Equity MFs deploy Rs 400-crore cash in September

Mutual funds allocated Rs 400 crore from cash balances in September, led by Kotak MF, Nippon India MF, and Quant MF. Some schemes increased cash buffers, while others showed a tilt towards equity.

HCLTech and TCS have different approaches to AI, with TCS investing in infrastructure while HCLTech focuses on partnerships and proprietary IP. TCS aims to be the world's largest AI-led tech company, while HCLTech targets service transformation. HCLTech's AI revenue hit $100 million in September, but wage hikes may affect margins.

Indian Railways introduces three new freight projects to enhance logistics and connectivity: a container train service between Delhi and Kolkata, a parcel service between Mumbai and Kolkata, and an integrated logistics hub at Sonik.

Indian renewable company ReNew Energy Global has received a revised non-binding proposal from key shareholders to acquire shares at $8.15 per share, a 15.3% increase from the initial offer. A special committee has been formed by the board to consider the 28.5% premium to the undisturbed share price. Active discussions are ongoing with the consortium and a potential transaction is being evaluated.

Two Brothers Organic Farms receives ₹110 crore in Series B funding, led by 360 ONE Asset and joined by Rainmatter Investments, Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office, and IGNITE Growth LLP. The investment will drive growth and global expansion, including investments in manufacturing, farmer training, technology, and new markets.

India and Saudi Arabia held discussions on investing in India's apparel and textiles industry, focusing on government initiatives. The dialogue emphasized opportunities for Saudi investment in ready-made garments and strategies to increase production and market presence.

LT Foods, the owner of Daawat rice brand, is acquiring Global Green Europe Kft for 25 million euros to expand in the European packaged food market. The deal includes an upfront payment of 6 million euros and an additional 1.8 million euros over two years. The company will also take on the target company's debt.

Brookfield Asset Management and Blackstone Group are competing to buy ESR-Allianz's 10-million-square-foot warehousing portfolio for around Rs 4,000 crore. The joint venture between ESR and Allianz Real Estate had previously called off a deal due to valuation mismatch. If Brookfield wins, it will be their first foray into warehousing, while Blackstone already owns ventures in the country.

Tech Mahindra's net profit grew by 4.7% in the second quarter, but fell short of Bloomberg's estimates. However, the company exceeded expectations in revenue and Ebitda, with margins increasing to 15.5%. This growth was attributed to operational efficiency and successful deals. Employee metrics showed steady growth and dependence on US H-1B visas was limited.

BSE is making changes to its options segment, switching from weekly to monthly expiries for index contracts. This has boosted their premium turnover market share and is expected to increase trading activity. However, regulatory changes in the F&O segment may pose a risk, causing a decline in stock prices. BSE maintains a Neutral rating with a target price of Rs 2,250.

A report reveals that India's frequent revisions in import tariffs for edible oils have caused market distortion, complicated import planning, and increased transaction costs. Duty hikes immediately raise retail prices, while cuts do not always benefit consumers.

Tata Consultancy Services aims to retrain 100,000 employees every year, a sixth of its global workforce, to keep up with advancements in AI. CTO Harrick Vin emphasizes the need for new testing and quality assurance methods due to the rise of generative AI.

Silver ETFs have seen a surge in premiums, forcing fund managers to halt investments. The metal's prices have hit an all-time high in the domestic market, with a 105% increase since January. The shortage of physical silver and high lease rates have caused this distortion.

EPFO has made it easier for subscribers to withdraw funds by merging 13 complex provisions into one streamlined rule. Three types of withdrawals are available for essential needs, housing needs, and special circumstances. Education and marriage withdrawals have been increased to 10 and 5 times respectively.

Silver prices have increased sharply, causing scarcity in the Indian market. Six fund houses have stopped new investments due to supply constraints and high premiums. Existing SIPs and STPs are still operational. While international silver prices have fallen, India's prices have reached an all-time high.

Uttar Pradesh government's tax waiver for electric and hybrid vehicles, introduced in 2022, has ended on October 13. The government has decided not to extend the relief, resulting in higher on-road prices for these vehicles. This temporary exemption had led to a surge in demand, making Uttar Pradesh a major market for hybrid vehicles.

The sugar industry is pushing for an increase in ethanol blending with petrol from 20% to 27%. They are prepared to support blending beyond E20 and are calling for a clear, time-bound national ethanol mobility roadmap. The industry has excess capacities and is ready to support E27 blending. They have also requested for GST rationalisation and consumer incentives to sustain the progress.

GE Aerospace's Pune facility is investing $30 million to increase production of jet engine components to meet post-pandemic aviation demand and global supply chain challenges. The facility, which serves as GE's $200 million manufacturing hub for aviation, energy, and healthcare, has doubled its output in the past five years and plays a crucial role in the company's global supply chain.

Analysts predict near-term pressure for lenders with high exposure to MSMEs or unsecured segment due to draft ECL framework. Private banks well-positioned, while public sector banks may see limited impact. RBI gives 5-year transition period, with higher provisions for credit-impaired loans. Cooling-off period may delay upgrades and recoveries.

LG Electronics India made a dream debut on the stock market, with a 50% premium over its issue price and a valuation of Rs 1.2 lakh crore. This puts the company ahead of its local competitors and even its South Korean parent's market cap. .

Mia by Tanishq, a part of Titan, plans to achieve a turnover of Rs 2,000 crore by the end of the current financial year. Its studded jewellery collection, including brands like Mia and Zoya, saw a high growth rate in Q2 of FY26, surpassing plain gold jewellery.

LG is ramping up its operations in India by increasing manufacturing, exports, and launching tailored products. It will also expand its portfolio with a new line of affordable and India-specific consumer appliances. The company is also focusing on expanding into new areas and reaching more customers in tier 2 and 3 markets.

Google announced a $15-billion investment in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to set up its largest AI hub outside the US. The project, in partnership with Adani Group and Airtel, includes a data centre, subsea landing infrastructure, and clean energy generation. The hub will accelerate AI innovation, create sustainable digital infrastructure, and generate thousands of jobs.

Indian Railways will soon integrate MapmyIndia's Mappls technology for various railway applications, enhancing efficiency, real-time tracking, and passenger services. The co-founder of MapmyIndia, Rakesh Verma, discusses the company's collaborations with the government and expansion plans.

Infosys has won a £1.2 billion contract from the UK's NHS to build and manage a next-generation workforce management platform. The project, called the Future NHS Workforce Solution, will use AI and analytics to support the NHS's 10-year health plan.

The CEA has proposed a plan to increase India's nuclear power capacity to 100 GW through investments of Rs 19.28 lakh crore and allowing 49% FDI. The Budget FY26 has announced a Nuclear Energy Mission for SMR research with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will facilitate private sector entry.

Hero MotoCorp's electric vehicle arm, Vida, has overtaken Ola Electric to become the fourth-largest electric two-wheeler maker in India. This signals the return of traditional gasoline-powered manufacturers in the electric market. Ola Electric's decline is due to product quality and after-sales service problems.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is pushing for financial netting in Indian equity markets to make them more appealing to foreign investors. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is considering this and other reforms, such as securities lending and borrowing (SLB), to align with global standards.

Bengaluru-based drone delivery provider, Airbound, secured $8.65 million in seed funding from investors including Lachy Groom and Humba Ventures. The company plans to use the funds to expand its drone manufacturing and offer affordable delivery services, with a focus on medical deliveries.

India's wholesale price inflation and retail inflation have both decreased in September, with the former reaching a 99-month low and the latter an eight-year low. This is due to a decrease in food prices, including vegetables, pulses, cereals, and fuels. The cut in GST and rise in the manufacturing products index suggest that retail prices will continue to remain low in the coming months.

Tech Mahindra's Q2 FY26 profit declined by 4.4%, with a consolidated PAT of Rs 1,201 crore compared to Rs 1,257 crore in Q2 FY25. However, the company's revenue showed resilience with a 5.12% YoY growth, reaching Rs 13,994 crore in Q2 FY26. In the same quarter of the previous fiscal year, revenue was at Rs 13,313 crore.

In the era of aggressive AI development, the United States continues to lead with tech giants all based in the country. However, now, Google has chosen India as the home for its largest artificial intelligence (AI) hub outside the United States.

As winter arrives sooner than expected, immunity can take a hit due to temperature fluctuations. Ayurveda recommends following certain routines as part of ‘Ritucharya’ to adapt to seasonal changes. Ayurveda expert Dr Partap Chauhan shares tips to stay healthy, such as eating warm, nourishing foods, getting adequate sleep, practicing oil massages, and breathing exercises.

Infosys secures $1.59 billion contract from UK's NHS Business Services Authority to replace payroll platform. The 15-year deal is a big win for India's second-largest IT firm amidst global economic challenges and shifting immigration rules. Infosys will build a new data-driven workforce management platform to manage payroll for 1.9 million employees.

Dhanteras 2025, the festival of Diwali, is fast approaching. This five-day long celebration begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to buying gold, silver, and other items that symbolize wealth and prosperity. The festivities continue with Narak Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. This year, Narak Chaturdashi falls on the same day as Diwali, October 20. Diw

Gem and jewellery exports rose by 6.55% to USD 2,914.29 million in September, driven by festive and wedding season demand. The first half of 2025-26 saw a growth of 3.66% at USD 14.09 billion. Key markets like the UAE, Hong Kong, and the UK showed consistent growth. However, exports to the US declined by 40.28% due to tariff-related issues. GJEPC is advocating for relief

S&P Global Ratings report forecasts India's top companies to double capital expenditure in next 5 years, reaching $800 billion by 2030. Infrastructure investments, government policies, and stable political climate support this growth. Comparison to China's capex trajectory in 2000s highlights potential for sustained growth and avoiding excess.

Bank of Maharashtra recorded a 23.09% YoY growth in profit in Q2 FY26, reporting a net profit of Rs 1,633 crore. The bank also saw a 15.71% YoY increase in Net Interest Income, reaching Rs 3,248 crore. Its total income for the quarter was Rs 5,63,909 crore, showing a 14.20% growth.

Longevity is the latest trend in health and wellness, with Bryan Johnson and David Sinclair at the forefront. While there are many fads, simple lifestyle changes like exercise have lasting effects. French biochemist Jessie Inchauspé, the Glucose Goddess, reveals the secret to a longer lifespan - regular physical movement, a practice known by our ancestors for centuries.

Iconic actress Diane Keaton, known for her roles in "Annie Hall" and "The Godfather," passed away at 79 in California. She battled cancer twice and struggled with bulimia nervosa, using her platform to raise awareness. Her close friend revealed she appeared shockingly thin before her death, possibly due to an undisclosed medical condition.

Google has joined forces with Indian companies Adani Enterprises and Bharti Airtel to invest $15 billion in building a data centre in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This partnership will support India's AI Mission and provide advanced infrastructure and connectivity. Adani and Google will also collaborate on a next-generation data centre campus and green energy infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has been named the happiest city in the world according to the 2025 Time Out Index. Its well-designed cityscape, diverse food, and sports culture make it a multicultural hub. With a high safety ranking and affordability, 93% of residents say they are happiest living there.

F1 The Movie, starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, will hit Apple TV on December 12, 2025. The film has been a huge commercial success, grossing $629 million at the global box office. It was also backed by real-life Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton. Apple TV's decision to prioritize a long IMAX run before streaming has been praised by fans.

The rise of Korean culture, specifically K-pop and K-dramas, has been driven by the popularity of OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The success of recent dramas like Squid Game and Pachinko has made household names and high earners out of actors like Lee Jung Jae and Lee Min Ho, with the former earning $1 million per episode.

Taylor Swift's latest album 'The Life of a Showgirl' has propelled her net worth past $2 billion, making her the richest female musician in the world. Her extensive 'Eras Tour' became the highest-grossing tour of all time, earning over $2 billion in revenue. The accompanying movie, "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," also became the highest-grossing concert film.

IREDA, a state-owned PSU, saw a 41% rise in net profit to Rs 549 crore in Q2 due to increased income. Revenue and loan book also grew by 26% and 31% respectively, while loan sanctions rose by 145%. The company's CMD credits this growth to efficient execution and emphasis on clean energy.

Cochin Shipyard (CSL) secures a Rs 2,000 crore order from a European client for 6 LNG-powered container vessels. Stock price rises as AGM reveals a strong order book of Rs 21,000 crore and 74 vessels on order, with 50 currently under construction. Formal contract signing expected soon.

Bengaluru solidifies its position as India's startup hub with 55 entrepreneurs from the city making it to the Hurun India Under 35 list. Mumbai and Delhi follow with 29 and 22 entrepreneurs respectively. Bengaluru also leads in the number of companies headed by entrepreneurs under 35. Majority of the featured entrepreneurs are self-made, collectively overseeing enterprises worth $443 billion

Google to invest $15 billion in Andhra Pradesh, India over 5 years for an AI hub, making it the largest investment outside of the US. The 1-gigawatt data centre in Visakhapatnam will help meet the demand for AI services. Microsoft and Amazon have also invested in India's digital infrastructure. This move is seen as a strategic advantage in the era of data being the new oil.

Doug Lebda, founder of LendingTree, passed away at 55 due to an accident. Scott Peyree will take over as his successor. Lebda was a compassionate and curious visionary who made friends easily. He was involved in politics and was a respected entrepreneur who taught an entrepreneurship class. He will be remembered as a true friend and great leader in the financial services industry.