The GST Council has introduced a two-tier rate structure with 5%, 12%, 18%, and 40% tax slabs to benefit the common man. This will make personal care items, fitness centers, and travel cheaper, but will result in a loss of revenue. Tobacco and cigarettes will remain expensive.
Reliance Jio's Q2 results showed a shift towards home connectivity, with 8.3 million new users and a total of 506 million subscribers. Fixed broadband and 5G net additions were at 2.4 million and 21 million respectively. FWA and FTTH net adds were 2.1 million and 0.9 million, indicating the success of Jio's home broadband expansion.
Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato and Blinkit, announced a $25 million investment into his independent venture, Continue Research, which focuses on advancing studies in human health and longevity. The funds will support researchers globally and aim to extend the period of healthy human function.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has completed due diligence to acquire government's stake in IDBI Bank, potentially valuing it at $8-10 billion. It is a front runner in the race for the bank and the government aims to finalize the winning bidder by the end of FY26. Final financial bids are expected to be invited soon.
RBL Bank is considering opening bank accounts for Zerodha's 160 million broking clients, potentially bringing in `40,000 crore in deposits. This move could greatly benefit RBL's retail franchise, improving its cost of funds and liquidity profile. The talks come after Emirates NBD's investment in RBL, positioning it for growth in retail, corporate, and digital banking.
Blackstone, a global private equity firm, has purchased a majority stake in Ace Insurance Brokers for Rs 1,700 crore, making it their first investment in India's insurance intermediary market. With this acquisition, Blackstone now holds 70% of the company and plans to increase their investments in India, particularly in infrastructure and logistics.
RBI introduces targeted amendments to its regulation framework for NBFCs, proposing a refined approach to risk weights for infrastructure exposure. Under the new amendment, projects with high-quality infrastructure, satisfactory operations, and robust creditor protections will attract reduced risk weights.
Internet enthusiasts are obsessed with a French detective who appeared at the Louvre heist, sparking speculations and discussions on social media. The dapper man, caught in a photo taken by AP photographer Thibault Camus, has become the main character of the scene without even knowing it. While some believed he was AI-generated, it turns out he is a real person.
RIL, India's largest buyer of Russian crude, is evaluating the effects of US, UK, and Europe's restrictions on oil imports. The company will adjust its refinery operations to meet these guidelines. Sanctions on Russian state-run oil companies may disrupt its supply, but RIL is dedicated to following regulations and safeguarding India's energy security.
The Centre has introduced new options, LC 75 and BLC, for central government employees in the NPS and UPS, allowing a higher equity exposure of up to 75%. This move aims to meet the demand for more investment choices and flexibility in retirement planning.
SBI Cards and Payment Services' net profit increased by 10% in Q3, driven by growth in retail and corporate spending. However, it fell short of market expectations. Online spends saw significant growth, forming 62.5% of total retail spends. The company also added 936,000 new accounts and improved asset quality.
Indian B-schools have experienced a significant increase in international and domestic applications, surpassing the global average. Meanwhile, top GME destinations like the US, Canada, and the UK saw a decline, while Europe saw a rise due to favorable immigration policies and job opportunities.
Nomura economists predict that US sanctions on Russian oil will prompt a trade deal and lower tariffs with the US. India's reliance on other countries for oil could raise global prices, resulting in an extra $1.5 billion cost annually. Refiners, such as RIL, are likely to decrease imports from Russia, causing a less than 2% rise in the import bill.
RBI has proposed a draft circular allowing banks to finance 70% of acquisition value, with the rest coming from the acquirer. The financing can be given to the acquirer or a step-down SPV, and the acquirer must be a listed firm with a good record. The circular also sets limits for capital market exposure and emphasizes monitoring of fund usage and risk assessment. Effective from April 1, 2026.
October is the ideal time for a luxurious road trip in North India, with the GLC providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The journey from Delhi to Agra takes only 2.5 hours on the Yamuna Expressway, and the GLC seamlessly switches from highway to city driving. After the trip, relax at the stunning ITC Mughal Agra, inspired by Mughal architecture. The GLC is priced at Rs 73.97 lakh.
ICAI is amending its Code of Ethics to allow more freedom for chartered accountants in terms of advertising and maintaining their own websites. This move aligns with the government's push for homegrown professional service firms and the potential for expansion through free trade agreements.
Meta has laid off employees in their risk division due to improved internal technology. The company has invested in global technical controls and is transitioning to automated processes. While the risk organisation ensures compliance, the AI division will continue to hire top talent.
India and the US are nearing the completion of a bilateral trade agreement, with most issues resolved and the pact being drafted. Non-tariff barriers have been addressed, indicating a resolution to the main issue of tariffs. However, the announcement may be delayed due to political factors, such as the Bihar elections.
Section 80C and 24 provide tax breaks for renovation loans, but not for principal repayment. Inherited assets are tax exempt, but capital gains tax applies when sold. Interest on fixed deposits is taxable, but not again at maturity. Capital gains not eligible for tax rebate up to Rs12 lakh.
Switching from group health insurance to individual cover is wise for those facing career changes or retirement. It ensures continuous coverage, protection against pre-existing diseases, and minimizes coverage gaps. Individuals can increase sum insured, add riders, and transfer benefits from the group policy. Process must start 30 days before expiry, with premiums based on age and health.
China is currently constructing a new air-defence complex at Pangong Lake in Tibet, just 110 km from a friction point in the 2020 border clashes. The complex includes missile launch positions, barracks, and radar positions, with a replica located just 65 km from the Line of Actual Control. Experts speculate that this complex could house China's long-range HQ-9 Surface-to-Air Missile systems.
Delhi government to use cloud seeding as a temporary measure to tackle toxic pollution and improve air quality. AQI at 293 due to Diwali, but effectiveness of cloud seeding uncertain. Stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and construction dust also major contributors to poor air quality.
Term insurance is essential for HNIs as it guarantees financial security and preserves their lifestyle. ROP option refunds all premiums if no claim is made. Tax-free liquidity and flexible payout structures are available. HNIs should consider a cover of 15 times their annual income, but their intricate finances may require a higher sum assured. Term insurance also aids in estate planning.
NPS Tier 2 account offers higher returns than fixed deposits with no lock-in period, making it suitable for short- and medium-term needs. It is a voluntary savings account with low fund management charges and flexible asset allocation options.
Sebi has restricted mutual fund houses from investing in pre-IPO placements in order to protect retail investors from potential losses. This decision benefits FPIs, family offices, and AIFs who are involved in pre-IPO investments. Additionally, Sebi is exploring the possibility of a regulated platform for trading unlisted shares.
Orkla India, famous for MTR and Eastern food brands, is set to raise Rs 1,667 crore through an OFS starting on October 29. The IPO will offer 22.84 million shares at a price range of Rs 695-730 and will close on October 31. The company plans to use the funds for acquisitions, expanding distribution channels, and consolidating manufacturing units.
Piaggio, the Italian 3W leader, has lost its second position in the market due to a drop in sales and market share. This is due to its weak performance in the CNG segment and slow adaptation to the EV shift. Despite entering the EV market early, Piaggio's market share is lower than Mahindra and Bajaj.
Blackstone, a global private equity firm, is set to acquire a 9.99% stake in Federal Bank through a preferential allotment of warrants. The deal, worth Rs 6,196 crore, will see Blackstone subscribing to 273 million warrants at Rs 227 per share. The dilution will be staggered, with Blackstone becoming the bankers for all its Indian investments.
Netherlands-based broadband company GX Group is investing Rs 3,000 crore in its new subsidiary, GX Quantum Photonics, to develop photonic chips and modules for 5G/6G, AI data centres, EV LiDAR, and quantum communication. Production will begin in FY27 and the venture is supported by Invest International and SMART Photonics BV.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed that despite 20 years of NDA rule, Bihar remains a poor state with widespread unemployment, corruption, and crime. He accused CM Nitish Kumar of being controlled by BJP leaders and promised to provide affordable medicines, jobs, and a clean government if voted to power.
India questions US exemptions from sanctions on Russian oil companies, while being subjected to additional tariffs. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal questions why India is being singled out, while Germany and UK have received exemptions for their local subsidiaries.
India's gold share in foreign exchange reserves has doubled to 13.6% due to record-high global prices and geopolitical uncertainty. Conversely, the share of foreign currency assets has dropped to 83.1%, the lowest ever. Despite a dip in August, India's forex reserves have reached $702 billion in October, close to the all-time high of $705 billion in September 2020.
The government aims to increase the female labour force participation rate (F-LFPR) to 35% by 2030, which currently stands at 26.2%. In the draft National Labour & Employment Policy, the government has proposed measures to enhance F-LFPR, such as safer workplaces and equal pay.
Investor interest in sectoral and thematic mutual funds, specifically in defence, PSUs, manufacturing, and energy transition themes, has increased in September 2025 with net inflows of Rs 69,235 crore. Read the full article to know which sectors were in focus.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed the need to ease the tax burden on honest taxpayers and take strict action against those who evade taxes. She also praised India's successful festive retail sales and encouraged the use of technology for faster registration and grievance redressal.
India's forex reserves increased by $4.496 billion to $702.28 billion, with gold reserves rising. Foreign currency assets decreased by $1.692 billion to $570.411 billion. The value of gold reserves jumped by $6.181 billion to $108.546 billion. The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) increased by $38 million to $18.722 billion
Dr Reddy's Laboratories, a leading pharmaceutical company, saw a 6.36% increase in YoY profit and an 8.9% growth in revenue in the second quarter of FY2025-26. The company's net profit stood at Rs 1,426 crore, up from Rs 1,341 crore in the previous fiscal year. However, there was a decline in EBITDA and gross margin. While the company's Europe business saw a significant growth, its North
"Stranger Things fans can rejoice as the highly anticipated finale episode of the iconic series will be released in theatres and on Netflix simultaneously. The show, which has gained immense popularity since its debut in 2016, will have its final episode released in three parts, with the last one premiering on New Year's Eve.
Sushant Singh Rajput's family challenges the CBI closure report of his death, claiming crucial evidence was withheld and the report is incomplete. This hinders their ability to file protest petitions and for the magistrate to continue proceedings. Despite the CBI giving a clean chit to all accused, the family remains unsatisfied.
Reliance Industries is sending a team to China to expedite the transfer of battery components before new export restrictions are implemented on October 8. This is crucial for their mega solar power project, as Chinese battery makers dominate the global market and concerns about dependence on Beijing have been raised.
Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals (CGCEL) has received a tender worth Rs 445.03 crore from NREDCAP to provide solar rooftop systems under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna. The project, which involves solarizing over 40,000 households in Andhra Pradesh, is expected to be completed in six months. The company will also be responsible for design, engineering, and maintenance for five years.
Bollywood singer-composer Sachin Sanghvi, part of the Sachin-Jigar music composer duo, was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman he promised a chance in a music album and marriage. The woman was approached via Instagram and allegedly assaulted on multiple occasions at his studio. Sanghvi's lawyer denies the allegations and plans to defend them.
Coforge, an IT firm, announced a net profit of Rs 375.8 crore in Q2FY26, an 85.95% increase from the previous year. Revenue also saw a 31.37% increase. The company declared a second interim dividend of Rs 4 per share for FY 2025-26. Coforge signed deals worth $514 million in Q2. The company's attrition rate stood at 11.4%.
SBI Life Insurance's second-quarter profit fell by 7%, impacted by higher operating expenses and commissions paid to boost sales in a competitive market. Despite strong insurance demand in India, rising costs and increased competition have affected the company's net profit, which decreased to Rs 495 crore from Rs 529 crore a year earlier. However, net premium income saw a 22.6% increase
FM Nirmala Sitharaman praises Rs 6.05 lakh crore festival sales, credits new GST reforms. Simplified GST registration process to start from November 1, aimed at simplifying business operations and promoting transparency. Emphasizes on polite and empathetic attitude towards taxpayers, accountability within CBIC, and use of technology to reduce compliance burden.
Delhi Police arrests two suspected ISIS operatives planning a terror strike in Delhi during Diwali. The suspects, both named Adnan, had taken a vow of allegiance for ISIS and had conducted a recce of high-footfall areas in the national capital. Incriminating material, including a video and photos, were recovered from their possession.
ITC Hotels experienced a slight decline in profit of 0.31% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025-26. The company's consolidated net profit was Rs 133.29 crore, compared to Rs 133.71 crore in the same quarter last year. However, there was a 2.8% revenue growth, with consolidated revenue of Rs 832 crore. Sudhir Gupta has been promoted to Vice President of Procurement.
Rakesh, a salaried professional, realized the importance of retirement planning at 35 and set a target of ₹75 lakh by 50. With a systematic investment plan and the power of compounding, even an average salaried individual can achieve this goal. Choosing the right equity fund is crucial for consistent returns. Financial freedom by 50 is achievable with a modest salary.
In 2025, Canada experienced a 60% decrease in international student arrivals. This decline is also reflected in the rejection of 80% of study permit applications from Indian students in Q2. The government's efforts to decrease the overall population have also led to a decrease in the number of temporary foreign workers.
A bus accident in Andhra Pradesh resulted in the death of 20 people after a bike collided with the bus and caused a fire. Survivors had to break windows to escape as the main door was locked. An inquiry has been ordered by the Chief Minister, and the Prime Minister has announced compensation for the families of the victims.
22-year-old cricketer Tilak Varma opened up about his battle with rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition that causes muscle death and kidney failure. He believes his overstraining on rest days and lack of recovery time may have caused it. Rhabdomyolysis can be triggered by intense exercise, dehydration, or certain medications.