The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is gaining popularity as several states plan to join for the next rabi crop season. Despite some states opting out, the government is encouraging them to participate. The scheme offers comprehensive risk coverage for crops with low premiums and quick claim settlements.
China has filed a complaint with the WTO against India's PLI schemes for EVs and RE, claiming discrimination and violation of multilateral agreements. While consultations have begun, experts believe that India's support for EVs will continue regardless of the final ruling due to the limited functionality of the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism.
India's core infrastructure sectors' growth rate increased by 3% in September 2025, according to official data from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This is a significant improvement from the previous year's growth rate of 2.4%. However, the overall growth for April-September of this fiscal year was 2.9%, lower than the previous year's 4.3% growth.
Bollywood celebrities spared no expense in celebrating Diwali this year, with lavish parties, glamorous outfits, and heart-warming moments. Alia Bhatt spent time with both her in-laws and her family, while Kiara Advani and Siddharth Malhotra celebrated their first Diwali as new parents. Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar enjoyed the festivities in London, while Ananya Panday celebrated with family.
Sensex and Nifty closed higher in special Muhurat trading session, starting Samvat 2082 positively. Cautious optimism seen in indices compared to 2024, boosted by recent GST changes and low inflation. NSE Chief reiterated need for making informed decisions.
The 2025 Diwali festive season saw a 24% increase in e-commerce order volumes and a 23% rise in gross merchandise value, with quick commerce apps and brand websites driving the growth. FMCG, home decor, beauty, and health categories were top performers, with tier II and III cities accounting for 55% of total orders. Faster delivery times and a shift towards digital transactions were also observed.
Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is expected to become one of the world's leading urban economies by 2047, with a projected GDP of $1.2-1.5 trillion and a population of 3.6-3.8 crore. The MMRDA has outlined a long-term plan for sustainable and inclusive growth, positioning MMR alongside global economic hubs like Tokyo, London, and Singapore. The plan aims to achieve a GDP of Rs 25 lakh crore by
India is experiencing a surge in local defence manufacturing, resulting in a rise in orders for both public and private sector companies. The industry is entering a prosperous phase with a Rs 10 lakh crore pipeline and a 15-year defence roadmap. Collaboration between public and private companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics, Larsen and Toubro, and Tata Advanced Systems
Gagan Biyani, co-founder of Udemy, shares his joy in celebrating Diwali in the US and expresses gratitude for the acceptance and curiosity shown by Americans towards the festival. He reflects on the contrast of his childhood where Diwali was not widely recognized, to the present day where even a 4-year-old neighbor eagerly wants to join in.
The Lokpal of India, responsible for preventing corruption, has sparked controversy by initiating the purchase of seven luxury BMW cars through a public tender. Each car costs Rs 70 lakh and will be used for training and transportation of top officials. Critics argue that this move misuses public funds and questions the necessity of the Lokpal institution.
The viral Group 7 trend, created by musician Sophia James to promote her new song, has taken over the internet. Through dividing viewers into groups and experimenting with the algorithm, James proved that success on social media cannot be guaranteed. This trend has become an "inside joke" and a "pride" among users, with even Netflix using it to promote its shows.
India's coal import dropped by 0.6% in August, continuing a trend of decline in the April-August period compared to the same period last fiscal year. Non-coking coal imports saw a significant decrease, while coking coal imports remained relatively stable. The CEO of mjunction services predicts a subdued demand for coal in the current fiscal year
In a 7-minute dramatic heist at the iconic Louvre museum of Paris, thieves brazenly stole eight timeless jewels but left one massive diamond worth an estimated $60 million untouched in its case, and it's said to be cursed.
BLACKPINK, the popular South Korean girl group, is making a highly anticipated comeback after their explosive debut in 2016. Their agency, YG Entertainment, has confirmed that preparations for a new album and music video are underway. Fans are eagerly awaiting their return after the group's last project in 2022 and successful solo releases from members.
Thamma, the newest addition to the MHCU, stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna in a unique romantic comedy with horror elements. Early reviews on X applaud the actors' performances and the thrilling twists in the second half. With a projected opening week earnings of Rs 30-40 crores, the film offers a perfect blend of humor and thrills for audiences."
Muhurat Trading, a one-hour session on Diwali, has cultural and market significance. It marks the start of the Hindu Samvat Year and is believed to bring prosperity. This year, it will be held in the afternoon instead of the evening, serving as a sentiment indicator for the upcoming quarter.
The 46th Blue Dragon Film Awards nominees list has been released, with veteran talents like Lee Byung Hun and new entries like Park Jinyoung making the cut. Lee Byung Hun is a top contender for Best Actor, while Park Jinyoung has been nominated for Best New Actor despite his K-drama background. The awards ceremony, set for 2025, also includes nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Actress.
During a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australian reporter Latika M Bourke, an India-born woman, asked Trump about his stance on Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump responded with a dismissive and aggressive tone, shutting down Bourke's question. This exchange came on the same day as Trump sealed a rare earths deal with Australia.
Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov took a jab at the recent brazen robbery at the Louvre Museum, calling it a sign of France’s decline. His comments came amid reports claiming that the stolen priceless gems may never be recovered, as French experts believe it is highly likely the pieces will be sold for a fraction of their value and smuggled out of France.
China has filed a complaint against India's Production Linked Incentive schemes for advanced chemistry cell battery, automobiles, and electric vehicles at the WTO, alleging that they violate global trade rules and discriminate against Chinese goods. If consultations don't resolve the issue, China can request a panel to rule on it. This comes as China aims to increase its electric exports.
Several banks across the country will be closed from October 21 to 23 due to various festivals, including Diwali and Bhai Dooj. Bank holidays vary from state to state, with online banking and ATMs still functioning. Fourth Saturday and Sunday will also see bank closures. Chhath Puja and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary will result in bank closures in certain regions.
The 1-hour special market session for Diwali will take place today on both NSE and BSE, with MCX also participating. All trades will have regular settlement obligations. The session will start at 1:45 pm and end at 2:45 pm, with a cut-off time for position limit and trade modification at 2:55 pm. October 22 will be a trading holiday for all exchanges.
The Indian economy has shown resilience despite global uncertainty and weak external demand, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals. High-frequency indicators suggest a revival in urban and rural demand. Inflation has moderated, and domestic structural reforms are offsetting the impact of external conditions. The rupee has depreciated and foreign investment remains negative
British chess prodigy of Indian origin, Bodhana Sivanandan, has added a new record to her growing achievements. The 10-year-old has become one of the youngest players ever to defeat a former world champion. The feat came during the European Club Cup in Rhodes, Greece, where she defeated Ukraine’s former Women’s champion, Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk.
Google's former CEO, Eric Schmidt, has been accused by his ex-girlfriend of stalking, abuse, and digital surveillance. The couple's legal battle over money, a failed AI startup, and a Bel Air mansion made headlines in 2024. However, the domestic violence restraining order was withdrawn in January after a settlement was reached, with Schmidt making significant payments to his ex-girlfriend.
America’s visa system is notoriously complex, and Priyanka Kulkarni knows it better than most. The 34-year-old machine learning scientist spent nine years juggling the visa process herself. Now, she’s using artificial intelligence to help others handle work-based immigration smoothly and hassle-free.
Indian markets open for special Muhurat trading session on October 21, investors bet on long-term investment ideas. Asian markets rally on positive cues from US-China trade talks and prospects of new Japanese prime minister. US markets close higher, gold prices near record highs, crude oil prices fall. FIIs and DIIs net buyers in recent trade.
The White House has begun construction on a $250 million ballroom, despite lacking approval from the federal agency overseeing such projects. Photos show demolition work on the East Wing, where the first lady's offices are located. The project, which Trump says will be privately funded, will be the largest structural change to the Executive Mansion since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948.
The day after Diwali, Delhi woke up under a thick layer of smog, with air quality dropping to the ‘very poor’ category. The average AQI stood at 346 at 5:30 am on Tuesday, raising serious health concerns across the National Capital Region (NCR).
New guidance from the USCIS clarifies that the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee will not apply to foreign nationals changing their status within the US. The fee will only be applicable to new petitions filed for beneficiaries outside the country. This update brings much-needed clarity amid the controversy surrounding Trump's proclamation.
Gold prices edged higher on Tuesday to hover near all-time highs, as strong safe-haven demand and hopes of further interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve boosted demand for the precious metal.FUNDAMENTALS* Spot gold was up 0.2% at $4,363.58 per ounce, as of 0106 GMT, having hit a record high of $4,381.21 on Monday.
Japan's Nikkei share gauge continued its record run on Tuesday, ahead of a parliamentary vote expected to confirm fiscal dove Sanae Takaichi as the nation's next prime minister.
US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese singed an $8.5 billion rare earths deal at the White House on Monday, in an effort to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains. Yet, it wasn’t the signing ceremony but Trump’s offhand quip to Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd that became the talking point of the day.
A 49-year-old man was arrested for making terroristic threats and attempting to commit aggravated assault at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Police discovered an AR-15 rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition in his truck, preventing a potential tragedy. Officials also revealed that the man's family had been warned about his intentions to "shoot up" the airport.
Amazon has fixed a major outage in its cloud computing service, which impacted popular platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Zoom worldwide. The issue was caused by a DNS problem and has now been resolved, but some services may still experience errors. The outage was centered in the US-East-1 region, a key hub for AWS operations.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has impressed long-term users with its user-friendly interface, elegant design, and seamless compatibility with other Apple devices. Despite a smaller battery, its software optimization ensures fast and efficient performance, even on older models.
The use of technology, such as AI and telemedicine, has greatly improved the approach to women's cancer care. Breast and cervical cancers are the leading causes of cancer burden, but with risk-based screening and AI-assisted mammography, early detection and treatment are possible. Policy support is crucial for successful implementation, leading to longer and better lives for patients.
Portable power banks have become a necessity due to power-intensive activities and the use of multiple devices. The Eveready Ultima PB-10 and Ubon PB-X106 are top contenders with 10,000mAh capacity and fast charging capabilities. The Joos Mag Mini 10 from Tempt offers magnetic wireless charging and a LED battery display for convenient use. All three options are priced between Rs 2,499 to Rs 4,499.
India's economic growth is at risk due to US trade policies, requiring a swift change in policy approach. Nagesh Kumar, a member of the monetary policy committee, discusses the shift to an accommodative stance and the effects of US trade measures on MSMEs, jobs, and domestic demand. The response should prioritize lowering tariffs and expanding export markets.
Nutanix is boosting its R&D in India, establishing it as their biggest hub and a critical growth market. With the rise of cloud usage and the importance of digital infrastructure in business strategy, the company sees their Bengaluru and Pune facilities as hubs for innovation. India presents a significant opportunity for Nutanix, with a 33% increase in revenue in the fourth quarter of FY25.
The government is planning to expand saline water aquaculture in northern states to utilize salt-affected farmland for fish farming. The Department of Fisheries has approved projects covering over 263 hectares with a budget of ₹36 crore. Under the PMMSY, Punjab has attracted investment of ₹187 crore and increased fish production to 0.18 MT.
NSC, a state-owned seed corporation, aims to increase sales turnover by 33% in FY26 by increasing production and expanding its reach through dealers and farmer producer organizations. The corporation has also adopted online platforms for selling seeds, reducing costs and increasing seed replacement ratio for higher yields.
MCA allows companies to file financial statements and annual returns for FY 2024-25 without additional fees on new e-forms. The deadline for completing annual filings for FY25 has been extended to December 31, 2025. This move is to help companies adjust to the new reporting mechanism and promote ease of doing business. However, the extension does not apply to the statutory time for holding AGMs.
The government is urging public sector banks to raise the limit for digital-based loans to Rs 1-2 crore, potentially resulting in Rs 1 lakh crore in loans by 2025-26. This new approach uses digital data from MSMEs for credit evaluation, offering an alternative to traditional methods. SBI, the largest bank in the country, has already reached Rs 56,000 crore in digital lending, with a set target.
Vedanta Resources is set to reach a $100 billion valuation by investing in energy, critical minerals, and technology. CEO Deshnee Naidoo aims to complete the demerger process this fiscal year to unlock more value. The company is also expanding production, reducing India's reliance on rare earth imports, and exploring new opportunities in energy and emerging sectors.
Gold loans are gaining popularity in the banking sector due to increasing gold prices. Small finance banks are expanding their gold loan portfolios by adding branches and employees, shifting towards secured lending. This has improved liquidity and capital efficiency, with loans against jewellery growing by 117% in August.
The earnings season has started with decent results, with a 6% increase in net sales and a 177 basis point expansion in operating profit margins for 230 companies. Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank saw strong growth, while banks and financials benefited from smaller provisions.
RBL Bank, currently ranked 13th among Indian private sector banks, plans to expand to 150 branches in a year and join the top-five banks in 3-5 years. Emirates NBD's $3 billion investment will not only bring in capital but also open up opportunities in wholesale banking, positioning RBL Bank for growth in a dynamic market.
Ram Singh, director and professor at Delhi School of Economics and member of RBI's monetary policy committee, believes that benign inflation and private investment recovery support further easing. However, global headwinds and external volatility limit aggressive rate action.
Samvat 2081 was a disappointing year for investors as the Sensex and Nifty had their worst performance in three years. Despite a positive start, the benchmark indices only saw modest gains and investors' wealth had its lowest increase in three years.
Analysts predict RIL to prioritize retail and fuel refining for growth, with focus on new energy and AI for future growth. Despite Q2FY26 earnings missing estimates, RIL's performance is expected to boost investor confidence and prompt a re-rating. The company's solar and giga factories are on track, and its retail business saw significant growth in fashion, grocery, and consumer electronics.