The deaths of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh due to contaminated cough syrup have highlighted issues with quality control and reporting in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The presence of a toxic chemical, diethylene glycol, is believed to be the cause. This has raised concerns about India's reputation as a major pharmaceutical producer and the need for stricter regulations and accountability.
Indian indices opened lower for the Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty, but small and midcap stocks saw a higher opening. The market is expected to improve due to the GAZA peace accord and potential trade deal between the US and India. Positive developments and changes in FII strategy are promising for the market. Early gainers are SBI Life Insurance and HDFC Bank, while laggards are Tata Steel and TCS.
A federal judge has blocked Trump's deployment of National Guard soldiers in Illinois, while a three-judge panel is expected to do the same in Portland. These cases have major implications for Trump's efforts to deploy military personnel in U.S. cities, with Democratic governors accusing him of misrepresenting protests.
TCS' share price is in the spotlight as they announce plans to construct a 1GW data centre and restructure their workforce, resulting in 20,000 job cuts due to skill mismatch. Margins and concerns about TCS's performance have been raised, but Q2 results show a slight increase in net profit and revenue. The company is also expanding into the AI industry with multiple data centres.
Incorporating mindfulness movements throughout the day can help manage stress, boost immunity, and increase productivity. Simple activities like stretching, walking, and deep breathing can clear brain clutter, improve mood and focus, and promote emotional balance. Desk yoga, walking meetings, and breathing breaks are also recommended to reduce stress and promote calm in a fast-paced world.
US Treasure Secretary Scott Bessent accused India and China of fueling Russia's war in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil. He also mentioned that the US is already taking steps to curb this situation, including imposing additional tariffs on India. Bessent believes that India will soon decrease its reliance on Russian oil in favor of US oil, thanks to Trump's tariff regime.
Papa John's is returning to India after 8 years with a mix of small and large-format stores. The brand aims to open 650 restaurants in the next decade, focusing on quality ingredients and fresh baking. Four dine-in outlets have opened in Bengaluru, with plans to expand to other cities and cater to local tastes. They have a tie-up with Coca-Cola and a quality control center in Henn.
Deepika Padukone addresses fallout with filmmakers and her 8-hour workday demand, highlighting gender inequality in the Indian film industry. Confirms upcoming projects with Shah Rukh Khan and Allu Arjun and calls for reform in the industry.
Kantara Chapter 1, the prequel to a popular franchise, earned Rs 400 crore in just 8 days. Despite a 50% drop in sales on Monday, the action-thriller crossed the Rs 200 crore mark in its first weekend. As occupancy slows, the film's success may be losing steam, but the upcoming festive weekend could revive its momentum. Starring Rishab Shetty.
Mamatha Chamarthi, a prominent Indian-American executive, appears to have been removed from Goodyear's website after viral posts accused her of fraud. The posts allege that she is involved in outsourcing jobs to India and receiving kickbacks. Her role at Goodyear and previous involvement with T200 have been questioned.
South Africa secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in the Women's World Cup, thanks to the partnership of Laura Wolvaardt and Nadine de Klerk. Despite a strong start from India's Richa Ghosh, South Africa's persistent batting and strategic play led them to fourth place in the tournament. Wolvaardt and de Klerk's partnership of 69 runs proved crucial in their comeback win.
WeWork India's much-anticipated IPO has finally arrived, but with lackluster investor interest and concerns over corporate governance. The IPO was subscribed 1.15 times, with retail at 0.62 times, QIB at 1.79 times, and NII at 0.23 times. The IPO raised Rs 1,348 crore from
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