Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, bounced back on Wednesday with support from US Fed Chairman's comments, a strong rupee, and impressive quarterly earnings. Realty stocks performed well and major Asian markets closed in the green, except Indonesia.
Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw brought attention to Bengaluru's garbage and pothole issues after a visitor from China expressed disappointment over the condition of the city. Her post sparked a debate with the state administration, with some criticising her for selective outrage. Shaw defended herself, stating her vested interest in Bengaluru and her state - Karanataka - as she lives there.
California authorities have identified the victim and shooter in a targeted murder-suicide at a Korean restaurant. The victim, Jacqueline Medrano, and the shooter, Jonathan Wang, were previously romantically involved and had a recent criminal protective order against Wang. The incident, witnessed by several people, took place at Gui Gui Korean BBQ and resulted in the death of both individuals.
Infosys, a major tech company, will reveal its Q2 results for FY26 today. With concerns about AI and subdued demand, all eyes will be on the company's revenue, profit, and margin. In Q1, Infosys outperformed its peers with a 7.5% YoY revenue growth and 8.7% YoY profit growth. Investors will also be watching for the impact of H-1B visa cancellations and tariffs on the company's performance.
President Trump signed an order to ensure active-duty military personnel are paid during the government shutdown, using funds from the Department of Defense. The standoff between Republicans and Democrats continues, with Democrats refusing to agree to a spending plan without healthcare subsidies.
G7 officials, including Bessent and Greer, will discuss China's rare earth export restrictions. They condemn it as a "global supply-chain power grab." G7, along with allies like Australia and India, plan to respond jointly. Germany's Finance Minister warns against drastic measures, while Japan's urges caution to avoid retaliation.
Indices opened higher, with NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex rising 0.29% and 0.33%, respectively. Bank Nifty also opened higher, along with small and midcap stocks. The US administration's comments hint at a possible trade deal with India, given China's actions. Indian macros remain strong, but exports and jobs in labour-intensive areas have been hit. Technical analysis suggests a bullish momentum.
President Trump has given the CIA the green light to carry out covert operations in Venezuela in order to remove President Maduro from power. This decision comes with a $50 million reward for Maduro's arrest on drug trafficking charges. Venezuela has condemned the move as a violation of international law, while Trump has also ordered a military buildup.
Former UK officials have raised concerns about a Chinese hack on highly classified information, including intelligence services and government secrets. Dominic Cummings, former advisor to Boris Johnson, accuses the British state of prioritizing Chinese money over security for years. The breach was allegedly covered up and officials were warned against discussing it with the media.
Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised the Centre for changing EPFO withdrawal rules, accusing the government of misusing public funds and neglecting unemployed citizens. EPFO explains that changes were made to benefit members' pension eligibility. Owaisi argues that hardworking citizens are being deprived of their own savings.
US military plane carrying Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made an emergency landing in the UK due to a cracked windscreen. All passengers, including Hegseth, were unharmed. The incident happened while returning from a NATO meeting in Brussels where security assistance for Ukraine was discussed. The plane transmitted an emergency signal before landing safely at RAF Mildenhall.
Axis Bank's Q2 results have caused a decline in its shares, with a decrease in margins compared to last year. Nuvama Wealth Management maintains a 'Hold' rating, attributing the miss to RBI inspection-driven standard and one-time provision for crop loans. The bank's net profit has dropped by 26% YoY due to higher provisions for bad loans and a decrease in net interest.
India is looking to buy more energy from the US, potentially worth $12-15 billion, to address the trade deficit and diversify its energy imports. Negotiations are currently underway between the two countries to find a mutually beneficial solution.
A judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop mass layoffs of federal workers during the government shutdown, citing political motives. The White House Budget Director warns that over 10,000 workers could lose their jobs. A legal group representing unions argues that targeting federal workers is illegal and harmful to the country. The judge demands information on the layoffs.
Diane Keaton, known for her iconic role in 'Annie Hall', died at 79. The film industry mourned her death, but the cause was unknown. It was later revealed that she passed away due to pneumonia, according to a family member.
The Trump administration is withholding $40.6 million in federal transportation funding from California for not enforcing English proficiency rules for truck drivers. Trump has taken steps to address concerns about foreign drivers, including pausing worker visas and enforcing an executive order. California has 30 days to comply or risk losing federal highway funds.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has suggested imposing 500% tariffs on China, with support from 85 US senators. He accused China of aiding Russian military efforts and limiting rare earth exports. However, he remains optimistic about a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A male suspect was arrested for shooting two people at a Walmart in Evergreen Park, Chicago. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon and the alleged gunman was apprehended within 15 minutes of fleeing the scene. The suspect knew one of the victims who were injured. This is an ongoing investigation.
SEBI penalizes eight entities for insider trading in Indian Energy Exchange Ltd, confiscates illegal gains of Rs 173.14 crore. Entities had access to UPSI and their trades were influenced by it. Case dates back to July 23, 2025, when CERC implemented Market Coupling, causing negative impact. SEBI member Kamlesh Varshney confirms.
The S&P 500 closed higher on Wednesday due to strong earnings from Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, with the banking index and Philadelphia Semiconductor Index also rising. An investment consortium will purchase a major data center operator, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assured that the U.S. does not want to escalate trade tensions with China. The Fed left unchanged.
RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra believes that although there is room for a repo rate cut, the current external uncertainties and ongoing transmission of previous measures make the timing unsuitable. The MPC decided to maintain a pause, but acknowledged India's strong economy.
Bharti Airtel and IBM have partnered to enhance Airtel Cloud with IBM's AI and hybrid cloud technologies, catering to regulated industries like banking, healthcare, and government. This collaboration will offer Airtel Cloud customers access to IBM Power systems and support for enterprise workloads, while establishing two new multizone regions in Mumbai.
Rapido's food delivery service, Ownly, will have a wider launch by November after Swiggy sold its stake for Rs 2,400 crore. Prosus and Westbridge Capital are leading a $350 million funding round, allowing for a unique flat delivery model and aggressive expansion into the market.
Reliance Industries (RIL) is expected to see a 13-14% year-on-year Ebitda growth in the second quarter, driven by retail, Jio, and O2C businesses. However, sequential growth is expected to be flat. JP Morgan predicts a 14% y-o-y growth in consolidated Ebitda, while ICICI Securities expects a 13% y-o-y rise. Axis Capital estimates a 4% q-o-q and 10% y-o
India's merchandise exports rose by 6.74% to $36.38 billion in September, despite a 50% tariff on exports to the US. This growth was fueled by increased exports to other markets, a weak base, and strong performance in electronics. Imports also saw growth, driven by gold, silver, electronics, and machinery. Services exports declined, but overall trade remained stable.
Waaree Renewable Technologies (WRTL), the EPC arm of Waaree Group, aims to diversify into data centres and battery energy storage systems. With an orderbook of 3.4 GW and a bidding pipeline of 27 GWp, the company has executed 1.6 GW of projects and generated a revenue of Rs 1,377.97 crore in the first half of this fiscal. It also plans to establish solar power plants in Maharashtra.
IIT Kanpur is promoting entrepreneurship by offering support and funding through C3iHub and SIIC. These initiatives focus on strategic areas like defence, aerospace, clean energy, healthcare, and cybersecurity. .
China has accused India of providing subsidies for electric vehicles and batteries that harm Chinese industries. India has various programs to boost its electric vehicle industry, including incentives for production and demand. The dispute has been filed at the WTO and if a resolution is not reached in 60 days, it will move to adjudication.
India's private-sector capital expenditure is expected to increase by 37%, with the power sector seeing a sharp rise due to government policies. This has ended a long period of investment stagnation in thermal power generation.
6%
Axis Bank's net profit for the September quarter saw a 26.4% decline due to a 61% increase in provisions and contingencies. The bank also made a one-time provision for two discontinued crop loan variants, which will be reversed upon loan recovery. Net interest income increased by 2% and the balance sheet grew by 11%.
Chalet Hotels, a brand under the K Raheja Group, has launched Athiva Hotels & Resorts to compete with premium hospitality brands like Taj, Marriott, and Hyatt. The first property, a rebranded property in Khandala with 147 rooms, will open on October 16. The company plans to add four more properties in Mumbai, Goa, and Thiruvananthapuram, with a total of 900 rooms and an investment of Rs 1,500
Thyrocare Technologies, under API Holdings, has experienced a successful turnaround with a 20% increase in revenue and 80% surge in profit after tax in Q2. This is thanks to strategic restructuring, including cost reduction, a new compensation model, and emphasis on sustainable growth. The franchise-led pathology segment has played a significant role with a 24.5% growth and revamped incentives.
DRDO's Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) successfully underwent a combat free-fall jump from 32,000 feet, praised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The system, developed by DRDO, is the only one currently in use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of deployment above 25,000 feet. It incorporates tactical features and has compatibility with Navigation with Indian Constellation.
The RBI has launched a new real-time cheque clearance system to enhance efficiency and decrease processing time. Despite facing challenges, such as technology integration issues and inadequate staff training, the RBI and NPCI are working to resolve them. A new Positive Pay system has also been introduced to prevent frauds in cheque transactions.
HDFC Life Insurance is adapting its commission structures to balance out the ITC loss and foresees a boost in ULIPs after the GST rate reduction. In Q1, the company saw a 3% rise in net profit and a 15% increase in PAT, excluding the GST effect. Individual protection policies are in high demand, and ULIPs remain a key part of the company's product mix.
Hyundai Motor Co announces a Rs 45,000 crore investment in India by FY2030, with plans to make it their second-largest market globally. The company will be led by an Indian managing director and CEO, Tarun Garg, starting January 2026. Hyundai will launch 26 new products, including hybrids, and focus on localisation.
The active client base of brokers has declined by 10% due to seasonal factors and profit-booking by retail investors. Major discount brokers hold 63% market share. Regulator's measures also contribute to the fall in business. To maintain growth, Tradejini and Groww are offering innovative products, while Zerodha plans to launch instant loans and direct mutual fund pledging.
Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store, is opening its first location in India in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda district next month. Spanning 90,000 square feet and five floors, the store is a partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail. It promises a distinctive shopping experience with personal styling, cultural events, and concierge services.
BJD president Naveen Patnaik announced Snehangini Chhuria as the candidate for the Nuapada Assembly bypoll. The contest has drawn attention from all three major parties, with the BJP seeing it as Chief Minister Majhi's first electoral test. Chhuria, a former minister and two-time MLA, is known for fighting for the poor and downtrodden. BJD faced trouble after a potential candidate joined the BJP.
Indian Railways has halted the sale of platform tickets at 15 key stations, including Delhi and Mumbai, to ensure the safety of passengers during Diwali and Chhath Puja. The restriction will last until October 28, 2025, but some passengers will be exempt. A holding area has been completed at New Delhi Railway Station to handle the rise in foot traffic during festivals.
TCS HR head Sudeep Kunnumal addressed concerns about layoffs during the Q2 earnings call, stating that the company will evaluate employees instead of chasing a target for job cuts. Analysts questioned the company's headcount reduction and Kunnumal clarified that it is a result of voluntary and involuntary attrition.
Silver shortage and high premiums in Mumbai's Zaveri Bazar have halted fresh orders from jewellers due to increased global demand. Prices have soared to Rs 2 lakh/kg, affecting festive celebrations. To resolve the issue, IBJA has urged fund houses to sell silver ETFs and invest in futures. Gold prices are also at a peak.
Despite high prices, Indian shoppers are still buying gold and silver coins during the festive season. Smaller denominations are preferred, but overall demand remains steady. Retailers and online marketplaces are seeing a rise in sales, with coins being seen as both auspicious gifts and smart investments.
In September, passenger vehicle dispatches increased by 4.4%, signaling a positive start to the festive quarter for the auto industry. Despite the new GST rates being in effect for only nine days, sales for passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers reached an all-time high.
The Reserve Bank of India's intervention led to a 1% increase in the rupee's value, its largest gain since June 24. The RBI sold $5 billion to support the rupee, reducing its YTD depreciation to 3.05%. The rupee was the top-performing Asian currency, indicating positive market sentiment due to hopes of a US trade deal and FPI inflows.
Celebrity engagement rings have always fascinated fans — from Beyoncé’s flawless diamond to Mariah Carey’s jaw-dropping sparkler. Even Taylor Swift’s stunning ring, though dazzling, doesn’t make it to the list of the world’s most expensive celebrity engagement rings. Here’s a look at the priciest and most talked-about rings that have defined luxury and love in Hollywood.
The highly anticipated horror flick, Thamma, is set to release on Oct 21, just in time for Halloween and Diwali. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the movie stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, with a star-studded supporting cast. According to reports, the lead actors are being paid in crores for their roles. Thamma is the fifth instalment in the MHCU.
With Diwali around the corner, OTT platforms are releasing new and exciting content for viewers to binge-watch during the festivities. From family comedies like "Greater Kalesh" and mystery thrillers like "Bhagwat Chapter One - Raakshas" to horror flicks like "Final Destination: Bloodlines" and animated favorites like "How to Train Your Dragon," there's something for everyone.
Oberoi Realty's Q2 FY26 saw a 28.9% YoY profit growth, with consolidated net profit of Rs 760 crore and revenue from operations of Rs 1,779 crore. Despite a decrease in net profit margin, the company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 2 per equity share for eligible shareholders. The record date is October 21, with payment starting on or before November 4, 2025.
HDFC Life Insurance reported a 3% increase in standalone net profit to ₹447 crore for Q2 of FY26. Total premium income rose 14% to ₹19,287 crore. New business premium grew 11% to ₹8,950 crore, while renewal premium rose 17% to ₹10,337 crore. However, management expenses increased 16%, impacting profitability.