Jodhpur RIFF, the iconic folk music festival, is back this October with its 18th edition, featuring artists from Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Syria, Switzerland, Portugal, the UK, Poland, Finland, Spain, Canada, and Colombia. The five-day festival will showcase the finest of folk traditions through midnight jams, dawn concerts, fort festivities, and unique collaborations.
Skyscanner's report predicts the top 5 trending destinations for 2026 based on the increase in search volume for flights and accommodations. These destinations include Jorhat, India; Jaffna, Sri Lanka; Muscat, Oman; Queenstown, New Zealand; and Chiang Rai, Thailand. The report also highlights the growing interest of travellers in exploring lesser-known gems and seeking deeper cultural connections.
Pavel Durov, the founder-CEO of Telegram, is known for his intense lifestyle and AI-like appearance. But his success is also attributed to his disciplined mind and avoidance of addictive substances since he was 11. He believes they paralyze brain cells and avoids using his phone, considering it a distraction from his priorities and societal progress.
Indian equity indices closed higher on October 9, with Nifty and Sensex gaining 135.65 and 398.44 points respectively. GIFT Nifty started Friday's trading lower at 25,241. Investors are monitoring global cues like crude oil prices, gold rates, and currency movements. Asian markets were mixed, while US markets ended lower. US dollar index and crude oil prices were also down.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, a critic of President Trump, faces charges of bank fraud and making false statements on a mortgage application. This is seen as part of the administration's targeting of political opponents. James denies any wrongdoing and Trump has also launched investigations into Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
Key earnings, restructuring updates, and expansion moves from big names like TCS, Tata Motors, NTPC, Tata Elxsi, ICICI Prudential Life, RailTel, and Lloyds Engineering made headlines. Indian equity markets closed on a positive note on October 9, with benchmark indices extending their gains.
RBI appoints Sanjay Kumar Hansda as executive director, effective March 3. Hansda previously served as senior adviser to ED (India), IMF and will now oversee the department of economic and policy research. He has also held various positions within RBI and had a stint at Bank of England. Fintech inclusion and global thinking emphasized by RBI Governor.
Kotak Mutual Fund has halted lumpsum/switch-in investments in its silver ETF fund due to a sharp increase in domestic silver premiums, which reached 12% on Thursday. The shortage in domestic supply is expected to continue until October. Existing SIPs/STPs are unaffected and the fund will resume lumpsum/switch-in subscriptions once the situation stabilizes.
Amazon India has joined hands with FITPASS to provide subscription-based fitness services on its e-commerce platform, marking its entry into the subscription sector. This move aims to cater to the increasing demand for health and wellness among individuals under 35 years old.
India and UK announce nine British universities to establish campuses in India, aligning with NEP 2020. The campuses will offer UK degrees locally and promote joint research initiatives and partnerships between academia and industry. The move aims to drive innovation and skill development across key sectors. This expansion strengthens long-term India-UK ties and enhances the UK's global influence.
Modi and Trump discussed the progress of their trade negotiations, with the first phase set to conclude in November. They agreed to stay in touch and talked about removing tariffs and duties. Modi also congratulated Trump on the success of the Gaza peace plan. An agreement may be reached before the deadline.
Sebi plans to shorten registration time for foreign investors to a few days through digitalization and may make it mandatory for new investors. Other measures include a one-stop regulatory hub and SWAGAT-FI to improve ease of doing business for FPIs. Despite withdrawals, Sebi is confident in India's growth and implementing bold reforms to attract FPIs.
In September, the life insurance industry experienced a 15% rise in new business premiums, driven by both LIC and private insurers. However, LIC saw a 28% drop in individual premiums, while private insurers had a 2% decline in policies sold. Analysts anticipate a subdued second quarter due to GST exemption and loss of input tax credit.
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Hyundai Motor India, two of India's top automakers, will face challenges in complying with the upcoming CAFÉ 3 regulations, which favor smaller cars, hybrids, and flex-fuel vehicles. The new norms, set to take effect in 2027, will be more stringent and require a heavy reliance on EVs.
Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL) has relaunched the iconic sachet personal care brand Velvette in a new and contemporary avatar. The refreshed portfolio includes premium soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and more. The relaunch is in collaboration with the CK Rajkumar family, who signed an MoU with RCPL in February. The products will be rolled out in Tamil Nadu first and then pan-India.
Avaada Group signs MoU with Gujarat government to invest ₹36,000 crore in solar, wind, and BESS projects. Projects will add 5 GW of solar power, 1 GW of wind power, and 5 GWh of BESS capacity to the state. Expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen grid reliability. Gujarat government assures full support for speedy implementation.
The World of Concrete India 2025 exhibition, organized by Informa Markets, has drawn 14,000+ visitors and 250+ exhibitors. Sustainability is the key focus, with top companies showcasing advanced technologies. Experts state that the real estate, construction, and infrastructure sectors play a vital role in India's GDP and are adopting sustainable practices.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported a 5.4% drop in net profit for the July-September quarter due to a one-time restructuring cost. However, excluding this charge, profit rose by 1.1% and operating margin expanded to 25.8%. Revenue also saw a 3.7% growth and deal activity remained robust. The company is focused on investing in emerging technologies, particularly AI.
Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest IT services firm, reported a decrease of 19,755 employees in the September quarter, with a total headcount of 593,314. Attrition was at 13.3%, below the previous quarter but above the target range. TCS also announced a 2% layoff with a generous severance package, as part of a restructuring exercise. The company remains optimistic about its adaptability.
PM Modi and UK PM Starmer spoke at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, highlighting India's people-centric approach to AI and its significance in the Global South. The UK-India fintech corridor and collaboration between the London Stock Exchange and GIFT City aim to boost startup innovation and financial integration. PM Modi also emphasized India's trust layer through digital systems.
China has tightened export controls on rare earths and their processing technologies, creating obstacles for countries like India who want to develop advanced manufacturing capabilities. These new restrictions require export licenses for products containing Chinese rare earths and prevent Chinese companies from forming overseas partnerships without approval.
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.
L&T's Hydrocarbon Onshore business, in partnership with CCC, has won a Rs 15,000 crore contract for a natural gas liquids plant in West Asia. The project involves engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of a plant to process rich associated gas, reaffirming L&T's reputation as a reliable partner in delivering large energy infrastructure projects and showcasing its global reach.
Tata Trusts to discuss philanthropic projects at meeting, amidst infighting between chairman Noel Tata and vice chairman Venu Srinivasan versus other board members. Meeting gains importance due to ongoing disputes over board appointments and governance.
Qualcomm's India strategy is now focused on AI, XR, automotive technology, and IoT, which will shape its business in the next three years. The company's senior director, Singh, believes that while mobile chipsets still generate most of their revenue, diversification is becoming increasingly important. They are also developing locally relevant XR products and integrating AI into Wi-Fi.
Indian agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the importance of India determining its own course in the face of unpredictable global politics and trade. He also acknowledged the country's reliance on food imports and revealed plans to boost pulses production by 40% in six years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch these efforts on October 11, along with over 1,100 projects.
The NSE's RFQ platform experienced a surge in September, with a volume of Rs 1.65 lakh crores and 1.36 lakh trades. This growth can be attributed to investors seeking better opportunities in a low-rate environment, as well as the active push from OBPP and Sebi's regulatory measures. Mutual funds and insurers are now required to conduct a specified percentage of their secondary market trades.
The government will not offer a bailout to Vodafone Idea, according to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The rollout of satellite broadband services will be determined by licensed companies' strategies and Trai's spectrum pricing. The government aims to bridge the digital divide and promote fair competition through satellite networks.
India and the UK have signed two major defence deals worth $800 million and announced collaboration in education, clean energy, AI, and critical minerals. Plans for a new research hub in Bengaluru and nine UK university campuses in India were unveiled. Other highlights include cooperation in military training and a joint investment in the Climate Tech Start-up Fund.
The US Administration's consideration of excluding generic medicines from proposed new import tariffs has lifted pharma shares, with key stocks recording strong gains. The move is seen as a potential relief for Indian drugmakers who earn a large share of their revenues from the US market. The proposal, still under review, aims to reduce dependence on imports and boost local production.
The agriculture ministry has instructed states to conduct mid-season crop loss assessment under PMFBY to provide timely compensation to farmers affected by heavy rainfall. States are also advised to monitor progress and release premium subsidy to insurance companies. Despite obstacles, over Rs 1.86 lakh crore has been paid to farmers under PMFBY since 2016, with a rise in participation.
Sebi reduces penalties for stock brokers by over 60% and introduces a uniform penalty structure across exchanges. This technology-driven approach aims to eliminate double jeopardy, lower costs, and prioritize critical risks. The circular also introduces a joint annual inspection for stock brokers and proposes not counting technical glitches as violations.
Ratan Tata, India's legendary industrialist and philanthropist, passed away on October 9, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. He was known for his sharp business acumen and empathetic nature, and had once invested in a Bollywood thriller with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. Despite having all the right ingredients, the movie failed to click with the audience.
India's healthcare spending is predicted to rise by 2047 due to an aging population, growing non-communicable diseases, and late diagnosis. This will push health expenditure to 6-7% of GDP, but returns will be low. The population aged 40 and above is expected to triple, causing an increase in disease rates and hospitalizations. The report recommends active disease management interventions.
PM Modi invites UK businesses to join India in its development journey by opening up the nuclear power sector to the private sector. He emphasizes the country's focus on energy targets and infrastructure development, urging collaboration in green energy, critical minerals, and rare earths. The government aims to increase renewable energy capacity to 1800 GW and nuclear energy to 100 GW by 2047.
Analysts forecast weak financial results for banks in the second quarter due to factors like low loan growth, compressed net interest margins, and weak fee income. Private sector banks may only see a 2% profit growth, while public sector banks will have limited profits due to poor treasury performance. Net interest income is expected to stay the same, but margins are predicted to improve.
Mukesh Ambani, chairman and MD of Reliance Industries Limited, retains the top spot in India's richest people list with a net worth of $105 billion. Gautam Adani, founder of the Adani Group, claims the second spot with $92 billion, followed by Savitri Jindal with $40.2 billion. Sunil Mittal, Shiv Nadar, and Radhakishan Damani are also among the top 10 wealthiest individuals in India.
TCS, a leading IT company, exceeded expectations with its Q2 results, reporting higher profits and revenue. Despite incurring a restructuring expense of Rs 1,135 crore, the company did not disclose its attrition rate or total headcount. Expenses rose due to employee benefits. The company announced a dividend of Rs 11 per share and formed a new AI business entity.
Canara Robeco Asset Management Company's initial public offering (IPO) was subscribed 23% on the first day of bidding, with bids for 79,38,112 shares against 3,48,98,051 shares on offer. The IPO, which will conclude on October 13, has a price band of Rs 253 to Rs 266 per share and is solely an offer for sale (OFS) of 4.98 crore equity shares. The company, which
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest information technology company, is heavily investing in AI and data centres in line with the India AI Mission. The company aims to become the world's largest AI-led technology services company and has announced strategic plans and partnerships to achieve this. TCS has also launched a new entity for AI infrastructure development
The UK and India have signed a £350 million contract for UK-made missiles, strengthening their defence partnership. The deal was announced during British PM Keir Starmer's visit to Mumbai, securing 700 jobs and paving the way for a broader weapons partnership. Starmer has been focusing on the defence sector, while both leaders hailed the potential of their trade agreement.
India's renewable energy capacity has reached 256 GW, with 23 GW added in the first five months of the fiscal year. Solar energy accounts for 127.33 GW and wind capacity is at 53.12 GW. The country aims to reach 500 GW by 2030 and 1,800 GW by 2047. However, there has been a slowdown in bidding and delays in signing power sale for RE projects.
Tata Consultancy Services announced a dividend of Rs 11 per share with record and payment dates set for October 15 and November 4 respectively. The company's operating margins have improved by 70 basis points to 25.2% in Q2 FY26. Cash flow from operations was at 110.1% of net income. Despite a 5.3% QoQ decline in net profit, TCS reported a net profit of Rs 12,075 crore in Q
A Reddit post detailing a manager's request for an employee to take pills and come to work despite a headache has gained over 3,900 upvotes. Users have criticised the manager's behaviour and suggested involving HR. Some even joked about reporting more serious health issues in the future. The manager's comparison of the workplace to school has sparked further outrage.
Mumbai University, the only Indian university on the list, ranks 8th globally for producing 22 billionaire alumni, including Mukesh Ambani. Harvard and Stanford top the list with the most billionaire alumni. The inclusion of universities from Asia reflects the region's increasing presence in the global billionaire landscape.
Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has announced its first all-women wing, named "Jamaat-ul-Mominaat", led by Masood Azhar's sister Sadiya Azhar. The group is actively recruiting the wives of JeM commanders and economically vulnerable women. This comes after India destroyed several terror camps, including JeM's headquarters, in Operation Sindoor.
Indian equity benchmarks closed higher as metal stocks shone. The Nifty 50 and Sensex both saw gains of 0.54% and 0.49% respectively. Nifty Metal outperformed all sectoral indices, while Nifty Bank and midcap stocks also surged. 86 stocks hit a fresh 52-week high and 90 touched a new 52-week low. JSW Steel was the top gainer while Axis Bank was the biggest loser.
Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-origin American politician, drew thousands of attendees at Turning Point USA's "This is the Turning Point" tour in Bozemon, Montana. While thousands of eventgoers showered him with rousing applause, Nalin Haley criticised Ramaswamy's views on social media. Haley's son, Nalin, hit out against Ramaswamy's response to the question "What is an American?"
The GST reform has positively impacted the manufacturing sector, with a FICCI survey showing increased optimism and expectations of higher domestic demand and orders. The sector is also expected to see a boost in hiring, with 57% of respondents planning to add more workers in the next three months. However, challenges like labour shortage and high production costs persist.
The Indian Air Force commemorated its 93rd anniversary with a menu that mocks Pakistan and showcases their strength through dishes named after targets destroyed in Operation Sindoor. The validity of the posts is uncertain, but the IAF chief disclosed that they downed 4-5 Pakistani fighter jets during the operation.
Karnataka Deputy CM defends Bengaluru's traffic and has compared it to other major cities, including London. He claims that it takes three hours to travel by car in London. Shivakumar further claimed that it takes 1.5 hours to travel from the Airport to Parliament in Delhi. He also claimed that the noise around traffic in Bengaluru is because of the free media.