India's services sector, a significant contributor to the economy, saw a slower growth in October due to competition and heavy rains. However, the manufacturing sector showed a higher number, fueled by the demand boost from GST reductions. The index of industrial production also rose, indicating a timely supply response for the festive season.
LIC's Q2 net profit jumps by 32% to ₹10,054 crore thanks to increased premium income and investment gains. However, market share dips below 60% due to product mix changes and GST-related issues. CEO R Doraiswamy prioritizes profitable growth and anticipates GST exemption to boost new business volumes.
RBI and Sebi are considering bond derivatives to boost interest in debt instruments for retail investors. Outstanding bank credit to industry and services is Rs 91 trillion, while corporate bonds stand at Rs 54 trillion. Pandey emphasizes the importance of governance beyond structure, suggesting scorecards and ethics committees for transparency and accountability in the digital age.
The Agriculture ministry is urging all states to open escrow accounts to ensure timely settlement of crop insurance claims under PMFBY. Only 11 out of 24 states have opened accounts, causing delays in claim settlements. The scheme offers coverage for natural disasters and pests, with fixed premiums of 1.5% and 2% for rabi and kharif crops respectively.
Freshworks, a Nasdaq-listed SaaS company, reported a 15% increase in revenue for the third quarter, with a narrowed loss from operations and improved operating margin. The company has raised its full-year revenue guidance for the third consecutive time and expects continued growth in the fourth quarter. The number of customers with high recurring revenue also increased.
Ambuja Cements' Q2 results show a rise in volume, realisations, and cost efficiencies due to the integration of Sanghi Industries, Penna Cement, and Orient Cement. The company achieved its highest-ever Q2 sales volume, thanks to the ramp-up and consolidation of acquired assets. The switch to Adani Cement brands has boosted distribution and pricing capabilities.
Indian and New Zealand trade ministers discussed progress in Free Trade Agreement negotiations, aiming for a balanced and future-ready pact that respects sensitivities and boosts economic ties. The Indian minister also co-chaired a CEOs Roundtable and negotiations are focusing on key areas like trade in goods and services.
The government securities market is experiencing low demand due to continuous supply and low interest from banks, insurance companies, and pension funds. The RBI has rejected higher yield bids and may use open market operations to maintain liquidity and protect yields. Discussions are ongoing between the RBI and market participants regarding the impact of high yield levels.
ABD, known for Officer's Choice brand, aims for mid-double-digit revenue growth in FY26 with launch of 3 high-end brands. Prestige and above segment contributed 47% to sales in Q2, with plans to cross 50% in next 12-18 months. ABD Maestro subsidiary launched at Bengaluru and Delhi airports, with plans for Mumbai.
The CAG will audit Indian Railways' multi-modal transport and logistics initiatives across nine zones, three ministries, and select routes. The report will be presented to Parliament next year with the goal of reducing costs, improving freight movement, and increasing modal share to 45% by 2030. The audit aims to enhance ease of doing business and decrease transit time.
20,000 crores SBI, India's largest bank, will take its fund management arm, SBIFML, public through an IPO in 2026, pending regulatory approval. The joint venture between SBI and French firm Amundi will see both companies selling 10% of their stake. Experts estimate SBIFML's value to be Rs. 20,000 crores due to its strong performance and market dominance.
India has made good progress in free trade agreement talks with Peru and Chile, with a focus on securing critical mineral supplies. Intersessional meetings will be held to address remaining issues, with both sides committed to reaching a timely conclusion. The agreement will open up new opportunities for cooperation in various sectors and benefit India's main exports and imports.
PhysicsWallah, an edtech major, has announced its IPO with a price band of Rs 103-109 per share, comprising a fresh issue of Rs 3,100 crore and an offer for sale worth Rs 380 crore by co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari. The company's financial performance has improved significantly, with a 49% increase in operating revenue and a 79% decrease in losses in FY25.
Kerala government's Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) has successfully redefined what it means to be poor in the state. It identified households lacking basic entitlements and provided them with customised micro-plans for sustainable livelihoods. The project's success is attributed to Kerala's decentralised governance, social mobilisation, and long-term investment in human development.
MSCI Standard Index to add Paytm, Fortis Healthcare, GE Vernova T&D, and Siemens Energy in quarterly review. Tata Elxsi and Container Corp of India to be excluded. India's weight in index to rise to 15.6%, with 8 stocks seeing weightage increase and 7 seeing decrease.
PhysicsWallah is expanding its offline presence and state board preparation. Their focus is on academic growth and building a strong foundation in various exam categories. The offline model has shown potential for consistent growth and faculty attrition is performance-driven.
In 2026, Bollywood is set to release many high-profile films, including the highly anticipated Border 2 starring Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. The first look poster was recently released, featuring Dhawan as Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Dahiya's bravery and courage during the war, which ultimately earned him the Param Vir Chakra, are highlighted.
NIIT MTS had a successful Q2 of FY 2025-26, with a 5% rise in net revenue and 20% increase in profit year-on-year. They gained three new global clients and maintained a 100% contract renewal rate. The company's investment in AI-enabled learning and strategic expansions, such as the acquisition of MST Group and partnership with Sana, were highlighted by CEO Sapnesh Lalla.
Kokuyo, a Japanese major, is expanding in the Indian market through acquisitions and targeting residential real estate, lifestyle, and education segments. Its goal is to triple its India revenue in five years, with plans to increase manufacturing and product range. The company aims for an annual revenue of $3.5 billion by 2030 and has rebranded HNI India to Kokuyo Workplace India.
India's solar PV module manufacturing capacity is projected to reach 165 GW by March 2027 due to government policies and initiatives like ALMM list, customs duty, and PLI scheme. However, the domestic market may face overcapacity due to US tariffs, leading to consolidation of smaller players.
KPMG and Svayam's White Paper reveals India's potential loss of $214 billion annually due to inaccessibility in key sectors like tourism, sports, and technology. The report stresses the importance of treating accessibility as an economic strategy to boost GDP growth, productivity, and innovation.
LIC of India recorded a 31.92% YoY growth in Q2 FY26 with a standalone profit of Rs 10,053 crore. The insurer's Net Premium Income also rose by 5.4% YoY to Rs 1,26,479 crore. CEO & MD R Doraiswamy believes that the recent GST changes will benefit customers and lead to accelerated growth. In H1 FY26, LIC's total premium income increased by 5.14% to
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed plans to create large and world-class banks in India with the RBI at the 12th SBI Banking and Economics Conclave. The government and LIC are moving forward with privatizing IDBI Bank, and SEBI has approved LIC's reclassification as a public shareholder. The government has also consolidated public sector banks, and emphasized infrastructure creation.
KGF actor Harish Rai's death at 55 has shed light on thyroid cancer, a disease that can be challenging to treat if not caught early. While papillary thyroid cancer is highly curable, follicular and anaplastic thyroid cancer pose more difficulties. Early detection is crucial, and any changes in voice or swallowing should not be ignored.
SEBI has amended rules for anchor investors in IPOs, increasing total reservation to 40% and allowing a maximum of 15 investors for IPOs above Rs 250 crore. The regulator aims to attract long-term institutional investors such as mutual funds, insurance companies, and pension funds. The new framework would come into force from November 30 and aims to broaden participation in IPOs.
Rohini Nilekani, chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and director of EkStep, has topped the 12th annual EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 with a cumulative donation of Rs 763 crores. Nilekani, a firm supporter of gender equity, education, climate resilience, justice, governance, and civil society, has used her immense wealth for the betterment of society.
P&G Hygiene and Health Care recorded a slight decrease in its profit after tax at Rs 209.86 crore for the September quarter. However, the company's revenue from operations saw a 1.32% increase year-on-year to Rs 1,150.17 crore. The company's total expenses also rose by 2.3%, while its total income, including other income, rose by 1.43%.
Bajaj Housing Finance, a subsidiary of the Bajaj Group, reported a 18% increase in profits in the second quarter of FY25-26. The company's profit after tax was Rs 643 crore, compared to Rs 583 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. Its net interest income also grew by 34%, while total income increased by 22%. Additionally, the company's assets under management saw a 24% growth
Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, plans to sell Middle Eastern oil to domestic and international buyers amid US sanctions on Russian oil companies. Reliance has already sold Iraqi Basrah Medium crude and offers Murban and Upper Zakum grades on the spot market.
Indian equity benchmarks closed lower on Thursday, with all frontline indices in the red. The Nifty 50 and Sensex ended 0.34% and 0.18% lower, respectively. The banking sector and midcap stocks also saw declines. Despite early optimism, volatility and profit booking dominated the market, with FII outflows and weak domestic PMI readings. Asian Paints was the top gainer.
India and New Zealand are in the final stages of negotiating a free trade agreement, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He expressed hope that the deal will be finalized soon during his four-day visit to review progress with his New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay.
Zohran Mamdani celebrated his historic win by having lunch with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a Nepalese restaurant in NYC. The diverse food choices, including chai and momo, showcased his embrace of multi-cultural roots. AOC praised Mamdani's commitment to making NYC affordable and safe for working families. The outing received positive reactions online.
The top 10 most generous Indian billionaires have been revealed in the recent Hurun Philanthropy List 2025. These billionaires, including Shiv Nadar, Mukesh Ambani, and Rohini Nilekani, have pledged to donate 99% of their wealth to charitable causes after their passing. The list also includes the Hinduja Family, Cyrus Poonawalla, and Sudhir Mehta.
"KPop Demon Hunters 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the hit musical fantasy adventure, is coming to Netflix in 2029. The film will delve deeper into the personal struggles of the Huntr/x girl group as they fight demons with music. Expect a darker, more mature tone, new musical sequences, and a fresh soundtrack.
Pine Labs, a fintech company, is set to raise Rs 3,899.91 crore through IPO for expansion, loan repayment, and IT investments. The subscription opens on November 7 and the company will be listed on NSE and BSE on November 14.
The GEM, also called the "fourth pyramid," is now open to the public after 23 years and $1 billion spent on construction. It is the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to one civilization, spanning over 53 million square feet. With over 100,000 artefacts, including the Tutankhamun Gallery, visitors can experience rare sights at this monumental museum.
Mississauga became the first city in Ontario to formally condemn Hinduphobia. The motion, titled "Recognizing Anti-Hindu Hate in Mississauga," was unanimously passed by the city council. The motion denounces all forms of hate and discrimination against Hindus. Indian-origin Canadian City Councillor Dipika Damerla introduced the resolution.
SBI, along with French firm Amundi, plans to sell 6.3% stake in SBI Funds Management through an IPO to maximize value for stakeholders, create opportunities for general shareholders, and increase product awareness. The IPO, expected to be completed in 2026, will be the third subsidiary of SBI to be listed and will showcase the largest asset management company in India.
Anil Ambani, chairman of Reliance Group, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for an alleged bank fraud and money laundering case. Assets worth Rs 7,500 crore, including Ambani's house, have been attached as part of the investigation. IDBI Bank has declared Reliance Communications, a company under Ambani's group, as 'fraud'.
PM Modi meets Indian women's cricket team, praises their determination and unity. Emphasizes cricket's importance in Indians' lives and commends team for hard work and resilience. Players share experiences, including 2017 loss. PM urges them to inspire young girls and promote Fit India. Interaction ends on light note with question about favorite cheat meal.
Malavika Mohanan's Mumbai home is a beautiful representation of her family's love for literature, heritage, and art. The Kerala-style house boasts of wood accents, green nooks, and artistic flow, making it stand out in the bustling city. From Tanjore paintings to Athangudi-style tiles, every corner reflects the owners' origin and their passion for arts and culture.
Kim Kardashian's first Hollywood role in the legal drama 'All's Fair' has received harsh criticism and a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite a talented cast and producer Anthony Hemingway's defense, the show may not be for everyone. However, it offers something refreshing and creatively fulfilling.
Kannada actor Harish Rai, known for his roles in KGF and Om, passed away at 55 due to thyroid cancer. Karnataka's Deputy CM paid tribute to him, highlighting his struggles and journey from a shopkeeper to a renowned actor. His cancer treatment reportedly costed Rs 10 lakh per cycle. Rai appeared in over 90 films.
Asian Paints' share price saw a 5.8% increase, reaching an intra-day high of Rs 2,631, due to two major factors: the resignation of Grasim Industries' paint division CEO and the MSCI index raising Asian Paints' weightage. The change in leadership and MSCI's decision will have significant implications. Additionally, the outlook for crude, a key component in the paints industry.
Larissa Nery, a Brazilian model, was mistakenly accused of being involved in a voter ID scam in India after her photo was used by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. She has spoken out about the bizarre situation, clarifying that the photo could have been from her teenage years and has been used without her consent.
The Dawood Ibrahim crime syndicate has been working with the banned LTTE to smuggle drugs through South India. Intelligence agencies have discovered evidence of a longstanding partnership between the two groups for illegal activities. The D-syndicate is now using the LTTE's network in Sri Lanka and India to grow their drug business.
India's services PMI for October was 58.9, showing significant growth in output and new business. Factors like demand and GST relief improved conditions, but competition and heavy rains hindered growth. Despite a slowdown in new business, companies are optimistic about future activity due to strong demand and effective marketing.
Roi Roi Binale, the final film of late singer Zubeen Garg, has been a massive success at the box office. The movie, released on October 31, 2025, as per Garg's last wishes, has captivated audiences across India with its poignant story of a blind musician. It has achieved a rare feat for Assamese movies, with a pan-Indian release and 180 screenings. With a total gross income of Rs 12.34 cr.
Inox Wind, a wind energy solutions provider, has received new orders totaling 229 MW, including a repeat order of 69 MW. The orders include limited-scope EPC and multi-year O&M services from leading Indian IPP players. This reflects the growing relationship and trust built in a short period.
Malayalam horror thriller Dies Irae, released on October 31, has been a hit with its jump scares, visuals, and lead actor Pranav Mohanlal's performance. Written and directed by Rahul Sadasivan, it has earned Rs 25 crore and is the third biggest opener of 2025. Pranav, son of superstar Mohanlal, is known for his selective roles and has won praise for his performance.