India and the US are working together to enhance market access, remove barriers, and improve supply chain integration through the Bilateral Trade Agreement. A US delegation is in India for negotiations, building on talks from May. Both countries aim to reach $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and plan to negotiate the first part of the BTA by 2025.
HUL's CEO Priya Nair aims to target high-growth demand spaces and emerging niche categories to cater to the increasing trend of premiumisation among consumers. However, analysts suggest a trade-off between consistent volume growth and improved margins. The company faces competition from regional, local, and D2C brands as consumers prioritize essential items and cheaper alternatives.
The US government shutdown is causing delays and disruptions for Indian companies with American exposure, leading to limited staff at agencies like the SEC and CFIUS. This has resulted in procedural holdups for cross-border actions, including Infosys' Rs 18,000-crore share buyback. While experts do not believe it will derail the process, there is a possibility of further delays.
Due to the pandemic, India's fresh meat delivery startups experienced a rise in demand. However, as life returned to normal, most consumers reverted back to their local butchers. Chennai-based TenderCuts adapted to this trend by shifting its focus to smaller, local stores. This has proven successful, with all stores now profitable & the company projected to reach Rs 230 crore in annually by FY28.
Chhath Puja, the beloved festival of Bihar and Eastern UP, is here. Also known as Surya Shashti, it is celebrated on the sixth day of the Hindu month of Kartik. During the four days of Chhath Puja, devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiyaa and offer evening and morning Arghya. This year, the festivities began on Saturday, October 25 with 'Nahay Khay' and will conclude
BITSoM, a Mumbai-based B-school, boasts a high percentage of courses taught by foreign faculty from top global institutions. The curriculum is updated to incorporate AI and faculty are upskilled in this field. The school has achieved success in the market and plans to expand its programmes and global reach.
The Apache RTX by TVS Motor is a new adventure bike with a powerful 299.1-cc engine, impressive design, and high-quality build. It offers a smooth and refined ride, with a comfortable suspension and advanced features such as cruise control and quickshifter. While its off-road capabilities may be average, it excels on the road and is a steal for its price of Rs 1.99-2.34 lakh.
Meesho's margins have risen due to their logistics arm, Valmo, which connects with third-party partners to reduce costs and improve free cash flow. However, managing a fragmented logistics ecosystem poses risks. Valmo has grown and handled numerous orders and shipments.
Geetansh Bamania, founder of Rentomojo, believes in turning constraints into opportunities. His furniture and appliances rental business offers flexible ownership, free relocation, and cancel anytime policies, leading to a profitable business model. Despite challenges like capital constraints and the pandemic, Rentomojo plans to go public in 2026.
AI startups are attracting record investments, but some VCs are wary of inflated valuations and untested business models. The caution is fueled by parallels to the dotcom bubble and concerns about exaggerated claims. Despite this, AI startups in India have raised $474.57 million this year, with a focus on the infrastructure layer and tangible impact rather than hype.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledges to collaborate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for long-term development and prosperity. Both sides have signed free trade agreements and are working towards a strong strategic partnership. The Asean Community Vision 2045 and India's Viksit Bharat 2047 aim to bring about a promising future.
Eyewear manufacturer Lenskart Solutions is set to launch its IPO on October 31, with an expected value of Rs 72,719 crore. The offering includes a mix of fresh equity and an offer for sale by existing stakeholders. The company plans to use the proceeds for expansion, technology infrastructure, and marketing initiatives.
Residential property prices in top micromarkets have fallen by 50%, with Worli in Mumbai and Golf Course Extension Road in Gurgaon experiencing the biggest drops. This is attributed to the launch of smaller, more affordable apartments by developers. However, NCR and Hyderabad have seen an increase in prices, along with a rise in average apartment sizes in the top seven cities.
Reliance Retail is ramping up its quick commerce strategy by increasing delivery speed and dark store network. This puts them in competition with established players like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. Their hybrid structure and extensive dark store coverage give them an advantage in supply chain. With 600+ dark stores and expansion into smaller markets.
An Indian techie shared his struggle as an introvert in the corporate world, where his boss told him he's not "visible" enough to higher management, affecting his promotion. He turned to Reddit for advice on how to be more outgoing, but as an introvert, it is a difficult task. Reddit users suggested starting slow and learning to speak up to succeed in the corporate world.
India's young population is a valuable asset that can give it a competitive advantage globally. To make the most of it, the workforce must be skilled in emerging trends and AI. AI literacy, fluency, and agency are crucial in this era. The focus should shift from literacy to fluency to turn this demographic dividend into an AI dividend.
Israeli PM Netanyahu asserts sovereignty and decision-making power in dealing with security threats, rejecting interference from international forces, including the US. He emphasizes strong partnership between Israel and US, denying claims of control over each other's security policies. Recent airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza show Israel's determination to respond to attacks and threats independently.
Lupin, a leading pharmaceutical company, is utilizing digital tools such as AI, IIoT, robotics, and automation to streamline operations and prioritize patient-centricity. Digital innovation is a key enabler of the company's strategy to improve healthcare access and patient outcomes. Lupin's R&D investments focus on complex and specialty products, and the company aims to introduce new products.
Mandi prices for pulses and oilseeds remain below MSP due to strong kharif crop arrivals, adequate imports, and government stocks. Chana is the only exception, trading above MSP. Maharashtra to start purchasing soybean at MSP from November 1, while Madhya Pradesh launches a price deficiency support scheme for soybean farmers.
Piyush Goyal, the commerce and industry minister, is visiting Brussels to give momentum and direction to the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The discussions will focus on key areas and aim to meet the December deadline. The talks with the European Commission will aim to strengthen the trade and economic partnership, with six chapters already agreed upon since June 2022.
India's new company registrations have surged by 108% in September, the second-highest ever recorded. This growth is expected to continue, with a 38.4% increase in the first half of FY26. Factors such as increased investor confidence, strong GDP growth, and a rise in domestic demand are driving this trend. The IMF predicts that India will remain one of the fastest-growing economies.
The RBI's October bulletin raised concerns about India's steel industry's vulnerability to competition and imports, but recent data shows a decline in imports due to barriers. The government is implementing measures to improve competitiveness through innovation and cost efficiency, while also addressing dumping and low domestic steel prices.
Trinidad and Tobago is building a grand Ram Mandir to establish an 'Ayodhya Nagri' and promote its image as a cultural and spiritual hub for Hinduism in the Western Hemisphere. The government is actively working on advancing a grand Ram temple project to create a Hindu hub for devotees in North America, showcasing the country's rich history of preserving Hindu traditions.
The Indian government plans to give aircraft manufacturing "infrastructure status" to promote local production and decrease dependence on imports. This will attract foreign partnerships and provide financial and policy support. Including aircraft manufacturing in the Harmonised Master List is expected to boost regional air connectivity, with the first locally made aircraft, the Airbus C295.
Amid mass layoffs, AI replacing jobs, and an immigration crackdown, the US job market is entering the “Great Freeze.” If you’re not familiar with the term, it refers to a situation where companies aren’t firing employees, but they’re also not hiring much. For workers, this means career growth is stalling, while job seekers face limited opportunities.
Direct flights between India and mainland China have resumed after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. The first flight will depart from Kolkata to Guangzhou on October 26, with additional routes to Shanghai and Hong Kong in November. The move is seen as a step towards normalizing relations between the two nations and promoting people-to-people contact.
Government discusses infrastructure issues in Bengaluru with company leaders, including Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and former Infosys CEO TV Mohandas Pai. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar leads the meeting, addressing concerns about roads, drainage, and garbage management. A public dashboard will track project progress. Shaw's offer to fix the city's issues garners praise from P Chidambaram.
Delhi Customs officials seized 170 grams of gold from an Indian passenger arriving from Dubai on October 25. The gold was cleverly disguised as a plastic bottle cap and was intercepted during routine baggage screening. In a separate incident, officers caught a passenger arriving from Bangkok with 3,000 grams of suspected hydroponic weed. Further investigations are underway in both cases.
China's top negotiator announced a preliminary "consensus" on trade with the US after "candid discussions" in Kuala Lumpur. The talks covered fentanyl and export controls, with China seeking to stabilize trade ties. Despite this, Beijing remains committed to protecting its interests. US Treasury Secretary revealed that China is willing to make a deal, potentially averting 100% tariffs from the US.
Russia has successfully tested a new nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile named the Burevestnik, which travelled 14,000 km and remained in the air for 15 hours. The test took place on October 21 and was confirmed by the country's top general to President Vladimir Putin. Putin has praised the missile, calling it "invincible" and "unique" in the world.
Hindu American Foundation takes to social media to share posts criticizing H1-B visa policies and the recent Diwali celebrations in the US. They express concern over the rise of online Hinduphobia and anti-Indian racism, citing instances of masked men dishonoring Hindu Gods and calling for mass deportations of Indians.
A viral video shows an Indian man who returned from Germany is shocked by the expensive prices of everyday products in comparison. He is amazed by the low prices of items like Tic Tacs and Coca-Cola, which are much more expensive in Germany. Social media users relate to the man's surprise and discuss the concept of purchasing power parity.
A doctor's suicide in Maharashtra has sparked controversy as she accused two men of rape and mental harassment in her suicide note. However, one of the accused's family claims the doctor had been harassing him and proposed marriage. Police found evidence of the doctor's stress and pressure in chats and call recordings. The accused has been sent to police custody for four days.
The historic Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra has been renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station, following a notification by the state government. The new name will be reflected in all official railway communication and the station will operate under a new code-CPSN. The city's earlier name, associated with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Deepika Padukone, a top Bollywood actress, faced backlash and lost two projects for speaking out about the need for an 8-hour workday and equal treatment for women in the industry. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Konkana Sen Sharma have also supported her stance. This has sparked a necessary conversation about the impact of long work hours.
India and Bangladesh will clash in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 today, with India looking to end the group stage on a high after securing a spot in the semifinals. The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and live streamed on JioHotstar. India has had a roller-coaster tournament, with dominant wins, mid-tournament losses, and strong performances.
Larry Ellison, the man behind Oracle, surpassed Elon Musk's net worth earlier this year, but the SpaceX CEO quickly reclaimed his spot. Ellison's success can be attributed to his tendency to question conventional wisdom and authority. He believes in the importance of curiosity and self-discovery, and encourages others to constantly explore their limits and relationships.
Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj Party, pledges to create job opportunities in Bihar if elected in 2025. He criticizes the current government's failure to provide employment and urges voters to choose a "people's government". The NDA and Mahagathbandhan compete for all 243 seats in the upcoming November elections.
The Jonas Brothers, a popular boy band, surprised fans and the MLB community with a mid-game performance during the World Series. While the tribute to 'Stand Up to Cancer' was appreciated, the timing of the performance caused controversy. Fans took to social media to express their confusion and disappointment, with some even suggesting Drake as a more fitting performer.
Trump appoints Michael Selig as new chair of CFTC, known for expertise in digital assets. Selig and White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks confirm the news, with Selig promising to make US the "Crypto Capital of the World." CFTC did not comment, as digital assets industry gains attention under Trump.
James Fishback, CEO of investment firm Azoria, seems to be extremely critical of the H-1B visa, like many Americans who believe foreign workers are taking their job opportunities. Ever since US President Donald Trump imposed hefty fees on H-1B visas, Fishback, who was once the principal architect of the "DOGE checks" initiative, has given multiple interviews calling out the H-1B program.
Cyclonic storm Montha is intensifying in the Bay of Bengal, prompting emergency preparations by the Odisha government. The state is on yellow alert and people are urged to take necessary precautions. Heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas are expected in several districts. The storm is forecast to become severe and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.
A 29-year-old woman doctor from Satara, Maharashtra was found dead in her hotel room, leaving behind a suicide note accusing two men of her suffering. The suspects, Prashant Bankar and Gopal Badane, have been arrested. Bankar's father allegedly asked Badane, a police officer, to intervene in their relationship.
An Indian Government official has denied a Washington Post report that claimed Department of Financial Services (DFS) officials “drafted and pushed through a proposal in May to steer roughly $3.9 billion in investments to Adani’s businesses from the Life Insurance Corporation, or LIC.”
A 26-year-old techie, Priyanka Kumari Poonia, died in a tragic accident in Bengaluru. She was riding on a motorcycle with her brother on a damaged road when they fell due to a pothole. Priyanka, not wearing a helmet, was run over by a lorry and died. Police are investigating and her brother's statement will provide more information.
Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies, is a billionaire with a net worth of $30 billion. His technology empire includes education and philanthropy, with his daughter Roshni Nadar as chairperson. The family also owns a real estate empire, including a luxurious residence and corporate campuses worth Rs 7000 crore. They also have educational institutes.
A reclusive billionaire and heir to one of America’s richest families, Timothy Mellon has been identified as the anonymous donor who gave $130 million to the US government to help pay military salaries amid the ongoing federal shutdown. For days, Trump has been heaping praise on his mystery friend, calling him a “patriot” and a “great American.”
47th ASEAN Summit: Nearly two dozen world leaders have arrived in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit. The three-day event is expected to discuss Asia’s current economic and political situation. From trade tensions to regional security, the event will focus on some of the most pressing challenges in Southeast Asia right now.
Trump says he will not meet with Putin until a deal is made to secure peace between Russia and Ukraine. He believes that any meeting without a deal in place would be a waste of time. Talks between the two leaders have stalled, but Trump remains optimistic about reaching a resolution.
The Madras High Court has declared cryptocurrency as a form of property under Indian law, allowing individuals to own and hold it in trust. The ruling came after a cyberattack on the WazirX exchange, where an investor's XRP coins were frozen. The Court also emphasised the distinction between Indian and foreign entities in the cryptocurrency market.
Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN, will host the 47th ASEAN Summit and related Summits from 26 to 28 October 2025. The theme is "Inclusivity and Sustainability" and the Opening Ceremony will mark the formal admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th ASEAN Member State. The Summits will include ASEAN Plus dialogue.