The Reserve Bank of India has proposed a Unified Markets Interface that utilizes wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) to tokenize financial assets and settlements. This digital platform, explained by Jayanth R. Varma, could serve as the foundation for India's next-generation financial market infrastructure.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved a 3% increase in DA for employees and pensioners of local bodies and state government PSUs, effective from July 1. The hike will be paid with the October salary. This follows UP government's announcement of a similar 3% hike as a Diwali gift for its employees and pensioners, benefiting around 28.5 lakh people.
Zeteto founder and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan attended a “No Kings” rally on Saturday, delivering blistering remarks against US President Donald Trump in Washington
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah cautions against RSS, citing their historical opposition to Dr. BR Ambedkar and the Constitution. Urges people to reject orthodox and "sanatani" beliefs and work towards social change. Criticizes RSS for spreading false information about Ambedkar and asserts his government's commitment to following his principles. Minister's objection to RSS programs also highlighted.
Air quality in Delhi-NCR has worsened to "severe" levels, with the AQI reaching 295 and 274 in the city. Several areas recorded hazardous levels, and breathing the air is equivalent to smoking six cigarettes a day. The situation is similar in neighboring areas like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida. Transport emissions contribute to 15% of the pollution load.
Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, warned India on Saturday, demanding New Delhi to resolve disputes while cautioning that “there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment.”
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered across the United States on Saturday for the second “No Kings” rally. The nationwide protest is aimed at sending a message that, in America, power lies with the people, not any one leader.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a week of border violence that claimed dozens of lives. The peace deal was reached in Doha, Qatar, after talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey.
Chandrayaan-2, India's lunar orbiter, observed the Sun's Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) impacting the Moon for the first time. This caused an increase in the total pressure of the fragile lunar exosphere, consistent with theoretical models. The Moon's exosphere is highly sensitive to factors like CMEs, which can temporarily alter its environment and pose challenges for building scientific bases.
Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Ashwini Vaishnaw credit Prime Minister Modi's leadership for the positive impact of recent GST reforms on the economy, including simplified tax structure and reduced rates. The reforms have led to increased consumer demand, lower prices, and a boost in key sectors like automobiles and electronics.
A fire at Dhaka's main airport caused delays and suspended operations for six hours. Flights have resumed and measures are being taken to prevent future incidents. The fire has been controlled with assistance from the army, navy, and air force. The estimated impact on imports and exports is over $1 billion. This is the third major fire in Bangladesh this week.
UltraTech Cement, the market leader in the cement industry, reported a 75% increase in net profit for the quarter ended September 30. This was driven by improved sales and lower energy costs. The company's revenue for the quarter was Rs 19,371 crore, up 21.32% year on year. UltraTech's target capacity addition for FY26 is 14.1 mtpa, and it plans to invest Rs 10,255 crore.
PM Modi urges Indians to embrace swadeshi this Diwali, as high-end products like iPhones and SUVs are now being manufactured in India. The new GST reforms and PLI scheme have encouraged this trend, with companies like Apple and Samsung expanding their presence. The automobile sector, including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, is also shifting towards Indian-made products.
Automakers reported a 20% increase in Dhanteras vehicle deliveries, thanks to GST reforms and strategic price cuts. Maruti Suzuki expects to deliver a record 51,000 vehicles, while Hyundai Motor India expects sales of 14,000 units. The festive momentum began with GST rate cuts and Navratri, leading to a 4.4% increase in passenger vehicle sales in September.
The India vs Australia ODI series holds more significance for the visitors, who are determined to defend their 50-over world champion title. However, the Aussies have shifted their focus to the upcoming Ashes series and have prioritized their domestic Sheffield Shield matches over the ODIs.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised the next-generation GST reforms for reducing prices of essential items and boosting consumption during the festive season. She also noted that businesses have passed on benefits higher than the GST cuts to consumers, leading to sustained growth in consumption and investment.
India and the US have made progress in trade talks with no major differences remaining. The next meeting date will be decided soon. India assured US of increasing energy imports while being mindful of costs. GST rate cuts boosted festive season consumption. India's exports expected to grow despite global trade disturbances.
PNB reports 14% increase in net profit for Q2FY26, exceeding Bloomberg estimates. The bank's NII saw a marginal fall, leading to a decline in domestic and global NIM. The GNPA and NNPA ratios improved, while RoA increased. The bank's focus on expanding RAM portfolio, digital engagement, and operational excellence has resulted in a significant write-back of provisions.
Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights", symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with traditional rituals and worship of Goddess Laxmi. It has become a global occasion with grand festivities in cities worldwide, including Singapore, Toronto, Leicester, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, showcasing its widespread popularity and cultural significance.
Young adults are increasingly choosing non-alcoholic drinks, leading to a rise in the "no-lo" category in the market. This is driven by a desire for moderate and mindful drinking, health awareness, and inclusivity. Sober and Heineken 0.0 are popular non-alcoholic options, providing a healthier and guilt-free alternative for social drinking without the negative effects of alcohol.
The gifting industry in India is shifting towards personalized and artisanal products that reflect thought, identity, and values. Niche brands are gaining popularity, offering unique, eco-friendly, and sustainable options. While scaling these bespoke gifts is a challenge, the increasing demand and customer satisfaction make it a worthwhile trend this Diwali.
Indian festivals are now promoting wellness by using natural sweeteners and healthier options in traditional sweets. Mithai is being made with organic superfoods and ingredients like jaggery, ragi, and millet by brands and chefs. Luxury hotels and patisseries are also following the trend, offering guilt-free and portion-controlled sweets.
Quick commerce platforms have made festival preparations easy and convenient for urban Indians. From gifting to home cleaning and catering, everything can be accessed in under 15 minutes through services like Amazon Now and Swiggy Giftables. Traditional elements like puja kits and artisanal sweets are also available, making it a stress-free, on-demand experience.
Dr. Brian Hoeflinger warns about the dangers of social smoking, which is often mistaken as harmless. Despite only occurring in social situations, it can lead to serious health risks and even addiction. Learn the difference between social and regular smoking before making a decision to quit smoking at Diwali parties.
The 52nd Daytime Emmys saw General Hospital take home the most awards, while Drew Barrymore surprised viewers by beating fan-favourite Kelly Clarkson for daytime talk series host. However, the standout moment was Sir David Attenborough's win for 'daytime personality' at the age of 99. His Netflix documentary, 'The Secret Lives of Orangutans', also won multiple awards.
UltraTech Cement, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, reported a massive 74.87% YoY net profit growth in Q2 FY26. Its consolidated revenue also grew by 20.3% YoY, reaching Rs 19,606 crore. The company plans to invest Rs 10,255 crore for capacity expansion, adding 22.8 mtpa in a phased manner. The recent acquisitions of India Cements and Kesoram are rapidly
AI tools are set to enhance Diwali celebrations by 2025, with a majority of consumers open to using them for shopping and research. The Maharashtra government has already utilized AI for personalized video greetings, while gifting and greeting websites offer AI-generated designs. Companies are also adopting AI for Diwali gifts to employees, with customization options available.
"A Sixth of Humanity" is a detailed account of India's development, covering state building, economic growth, societal change, and nation building. "Fixing the System" focuses on China's persistence in global involvement despite increasing protectionism. "Click Here" provides valuable insights on utilizing digital marketing for business success.
Shashi Budhiraja's book, The Governance Gap, exposes the flaws in India's political and economic systems and calls for urgent reforms. Backed by evidence, the author discusses issues like corruption in politics, dysfunction in Parliament, and challenges in federalism. He also addresses problems in the economy, including agriculture, education, health, and workforce.
"Geopolitics has greatly influenced the energy sector and its security. RN Prasher's book explores the role of energy in geopolitics and the urgency for a shift to green energy. It features essays from experts, providing a detailed view of the current state and potential directions.
Punjab National Bank reported a 14% increase in net profit for the September quarter of FY26. Operating profit also saw a growth of 5.46% and 6.51% in July-September and April-September, respectively. The bank's total income and net interest income also showed a positive trend, with an improvement in gross and net NPA ratios. Business per employee and branch also improved
Diwali celebrations can turn risky if safety measures are not taken. Last year, Delhi recorded over 700 fire incidents and the highest number of emergency calls in a decade. Dr Sanjay Mehta advises precautions like wearing cotton clothing, lighting crackers in open areas, and having a first-aid kit. Smoke inhalation, noise pollution, and overindulgence can also pose health risks.
Diwali, a joyous festival in India, poses a threat to stray animals due to the negligence of humans towards their civic sense and empathy. With the relaxation of the firecracker ban in Delhi, the streets become even more hazardous for these animals. This year, the Supreme Court has allowed the use of green crackers for a few hours, resulting in around 20,000 animals being at risk.
IndusInd Bank suffered a net loss of 436.8 crores in Q2 FY26, a significant decline from the previous year's net profit of Rs 1,331 crore. This is attributed to write-offs and increased provisions for microfinance. The bank's net interest income also decreased by 17.5 per cent and margins were squeezed to 3.32 per cent in the same quarter.
ICICI Bank reported a 5.2% YoY profit growth in Q2 FY26, with a net profit of Rs 12,358.8 crore. The bank also saw a 7.4% increase in Net Interest Income, reaching Rs 21,529 crore. However, its Net Interest Margin remained flat at 4.30%. This is a slight increase from the previous fiscal year's NIM of 4.27%.
Yes Bank's Q2FY26 results showed a sequential improvement in slippages and a significant change in shareholding dynamics, with SMBC becoming the largest shareholder with 24.99%. SBI remains a major shareholder. Other key stakeholders include LIC, Vanguard, Blackrock, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. Two SMBC nominee directors were also
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of GST rate cuts has led to increased customer purchases and boosted consumption growth. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw have noted the positive impact, with significant growth in electronics sales and a decline in food inflation. India has also surpassed China in exporting mobile phones to the US.
Dubai is the ultimate destination for celebrating Diwali 2025, offering a city-wide fireworks display and multi-day festivities. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to Dubai Creek, the skyline will be illuminated with unity and joy. Pre-approved government fireworks will be showcased at popular locations like Al Seef and Global Village, which will also host Bollywood-themed events and a Diwali Mela.
Today, singer-songwriter Ejae (Kim Eun Jae) has become one of the biggest names to rise from the world of K-pop. Fans worldwide want her to release more Billboard toppers, but this success didn’t come easy to Ejae.
At the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the three Khans of Bollywood - Aamir, Salman, and Shah Rukh - shared a stage with Aamir singing the hit song "Oh Re Taal Mile Nadi Ke Jal Mein". They also participated in a panel discussing fame, careers, and the movie industry. This rare moment was a nostalgic reminder of their legendary status in the entertainment world.
HDFC Bank, the largest private sector bank in India, saw a 10.82% YoY profit growth in Q2 FY26, with a net profit of Rs 18,641 crore. The bank's Net Interest Income also increased by 4.8%, reaching Rs 31,550 crore. However, the Net Interest Margin decreased from 3.35% in Q1 to 3.27% in Q2 FY26.
The upcoming film Thamma, featuring Ayushman Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is creating a lot of excitement as it prepares for its Diwali release. Despite the festive season, the film has already sold 6,000 tickets and received positive reviews from advanced bookings.
The rising prices of silver due to supply shortages and demand for green energy will affect companies in the electric vehicle, semiconductor, and renewable energy sectors. As their long-term supply contracts expire, these firms must make crucial decisions. While some have contingency plans, others may struggle with production costs and may have to raise prices for customers.
A delegation from Afghanistan, led by Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, has departed for peace talks with Pakistan in Doha. The talks follow a ceasefire extension to border clashes between the two countries. While Pakistan's defence and foreign ministries have not confirmed their participation, sources say a delegation is already present.
Yes Bank saw a significant 18.34% increase in profits in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, with a net profit of Rs 654 crore. This marks a 4.6% growth in Net Interest Income, reaching Rs 2,301 crore. Additionally, the bank's Net Interest Margin improved to 2.5%, up from 2.4% in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.
India and UK have signed a significant agreement for Indian Air Force instructors to train Royal Air Force cadets in flying Hawk T2 jets, starting from October 2026. This was announced during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to India and highlights the two nations' growing military collaboration.
Delhiites face poor air quality as AQI drops, with worrying levels near Akshardham and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Pollution-related illnesses increase due to crop burning, fireworks, and vehicle exhaust. Precautions advised for vulnerable groups as weather remains dry. Commission for Air Quality Management implements Stage to address the issue.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's return to international cricket after a seven-month break will be tested by predicted rain in Perth during the three-match ODI series against Australia starting on October 19. The overcast conditions and bouncy pitch could favor the bowlers, making it a tough game for the batters. Australia has the advantage in head-to-head stats.
J&J faces first lawsuit in Britain over cancer-causing asbestos in talc products. 3000 people represented in suit against baby talcum powder. Company denies allegations and maintains product safety. Similar ongoing lawsuits in US.
At the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Bollywood's three Khans - Salman, Shah Rukh, and Aamir - made history by coming together on stage. They engaged in an entertaining talk show, discussing their legacies, the younger generation, and even Aryan Khan's directorial debut. While Salman praised Aryan's skills, Shah Rukh expressed his desire to see Salman's son as the biggest star ever.
IndiGo, one of India's largest airlines, has confirmed an order for 30 Airbus A350 aircraft, doubling their wide-body order to 60. The company also has purchase rights for 40 more aircraft. This is in line with their goal of becoming a global aviation hub by 2030. The A350's fuel efficiency and range align with IndiGo's growth plans.