Direct tax receipts fall 4%, annual target looks difficult

The Centre's direct tax collections have decreased by 4% due to income tax relief and extended filing deadlines. This has also affected the advance tax growth and led to higher refunds. To reach the FY26 target, high double-digit growth in personal and corporation tax collections is needed. Refunds have also increased, possibly due to these changes.

India-Pakistan cricket rivalry overshadowed by geopolitical tensions and political influence. India refuses Asia Cup trophy from Pakistan due to terror attacks and social media posts. In contrast, Ryder Cup maintains intense rivalry on golf course and discourages abusive behavior. Upcoming women's World Cup game sparks debate on mixing politics and sports.

Andre Agassi, a tennis legend, debuted in pickleball at the US Open Pickleball Championships, shining a light on the growing popularity of new-age sports like padel and Ironman triathlon. These sports attract people of all ages who seek a blend of physical activity and socialization. The trend has even extended to robots, with 21 humanoids competing in a half-marathon in Beijing.

Hyundai Motor India has dropped to fourth place in the passenger vehicle segment due to a decrease in sales and competition from rivals like Mahindra and Tata Motors. However, the company plans to launch new models and has a strong product pipeline, suggesting potential for improvement. Other players like Toyota and Kia are also contributing to the competitive market.

SNVA EduTech Ltd has acquired Edureka, Veranda Higher Education, and Six Phrase to create a global education ecosystem and tackle India's youth unemployment. The company now offers a wide range of education and skilling solutions, including international degrees and employment-focused training. They also plan to expand and potentially go public in the future.

Maruti Suzuki's new Victoris SUV highlights their strong hybrid technology as a bridge towards electric mobility, despite not receiving GST incentives. The vehicle, available in petrol, CNG, and strong hybrid variants, has received 25,000 bookings and is aimed at capturing the youth market with its funky design and lifestyle-oriented features.

Lexus India is confident about its sales outlook due to the government's GST 2.0 reforms. President Hikaru Ikeuchi anticipates a strong quarter for luxury cars and expects the brand's 19% sales growth to continue with the new reforms. The company is prioritizing hybrid electric vehicles for the Indian market and plans to introduce BEVs in the future.

Slipped discs are a common issue caused by aging and poor posture, making the spinal discs more prone to injury. Genetics and individual susceptibility also contribute. Rest, hot/cold packs, exercise, and pain relievers can help, but seeking medical attention is necessary if symptoms persist. Prevention involves staying active, using proper lifting techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Nutritionists across India are seeing food as a powerful tool in emotional regulation, with the gut-brain axis being a key factor. Nutrients like tryptophan, tyrosine, magnesium, B-vitamins, and Omega-3s have strong links to better mood, and supplements are even used in adjunct depression treatment.

The government's latest employment report shows a significant rise in average monthly earnings and daily wages, along with a decrease in unemployment and an increase in job stability. The data stated that average monthly salary has increased from Rs 16,538 in July–September 2017 to Rs 21,103 in April–June 2024. The country has added 17 crore jobs in six years.

In October, Prime Video releases Maintenance Required, featuring a female mechanic seeking solace from an online friend who turns out to be her rival. Netflix's The Woman in Cabin 10 follows a journalist investigating a mysterious death on a yacht. Theatres feature Roofman, a former soldier hiding in a toy store, and Tron: Ares.

The Union ministry of culture organized a conference to gather expert research on the undeciphered Indus script. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin offered a $1 million reward for decoding the script, which has remained a mystery despite efforts by historians and linguists. Other ancient scripts, such as Rongorongo, Linear A, and Vinca symbols, also pose challenges.

The NFHS-5 survey reveals a decrease in alcohol consumption among Indian men and women, in line with global trends seen in countries like the US and Germany. This shift towards moderation and mindful drinking is attributed to rising awareness of health risks and economic factors, particularly among younger generations. While the number of alcohol users has declined.

The Y2K fashion trend from the early 2000s is making a comeback, driven by Gen Z's love for nostalgia and a digital aesthetic. High fashion brands are revamping the futuristic and playful looks, while handbag brands are experiencing a growing demand. Bold colors, textures, and a hyper-glossy aesthetic reminiscent of the early internet age are key elements of this trend.

Indian engineering and management institutes are keeping a close eye on the US visa changes for the 2025 placement season, as President Trump's reforms and new legislation could affect job opportunities for Indian students. Experts warn that this could reshape India's job market and global mobility for skilled graduates.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra has shown support for Zoho's instant messaging app, Arattai, which is an alternative to WhatsApp. Mahindra's praise for the app has given the team behind it more determination, and they are focused on privacy. Social media users have also expressed their support for the app, with some suggesting features and others offering to contribute to its development.

The rise of smart glasses, such as Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration and Apple's Vision Pro headset, sparks concerns about screen time and its effects on focus, productivity, and well-being. While they offer convenience and constant access to notifications and social media, they may also cause distraction. However, they could also decrease prolonged use and provide a more intentional experience.

Ranjay Gulati's book, "How to be bold: The surprising science of everyday courage," offers a practical guide to becoming bolder and braver in the face of uncertainty. Giorgia Meloni's memoir, "I AM GIORGIA: MY ROOTS, MY PRINCIPLES," shares her inspiring journey from a working-class neighborhood to becoming Italy's first female Prime Minister.

The fast fashion industry has grown to offer affordable and trendy clothing, but at the expense of environmental and labor exploitation. Governments are taking action to regulate this unsustainable model, with France and Sweden implementing penalties and regulations. In India, both production and consumption of fast fashion are increasing, but concerns about waste and durability persist.

A social media post has prompted an investigation into the charges imposed by ecommerce platforms on cash-on-delivery orders. The post showed Flipkart adding additional fees, which has caught the attention of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. He has promised strict action against those violating consumer rights, and the government is also looking into the practice of "dark" fees.

"Blueprints: How Mathematics Shapes Creativity" by Marcus Du Sautoy showcases the intertwined nature of mathematics and creativity, debunking the belief that they are distinct. Through examples from various fields, Du Sautoy emphasises the significance of this connection for mathematicians and artists, and its potential to create a more purposeful world.

In "The New Geography of Innovation," Mohit Hira Mehran Gul examines the changing landscape of global innovation, showcasing success stories from diverse regions such as Silicon Valley, Seoul, and Southeast Asia. The book challenges the notion that only the US and China lead in innovation and explores the key factors that contribute to a thriving technology ecosystem.

Government introduces new rule to incentivise digital payments at toll plazas starting November 15. Vehicles without valid FASTag will be charged twice the toll fee if paid in cash, but only 1.25x if paid through UPI. The amendment aims to promote ease of commuting, transparency, and efficiency in toll collection. The change will be effective from November 15, 2025.

Gen Z has made a mark in the corporate world with their non-conformist mindset, leading to several of them becoming billionaires. From tech founders to crypto traders, they have used their tech-savviness to create successful businesses. Some notable Gen Z billionaires include Alexandr Wang, Palmer Luckey, Ed Craven, Evan Spiegel, Ben Francis, Vitalik Buterin, and Kim Jung-Youn.

Rishikesh, a pilgrimage spot, is India's priciest vacation destination according to a recent Hotelivate report. Top leisure destinations like Mumbai and Delhi are dominated by business cities, while Goa shows signs of slowing down. The report also discusses the effects of airfares, location, and geopolitics. Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad are the top business destinations.

The proposed HIRE Act in the US has raised concerns in India's IT-BPM industry due to its 25% excise tax on foreign service providers and discouragement of tax deductions. This may push the industry to shift towards investing in assets, productization, and co-investment models to create intellectual property and establish India as an innovation hub on a global scale.

Allcargo Logistics's subsidiary, ALX Shipping Agencies India, has filed a complaint against its CEO and a business associate for alleged financial irregularities. The complaint, filed with the Economic Offences Wing, seeks criminal proceedings against the two for a conspiracy involving unauthorized agreements worth Rs 10 crore. The company is conducting a deeper investigation.

Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla's risky decision to produce Covishield before clinical trials proved successful, boosting revenue and profits. He has also invested in non-banking finance and film production, and is now prioritizing the development of SII's own intellectual property for future vaccines. Poonawalla's accomplishments have earned him recognition as a top pharmaceutical leader.

Two coaches attending the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi were bitten by stray dogs and have been treated for their injuries. Social media users are calling for action and stricter measures to control stray dogs near the stadium, with some suggesting relocation to shelter homes. The Organising Committee blames individuals who feed stray dogs, raising concerns about athlete safety.

Vodafone Idea has named Tejas Mehta as their new CFO and Key Managerial Personnel, replacing Murthy GVAS. Mehta, with over 25 years of experience, has worked in India and abroad in senior leadership roles. His appointment comes amidst the company's current challenges.

The governments of MP, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu have banned Coldrif cough syrup due to reports of children dying from consuming it. The MP CM has formed a team to investigate, while the drug controller in Rajasthan has been suspended and batches of Dextromethorphan-based medicines have been stopped. Tamil Nadu is also conducting inspections and the Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory.

Sameer Wankhede, former NCB Director, stirred controversy with his statements on the youth's choice of role models, expressing disbelief in their preference for actors over real-life heroes like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tanaji Malusare. He also made headlines for taking legal action against Shah Rukh Khan's production company for a character's resemblance.

Japan's ruling LDP has elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader, paving the way for her to become the country's first female prime minister. Her victory over Shinjiro Koizumi is seen as an effort to restore public confidence amid rising living costs and support for stricter immigration policies. Takaichi, a conservative politician and graduate of Kobe University, aims to turn anxieties into hope.

Taylor Swift released her new album, 'Life of a Showgirl', on October 3. On The Graham Norton Show, she announced her engagement to Travis Kelce, a Super Bowl champion. Their social media post received over 35 million likes and showed off her engagement ring, sharing that Kelce had planned her proposal. She mentioned wedding plans, but is currently focusing on her album.

PM Modi launches youth-focused initiatives worth Rs 62,000 crore, with special focus on Bihar. This includes the PM-SETU scheme to upgrade ITIs, a revamped allowance and skill training scheme for graduates, and the redesigned Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme. He also inaugurates Bihar Yuva Ayog and Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University to empower the state's young population.

ITI Mutual Fund CEO Jatinderpal Singh sees market corrections as a chance for investors to join India's growth. He stresses the need to consider goals, risk, and horizon when choosing an SIP. Reforms are increasing transparency and trust, and the specialized investment fund category will drive product innovation. The fund's outlook for the market is optimistic in the medium term.

The U.S. Treasury has revealed a draft design for a $1 coin honoring President Trump and the 250th anniversary of American independence. The design features Trump in profile, with the words "liberty" and "1776-2026" and a reference to his "fight, fight, fight" remark.

HDFC Bank's second quarter results, to be released on October 18, show a 9% increase in advances year-on-year, with a total of Rs 27.69 lakh crore. Deposits also saw double-digit growth, with an average of Rs 27.10 lakh crore during the quarter. CASA deposits grew 7.4% and time deposits increased 18.6%, leading to a total deposit amount of Rs 28.02 lakh crore.

Edtech company PhysicsWallah, co-founded by Alakh Panday and Prateek Maheshwari, has seen a remarkable 223% surge in wealth to Rs 14,510 crore, surpassing Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's net worth of Rs 12,490 crore. Despite narrowing its net loss and recording a revenue of Rs 2,886 crore, PhysicsWallah has filed for a Rs 3,820 crore IPO, with leading banks appointed to manage

An American man's post flaunting his 5-year Indian visa and comparing PM Modi and President Trump's treatment of foreigners has gone viral. The post highlights India's welcoming attitude towards foreign talent in blockchain and AI, with others also sharing their Indian visa pictures and calling India their home.

Congress leader Harish Chaudhary mourns the death of former Bikaner MP Rameshwar Lal Dudi, who died at 62 after being in a coma for two years. Dudi was a strong advocate for marginalized communities and his political career started in his student days. His passing is a huge loss for Rajasthan.

After Hamas signalled its acceptance of key parts of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan on Friday, international reactions started pouring in. The plan aims to free Israeli hostages in Gaza and bring an end to the nearly two-year conflict.

Tata Capital, a Tata Group company, raised Rs 4,642 crore from anchor investors for its upcoming IPO. The demand was almost five times higher than the shares on offer, with top domestic and global investors such as LIC, ICICI Pru MF, and Goldman Sachs participating. The IPO, opening on October 6, aims to raise Rs 15,512 crore to boost the company's Tier-1 capital and lending capacity.

Kantara: Chapter 1, the action-thriller directed by Rishab Shetty, has become a massive hit in just two days, grossing Rs 106.85 crore. The prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, it is one of the fastest to cross the Rs 100 crore mark. Despite competition from Bollywood's 'Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari', Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to dominate the box office, with a

Biocon MD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has called out the rampant corruption in Karnataka, questioning the state's pride if its administration is corrupt. This was in response to former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai's post exposing the "most corrupt departments" in India. Pai tagged CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, urging them to take action against corruption.

Hamas has accepted some of Trump's 20-point ceasefire plan, agreeing to release hostages and negotiate with the Palestinian body for control of Gaza. Israel has halted operations in Gaza and focused on defence. PM Modi has praised the move as a significant step towards peace. Trump has expressed gratitude to countries for their support in achieving the ceasefire.

Tally Solutions plans to increase its customer base from 2.7 million to 3.5 million in 2-3 years. This growth will be fueled by SMEs adopting digitisation and the expected impact of GST 2.0. MD Tejas Goenka predicts that the revised GST regime and rise of digital-first entrepreneurs will drive even more demand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded US President Donald Trump for his efforts in brokering peace in Gaza. His statement came hours after Hamas agreed to follow parts of Trump’s 20-point peace plan. 

Apple removes ICEBlock app from App Store due to government pressure, sparking dispute with app creator. Civilian surveillance of ICE increases under Trump administration, with activists aiming to protect communities. Legal experts say surveillance is constitutional. Apple removes over 1,700 apps in 2024 due to government demands, majority from China.

Disgraced music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison for prostitution-related crimes, the NY Times reported. The Manhattan federal court verdict came after months of lurid testimony and years of accusations involving sexual assault, racketeering, and other misconduct.

A second U.S. appeals court has declared President Trump's effort to limit birthright citizenship unconstitutional, upholding injunctions that have stopped the executive order from taking effect nationwide. The court cited the 14th Amendment's protection of anyone born in the U.S. as a citizen.