The government has launched a Rs 45,060 crore package to aid exporters dealing with tariff challenges. This includes a new Export Promotion Mission with interest subvention and other financial support for MSMEs. The EPM has two components and aims to improve market access, logistics, and branding for India.
The Cabinet has approved a decrease in royalty rates for critical minerals, such as caesium, graphite, rubidium, and zirconium, to promote the auction of mineral blocks and unlock associated critical minerals. The revised rates, ranging from 2-4%, will be based on the Average Sale Price (ASP) of the metal contained in the ore.
Parag Jain, senior IPS officer, has been given additional charge as Secretary (Security) of Cabinet Secretariat and will continue to serve as Secretary of R&AW. This temporary arrangement aims to maintain operational stability and align policies between R&AW and internal security frameworks. Jain's expertise in intelligence fusion and use of AI is expected to enhance national security efforts.
Tata Power is making progress in clean energy through acquiring a stake in a hydropower project and building a facility for wafers and ingots. The CEO shares their growth strategy, which includes expanding power distribution, supplying data centers, and exploring nuclear energy.
On Wednesday, the benchmark indices rose by 0.71% for the third consecutive day, driven by positive factors such as US President Donald Trump's comments on H1-B visas, optimism over a potential India-US trade deal, and exit polls predicting an NDA victory in Bihar. The Sensex closed at 84,466.51, while the Nifty closed at 25,875.80. The market breadth turned positive, with 2,509 gainers against 1,
Ashok Leyland's Q2 net profit remains unchanged at Rs 771.06 crore as domestic demand remains low, but standalone revenue from operations grows by 9%. The company's Ebitda margin improves to 12.1% and total CV volumes increase by 8%. Market share in the domestic MHCV segment is maintained and demand increases after GST 2.0 rollout. Strong order book and investments in EV and battery planned.
The Indian government has approved a Rs 25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission to help exporters facing US tariffs. The mission will have two sub-schemes and will prioritize sectors affected by global tariff hikes. It aims to improve trade finance, export readiness, and market access through a digital platform managed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Sebi committee proposes changes to conflict-of-interest guidelines to enhance governance and transparency, including pre-appointment disclosures, asset and liability disclosures, ban on gifts, cooling-off period for former officials, and a digital repository of disclosures and recusals. These changes aim to promote trust in Sebi.
Indian retail investors have a strong presence in the equity market, but their involvement in the bond market is lacking due to lack of knowledge and liquidity concerns. The government and Sebi are implementing measures to encourage participation through incentives and awareness campaigns.
Bhaskar Bhat, former MD of Titan, has been appointed as a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), the largest philanthropic entity of the Tata group. With nearly 27.98% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the conglomerate, SDTT holds significant power.
MSMEs have expressed concerns to the finance minister about credit flow, loan classification norms, and QCOs. They urge the government to address liquidity issues and policy hurdles to ensure growth. Cash flow pressures and NPA classification due to temporary mismatches were also highlighted.
Tata Steel's consolidated net profit saw a significant 272% increase at Rs 3,102 crore, surpassing expectations. The company's revenue also rose by 8.9% to Rs 58,689 crore, credited to improved steel prices and cost-cutting measures. MD & CEO TV Narendran highlighted plans for expansion and a share purchase agreement with BlueScope Steel.
October saw the fifth consecutive month of negative retail food inflation at (-) 5.02%, due to low prices of vegetables, cereals, pulses, meat, eggs, and spices. The consumer food price index also declined by 0.24% compared to September and 10.87% in October last year.
CPSEs and key central agencies, including Indian Railways and NHAI, have recorded a 13% year-on-year growth in capital expenditure in the April-October period of FY26, reaching Rs 4.4 lakh crore. This represents 56.5% of the full-year target of Rs 7.85 lakh crore, with Indian Railways and NHAI being the main drivers.
India's retail inflation reached a historic low of 0.25% in October due to a combination of factors such as a favorable base effect, decrease in vegetable and cereal prices, and GST rate cuts. This is the third instance in four months that inflation has fallen below the RBI's tolerance range, raising the possibility of a rate cut in December.
Asian Paints reported a 43% increase in consolidated net profit for the September quarter, beating street estimates. Revenue from operations also saw a 6.3% y-o-y growth, driven by decorative, automotive, and industrial paints. The company's domestic decorative business showed a double-digit volume growth of 10.9%.
Honasa Consumer, parent company of Mamaearth, recorded a net profit of Rs 39 crore in Q2, a significant improvement from last year's loss of Rs 19 crore. Despite a 28 crore loss due to a change in settlement with Flipkart, the company's revenue increased by 16.5% and expenses remained stable.
The second phase of Bihar assembly election saw a historic 65% voter turnout, while 42% of the 2,600 candidates have declared assets of over Rs 1 crore, a significant rise from the last election. Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh of the Vikassheel Insaan Party is the wealthiest candidate with assets worth Rs. 40 crore, according to ADR.
NTPC, a state-run power utility, will venture into coal gasification next year to produce 5-10 million tonnes of synthetic natural gas annually. The projects will use high ash Indian coal and take 4-5 years. The company also plans to increase nuclear capacity to 30 GW and has formed a subsidiary for nuclear energy. Revised long-term capacity target is 149 GW by FY32.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to India in December has been confirmed by his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This visit comes after Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their strategic partnership in October 2025.
Tata Motors has successfully split its commercial and passenger vehicle divisions into two separate companies, a move that will allow them to focus on individual goals. The demerger was first proposed in 2017-18 but was delayed due to the pandemic.
Reliance Jio urges Trai to reconsider net neutrality rules to allow for differentiated tariff products using 5G network slicing technology. This allows for multiple virtual networks for specific use cases while ensuring equal Internet access. Jio believes Trai should adopt a nuanced approach to balance innovations and consumer interests in light of evolving global practices.
Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company is focusing on mortgage and vehicle finance to drive asset growth and diversification. Disbursements in consumer and SME loans have decreased due to profitability concerns.
Banks are seeking more flexibility on the loss-given default assumption of 45% for secured loans, arguing that this could overstate the loss potential. The draft proposes higher provisioning for Stage-2 accounts, which could impact capital ratios by 75-125 basis points.
An Indian employee at a US-based startup resigned via WhatsApp after his leave request was denied just because he didn't tell his boss why he needed the time off. After the employee resigned, he blocked his boss's access to the drive, fearing that he might withhold his payment. Later on, he and his boss had a chat, and he was asked to take back his resignation.
Serbians in Belgrade protested against Jared Kushner's plan for a luxury hotel on a bombed military complex, seen as a symbol of pride and tribute to 1999 NATO bombing victims. Despite opposition, the government passed legislation citing economic benefits and improved US ties. Albania has also approved a similar project by Kushner's company.
The India Decoding Jobs 2026 Report by Taggd and CII forecasts a significant increase in hiring experienced professionals, driven by sectors like BFSI, manufacturing, and infrastructure. AI will play a major role in transforming recruitment processes. The report emphasises a preference for mid- to senior-level employees, a rise in hiring in Tier II cities.
A recent report by PharmEasy reveals that half of India's population has high blood sugar levels, with 1 in 3 individuals at diabetic levels and 1 in 4 at risk for prediabetes. The trend of diabetes affecting younger people is on the rise, highlighting the importance of healthier lifestyles.
Billionaire Barry Sternlicht cautions that New York City may turn into Mumbai under Mayor Zohran Mamdani's socialist policies. These include a rent freeze and tenant protections, which could drive away investors and harm the housing market. Mamdani's platform also includes a rent freeze, higher corporate taxes, and increased social benefits, despite living in a small rented room himself.
October CPI inflation dropped to 0.25%, the lowest on record since 2015, due to the impact of GST reduction and favorable base effect. Food inflation also declined to -5.02%. Rural and urban areas both saw a decrease in inflation, with food prices falling in both regions. Other sectors such as housing, education, and transport also saw a decrease in inflation.
India's air passenger traffic grew 2.6% in H1FY26, with domestic traffic increasing 1.6% and international traffic growing 6.9%. The projected passenger traffic for FY26 has been revised to 43 crore. Operating income is expected to increase, leading to a 40% growth in PBILDT for 11 airports. The airport sector has a favourable outlook with a CAGR of 8-9% over the medium term
SpiceJet, a low-cost carrier, reported a widening consolidated net loss of Rs 621.49 crore in Q2FY26 compared to Rs 458.26 crore in Q2FY25. The airline's consolidated revenue from operations also declined by 13% to Rs 792 crore. However, the company expects positive financial performance 2HFY26. The airline's bottom line was affected by multiple factors.
Red Fort blast: Several countries have updated their travel warnings for India after a deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening. The incident left 13 people dead and 21 others injured. The explosion happened around 6:52 pm, right during rush hour, near the busy Lal Qila Metro Station, an area often crowded with tourists and locals.
Delhi police on high alert after car blast near Red Fort metro station. Suspects have a red Ford Eco Sport car in addition to the Hyundai i20. Over 1,000 CCTV footage clips scanned, suggests suicide attack. Security heightened in Delhi, UP, Bihar, and Mumbai. Social media and mobile phone data being monitored by investigative agencies.
Marriott's partnership with Sonder ended abruptly due to Sonder's bankruptcy, leaving hotel guests from Boston to Dubai stranded mid-stay. Guests were forced to vacate their rooms and retrieve their belongings from plastic bags in the hallways. Sonder's integration with Marriott's booking system reportedly led to a decline in revenue, causing the company to file for liquidation.
Indian batter and wicket-keeper, Dhruv Jurel, is set to play the test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Ryn Ten Doeschate, assistant coach of men’s cricket, confirmed the news during a press conference. Jurel's impressive performance in the West Indies series and his recent form in first-class cricket has solidified his spot in the playing XI.
Ashok Leyland reported a 6.93% increase in net profit at Rs 819.70 crore in Q2FY26 compared to the same period last year. Revenue also saw a significant rise of 9.40% at Rs 10,543.97 crore. The company declared an interim dividend of Rs 1 per share and recorded an EBITDA of Rs 1,162 crore.
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) reports a net profit of Rs 1,669.05 crore in Q2FY26, a 10.50% increase from the previous year. Revenue also saw a 10.92% rise, with a 20.62% increase in net profit and 37.55% increase in revenue from the previous quarter.
A panel recommends that India's market regulator chairman and senior officers disclose their assets and liabilities to increase transparency. Applicants for the position must also disclose potential conflicts of interest to the Finance Ministry. The report, if accepted, would align SEBI with global standards. The panel was formed after the previous chief faced conflict of interest allegations.
Nagarjuna Akkineni, a veteran actor with a successful career of three decades, has won hearts in both Telugu and Bollywood films. He has also built a successful empire outside of movies, including a lavish bungalow worth Rs 45 crore in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills area.
Asian Paints, the largest paintmaker in India, saw a significant 46.79% YoY profit growth in Q2 FY26, with a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,018 crore. The company also reported a 6.3% YoY revenue growth, reaching Rs 8,513 crore. Despite challenges posed by the monsoon, the domestic decorative business showed a double-digit volume growth of 10.9% and a 6% increase in value. This
Vodafone Idea's Q2 results and Supreme Court order on AGR dues brought relief, but the telecom company still faces challenges. With mounting losses and no funding, VI is working with the government and banks to ease its financial burden. However, resolving the AGR dues issue is crucial for securing debt funding and ensuring survival.
Kotak Institutional Equities predicts a turning point for India Inc as Q2 performance shows mixed results, with select sectors showing improved earnings. They expect a 10% growth in Nifty 50 profit for FY26 and 17% for FY27. Q3 is expected to see improved consumer sector volumes, while IT companies remain cautious. The brokerage has increased weights for Reliance and L&T.
Indian benchmarks closed higher for the third consecutive session, with the Nifty 50 and Sensex ending 0.70% and 0.71% higher, respectively. Banking, midcap, and smallcap stocks also saw gains, while global equities rallied on renewed risk appetite. Large-cap stocks in the auto, IT, and pharma sectors led the gains, reflecting improved global sentiment.
Influencers, content creators, and YouTubers have become major players in the entertainment industry, with many now endorsing brands and appearing on billboards. The 'social media dream' has made becoming a creator more desirable than entering showbiz. Kusha Kapila, Tanmay Bhatt, Diipa Khosla, Bhuvan Bam, and Ranveer Allahbadia are prime examples of successful creators turned entrepreneurs.
Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharma company, has lowered the price of its anti-obesity drug, Wegovy, by up to 37% in India to compete with rival Eli Lilly's drug, Mounjaro. Mounjaro has been the top-selling drug in India, with sales of Rs 100 crore in October. GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro promote weight loss and are prescribed for obesity and diabetes.
Netflix has opened its first 'Netflix House' in Philadelphia. The arena features pop-culture corridors & K-pop snacks. The grand atrium is adorned with Netflix's signature red envelope, leading to a Tudum Theatre and immersive experience centres inspired by One Piece and Wednesday. The venue also includes a mini golf course, virtual reality area, and a Netflix Bites restaurant.
Al-Falah University has denied any involvement in the Red Fort blast case and condemned the incident. It said that it is cooperating with authorities and has distanced itself from those arrested, reaffirming its commitment to national security and providing a peaceful environment for students. Two doctors affiliated with the university have been arrested.
Belém, Brazil: Dozens of Indigenous protesters stormed the entrance of the COP30 climate summit in Belém on Tuesday, demanding strict action to protect forests and Indigenous lands. The situation turned chaotic and concerning as they clashed with security guards outside the venue, CNN reported.
India falls to 131st rank in World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2025, due to slow progress in gender parity and challenges in political representation and economic participation of women. Despite a slight improvement, the country's score is below global and South Asia averages. Published annually, the Global Gender Gap Report highlights India's struggle for gender equality.