US tax deadline filing—will the government extend date amid shutdown?

As the US government shutdown drags into its second week, millions of taxpayers are growing anxious about whether the IRS will extend upcoming tax deadlines.

Saahil Goel, MD and CEO of Shiprocket, along with his co-founders Gautam Kapoor, Vishesh Khurana, and Akshay Ghulati, started the company in 2012 after realizing the lack of affordable technology, shipping, and payment options for small businesses in India. They have since raised Rs 260 crore in funding and have helped over 100,000 small businesses reach 100 million Indian online shoppers.

Retail investors' involvement in IPOs has dropped, with lower subscription and listing gains. They typically focus on the listing pop and grey market. But the secondary market is rebounding, and long-term investment in IPOs is recommended. Traditional industries dominate the IPO market, while tech startups are a minority.

Billionaires are preparing for an uncertain future by investing in fortified bunkers and private islands. This trend raises questions about their motivations and the potential social implications. While some cite climate change and pandemics, others fear social unrest and see bunkers as a way to insulate themselves from chaos.

Honeywell's Trueno U8000 soundbar offers a solution for the poor sound quality of modern TVs due to their slim designs. With 700 watt Dolby Atmos output and a 5.1 channel setup, it provides a 3D surround sound experience perfect for gaming, movies, and music. The soundbar supports wireless streaming and has four EQ modes.

The TWS earbuds market is evolving with advanced technology and features like miniaturized sensors, AI processing, and Bluetooth. Skullcandy's Uproar TWS headset offers 46 hours of battery life and noise cancellation. Mivi AI Buds have a built-in assistant and specialized avatars. Headphone Zone X KZ EDX Pro is affordable and provides good sound quality and comfort.

The integration of AI in schools has the potential to revolutionize education and empower students. However, concerns about deployment, teacher training, and impact on learning must be addressed. Generative AI is already being used by some teachers, but students' understanding of AI should be carefully nurtured. It is crucial to address biases, ethics, and the risk of overdependence on AI.

HCL Healthcare study reveals alarming levels of low mood, anxiety, and poor sleep among employees. CEO Shikhar Malhotra stresses the need for action and discusses the changing corporate mindset towards mental health. He also highlights HCL Healthcare's efforts to tackle these issues, including their comprehensive digital platform, Habit Health, and plans for expansion.

Germany has a remarkably low rate of road fatalities compared to India, despite having some roads with no speed limits. This is due to the country's emphasis on discipline, road culture, and infrastructure, which promote safe driving. The orderly traffic, adherence to rules, and unique emergency corridor system make driving in Germany a safe experience even at high speeds.

The All India Management Association (AIMA) is working towards democratizing access to high-quality B-schools in India by collaborating with existing universities and offering online courses. This is made possible by the new emphasis on flexible education, as permitted by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the post-Covid-19 environment.

Telecom operators are calling for fair regulations in the satellite communication and over-the-top platform market, as global satellite players prepare to enter the broadband market. They are concerned about asymmetrical regulation, regulatory delays, and the structure of approvals for satellite-based connectivity. They also want OTT platforms to contribute to infrastructure expenses.

BMW Group India has achieved a significant feat by selling more than 5,000 electric vehicles, thanks to a strong infrastructure and a range of appealing models. The company's customer-centric approach, including a 4,000-km high-power charging corridor and digital services, has helped combat range anxiety.

India and the EU are close to finalizing a free trade agreement by the end of the year. The recent 14th round of negotiations addressed key areas such as tariff reductions, rules of origin, services trade, and investments. The Indian Commerce Minister will visit Brussels to further progress the talks. India wants duty-free access for labor-intensive imports and EU is pushing for tax reductions.

Boat, a popular D2C startup in the wearable-tech industry, is struggling as it gears up for its delayed IPO. Its parent company, Imagine Marketing, has seen a decline in revenue for two consecutive years, mirroring the slump in the wearables market. To attract investors, Boat's co-founders are now concentrating on premiumization and expanding their product range.

Ericsson is gearing up for the commercial launch of 6G by 2028-2030, with AI as a key component. India, a top focus market for the company, is expected to play a crucial role in this transition due to its rapid adoption of 5G. Ericsson's Pune factory, which has scaled up for 5G, now contributes to exports. The company also sees potential in enterprise use cases and IoT applications.

The SP Group's demand for Tata Sons to list has gained support from experts, as it would unlock value and reduce Tata Trusts' influence. However, the RBI's rule on NBFCs is seen as excessive. While Tata Capital has listed, the plans for Tata Sons remain uncertain. The group believes listing will bring transparency and respect for their legacy and future.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) exceeded expectations in the September quarter, leading to a positive outlook for the IT sector. Analysts predict a rebound in technology spending in the second half of the year, but remain cautious about the impact on TCS's competitors. TCS's strong performance and commentary are seen as a potential turning point for the industry, driven by major deals.

ICAI is collaborating with the government to enhance financial opportunities for MDPs in India. The government aims to promote local professional service firms in the rapidly expanding global consulting and auditing industry. ICAI is exploring funding options and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has formed a group to bolster the domestic ecosystem for consulting and auditing firms.

Indian companies are shifting their focus to West Asia for growth as developed markets face trade barriers. Tech startups, jewellers, and consumer brands are being drawn to the region, which is positioning itself as an economic corridor to the west. Infrastructure and engineering firms are seeking business in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while Dubai's tax-free zones remain popular.

InCred Capital, an investment bank, is planning a Rs 500-crore equity fundraising that will make it the second unicorn within the InCred Group. The company has strong financial metrics and is expected to generate revenue of Rs 1,000 crore in FY26. Its founder and CEO, Bhupinder Singh, owns 42.5% and renowned investors such as Ranjan Pai and Ravi R. Pillai Group are among its shareholders.

Indian brands Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor have significantly increased their presence in India's electric three-wheeler market, with a combined market share of 30%. This segment, dominated by small players importing parts from China, sees monthly sales of 60,000-65,000 units.

Fresh commerce startups are back with a new strategy and investor confidence, as seen with Handpickd, KPN Farm Fresh, and FirstClub securing major investments. This marks a shift towards prioritizing sustainable margins and quality over speed, after the initial farm-to-table startups couldn't keep up with quick commerce's rapid expansion.

FMCG companies are facing challenges in sales growth due to GST reforms, with some reporting low to mid-single-digit revenue growth. Marico and AWL Agri Business saw growth, while HUL expects a recovery in November. Dabur and GCPL also saw mid-single digit revenue growth, but Ebitda is likely to decline. Kiranas have been slow in passing on GST benefits.

Gujarat's groundnut production, which accounts for over half of India's total output, is expected to remain unchanged at 4.6 MT during the 2025-26 kharif season due to adverse weather conditions. Despite an increase in acreage, productivity declined due to a dry spell followed by excessive rainfall. The SEA Groundnut Promotion Council conducted crop assessments.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has criticised the Karnataka government for the lack of urgency in fixing Bengaluru's roads, calling for a $1 billion push. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai also slams the government for corruption and bad governance. Bengaluru's roads, as one user said, are among the worst in India.

Mutual fund managers are positive about the bond market in the second half of the year, anticipating rate cuts. They are modifying their tactics to incorporate longer duration papers and have a favorable short-term outlook. Nonetheless, apprehensions about demand and supply dynamics and fiscal concerns persist, resulting in a careful approach.

Retail investors' participation in IPOs has decreased compared to last year, with average subscription and listing gains also declining. The primary strategy of retail investors is to capture the listing pop, but the secondary market has been weak. Long-term investment in IPOs is recommended, as newer sectors like tech startups are still a minority in the IPO universe.

The government's rice stocks have hit a record high of over 47 MT, causing concerns about increasing food subsidy costs. Despite efforts to reduce the stock through various schemes, it remains high due to high procurement and strong crop output. The government aims to offload 6 to 7 MT this fiscal, but the stock may remain high.

The government is launching a new interest subvention scheme to support MSMEs in sectors impacted by US tariffs. It will provide a 3% interest subsidy for five years to boost working capital and investments in labour-intensive industries. The scheme will only benefit MSMEs, unlike the previous version. Other measures are also being taken to reduce the cost of credit for exporters.

Rishab Shetty's prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, Kantara: Chapter 1, has been a massive hit, earning over 500 crore and dominating the box office. However, a blooper featuring a plastic water can in a scene set in 4th century AD has caused a stir online, drawing comparisons to the infamous Game of Thrones mistake. Despite this, the film continues to break records and outshine other releases.

India's economic landscape in 2025 reveals a large gap in daily wages between states and union territories. The average daily wage is Rs 1,077, but industrialized and urbanized states like Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have an average wage of Rs 1,346 due to their concentration of government offices, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters.

Mahima Mahajan, inspired by Sufism, showcased her new design FANAH at Lakme Fashion Week and plans to expand her presence in India and overseas. Sustainability is a priority, using natural fabrics. She aims to engage a diverse audience through digital marketing and build genuine customer relationships. Strategic partnerships for sustainable growth are also on her agenda.

Four Indian business schools, including ISB, are among the world's top 20 MBA programs according to LinkedIn. Rankings are based on alumni outcomes like job placements and promotions. Stanford, Harvard, INSEAD, and Wharton top the list, while IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore also make the cut.

P Chidambaram has criticised Operation Blue Star and acknowledged it as a collective mistake on part of all - Army, the police, the intelligence and the civil service - adding that it resulted in Indira Gandhi's assassination, former Prime Minister of India. The military operation was ordered to remove militants from the Golden Temple complex, but Chidambaram believes it was the wrong approach.

58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in clashes at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, with Afghan troops launching a 'revenge operation' after a Kabul bombing. Pakistan closed its main border crossings, accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants. The Taliban blamed Pakistan for the bombing and launched retaliatory attacks. Qatar has called for dialogue and restraint between the two sides.

Zoho's Sridhar Vembu has launched a guide on how to pronounce the name of their chat and calling app, Arattai, in different languages. The app, meaning "casual conversation" in Tamil, has gained praise for its name and is backed by extensive in-house engineering and research. Vembu also revealed plans for end-to-end encryption, highlighting their commitment to privacy and trust.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe this year, be ready for a new process at the border. Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES).

Legendary actress Diane Keaton, known for iconic roles in films like Annie Hall and The Godfather, passed away at 79 in Los Angeles. Her friend and producer confirmed her death, though no official cause was announced. Keaton's declining health in her final months shocked friends and fans. Tributes poured in, remembering her as a talented actress and kind soul.

Pankaj Patel, chairman of Zydus Lifesciences, is the second richest Gujarati and fourth among India's top five pharma entrepreneurs. With a net worth of Rs 84,510 crore, Patel transformed Zydus into a global drug maker and played a crucial role in Gujarat's emergence as a hub of pharma. The state now has 139 entrants in Hurun.

32-year-old Ukrainian crypto investor and blogger Kostya Kudo, co-founder and CEO of a trading academy, was found dead in his Lamborghini in Kyiv during a major cryptocurrency crash. Reports suggest he died by suicide. The crash has been linked to US President Trump's tariff announcement on Chinese imports.

Former White House Presidential Personnel Office head Sergio Gor has been announced as the next United States Ambassador to India, US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday.

The NMC has updated the NEET UG seat matrix for the 2025-26 academic year, with a total of 1,26,600 MBBS seats in India. 9,075 new seats have been approved, while some colleges have increased their intake, providing more opportunities for medical aspirants.

Harsha Bhogle, an Indian cricket commentator, has warned people about the health hazards of feeding pigeons, citing a woman's death from lung fibrosis caused by their droppings. “Doctors have been shouting from the rooftops about the dangers of inhaling pigeon droppings and the severe lung disease it could lead to,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) before urging people to “stop feeding pigeons”.

China has urged the US to stop using tariffs as a threat and engage in dialogue to resolve trade issues. This comes after Trump announced new 100% tariffs on China and export controls on critical software. China said that it is not afraid of a tariff war but wants to maintain stable and healthy relations.

Emilio Sueños, a well-known TV presenter and model from Ecuador, passed away after confusing a heart attack with a common cold. Doctors later discovered that his excessive use of testosterone had caused heart failure. While testosterone therapy has benefits, it also carries several potential risks including mood swings, sleep apnea, cardiovascular problems, and fertility issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation from US President Donald Trump and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend a peace summit in Sharm-el Sheikh on Monday, October 13.

SEBI's Kamlesh Chandra Varshney urges brokers to boost liquidity in commodity market and attract new investors from tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Indian capital market aims to be a global leader, with Industry Standards Forums playing a key role. Brokers must assist SEBI in preventing frauds and educating investors, as per Varshney.

Muthoot Finance denies money laundering and fraud allegations against its MD, clarifying that he was called by the Enforcement Directorate for clarifications on the company's involvement with NCDs from Srei group companies. The company firmly refutes the claims and emphasizes that there is no connection between Muthoot Finance and Srei Cos.

Three persons were arrested for the gang rape of a medical college student in West Bengal. The incident took place outside the campus and the victim is undergoing treatment. The identities of the accused have not been disclosed and the police are investigating the case. The incident has caused political tension and the Odisha Chief Minister has urged for swift action.

Tej Pratap Yadav, son of former Bihar CMs Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, will contest from the Mahua constituency in the upcoming elections. He was previously expelled from RJD and has founded his own party, JJD. He plans to announce candidates on October 13. The Mahua constituency has been held by various parties and will go to the polls soon.