US President Donald Trump is facing vehement calls to roll back a newly imposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants. PTI reported that a group of US lawmakers has urged the POTUS to withdraw his recent proclamations --- warning that the aggressive immigration crackdown could hurt America’s technological advancement and further strain relations with India.
Startup founder Pradeep Sharma's LinkedIn post sparked a debate on social media as he questioned the double standard in how Western and Indian traditions are perceived. He argued that while Western spirit-related traditions are seen as "education and fun", Indian ones are dismissed as "superstition".
Tamil Nadu government reduces eligibility age for home delivery of essential commodities under PDS from 70 to 65 years. Deliveries to be made on the first weekend of every month starting November. Revised schedule aims to improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery to elderly and differently-abled cardholders. Database to be updated to include more beneficiaries.
"GST department introduces 3-day registration scheme for small and medium businesses with low-risk and output tax liability not exceeding Rs 2.5 lakh per month. Finance minister expects 96% of new applicants to benefit and directs CBIC to set up dedicated help desk for GST registration."
The impossible $100 billion threshold is no longer the gantry to the world's fascinating class of super wealthy. The emergence of artificial intelligence has redefined ultra-rich status, making $200 billion the new benchmark.
Sridhar Vembu doubts the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine for young girls and expressed concerns about adverse reactions after female students, who were administered the vaccine, fainted in Bihar. While some criticised his views, others argued that billionaires may not have expertise in all matters. CDC recommends the vaccine for children between 11-12 years.
Former Sabarimala executive officer arrested for concealing gold-plating of Dwarapalaka idols in official documents. He is the third person arrested in the case, following the prime accused and a former administrative officer. The SIT is also interrogating a close aide of the prime accused and investigating two related cases of missing gold from the temple.
Congress has announced a major reshuffle in its Delhi unit, appointing new District Presidents, senior observers, and ward in-charges for the upcoming MCD by-elections. The aim is to strengthen the party's district-level leadership and grassroots presence in the national capital. The list includes names for 12 wards, indicating a structured approach for the local electoral exercise.
India calls on Pakistan to end human rights abuses in illegally occupied Kashmir and dismisses Islamabad's accusations as hypocritical. Indian diplomat Bhavika Managalanandan highlights the people's participation in elections as proof of India's democracy, rejecting Pakistan's attempts to denigrate India. India reaffirms its commitment to human rights and cites the Gandhian legacy.
Lucknow, famous for its Awadhi cuisine, was named the 'Creative City of Gastronomy' by UNESCO. It is only the second Indian city, after Hyderabad, to receive this honor. The city's food is a fusion of Persian, Indic, and Muslim influences and is supported by a strong community of chefs, traditional markets, and local food industries.
The FDA has restricted the sales of fluoride-based drugs for children under 3 due to potential risks such as fluorosis and effects on neurocognitive, thyroid, and gut health. These drugs, commonly available off the shelf, are prescribed as supplements to prevent tooth decay but the American Dental Association disputes the FDA's claims, citing increased cavities in communities.
President Trump has declared Nigeria a "country of particular concern" due to the threat to Christianity. He has urged lawmakers to investigate the violence between Muslim and Christian communities, blaming radical Islamists. The White House and global leaders have expressed concern and called for action by the Nigerian government. US support has been promised to the Christian community.
President Trump announced the U.S. will resume nuclear testing, but did not clarify if it would include underground tests. The move is seen as a message to China and Russia in light of renewed nuclear competition. The Pentagon supports the decision as a responsible way to maintain nuclear deterrence. No nuclear power has conducted explosive testing in over 25 years.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has taken strong exception to US Vice President JD Vance’s recent remarks about his wife, Usha Vance, her Hindu background, and the possibility of her converting to Christianity. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the group asked Vance why, if his wife had inspired him to reconnect with his Christian faith, he hadn’t shown the same curiosity toward Hinduism.
Markets had an interesting week with Nifty breaching 26,000 for the first time in 2025. FIIs were net buyers of over Rs 10,000 crore but also sold in the next two sessions. FinancialExpress.com covered top 10 brokerage reports, including Buy ratings on SBI Life Insurance, Tata Steel, L&T, Hyundai Motors, Federal Bank, and Dr Reddy's
A resident of Pune has lost Rs 11 lakh in a scam after responding to an online ad offering Rs 25 lakh for impregnating a woman. The victim transferred money for fees before realising it was a fraud. Police are investigating the case and have warned citizens to be careful of such suspicious offers.
The Indian Navy is closely monitoring foreign powers in the Indian Ocean with 40-50 ships at all times. They are prepared for any situation and track all foreign vessels entering or exiting the region. Challenges of piracy, human trafficking, and drug trafficking are a concern. 19 vessels will be inducted next year and 13 the year after.
White House restricts journalists' access to top communications officials, citing need to protect sensitive material. Journalists now require prior appointment to access Room 140, near Oval Office. Move follows restrictions at Department of Defense, criticized by White House Correspondents' Association. Trump administration previously removed Reuters, AP, Bloomberg from permanent press pool.
The US Federal Reserve announced a rate cut this week, lowering its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%. But the decision has faced resistance from several top Federal Reserve official, Reuters reported.
President Trump's exclusive interview with CBS News on "60 Minutes" was conducted by anchor Norah O'Donnell at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The network settled a lawsuit with Trump for $16 million and made changes, including appointing a new ombudsman. Additionally, Bari Weiss was named editor-in-chief of CBS News and David Ellison took over the network.
A federal judge permanently blocked part of Trump's executive order to overhaul federal elections, ruling that requiring proof of citizenship before voting is illegal. The ruling came in response to lawsuits by groups including the Democratic National Committee and the ACLU, who argued that the order was unconstitutional and would make it harder for eligible voters to cast their ballot.
Wall Street's major indexes closed higher on Friday, thanks to Amazon's impressive earnings forecast. But, the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on rate cuts dampened the mood. Despite this, the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow all saw weekly gains and their longest winning streaks in years. Other big companies, such as Apple, also posted strong earnings but faced supply issues.
Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127* against Australia in the Women's World Cup semifinal marked a historic moment for Indian women's cricket. Her performance, combined with India's victory over the seven-time champions, is a sign of redemption and inspiration for the team. Rodrigues' faith in Jesus and her contribution have brought hope and validation for the sport.
The Multi Commodity Exchange of India faced a four-hour trading delay on Tuesday due to a pre-defined parameter limit, but trading volumes and values still exceeded October's averages. Despite the glitch, the exchange is dedicated to improving operational strength and investing in advanced technology. The delay also led to increased volatility in gold and silver prices.
The RBI's dollar short forward positions increased by $6 billion in September, the first rise in 7 months, likely due to their efforts to protect the rupee. Despite cutting their positions since February, the RBI intervened heavily in October as the rupee faced challenges from tariff uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, hitting a record low. The RBI is worried about the rupee's decline.
Indian exporters have shifted their focus to other countries, such as UAE, Vietnam, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia, in light of the hefty 50% tariffs imposed by the US. This diversification has led to significant growth in exports of textiles, gems and jewellery, and marine products to these destinations. Other emerging markets, such as Peru and Nigeria, are also showing promise for India's exports.
CBIC has introduced trade facilitation reforms, including a voluntary post-clearance revision mechanism, to improve data integrity and transparency in cross-border trade. The new regulations, effective from November 1, allow importers, exporters, or licensed customs brokers to revise entries in bills of entry, shipping bills, or export bills.
Elon Musk's Starlink is making progress in launching its satellite internet services in India, with the company actively hiring for finance and compliance positions and setting up its first physical office in Mumbai. It has completed the licensing process and is awaiting spectrum allocation, with plans to initially target enterprise and government clients before expanding to consumer offerings.
Mining company Vedanta's net profit declined by 38% in the quarter ending September 30 due to a loss of Rs 1,547 crore at its power plant. However, excluding one-time costs, profit after tax increased by 13%. The company also achieved record production of alumina and aluminium and aims to surpass its best Ebitda in the current fiscal year.
India's women's cricket team's historic win against Australia has led to a 40% increase in TV ad rates for the Sunday finale. Advertisers are eager to pay top dollar for ad spots, as brands from various categories are showing interest in partnering with women's cricket. The team's standout player, Jemimah Rodrigues, has helped raise the popularity of women's sports.
Ford Motor Company is investing Rs 3,250 crore to start powertrain manufacturing at its Chennai plant in India. The plant will produce advanced engines and create 600 jobs, boosting Tamil Nadu's automotive industry. This move is in line with Ford's global supply chain strategy and shows its dedication to India's manufacturing capabilities.
CII urges for tax reforms to make India's tax system simpler, technology-driven and trustworthy in Budget 2026-27. This will reduce litigation, boost compliance, and align taxation policy with Viksit Bharat 2047. The industry body recommends fast-tracking tax dispute cases above Rs 100 crore for resolution within a year, elevating Taxpayers Charter to a Statutory Taxpayer Rights Charter.
ICAI proposes to increase the statutory audit work limit for CAs from 30 to 40 firms, along with other relaxations such as holding non-educational seminars and advertising for clients. The draft Code of Ethics also allows CAs to take on more non-audit work, especially in the MSME space.
Wealth planning for generational transitions has become a strategic necessity for business families, with the establishment of governance structures and a focus on phased wealth transfer and tax strategy. Next-gen readiness is also emphasized, with curated learning and alignment of personal purpose with family legacy.
Eight asset management companies have introduced specialised investment funds (SIFs) with higher returns and unique strategies like volatility management and long-short exposure. These funds require a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh and provide stability, liquidity, and predictability. While they are a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio, investors must carefully consider their options.
The new tax regime allows for a 30% standard deduction on rented property and allows for losses from derivative trading to be offset against non-speculative business income. Self-employed architects can opt for presumptive taxation if gross receipts are under Rs 50 lakh. Gifts between siblings are tax exempt but should be reported in the ITR.
The government aims to provide property titles to over 45 million rural families in nearly 3,46,000 villages by the end of FY26 through the central scheme Svamitva. So far, titles have been given to over 24.7 million people in 1,65,000 villages, with a target of reaching 45-50 million by FY26. The scheme uses drones and advanced mapping tools to clearly mark property boundaries.
Godrej Consumer (GCPL) reported a 6.5% decline in net profit for Q2FY26 due to GST transitional issues. Revenue rose 4.3% y-o-y and Ebitda declined 3.5% y-o-y. The company is acquiring male grooming brand Muuchstac for Rs 449 crore to expand its presence in men's grooming, specifically in the men's face wash category.
Narayana Health, an Indian healthcare provider, has acquired London-based Practice Plus Group Hospitals for Rs 2,200 crore. The deal aims to showcase India's healthcare skills globally and strengthen its presence in the global market. Narayana plans to use its technology and low-cost model to improve patient outcomes and operations.
Swiggy aims to raise Rs 10,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement to strengthen its cash reserves in the quick-commerce market. This will bring its total liquidity to Rs 17,000 crore, close to its rival Eternal's Rs 18,314 crore. However, analysts have given a mixed response to Swiggy's quarterly performance and fundraising plan, citing intense competition.
The Centre's fiscal deficit in the first six months of 2025-26 was 36.5% of the annual target, mainly due to a rise in capital expenditure and a decline in net tax revenues. The budgetary capital expenditure increased by 40% in H1FY26, contributing to the GDP growth of 7.8% in Q1.
Fuel and power inflation in India has been on a downward trend for 10 quarters due to steady petrol and diesel prices since March 15, 2024. This, coupled with lower prices of non-subsidised LPG and aviation turbine fuel, resulted in a decline in the WPI fuel and power sub-index. The consumer price index also recorded a decrease in the fuel and light sub-index for six quarters before mild increase.
India's clean energy transition is gaining momentum with the 2025 editions of Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo and The Battery Show India (TBSI). Over 1,000 exhibitors, 1,400 brands, and 55,000+ industry professionals are participating in the three-day event to explore pathways to achieve net zero.
SEBI's new eligibility criteria for derivatives trading has led to the Nifty PSU Bank index reaching an all-time high of 8184.35 points. Nuvama Institutional Equities has listed potential entrants to the Nifty Bank index, with at least 2 new banks expected to be added. Yes Bank and Indian Bank are among the potential candidates, and SEBI has also limited the weight of top constituents.
Indian companies reported mixed financial results in the second quarter of FY26. Vedanta's profits decreased, while ACC Cement's profits grew by 460%. Maruti Suzuki's domestic sales and margins were affected, while BEL saw a 25% revenue growth. Other companies like Godrej Consumer, Bharat Petroleum, Shriram Finance, GAIL India, and Mphasis also reported their earnings
IRB Infrastructure wins bid for Rs 9,200 crore highway network in UP, signaling renewed investor interest in operational highways. NHAI raises monetisation target to Rs 40,000 crore for this year. The highways under IRB's bid are part of TOT-Bundle 17. NHAI and government have potential to monetize Rs 15 lakh crore worth of highway assets.
Indian actress Deepika Padukone praised cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues for openly discussing her mental health struggles at a press conference after a match. Padukone, a mental health advocate, shared Rodrigues's video and applauded her courage. In a country where mental health is still stigmatized, Rodrigues's bravery in speaking out on a public platform is a noteworthy milestone.
Godrej Consumer Products saw a 6.5% decrease in profits in Q2 of FY26, with a consolidated net profit of Rs 459 crore. However, there was a 4.33% YoY revenue growth, with Rs 3,825 crore in Q2 FY26. The company also announced an interim dividend of Rs 5 per equity for FY26, to be paid by November 30, 2025.
Narayana Health, a leading healthcare chain, is set to acquire UK-based Practice Plus Group Hospitals for GBP 188.78 million. This acquisition will be made through Narayana Hrudayalaya UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Health City Cayman Islands. The deal includes seven hospitals, three surgical centers, two urgent treatment centers, three musculoskeletal/diagnostic centers, and one ophthalmology center.
Delhi is currently experiencing a severe pollution crisis caused by stubble burning, changing weather, and Diwali celebrations. Doctors are concerned about the short-term and long-term health effects, including respiratory illnesses and fatal diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.