India and UK are resuming negotiations for a free trade agreement, aiming to triple merchandise trade in 10 years. Talks are significant in light of US President Trump's trade policies, and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen's visit for trade discussions. Both countries seek to reduce tariffs, increase business competitiveness.
Indian officials will visit the US to finalize a trade agreement by November-end. The talks were paused due to US tariffs, but have since resumed. Both sides are working towards reducing tariffs and increasing investments. The deal is crucial for Indian exporters, as trade between the two countries reached $212.3 billion in 2024.
The government has launched the PM GatiShakti platform to provide private sector access to non-sensitive datasets for infrastructure planning and investment decisions. It also includes a new digital platform, PM GatiShakti - Offshore, to support India's Blue Economy and green energy transition. This platform integrates data from multiple ministries and departments for informed decision-making.
Gautam Solar, a solar module maker, is expanding its business by entering the EPC sector and developing in-house solutions. It also plans to backward integrate through a solar cell manufacturing facility to enhance supply chain efficiency and ensure consistent quality. The company aims to reach a capacity of 5 GW by 2025 and raise funds through internal accruals and an IPO.
The Bombay High Court has made changes to its interim order in the Kirloskar trademark dispute, including the phrase "or licensing". This came after an application by Kirloskar Brothers (KBL) to correct the original order. The dispute involves the usage of the "Kirloskar" trademark between Atul and Rahul Kirloskar of KPL and Sanjay Kirloskar of KBL.
Sebi issues new rules for listed companies to provide minimum information for approval of related party transactions, including explaining the benefits for the company and disclosing any loans or investments involved. The regulator received requests for relaxation from the Industry Standards Forum.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu launched Alliance Air's "Fair Se Fursat" scheme to reduce volatility in flight ticket prices. The fixed fare system will be implemented on select routes from October 13 to December 31, aiming to make air travel more accessible and affordable. It will also provide predictability for last-minute bookings, aligning with the government's aviation goals.
CEA plans to evacuate 76 GW of hydroelectric capacity from the Brahmaputra basin by 2047, with a total of 69.13 GW potential from 224 projects. The project is divided into two phases, costing Rs 1.91 trillion and Rs 4.52 trillion respectively. The plan includes projects by central public sector companies and requires addition of 31,397 ckm transmission lines and 109,935 MVA+MW capacity.
The Indian government is amending the Companies Act to promote the growth of multidisciplinary partnership firms, allowing professionals like CAs and company secretaries to offer both regulated and unregulated services. This aims to create firms that can rival the Big Four and provide all services under one roof.
HCLTech's headcount increased by 3,489 employees in the September quarter, with 5,196 freshers hired. Despite layoffs, the company achieved its hiring target and is focusing on building AI capabilities. TCS reported a decline in employees due to restructuring and high attrition rates.
HCLTech's net profit increased by 10.2% due to operational restructuring and demand for AI solutions. Revenue grew by 5.2% and the company maintained its full-year revenue growth guidance. Advanced AI revenues exceeded $100 million and bookings reached a record high of $2.5 billion. Europe and financial services drove growth, while manufacturing and life sciences saw declines.
Emirates NBD, the second-largest bank in UAE, is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in RBL Bank, which does not have a promoter group and is fully owned by public shareholders. The deal, which could happen through a preferential share issue, would trigger a mandatory open offer and require RBI approval.
The RBI has taken steps to boost cross border trade by permitting Indian banks to lend in Rupees to residents of Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This change, made under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, aims to enhance external trade and payments.
ONGC aims to lower oil production costs by 15% and save Rs 9,000 crore by 2026-27. A cost council has been established and initiatives like offshore resource optimization and improved drilling efficiency are being taken. The company plans to increase oil production by 44% and gas production by 89% in the next decade, with the help of technical service provider BP.
Tata Capital's IPO raised ₹15,511 crore, despite ongoing boardroom issues at Tata Group and Tata Sons. The stock closed over 1% higher on its debut, with executives expressing confidence in future growth. Top officials, including Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, attended the listing ceremony.
India and the EU are making headway in their FTA discussions, with agriculture being a major area of progress. However, negotiations on automobiles, steel, and non-tariff barriers are moving slowly. Both sides hope to finalize the deal by the end of the year, but issues like safeguard duties and carbon taxes are creating obstacles.
The Renault Triber, India's only sub-4 metre MPV, has been updated with a new facelift model in 2025. It features a new front fascia, upgraded cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen, and practical features like sliding and reclining seats. While the driving performance is average, it offers good fuel efficiency in city traffic. Its unique modular seating and small size make it a practical choice.
Retail food inflation in India remained negative for the fourth month in a row, dropping by 2.28% in September. This was driven by lower prices of vegetables, cereals, pulses, meat, eggs, and spices. The consumer food price index also decreased by 0.49%, but edible oil and fruit inflation remained high due to global prices and a weaker rupee.
DMart, a leading grocery retailer in India, has shifted its online focus from smaller cities to larger urban markets due to increasing competition from quick-commerce platforms. In the September quarter, DMart Ready exited five cities and plans to continue this approach to meet the demand in high-demand areas.
India is dedicated to implementing "voluntary high-level principles" for disaster risk reduction through innovative and inclusive financing. The country has a multi-agency architecture and a national Disaster Risk Index to prioritize and allocate funds. India also highlighted early warning systems and its shift towards a risk-informed paradigm.
Zoho Corp's founder, Sridhar Vembu, shared that the Indian government's switch to Zoho's mailing system was a result of a thorough evaluation process. He emphasized the importance of investing in local technologies to decrease reliance on foreign systems that can be exploited.
Artha India Ventures (AIV) has announced the first close of its second early-stage micro venture capital fund, Artha Venture Fund II (AVF II), at ₹250 crore. The total target corpus is ₹500 crore with an additional ₹100 crore green-shoe option.
China has eased some restrictions on the export of light rare earth magnets, but manufacturers are still facing delays due to stricter inspections. These inspections were introduced to prevent mixing of heavy and light rare earth magnets. Each consignment must now undergo certification and testing, leading to slower shipments.
Vivek Iyer has introduced biometric authentication for UPI users, replacing the need for PINs. This move aims to boost transaction efficiency and growth while addressing PIN-based fraud. Biometric authentication offers convenience and security, especially for seniors and those with limited literacy.
HCLTech, a major IT company, announced key plans after its second-quarter results were affected by the recent H-1B visa fee hike and industry-wide layoffs. The company aims to reduce its reliance on visas and increase employee salaries. It maintained its revenue growth guidance for FY26 and declared an interim dividend of Rs 12 per share.
The Indian textile and clothing exporters are struggling due to the 50% duties imposed by the Trump administration, resulting in a significant decrease in their US business. CITI's survey showed a decrease of more than 50%, leading to inventory build-up and delayed orders. To address this issue, the exporters have requested for a moratorium on loan repayments and other financial support.
The government is amending the Companies Act 2013 to enable multidisciplinary partnership (MDP) firms formed by professionals like CAs, company secretaries, cost auditors, and actuaries to offer both regulated and unregulated services.
Retail inflation in India hit an eight-year low of 1.54% in September, falling below the RBI's acceptable range of 2%. This supported the central bank's choice to maintain the repo rate at 5.5%. The current rate is the lowest since June 2017 and is predicted to remain low due to a favorable base, strong monsoon, and GST rate adjustments. The RBI has also revised its inflation forecast for 2025-26.
Larsen & Toubro's power transmission & distribution division has received significant orders in West Asia worth Rs 2500-5000 crore. These include a 400kV super grid interconnection and a 400kV substation in UAE, as well as projects in Saudi Arabia to support renewable energy.
Regulatory ceilings on overseas investments have made it difficult for investors to put money into international equity schemes, leading to a significant premium of 12-27% over their net asset values. Despite this, the category has generated impressive returns of 26% year-to-date, ranking third after gold and silver schemes.
At the MCES, policymakers and experts discussed utilizing India's traditional arts and heritage to drive economic growth. They proposed treating culture as an investment opportunity and creating an 'Orange Economy' model. The 5Ps Framework and Policy Recommendations Report were unveiled, aiming to integrate cultural capital into economic policy for sustainable prosperity.
Foxconn, a key Apple supplier, will invest Rs 15,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, creating 14,000 high-value jobs in battery tech and AI-led manufacturing. The state has launched a platform to enhance collaboration with Foxconn, highlighting the company's confidence in Tamil Nadu's industrial ecosystem. This signals Foxconn's shift towards advanced manufacturing, research, and technology integration.
The Indian government's outstanding debt on sovereign gold bonds has reached a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore due to a 35% increase in gold prices this year. Despite this, there has been little premature redemption, and SGBs have helped decrease gold imports and alleviate pressure on the rupee exchange rates.
FNP's aggressive expansion caused losses in FY23, but under the leadership of CEO Pawan Gadia, the company has seen a sharp turnaround. With a focus on profitability, FNP plans to scale both domestic and international operations, including their successful quick commerce venture.
Hikal, a life sciences company, has opened a new HPAPI laboratory at its Pune Research and Technology Innovation Centre, expanding its CDMO capabilities. The lab is designed for complex oncology and specialty molecules, providing highly potent compounds for the pharmaceutical industry. With validation, safety, solid-state, flow chemistry, and synthesis labs also on site.
An FIR has been filed against Aaj Tak anchor Anjana Om Kashyap, India Today Group chairman Aroon Purie, and Living Media India Limited for hurting the sentiments of the Valmiki community. The complaint was filed by Bharatiya Valmiki Dharam Samaj, demanding Kashyap's arrest and an apology for her remarks. Kashyap denies the allegations, stating that the program was conducted ethically.
Shah Rukh Khan and son Aryan's collaboration on Netflix's 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' has sparked both praise and controversy. The show, delving into nepotism and stardom in Indian cinema, has become a top streamed series. A cryptic Instagram post by the duo has fans eagerly anticipating the show's release, but it has also faced legal challenges.
BJP MP and Union Minister Suresh Gopi has offered to resign from his ministerial role due to a decrease in income caused by a failed film release. Gopi, a popular actor, joined the BJP in 2016 and won the 2024 Lok Sabha election. With his latest film flop, he wants to focus on acting again, leaving the BJP to decide his future.
Diwali Detox 2025: Health experts warn against the unhealthy eating habits during Diwali, which can lead to bloating, digestive issues, and weight gain. To counter this, they recommend incorporating detox drinks into your diet. These drinks include cumin water, cucumber detox water, coriander-curry leaf tea, buttermilk, and green tea. These drinks help with digestion and aid in weight loss
Hollywood movies are using social media trends to promote their films, with Indian-American comedian Aziz Ansari's new movie Good Fortune following suit, but in its own style. The film has been generating buzz since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Ansari's team of "angels" are spreading positivity and giving out free tickets across the US.
Mackenzie Scott, has emerged as a leading philanthropist with her no-strings-attached donations. Her recent $42 million donation to 10,000 degrees, a non-profit supporting first-generation learners, is the largest in the NGO's history. Scott, a celebrated novelist and graduate of Princeton, has a net worth of $41.9 billion and has pledged to redistribute her wealth in her lifetime.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is leading one of the fiercest recruiting drives in Silicon Valley history. Zuckerberg has been on a mission to build an AI “dream team,” poaching leaders from Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Apple, and even OpenAI.
Famous YouTuber MrBeast made a surprise appearance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, gifting Indian-origin student Vinit Satasia with $30,000 in a giant coin flip. The philanthropic YouTuber also gave generous cash prizes to other students and the professor, making it a memorable day for the university community.
JM Financial has given Tata Capital a positive rating and a target price of Rs 360, citing its strong backing from the Tata group. The company's diverse portfolio and growth in assets under management, along with the recent merger and expanded distribution network, are expected to bring benefits. Although there was a temporary decline in profitability due to the TMFL merger.
A BMTC bus in Bengaluru went out of control after the driver suffered a seizure, causing it to ram into nine vehicles. The incident, captured on CCTV, has gone viral on social media. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the driver is now out of danger. Traffic police quickly cleared the vehicles to ensure smooth movement on the road.
Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, supports Trump's expansion of the 401(k) plan, benefiting retirees and alternative investors. He said tha he, along with Elon Musk and Trump, invests in better assets from the Cashflow Quadrant's Business Owner and Investor side. Kiyosaki, however, cautioned that one should carefully choose the assets they invest in.
The Election Commission India has imposed limits on expenses for political parties during the Bihar assembly elections, including a cap on prices for items like tea and samosas. Parties must report donations over Rs 20,000 and submit expense reports within 75 days. Candidates are limited to Rs 95 lakh for Lok Sabha elections and Rs 40 lakh for state assembly polls.
Taylor Swift's new album, "Life of a Showgirl," has caused a stir since its release on October 3, topping charts and breaking streaming records. While fans have been deciphering the meaning behind the songs, critics have raised concerns about the use of AI-generated content in her promotions. Despite its success, the album has faced backlash from fans.
55-year-old Naushad Khan, father and coach of cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, defied age barriers by losing 38 kg in 6 months through dietary changes and a rigorous fitness routine. His goal was to feel youthful and be able to play with his grandchildren. His transformation serves as inspiration for others to prioritize their health and fitness goals.
Tata Group's N Chandrasekaran has been approved for a third term by Tata Trusts, the first time a group executive will continue after retirement. This decision was unanimously made by Trusts' members, who value continuity for the group's business overhaul. Under Chandrasekaran's leadership, the group has seen growth in revenue and profit, and expanded into new sectors.
As Diwali approaches, India is filled with anticipation and preparations for the festival of lights. Families are making checklists and shopping for new outfits, puja essentials, and groceries. The tradition of buying gold during Diwali is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and also has many practical usages. So it is important to know how to verify the purity and authenticity of gold. Here is a detailed guide.