest.
The Tata Trust board met to discuss important matters as the government intervenes and tension rises with the SP Group over the public listing of Tata Sons. Sources suggest a possible partial exit for the SP Group, who holds an 18% stake and has pledged it as collateral for a loan. Internal divisions within the group may complicate the situation.
Shares of Jindal Photo Ltd, a BC Jindal Group-owned company, rose by 9.9% on Friday following a 20% surge the day before. This increase is linked to a class-action lawsuit being reviewed at the NCLT in Delhi, which alleges that promoters siphoned off ₹2,780 crore from JPFL. The case has garnered significant interest due to its unprecedented nature in Indian courts.
Infosys has launched a new Customer Experience Suite for Salesforce, combining their AI-first services with Salesforce's AI capabilities. The suite offers Agentforce solutions to improve customer interactions and automate processes, resulting in reduced transactional inquiries and case handling time.
World Mental Health Day 2025 embraces the theme 'Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies' with increased reports, counselling needs, and overall awareness. Stress eating, eating disorders, and unhealthy eating habits can impact mental health. Experts advise self-reflection, portioning, and seeking help for managing stress-eating.
The IPL 2026 mini auction is scheduled for mid-December, with franchise officials already in talks with the BCCI. Teams have until November 15 to retain players. The venue for the auction is yet to be decided by the Governing Council. The 19th edition of the T-20 tournament is expected to be thrilling, with teams vying to strengthen their rosters, including big names like T Natar.