India and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have signed Terms of Reference to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The EAEU, which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia, has a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion and a single market of 183 million people. The FTA is expected to boost trade ties, diversify markets, and benefit MSMEs.
Vivek Ramaswamy and Ro Khanna advocate for H-1B visas to attract skilled workers to the US, citing the academic excellence of Chinese students and the flaws in the American visa system. Ramaswamy believes the US culture values mediocrity, leading to a reliance on foreign-born workers. He had once called for reform to end "indentured servitude."
The Delhi government is considering a new liquor policy to bring prices in line with NCR cities like Gurugram. Draft expected next month, with focus on transparency and social security. Fixed retail margin cap in Delhi keeps prices higher, while the limited availability of premium brands is due to the absence of private liquor shops.
US President Donald Trump has warned that Hamas faces “complete obliteration” if it refuses to give up power in Gaza. His comments came in a text exchange with CNN’s Jake Tapper, where he insisted that Hamas must step aside for his 20-point cease-fire plan to move forward.
The sale of RD-93 engines to Pakistan's JF-17 aircraft will have two benefits for India, according to Russian defence experts. This decision has caused a political dispute between Congress and BJP, with Congress questioning the government's failure to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. However, a Russian official has denied the claim, stating that there is no confirmation of the sale.
The GIFT Nifty opened lower on Monday due to negative global cues and concerns about key domestic sectors. However, Indian markets ended Friday on a positive note. Asian markets started the week positively, while US markets had a mixed performance. The US dollar and crude oil prices rose, but gold rates remained stable in Dubai and India.
A massive rescue operation is underway on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest after a powerful snowstorm left close to 1,000 trekkers stranded in Tibet, the BBC reported. The blizzard swept through the Karma Valley, a popular route leading to the Kangshung face, just as crowds had arrived for China’s week-long National Day break.
Indian market set for busy week as Q2 earnings season begins, several companies across sectors to release updates. Sensex and Nifty closed on a positive note on Friday. HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, YES Bank, L&T Finance, RBL Bank, and UCO Bank report steady growth in business. Tata Steel and Vedanta report record production in Q2.
The Indian automotive sector has had a successful start to the festive season, with strong tractor sales leading the way. Eicher Motors, Tata Motors, and M&M have reported significant year-on-year growth, while Maruti Suzuki and TVS Motors saw lower sales. The rise in tractor sales suggests a robust rural demand, and two-wheeler registrations have also increased.
Tata Capital's IPO to raise Rs 15,511.87 crore, the fourth largest in 2 decades. Price band at Rs 310 - 326 per share, GMP at 2.8%. Allotment on Oct 9, listing on Oct 13. Funds to be used for capital base, future requirements, and coverage.
In a push towards developing a homegrown telecom ecosystem, BSNL will upgrade all its 4G towers to 5G within the next 6-8 months. The company's indigenous 4G stack has placed India among a select group of five countries capable of delivering an end-to-end telecom solution. BSNL has a subscriber base of 9.1 crore and a 4G network serving over 22 million people.
Airlines are gearing up for the festive season by adding 1,762 extra flights to meet the expected rise in air travel demand. The DGCA will monitor airfares to prevent excessive price hikes. Major carriers have also announced more flights to meet the high demand. This follows concerns over steep airfare increases and the implementation of an online system to track fares.
The University of Melbourne's Global Centre in Delhi is a hub for research, innovation, and partnerships in India. It focuses on two-way collaboration and has facilitated joint PhD programs, workshops, and events in its first year. Plans are in place to establish dedicated policy hubs and deepen engagement with industry and government.
The Ultraviolette X-47 Desert Wing is a powerful electric motorcycle with a muscular design and advanced safety features. It offers a comfortable and versatile riding experience with three ride modes, but its weight and promised range may not be achievable in real-world conditions. Prices range from Rs 2.49 lakh to Rs 4.49 lakh for five variants.
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Doha to discuss the Terms of Reference for a free trade agreement with Qatar. The ToR will outline the scope and objectives of negotiations, with a focus on addressing trade barriers and non-tariff issues. The two countries will also discuss cooperation in finance, agriculture, and healthcare.
India and Peru will resume talks on a free trade agreement in November, along with discussions with Chile under their current economic partnership agreement. The new deal will focus on enhancing cooperation in digital services, investment, MSMEs, and critical minerals. Peru is a major trading partner for India, with key exports like automobiles and pharmaceuticals.
A survey by LocalCircles reveals that GST 2.0 reforms have led to increased benefits for consumers on food products, but progress has been slow for medicines and consumer durables. Delivery delays for vehicles are also a concern.
The Indian box office has experienced a 16.54% rise in gross collections from January-September 2025, making it the second-best performance after 2019. However, Bollywood films have had a mixed year, with only six Hindi-language films making it to the Top 10 list of grossers. This is due to weaker plots and uninspiring performances in sequels, which were expected to dominate the industry.
In October, the Nifty rebounded after a nine-day decline, with the Bank Nifty and metals sector performing strongly. FIIs are still heavily involved in short-selling, influenced by the weak rupee. For a change in FII strategy, the Nifty must surpass 25,400. Despite US interference, the Indian markets have managed well. The US government shutdown could impact the Fed's decision rate cut in October.
Patna becomes a metro city as Nitish Kumar launches the first phase of the Patna metro on October 6. The Blue line connects Patliputra ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhoothnath. Operating from 8 am to 10 pm, the fare ranges from Rs 15 to Rs 30. The project targets to solve the city's traffic issues.
1000 crore investment
Singapore-based real estate company Mapletree is expanding its presence in India's data centre market with a $500-700 million investment in a 400 MW project in Mumbai. The company is also eyeing other cities like Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru for similar centres. With a strong portfolio and assets worth $2 billion in India, Mapletree is expected to see growth in this sector.
IT services firms are facing a challenging quarter as global macro uncertainty, tight budgets, and cautious client spending are expected to limit growth. The recent changes to US H1-B visa rules have added to the sector's unease, resulting in flat to marginal growth for large-cap firms. Mid-tier companies may fare slightly better with AI and digital transformation deals.
India and the EU are working towards finalizing their Free Trade Agreement by December 2025. However, the last round of talks showed little progress in sensitive areas like automobiles and agriculture, with the EU pushing for reduced import duties and a carbon tax. The FTA covers 23 policy areas, including trade, investment, and intellectual property.
The government's changes to the PRIP scheme may not be sufficient to boost drug development in India. The budget of Rs 5,000 crore is inadequate for new drug discovery. However, the scheme aims to encourage early-stage R&D and global partnerships, and is expected to drive innovation and R&D in the country, according to experts.
Fund raising in Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City's international stock exchanges, NSE IX and India INX, has seen a significant increase in 2025 with several large issuances worth over $4 billion. This includes ICICI Bank's $700 million and $500 million foreign currency bonds, Muthoot Finance's $600 million listing, and upcoming listings from ECGC, NaBFID, SMFG India, and NABARD.
Excessive rainfall and delayed monsoon withdrawal have led to crop damage in Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The agriculture ministry is evaluating the impact and may revise the projected foodgrain output. Other states like West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh have also been affected. Despite record kharif sowing, the government expects a modest growth in foodgrain production.
The ECI has announced 17 new initiatives for the Bihar elections, including the use of technology, voter-friendly measures, and training for booth-level agents. Plans for a free and fair election were discussed, and voting dates will be announced next week. New rules for candidates and voters, such as identity cards for officials and larger fonts on ballot papers, have also been implemented.
The manufacturing sector dominated new investment projects in Q2FY26 with a share of 73.2%, the highest since Q3FY11. The value of new projects announced was Rs 5.2 lakh crore, with the manufacturing sector accounting for Rs 3.8 lakh crore. This sector also saw record high dominance in absolute terms, surpassing other key sectors such as services, construction, mining, and electricity.
Coal stocks at thermal power plants have increased by 24% to 45.8 million tonnes due to favorable weather and reduced electricity demand. Only 18 out of 185 plants reported low stock levels, a significant improvement from last year. Peak power demand has reached 241 GW and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% in the next five years.
Trump's tariffs have led countries to reassess their growth plans and focus on their strengths, says OECD adviser. India should invest in AI in healthcare and education to counter these policies and improve services while reducing costs. Despite trade tensions, India's growth remains promising, with a focus on trade zones. Dougherty sees great potential for AI adoption in India.
This week, the equity market is expected to be influenced by macroeconomic data, global trends, and TCS earnings. FPIs have been selling Indian equities and the focus will be on TCS earnings and US macro updates. The IT sector, specifically TCS, will be in the spotlight due to layoffs, visa fee hikes, and outsourcing taxes. The rupee's movement against the US dollar will also be closely watched.
A Bengaluru woman's mother went viral after sharing a WhatsApp message asking for Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath's phone number. Social media users were shocked and even offered to share the billionaire's number. The woman, Aditi Srivastava, is a NIFT Bengaluru alumna and helps build personal brands on LinkedIn and X.
Several Indian students have had their US student visa applications rejected following new social media screening rules, according to the Washington Post. The issue has raised concerns among applicants about freedom of expression and transparency in the visa process.
The death toll in Nepal's rain-induced disaster has risen to 40, with 13 injured and 11 missing. The Ilam district is the most impacted, with 28 deaths and 2 injuries. Lightning strikes injured 8 people and a road accident claimed 6 lives. The Koshi Barrage has opened all 56 gates due to rising water levels, prompting red warnings and precautions from authorities.
The recent liquor bill in Rajasthan has caused controversy as it includes a 20% cow cess, on top of CGST and SGST. The tax, implemented in 2018 to support cows and shelters, has sparked online debates. The bill shows a customer being charged Rs 3,262 for six beers and food, with the cow cess being applied to the VAT.
In September, FPIs pulled out Rs 23,885 crore from Indian equities for the third month in a row due to US trade and policy shocks, rupee depreciation, and high valuations. However, analysts predict a potential turnaround with tariff clarity, currency stabilization, and a supportive global rate environment. FPIs may also play a crucial role in the country's recovery.
Hundreds of international students accepted to University College London (UCL) are now facing uncertainty just days before the academic year begins.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is on track to become the world's first trillionaire with a net worth of $500 billion. His support for President Trump and strategic donations helped Trump's return to the White House. Musk's success also includes his AI startup worth £55 billion and ownership of two $70 million jets.
Celebrate the end of the year in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru with a variety of events featuring famous personalities and global icons. From classical music to comedy, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on concerts by Travis Scott, Sonu Nigam, and Gurdaas Maan, and comedy shows by Zakir Khan and Vir Das. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable experience.
BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy impressed passengers on a Patna-Delhi IndiGo flight with his engaging in-flight announcements. He was joined by MP Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who thanked him for the unique experience. Chouhan detailed how Rudy's simple and engaging style kept everyone hooked throughout the journey, making it an unforgettable experience.
India's creator economy is booming, with digital entrepreneurs like Tanmay Bhat earning millions. The list reveals the country's growing economic power in the creator ecosystem, with channels in lifestyle, tech, and comedy earning high revenues. This highlights the rise of the digital economy, with creators making money through live events, brand collaborations, and more.
Indian CA's video of empty office in Netherlands after 5 PM sparks debate on work-life balance and discipline. Her witty caption, "Bring just one Indian manager here, and things will be different," highlights the contrast between Europe's strict work culture and India's long office hours. Netizens praise Europe's work etiquette and culture.
Actor Paresh Rawal clarifies that a viral quote attributed to him urging people to put up "I Love Muhammad" stickers on their shops is not his thoughts or words. The controversy dates back to a procession in Kanpur where people carrying these placards clashed with the police. 82 people have been arrested so far and police have named 200 among the 2,500 accused.
Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, lives in a lavish $24 million Miami mansion with her family. Her extravagant lifestyle and missing engagement ring, worth $500,000, have garnered attention. Given to her by her husband in 2009, the ring has been absent during her time in politics, causing speculation and distancing from the couple.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav hopes for a fair and transparent election in Bihar after his party's meeting with the Election Commission. He stresses that elections should not be held to benefit anyone and that the public should be the master in a democracy. The ECI is reviewing the poll preparedness and political parties suggest holding elections after Chhath Puja for maximum voter turnout.
Wipro founder Azim Premji and family have emerged as the richest in Bengaluru with a net worth of Rs 2.21 lakh crore, according to the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025. India has added billionaires at an unmatched pace, with Bengaluru accounting for 116 of them.
Kantara Chapter 1, the Rishab Shetty film, has made a remarkable comeback at the box office after a 25% decline on its first Friday. It has surpassed Rs 160 crore and entered the Rs 100 crore club in just two days, breaking records for the Kannada film industry. It has also become India's highest-grossing and fastest to reach the Rs 100 crore milestone.
Karnataka Ministers MB Patil and Priyank Kharge condemn the Centre for low tax devolution, calling it financial discrimination and demanding fairness and justice for the state. BJP's vote-bank states received a larger share compared to Karnataka, which contributes more. The Ministry of Finance released Rs 1,01,603 crore to the states.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided an update on the investigation into the alleged poisoning of singer Zubeen Garg during a yacht trip. The viscera examination report is expected on October 10, and police are recording all witness statements. Sarma urged the Assamese community to press for the return of suspects from Singapore.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg claimed she faced harsh treatment while in Israeli custody following her arrest during a flotilla bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The 22-year-old told Swedish officials that she suffered dehydration, lack of food, and unsanitary conditions during her detention, the Guardian reported.
Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was arrested Saturday following a violent incident in Indianapolis. The 38-year-old, who was stabbed in the chest, now faces multiple charges.