As Diwali approaches, India is filled with anticipation and preparations for the festival of lights. Families are making checklists and shopping for new outfits, puja essentials, and groceries. The tradition of buying gold during Diwali is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and also has many practical usages. So it is important to know how to verify the purity and authenticity of gold. Here is a detailed guide.
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing of Vodafone Idea's plea against additional AGR demands by DoT until October 27. The plea aims to dismiss the demands and instruct DoT to review and reconcile all AGR dues. Vodafone Idea argues that calculation errors have caused duplicate entries and their previous plea to correct them was denied.
Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi was killed while covering the turmoil in Gaza City. His death comes after US President Trump announced a ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas. Aljafarawi was known for livestreaming scenes from Gaza and was fatally shot by armed militia. Footage of his body in a press flak jacket has been shared by activists.
Salman Khan's 2025 release, Sikandar, failed at the box office, grossing only Rs 211 crore worldwide. During a recent episode of Bigg Boss 19, Khan took a dig at the film's director, AR Murugadoss, who had previously blamed the star for the film's failure. Khan also revealed that producer Sajid Nadiadwala had escaped from the criticism.
Motilal Oswal's report identifies promising stocks such as capital goods, quick commerce, and retail sector companies. One stock has a potential upside of 26%, and Avenue Supermarts receives a buy rating with a target price of Rs 5,000 per share. Swiggy and Kirloskar Oil Engines also receive buy recommendations with target prices of Rs 550 per share.
Waaree Renewable Tech saw a 13.5% increase in share price, reaching an all-time high of Rs 1,287 on the NSE. This was driven by a more than doubling of their consolidated net profit to Rs 116.34 crore in Q2 FY26. The company's strong performance was attributed to robust execution, sectoral tailwinds, and expansion into new energy verticals. Their order book stands at 3.48 GWp.
Anime's popularity is growing globally, especially in India, where it is surpassing other entertainment genres. The world's largest anime library, Crunchyroll, reports a significant increase in viewership in India. A recent study commissioned by Crunchyroll reveals that over 1.5 billion people are actively watching or interested in anime.
Delhi's Vasant Kunj area is facing a severe water shortage, which may lead to the shutdown of three top malls - Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj, DLF Promenade, and DLF Emporio - right before Diwali. This could greatly impact their business as they host popular brands and experience a surge in sales during the festive season. The water scarcity has also affected the food courts.
Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist from Bihar, lost 30 kg through simple lifestyle changes like running, improving sleep duration, and following a healthy diet. His journey not only inspired millions but also improved his overall health parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels.
The viral video from Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 shows contestant Ishit Bhatt confidently answering questions without waiting for options, impressing host Amitabh Bachchan. However, his winning streak ends when he gets a question wrong. The episode also introduces Angel Naithani, a sixth-grade student who becomes a rollover contestant.
Amid fears that the US government shutdown will drag on for the third week straight, nearly 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed, while hundreds of thousands more are working without pay, the Guardian reported on October 12.
Rupee falls 5 paise against US dollar due to strong American currency and risk-off tone globally. RBI monitoring depreciation of USD INR pair towards 88.80, hovering near all-time closing low. Market sentiment shaped by global cues and RBI's policy stance. Dollar index eases amid softer US-China trade tensions. Sensex and Nifty also decline. India's forex reserves fall to USD 699.96 billion.
Radhakishan Damani, India's retail king, is worth more than $17 billion thanks to his successful IPO of Avenue Supermarts, also known as DMart. His real-estate empire includes a luxurious bungalow worth Rs 1000 crore, 28 apartments at Worli's Dr Annie Besant Road worth Rs 1238 crore, and a beachfront resort in Alibaug.
Voice actor Aleks Le, known for his roles in popular anime, met English actor Charlie Cox at New York Comic Con 2025. Cox inspired Le's high school acting debut as Daredevil. Fans were excited to see the two "variants" together and Le expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
LG Electronics India's IPO will debut on October 14, with a GMP of 32%. The issue was subscribed 54.02 times and managed by top investment banks and K. It is a highly anticipated listing of one of the biggest consumer electronics issues of the year, but no proceeds will go to the company as it was entirely an offer for sale. Investors are eagerly awaiting its listing.
The NDA has released its seat-sharing plan for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, with BJP and JD(U) each contesting 101 seats, LJP (Ram Vilas) getting 29 seats, and RLM and HAM receiving 6 seats each. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari warned that BJP will eliminate JDU after the elections. RLM's Upendra Kushwaha has expressed disappointment over the allotment of seats.
Donald Trump is set to attend the Gaza peace summit alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who will co-host the meeting of more than 20 world leaders. The summit will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, following Trump’s visit to Israel, where he will speak at the Knesset and meet families of hostages taken during the recent conflict.
The 2025-26 NBA Regular Season will start with some players sitting out due to health concerns. The opening night will feature Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers. Other notable games include Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks, and Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers.
Indian equity indices opened lower due to renewed trade tensions between the US and China. The NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex opened 0.29% lower, while Bank Nifty opened 0.20% lower. Small and midcap stocks also opened negatively. However, global markets may stabilise as President Trump's latest comments suggest the trade war may be averted.
Kantara Chapter 1, a mythological action-thriller directed by Rishab Shetty, has become a box office hit, earning over Rs 500 crore in just 11 days. The film has been praised by industry experts and has performed exceptionally well in all languages, with the Kannada version leading the way. Despite crossing the Rs 600 crore mark globally, it may not have made a profit yet.
Naveen Jindal, chairman of Jindal Group and Kurukshetra MP, criticised IndiGo after his daughter's custom-built wheelchair was returned in a "bent, unusable" condition. Sminu Jindal, who was returning from a fest in Goa, expressed her disappointment on social media and suggested that airlines create a dedicated, protected space on flights for wheelchairs and also sensitise their staff.
Prashanth Shenoy, a former H-1B visa holder in the US, made the brave decision to return to India and build products from his home country. Despite initial doubts, he has now created a successful company and is living the American-Indian dream. He said many are giving up on H-1B visa not just to build American dream but American-Indian (AI) dream.
Days after Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy and began restructuring, another airline, Verijet, a private jet startup, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida’s Southern District Court. The filing comes just weeks after the sudden death of founder Richard Kane and mounting lawsuits against the company.
HCLTech to announce Q2 results today, senior management to hold audio conference call at 7:30 p.m. (IST). Key factors to watch out for include impact of H-1B visa fee hike and US tariff, steady growth in BFSI and Hi-Tech segments, strong deal TCV/pipeline, and margin expansion. Other factors to watch include performance of services segment and progress on AI-driven transformation.
Two people were killed on Sunday afternoon after a small plane crashed near Hicks Airfield, north of Fort Worth, Texas, the NYT reported. According to the authorities, the plane crashed into several trailers and campers, setting them and a nearby building on fire before bursting into flames itself.
US VP urges China to be reasonable in trade talks, claiming US has advantage but hoping for peaceful resolution. Trump threatens tariffs and software export blocks, causing tension. China calls for negotiations and vows to protect their interests.
As the US government shutdown drags into its second week, millions of taxpayers are growing anxious about whether the IRS will extend upcoming tax deadlines.
Saahil Goel, MD and CEO of Shiprocket, along with his co-founders Gautam Kapoor, Vishesh Khurana, and Akshay Ghulati, started the company in 2012 after realizing the lack of affordable technology, shipping, and payment options for small businesses in India. They have since raised Rs 260 crore in funding and have helped over 100,000 small businesses reach 100 million Indian online shoppers.
Retail investors' involvement in IPOs has dropped, with lower subscription and listing gains. They typically focus on the listing pop and grey market. But the secondary market is rebounding, and long-term investment in IPOs is recommended. Traditional industries dominate the IPO market, while tech startups are a minority.
Billionaires are preparing for an uncertain future by investing in fortified bunkers and private islands. This trend raises questions about their motivations and the potential social implications. While some cite climate change and pandemics, others fear social unrest and see bunkers as a way to insulate themselves from chaos.
Honeywell's Trueno U8000 soundbar offers a solution for the poor sound quality of modern TVs due to their slim designs. With 700 watt Dolby Atmos output and a 5.1 channel setup, it provides a 3D surround sound experience perfect for gaming, movies, and music. The soundbar supports wireless streaming and has four EQ modes.
The TWS earbuds market is evolving with advanced technology and features like miniaturized sensors, AI processing, and Bluetooth. Skullcandy's Uproar TWS headset offers 46 hours of battery life and noise cancellation. Mivi AI Buds have a built-in assistant and specialized avatars. Headphone Zone X KZ EDX Pro is affordable and provides good sound quality and comfort.
The integration of AI in schools has the potential to revolutionize education and empower students. However, concerns about deployment, teacher training, and impact on learning must be addressed. Generative AI is already being used by some teachers, but students' understanding of AI should be carefully nurtured. It is crucial to address biases, ethics, and the risk of overdependence on AI.
HCL Healthcare study reveals alarming levels of low mood, anxiety, and poor sleep among employees. CEO Shikhar Malhotra stresses the need for action and discusses the changing corporate mindset towards mental health. He also highlights HCL Healthcare's efforts to tackle these issues, including their comprehensive digital platform, Habit Health, and plans for expansion.
Germany has a remarkably low rate of road fatalities compared to India, despite having some roads with no speed limits. This is due to the country's emphasis on discipline, road culture, and infrastructure, which promote safe driving. The orderly traffic, adherence to rules, and unique emergency corridor system make driving in Germany a safe experience even at high speeds.
The All India Management Association (AIMA) is working towards democratizing access to high-quality B-schools in India by collaborating with existing universities and offering online courses. This is made possible by the new emphasis on flexible education, as permitted by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the post-Covid-19 environment.
Telecom operators are calling for fair regulations in the satellite communication and over-the-top platform market, as global satellite players prepare to enter the broadband market. They are concerned about asymmetrical regulation, regulatory delays, and the structure of approvals for satellite-based connectivity. They also want OTT platforms to contribute to infrastructure expenses.
BMW Group India has achieved a significant feat by selling more than 5,000 electric vehicles, thanks to a strong infrastructure and a range of appealing models. The company's customer-centric approach, including a 4,000-km high-power charging corridor and digital services, has helped combat range anxiety.
India and the EU are close to finalizing a free trade agreement by the end of the year. The recent 14th round of negotiations addressed key areas such as tariff reductions, rules of origin, services trade, and investments. The Indian Commerce Minister will visit Brussels to further progress the talks. India wants duty-free access for labor-intensive imports and EU is pushing for tax reductions.
Boat, a popular D2C startup in the wearable-tech industry, is struggling as it gears up for its delayed IPO. Its parent company, Imagine Marketing, has seen a decline in revenue for two consecutive years, mirroring the slump in the wearables market. To attract investors, Boat's co-founders are now concentrating on premiumization and expanding their product range.
Ericsson is gearing up for the commercial launch of 6G by 2028-2030, with AI as a key component. India, a top focus market for the company, is expected to play a crucial role in this transition due to its rapid adoption of 5G. Ericsson's Pune factory, which has scaled up for 5G, now contributes to exports. The company also sees potential in enterprise use cases and IoT applications.
The SP Group's demand for Tata Sons to list has gained support from experts, as it would unlock value and reduce Tata Trusts' influence. However, the RBI's rule on NBFCs is seen as excessive. While Tata Capital has listed, the plans for Tata Sons remain uncertain. The group believes listing will bring transparency and respect for their legacy and future.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) exceeded expectations in the September quarter, leading to a positive outlook for the IT sector. Analysts predict a rebound in technology spending in the second half of the year, but remain cautious about the impact on TCS's competitors. TCS's strong performance and commentary are seen as a potential turning point for the industry, driven by major deals.
ICAI is collaborating with the government to enhance financial opportunities for MDPs in India. The government aims to promote local professional service firms in the rapidly expanding global consulting and auditing industry. ICAI is exploring funding options and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has formed a group to bolster the domestic ecosystem for consulting and auditing firms.
Indian companies are shifting their focus to West Asia for growth as developed markets face trade barriers. Tech startups, jewellers, and consumer brands are being drawn to the region, which is positioning itself as an economic corridor to the west. Infrastructure and engineering firms are seeking business in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while Dubai's tax-free zones remain popular.
InCred Capital, an investment bank, is planning a Rs 500-crore equity fundraising that will make it the second unicorn within the InCred Group. The company has strong financial metrics and is expected to generate revenue of Rs 1,000 crore in FY26. Its founder and CEO, Bhupinder Singh, owns 42.5% and renowned investors such as Ranjan Pai and Ravi R. Pillai Group are among its shareholders.
Indian brands Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor have significantly increased their presence in India's electric three-wheeler market, with a combined market share of 30%. This segment, dominated by small players importing parts from China, sees monthly sales of 60,000-65,000 units.
Fresh commerce startups are back with a new strategy and investor confidence, as seen with Handpickd, KPN Farm Fresh, and FirstClub securing major investments. This marks a shift towards prioritizing sustainable margins and quality over speed, after the initial farm-to-table startups couldn't keep up with quick commerce's rapid expansion.
FMCG companies are facing challenges in sales growth due to GST reforms, with some reporting low to mid-single-digit revenue growth. Marico and AWL Agri Business saw growth, while HUL expects a recovery in November. Dabur and GCPL also saw mid-single digit revenue growth, but Ebitda is likely to decline. Kiranas have been slow in passing on GST benefits.
Gujarat's groundnut production, which accounts for over half of India's total output, is expected to remain unchanged at 4.6 MT during the 2025-26 kharif season due to adverse weather conditions. Despite an increase in acreage, productivity declined due to a dry spell followed by excessive rainfall. The SEA Groundnut Promotion Council conducted crop assessments.