The K-pop industry is no stranger to controversies, and BTS' Jimin has been at the center of a long-standing dating rumor. A video involving South Korean actress Song Da Eun has only added fuel to the fire, causing a rift among fans. Despite her evidence, Song continues to face backlash and career repercussions.
Tamil film Dude, directed by Pradeep Ranganathan, is a major success at the box office, earning over Rs 65 crore worldwide in just four days. The film, released during Diwali, has seen a steady rise in collections, with a 2% increase in Tamil regions on Monday. Despite competition from Bollywood release Thamma, Dude continues to draw crowds, with a solid domestic collection of Rs 54 crore.
Aryan Khan's debut directorial film, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, has been well-received by the audience, with viral songs and social media trends. In a conversation with star Raghav Juyal, it was revealed that Khan is a fan of comics and may create something in the future. Rumors of Aryan joining Raj Comics' superhero universe have sparked, with reports of a three-film series in the works.
Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 has become a blockbuster hit, crossing the Rs 550 crore mark at the box office post-Diwali. With a gripping storyline, impressive performances, and stunning VFX, the film has broken records and joined the coveted Rs 500 crore club. It is now the second-highest grossing film of 2025, and the top-grossing Kannada film of the year.
Indian stock market sees a strong recovery as Sensex and Nifty surge, with Nifty Bank index also rising. Optimism over India-US trade talks, robust festival sales, and FIIs turning into buyers are driving factors. IT stocks, led by Infosys' 3% increase after announcing a share buyback, are the top performers.
Cricketer Sarfaraz Khan's exclusion from upcoming matches has caused controversy as SP MP Zia ur Rahman Barq plans to raise the issue in Parliament's sports committee meeting. Congress and former cricketers also expressed disappointment and criticised the use of communal lines in cricket, while a BJP spokesperson urged to stop dividing India.
Experts warn against buying gold at inflated prices as it may lead to a correction in the market. The Reserve Bank of India has witnessed a rise in gold reserves, but the current demand is driven by a shift towards non-traditional assets and a speculative boom. Investors should not expect high returns and be prepared for potential volatility.
The EC met with Chief Electoral Officers to discuss the upcoming Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The exercise will begin in November and will be conducted in phases, with states holding elections in 2026 and a few others. The first phase may include states like Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' three days after Diwali, with thick smog and reduced visibility in many areas. Anand Vihar recorded an alarming AQI of 511, while most neighbourhoods ranged from 300-400. The overall AQI was 362, prompting authorities to implement Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan. A health expert warns of the health risks posed by the situation.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the ninth lethal strike on a vessel operated by a DTO, resulting in three deaths in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This comes after a similar attack on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 37. Hegseth warned that the strikes will continue as part of Trump's crackdown on drug trafficking in South America, targeting narco-terrorists.
Elon Musk, the world's richest person argued in favour of his $1 trillion pay package during Tesla's earnings call. He defended his plan and criticized "corporate terrorists" who advised against it. Musk expressed discomfort over building a 'robot army' and then being ousted, while emphasizing the need for more voting control. Indian-origin Tesla CFO supported his compensation package.
Indian-American Paul Kapur has assumed the role of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in the Trump administration, succeeding Donald Lu. Kapur, an expert on South Asian security and US-India relations, was born in New Delhi to an Indian father and American mother.
PM Modi will not attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia due to Deepavali celebrations and will participate virtually. He informed Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim about this during a phone call. “He informed me that he will be attending virtually, as the Deepavali celebrations will still be taking place in India at that time,” PM Ibrahim said on Facebook.
Trump cancels summit with Putin due to lack of progress in diplomatic efforts and poor timing. Expresses frustration with stalled negotiations and lack of support. New sanctions targeting Russian oil exports unveiled as part of effort to pressure Moscow over military operations in Ukraine. Trump hopes measures will be temporary.
Thamma, the latest horror-comedy from Maddock Films, has become the production house's biggest opener after Stree 2. With Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, the film has grossed Rs 42 crore in just two days. Despite a dip in occupancy rates, Thamma has managed to fill seats in major cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Pune.
A fatal crash on the 10 Freeway in Ontario involving a semitruck and SUV leads to the arrest of a Punjabi driver for driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Shocking dashcam footage reveals the semitruck's failure to brake, resulting in 3 deaths and injuries of 4. The incident also raises concerns about corruption in the issuance of commercial driver licenses in California.
Tesla's third-quarter revenue reached a record high thanks to strong EV sales, but profits were lower due to tariff and research costs and a decline in regulatory credit income. The company's valuation of $1.45 trillion reflects investor confidence in CEO Elon Musk's focus on robotics and AI. Tesla introduced cheaper vehicle options to counter a decrease in demand, but this may impact margins.
Trump and Xi Jinping will meet in South Korea to discuss deals on soybean purchases and nuclear arms control. Trump believes Xi is open to ending the war in Ukraine. US officials are going to Asia to defuse tensions and negotiate a pause in China's rare earth export controls. Trump has mixed views on the meeting.
Trump imposes sanctions on Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft, following EU's approval of sanctions for Moscow's war against Ukraine. Britain has also sanctioned these companies. Treasury Secretary urges allies to join in sanctions. Oil prices increase and Trump cancels summit with Putin, hoping for short-term sanctions. EU also bans Russian LNG imports.
In India, the consumer sector is witnessing a major change in leadership, with 1 in 3 CEOs switching roles in the last 3 years. 57% of these leaders moved from multinational corporations to Indian firms, driven by generational changes and increasing trust in local brands. Indian companies are also offering competitive compensation, making them attractive for global talent.
Infosys promoters opt out of Rs 18,000 crore buyback exercise, details revealed in SEC filing. Record date yet to be announced. Buyback regulations allow promoters to participate. Promoters include Sudha Gopalakrishnan, Nandan Nilekani, Sudha Murty, Narayana Murthy, Rohan Murty, and Akshata Murty. Buyback price set at Rs 1,800 per share. Indian IT giants like Wipro, TCS
This Diwali season, UPI transactions reached a new peak, driven by festive spending and lower GST rates. On October 18, the platform processed 754 million payments worth Rs 1.02 lakh crore, the highest single-day tally. During the three-day period, average volumes and transactions were higher than the previous month. This reflects the sustained momentum in retail and merchant payments.
Zoho, a top Indian IT company, has created advanced software used by 130 million people in 150 countries. CEO Mani Vembu prioritizes long-term success and producing world-class products. Tally, an accounting software, has also revolutionized tasks for businesses. But, there is a demand for more Indian-made IT innovations to compete globally.
NHRC issues notices to police chiefs of Kerala, Manipur and Tripura over attacks on three journalists. Victims were hospitalized and cases were registered by police. Commission takes suo motu cognisance of media reports and asks for detailed report. Journalists attacked with sticks and sharp weapons, shot with air gun, and assaulted by group of people.
Vibe coding, a rising trend in tech, involves using AI and simple prompts to create apps. Startups in India and globally are developing these tools, targeting non-technical users and small businesses. Despite gaining traction and funding, concerns about the quality and security of AI-generated code remain. Experts predict a hybrid model where human developers refine and secure the final product.
Private sector banks saw improved asset quality in Q2, with lower slippages leading to a decline in GNPA and net NPA ratios. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank reported sequential improvements, while IndusInd Bank and IDFC First also saw a decrease in their ratios. Lenders remain focused on maintaining a healthy asset quality while balancing growth and prudence in the face of evolving macro conditions.
Karnataka Police SIT uncovers that a data centre operator was paid Rs 80 for each fraudulent deletion in Aland's voter list. Rahul Gandhi had accused BJP of "vote chori" and SIT raided properties of BJP leader Subhash Guttedar, seizing laptops and mobile phones. Investigation reveals 75 mobile numbers were used to make fake requests for voter list changes.
Zoho's CEO Mani Vembu talks about their indigenous messaging platform, Arattai, as a cost-effective and innovative alternative to global apps. With a user-centric approach and emphasis on privacy, Arattai aims to connect family conversations across mobile and TV screens. Full encryption services for messaging are also in development.
A new study has found that large language models, the backbone of artificial intelligence (AI), fed on a diet of meme threads & clickbait content suffer irreversible “brain rot” leading to cognitive decline. Careful data curation is therefore critical to protect the integrity of AI systems
The ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has rejected the request for an extension on the deadline for implementing mandatory anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on two-wheelers below 125cc. The cost impact of adding ABS is manageable and prices have come down with the lowering of GST rates.
Reckitt, a British FMCG major, reported a 7% growth in net revenue on a like-for-like basis in the September quarter. The company's performance in India was impacted by the implementation of GST rate changes, resulting in a shift of trade orders to Q4. Despite this, its brands, including Dettol and Durex, saw growth in the Indian market.
The government has given the 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, an extra month to submit its report on tax devolution and grants for the next five years. States have asked for a larger share of the tax pool and some want a decrease in income disparity weightage. The Commission was appointed in December 2023 and is due to submit its report by November 30.
The Food Ministry has announced that edible oil units must register on the national portal and declare monthly stock to avoid penal action. The industry has responded positively with many units registering, ensuring accurate data collection and improved policy intervention. The new regulations apply to all entities involved in production, processing, blending, or re-packing of edible oils.
Even as Washington’s decision to ease H-1B visa fees offers short-term relief for thousands of Indian students and professionals, it may not be the full picture. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned that the Trump administration’s volatile immigration policies could ultimately disrupt India’s future talent flow to the US.
The Select Committee on Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, chaired by Baijayant Panda, is seeking input from experts, industry bodies, and stakeholders to improve India's insolvency framework. The committee is reviewing the amendment Bill and will submit recommendations to the government after consulting with stakeholders.
MeitY has proposed new amendments to regulate deepfakes and other synthetic content under the Information Technology Rules. This marks the first legal definition of such content and will require social media platforms to label and identify it. The rules will also apply to significant social media intermediaries.
CDSCO has released a draft guidance document to clarify regulatory aspects of medical device software, including in vitro diagnostic software. The guidelines provide scope, classification, and quality management system requirements for domestic manufacturers and importers. The software is categorized into SiMD and SaMD.
The Indian government has increased fertilizer imports by 75% to meet demand for the upcoming season, due to previous shortages and supply disruptions. This surge could lead to the current fiscal year's fertiliser subsidy bill exceeding budget estimates, with overall imports expected to exceed 18 MT. The low retail price of fertilizers is also a contributing factor.
Belgian court rules that fugitive Mehul Choksi, main accused in Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, faces no risk of ill-treatment or unfair trial if extradited to India. Court dismisses Choksi's appeal against extradition, stating he failed to provide evidence of torture or denial of justice. India's case for extradition validated, Choksi can appeal to Belgium's Supreme Court.
Journalist Vir Sanghvi has shared a detailed account of his experience at Delhi airport customs, accusing officials of harassment and calling on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take action. He described a "harrowing exchange" with officials who searched his and his wife's bags, and found nothing. When He asked what had raised their suspicion, but they did not answer.
Cisco is witnessing a rise in the use of AI in customer experience by Indian enterprises, but most are in the initial stages of implementation. Only 21% have the required infrastructure for AI workloads, and updating networks is vital for progress.
NHAI to use Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) to collect data on road inventory and pavement condition in 23 states covering 20,933 km. This data will be uploaded on NHAI's 'AI' based portal Data Lake for analysis and decision-making.
NABARD and AICIL are working together to extend weather-linked insurance products to all farmers, including those in the dairy and fisheries sectors. This will provide timely and effective support in case of losses due to weather variations. NABARD also plans to develop a credit score system for farmers and create insurance products for Farmer Producer Organisations.
In 2007, the Sensex was rising rapidly, reaching 19,000 points in just four days. The market regulator, Sebi, under M Damodaran, proposed to ban P-notes, a popular investment instrument for foreign investors. However, after a 1,700 point fall in the Sensex, the ban was not implemented.
India's commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal, stressed the need for self-reliance and diversification of supply chains to mitigate vulnerabilities. He also highlighted the country's willingness to pay more for domestically made products and the importance of south-south cooperation in addressing critical mineral and environmental issues.
The general insurance industry is expecting a boost in motor insurance premiums in the second half of the financial year due to festive demand and the GST rate cut. ICICI Lombard and SBI General have already seen growth in premium income, and other insurers are also reporting strong numbers.
LG Electronics India is set to introduce the 'Essential' series of home appliances, catering to the mass-market segment. This range will offer top-notch features at a reasonable price, tapping into the rising demand for cost-effective options. The company is also prioritizing its B2B portfolio, with plans to manufacture and export from India.
South Indian Bank recorded its highest-ever quarterly net profit of ₹351.36 crore in Q2FY26, thanks to growth in MSME and retail segments, readiness for ECL framework, and careful handling of jewel loans. Retail and MSME disbursements saw substantial growth, while credit costs remained low.
Mutual funds trimmed small-cap exposure as institutional flows from EPFO, NPS, insurance funds, and AIFs chased large-cap stocks, Jefferies said in its latest India equities report. While SIP inflows stayed strong and domestic equity flows steady, fund managers booked profits amid stretched small-cap valuations.
Singer Lucky Ali apologized for calling lyricist-filmmaker Javed Akhtar 'ugly as f**k' after a clip of Akhtar's purported comment on the Hindu-Muslim dynamic in India went viral. Ali clarified that it was a mistaken communique and that he meant arrogance is ugly. Akhtar, who identifies as an atheist, has faced backlash from both Hindu and Muslim groups for his views.
Kotak Mahindra Bank is set to release its Q2FY26 results on October 24. Analysts expect the bank to deliver a stable quarter, with a focus on NIMs, growth outlook, and asset quality. Axis Securities and InCred Equities anticipate a pickup in growth and outperformance in margins, while Anand Rathi predicts a 7% increase in NII and 3.6% rise in PAT.