PFRDA aims to increase NPS subscriber base to 250 million in 5 years through reforms and targeting sectors like FPOs, SHGs, and MSMEs. Reforms include revised investment norms, increased commissions for distributors, and new options for subscribers. AUM for NPS grew by 23% in FY25, with 29% growth in non-government sector. Returns have been around 9.3%.
Trent, a Tata Group-owned retailer, saw a 17% increase in revenue for the September quarter, its slowest growth since March 2021. Struggling flagship format Westside and strong performer Zudio highlight the company's mixed performance. Trent is expanding its lifestyle concepts, like Burnt Toast and Zudio Beauty, to better compete with other retail giants.
On Monday, Indian benchmark indices rose up to 0.74% following positive cues from Asian markets. The Sensex closed at 81,790.12, led by IT and banking shares, while the Nifty ended above the 25,000 mark at 25,077.65. This was the third consecutive session of gains for both indices, with a total increase of 1.90%.
Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated every year on Ashwin Purnima or the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. On this day, the birth anniversary of Maharshi Valmiki, the writer of Ramayana - one of the most important epics is observed.
The first Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) will take place in Mehsana on October 9, focusing on agriculture, renewable energy, MSMEs, and FMCG. The conference will be attended by Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, and ISRO chairman Dr V Narayanan.
India's pulses imports are expected to decrease by 39% to 4.5 MT this fiscal due to carry forward stocks and higher domestic production. Imports have already declined by 47% in April-August 2025-26. With abundant buffer stocks and good crop prospects, yellow peas and Bengal gram imports are projected to be less than 5 MT this year.
Tata Capital's IPO received a 39% subscription on day one, with bids for 128.61 million shares against the total issue size of 333.43 million shares. The IPO is priced at Rs 310-Rs 326 per share, with a minimum lot size of 46 shares. The proceeds will be used to augment the company's capital base. On day two, WeWork India's IPO was subscribed 0.13 times, with bids for 3.42
Auto manufacturers are pushing for a single, achievable target for the proposed CAFE 3 norms instead of yearly reductions. The staggered approach makes planning difficult and raises costs. Uncertainty around fuel blending policies and the need to change long-term supply contracts annually are also concerns.
India's recent GST rate rationalisation has reduced the four-tier structure to two tiers, a major step in tax reform. However, this has resulted in an inverted duty structure and a buildup of Input Tax Credit. A comprehensive refund process for input services and capital goods is crucial, along with a move towards a unified rate.
India's NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasized the need for lowering tariffs and dismantling non-tariff barriers to improve competitiveness in manufacturing. The National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) is expected to address these issues and focus on creating world-class trade ecosystems. Major reforms are also expected before Diwali, with a trade agreement between India and the US in the works.
Experts predict a decrease in government's green bond issuances due to lack of investor interest. In the first half of the financial year, only half of the targeted Rs 10,000 crore was raised. This trend is similar to 2025 when only Rs 21,697 crore was raised despite a target of Rs 32,000 crore. Low green premium and macroeconomic factors are also contributing to this decline.
Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: CEC Gyanesh Kumar announced the dates for the polls and addressed questions about the number of illegal foreigners identified during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The ECI does not have the data, which can be found with the EROs and AEROs. The SIR has become the main issue, with the opposition accusing it of being a ploy to remove opposition voters.
Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City's two international stock exchanges, NSE IX and India INX, have seen a rise in fundraising through foreign currency bonds (FCBs) with several large issuances worth over $4 billion in 2025. This includes FCBs from ICICI Bank, Muthoot Finance, Tata Capital, and IIFL Finance. Other companies, such as ECGC, NaBFID, and SMFG India, are also planning
Cooperative banks are becoming more popular among retail depositors due to lower deposit rates at commercial banks. In the recent fortnight, term deposits at cooperative banks increased by Rs 2,866 crore, while commercial banks saw a decrease of Rs 78,888 crore. However, credit growth for cooperative banks remained low.
India's oil demand is set to rise and account for 12% of the world's energy demand by 2050. BP's chief economist emphasizes the importance of boosting domestic production and promoting electrification to enhance the country's resilience. India's economy is expected to grow at a rate of 5% per year, making it the third largest importer of oil and fourth largest importer of LNG.
Hospitals are examining the revised CGHS rates to assess their impact, with some procedures seeing a notable rise while others remain unchanged. The overall revenue for hospitals is expected to increase by 8-10%. Industry experts welcome this move and hope for similar improvements in other government healthcare schemes. They also urge for regular rate benchmarking
The Bihar assembly elections will take place on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14. The decision to hold only two phases was to ease the burden on voters and ensure a fair process. The ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc are the main contenders, but Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party could also play a significant role. It will be a closely watched battle for Bihar.
Jefferies has listed its top bets for the holiday season, with identified stocks in the hotel and aviation sectors expected to see up to 33% upside. However, headwinds such as capacity cuts for Air India, heavy monsoons, and slow recovery post-Q1 turbulence may impact the travel sector. For hotels, Jefferies predicts moderate growth for ITC Hotels, IHCL, and Chalet.
The 9th edition of Bigg Boss Tamil premiered on Sunday, Oct 5, with actor Vijay Sethupathi returning as host. 20 contestants, have entered the iconic Bigg Boss house. The season's theme has not been revealed yet, but futuristic sculptures and unicorns are observed as décor. The show can be watched on JioHotstar 24/7 and Vijay TV at 9:30 PM on cable.
The Bihar polls will be held on November 6 and 11, with results being announced on November 14, 2025. The Model Code of Conduct is in effect, preventing political parties and the government from making announcements or launching schemes. The MCC also promotes fair conduct and prohibits hate speech, bribery, and other malpractices during the polls.
Indian box office is experiencing a surge in collections during the festive season, with Dussehra-release Kantara Chapter 1 already setting the cash registers ringing. The good news is a 21% increase in domestic box office collections for the January-August 2025 period, and a 12% rise in footfall at PVR Inox theatres in Q1 FY 25.
The Ministry of Environment may exempt standalone cement units without captive power plants from regulatory obligations, making it easier for the Adani Group to proceed with their proposed Rs 1,400 crore cement plant in Kalyan. The plant has faced resistance from locals for health and air quality concerns. The draft proposal eliminates the need for public consultation and detailed EIA reports,
Demon Slayer's latest movie, Infinity Castle, has become the biggest anime film in the world, grossing $757,633,973 worldwide. It has surpassed Hollywood blockbusters like Jurassic World and Mission Impossible and even faces potential tariffs from the US government. The popular anime piracy site HiAnime has also been red-flagged as a priority target for the US government's anti-piracy efforts.
Taylor Swift's triumphant return with her 12th studio album, "Life of a Showgirl," is heavily inspired by her current relationship with NFL player Travis Kelce. The lead single, "Fate of Ophelia," became the most-streamed song in a single day in Spotify history and the album has sold 2.7 million copies, on it's way to potentially surpassing Adele's record.
The Indian Medical Association is standing up for a doctor who was arrested in connection with the deaths caused by Coldrif cough syrup. They believe he is being unfairly targeted and question the clean chit given to the pharma company. The doctor has been suspended, and a toxic substance has been confirmed in the syrup. An SIT has been formed to investigate the supply chain.
A 58-year-old American citizen, identified as James Watson, was arrested late Friday night in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi along with two locals for allegedly attempting to convert villagers to Christianity during a prayer meet in Chimbipada village. Police say Watson who was in India on a business visa, had been misusing his visa for religious activity.
Indian government may settle Vodafone India's dues and interest to improve trade relations with UK and resolve AGR dispute. Framework being drafted to avoid legal challenges from other telecom operators. Vodafone Idea's plea for waiver of interest and penalties for AGR dues to be heard by Supreme Court on October 13.
Donald Trump claims credit for predicting and urging action against Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden prior to the 9/11 attack. He has a history of taking credit for preventing wars in various countries, but there has been no tangible outcome from his involvement.
A Buffalo Bills fan's viral fame for catching a pass from Josh Allen during a game against the New England Patriots has sparked discussions about his bold move and commentator Mike Tirico's hilarious play-by-play commentary. The incident has been compared to past controversies and has received praise for the fan's escape with the ball.
LG Electronics India is set to open its IPO subscription window tomorrow, with a price band of Rs 1,080-1,140 per share and a lot size of 13 shares. The IPO, which is a pure Offer for Sale (OFS) and not a fresh issue, is expected to raise Rs 11,607 crore and will be managed by top investment banks. The current GMP is indicating a potential listing gain of 24%.
The DGCA is investigating the uncommanded deployment of the RAT on an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner during a flight. The RAT is used for emergency power during system failures. The aircraft landed safely and was grounded for inspection. The FIP has called for a thorough inspection of all electrical systems on Boeing 787s in India in response to the incident.
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog, has rolled out Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, one of the world’s largest student innovation events. The registration window closes today, October 6, 2025.
A recent study shows that the nutritional content of food plays a crucial role in how sugar is released in the body. High-sugar fruits are a healthier option for diabetics due to their natural fibre, vitamins, and nutrients which can improve blood glucose control and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, consuming fruits in moderation is important to maintain these benefits.
Patna, the capital city of Bihar, has launched its first metro train service, the Blue line, covering 3.6 km with three stations. The metro, built with DMRC, showcases modern amenities and Bihar's cultural heritage. The upcoming Red line, spanning 18.5 km and 15 stations, will connect with the Blue line at Patna junction. The minimum fare is Rs 15 and the maximum is Rs 30.
Shah Rukh Khan's recent entry into the billionaire club has made him the richest actor in the world, according to the Hurun Indian Rich List 2025. However, he was surpassed by PhysicsWallah co-founders Prateek Maheshwari and Alakh Pandey, who saw a 223% increase in their net worth, making them some of the fastest wealth creators in 2025.
A fire in the ICU of a hospital in Jaipur claimed the lives of six critically ill patients, with five others in critical condition. The fire was caused by a short circuit and took over an hour to put out due to a lack of fire extinguishers. Families are criticising staff for ignoring warnings and delaying emergency response. Authorities are investigating and reviewing safety protocols.
India's services sector growth eased in September from a 15-year high in August, with new business and activity expanding at slower rates. Despite the moderation, the Services PMI index remained well above the neutral mark of 50.0, signaling continued growth. Job creation also slowed, but companies remain optimistic about future prospects.
HDFC Bank, the largest private sector bank, has delivered strong loan growth in Q2, leading to a Buy rating from Nomura with a revised target price of Rs 1,095 per share. The bank's Q2 updates show a 3.1% QoQ growth in gross AUM and a robust 4.4% QoQ and 9.9% YoY growth in net loan sell-down and gross loan growth, respectively.
The Advance Agrolife IPO received a massive response from investors, with a subscription of 56.90 times. The shares will be allotted on October 06 and listed on October 08. The bidding price was set at Rs 95-Rs 100 per share, and investors can check their allotment status online through BSE, NSE, or the registrar.
Hindustan Zinc, a major mining company, has been fined Rs 73.4 lakh by the Central Goods and Service Tax Commissioner in Rajasthan. The penalty is for claiming CENVAT credit for cement used in its mines. The company plans to appeal and does not anticipate a major financial impact. Additionally, Hindustan Zinc saw a decrease in silver and lead production in Q2 FY26.
Pawan Kalyan’s They Call Him OG continues its theatrical run with steady box office numbers after an impressive start. Despite a noticeable drop in collections during its second week, the film has managed to stay competitive against other major releases.
Motilal Oswal, a domestic brokerage house, has revamped its model portfolio by increasing exposure to India-focused themes and reducing weight in global stocks. The firm predicts a gradual earnings recovery by FY26 and has made adjustments in various sector stocks, including upgrading autos to overweight and focusing on financials and consumer discretionary names.
Fans of K-pop and the legendary boy band One Direction have something to celebrate. BLACKPINK member Kim Jisoo is set to release new music, marking her first major international collaboration. On October 6, 2025, the K-pop idol shared a cryptic post on social media hinting at a duet. According to the Korea Herald, the mystery collaborator is none other than singer Zayn Malik.
ONGC has received Environmental Clearance for its Rs 8,110 crore project to develop and produce oil and gas from 172 wells in Andhra Pradesh. The committee has recommended compliance with all environmental measures and safeguards, with a focus on safety and avoiding damage to the Coringa Wildlife sanctuary. The project is expected to bring in significant investments and boost the auto industry.
Karan Johar, one of the wealthiest Bollywood icons, almost shut down his father's iconic production house, Dharma Productions, after his passing. However, a reminder from his late father made him change his mind and continue the legacy. Johar now credits his success as a producer to that moment, realizing the value of his father's hard work and his own potential.
38-year-old Stanley Eugene West has been charged for the Pittsburgh shooting that killed Indian-origin motel manager Rakesh Ehagaban on Friday (US time). West, who is linked to a residence in Pittsburgh, shot and injured a woman before fatally shooting Ehagaban at the motel. He then fled the scene in a U-Haul van and engaged in a gunfire exchange with police before being critically injured.
Prawin Ganeshan, founder of WinTrack, is hopeful after the Finance Ministry's investigation into bribery at Chennai Customs. The Ministry's dedication to addressing entrepreneurs' issues and implementing lasting solutions is encouraging. The inquiry is not limited to WinTrack, and other companies' grievances are also being heard. He said that future looks promising, that too, with growth for all.
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world. It recognises individuals or organisations that have made exceptional contributions to peace, humanitarian work, and conflict resolution. Here’s a look at the process, from nominations to selections, eligibility, and key facts.
Indian equity indices opened higher on Monday, with the NSE Nifty 50, BSE Sensex, and Bank Nifty all seeing gains. Small and midcap stocks also rose, driven by a growth-stimulating monetary policy. However, FII selling and uncertainty around growth and corporate earnings for FY27 are hindering the positive sentiments. Expectations of strong growth and earnings are keeping the market optimistic.
Tata Group launches IPO for Tata Capital, the conglomerate's financial arm, with a public offer of Rs 15,511.87 crore, making it the biggest IPO of the year. Analysts are assessing its long-term potential as it includes a mix of fresh issue and Offer for Sale by Tata Sons and International Finance Corporation. Retail investors can also participate.