The Union food ministry has requested states to remove ineligible beneficiaries from the free ration scheme PMGKAY by the end of the month. Previous exercise found 10% of 800 million beneficiaries to be ineligible. Regional differences in waitlist, with Delhi having 1.1 million and Maharashtra having 88,000. Reverification underway to improve targeting and add new beneficiaries.
A Mohali court has ordered YouTube, Telegram, and Instagram to remove deepfake videos defaming Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann within 24 hours. Failure to comply may result in legal action, with a compliance report due in 10 days. This follows previous warnings to Facebook and Google. The AI-generated fake video of the CM was posted by a person, after which the cyber crime police registered a case.
Indian Railways is prepared for the heavy passenger movement after Chhath Puja, with over 12,000 special trains being operated nationwide. Special measures have been taken at major stations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, including additional coaches, crowd-control systems, and medical booths. Real-time crowd management is being monitored through dedicated war rooms.
Reliance Industries and Facebook have joined forces to create a new AI subsidiary, REIL, with an initial investment of Rs 855 crore. Reliance will hold a 70% stake while Facebook will hold 30%. The partnership aims to offer AI solutions for India's sovereign needs and small businesses, with a vision of "AI Everywhere for Everyone". No regulatory approvals are needed for the incorporation of REIL.
Billionaires like Mario Lopez, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg incorporate Brazilian jiu-jitsu into their fitness routines for its mental and physical benefits. Studies suggest that jiu-jitsu can improve cognitive health, heart rate, and lung capacity, potentially increasing life expectancy and reducing signs of aging. It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any new fitness routine.
Former CIA officer John Kiriakou revealed that the United States controlled Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and essentially "purchased" former President Pervez Musharraf through millions in aid. Kiriakou stated that the US had good relations with Musharraf and that he was allowing them to do whatever they wanted.
Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group, is Bihar's richest individual with a reported wealth of Rs 35,000 crore. He ranks 16th in the top 100 of the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025 and 4th among non-Resident India wealth creators globally. Agarwal's journey from humble beginnings to building a global natural resources powerhouse is a testament to his determination.
Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant Technology Solutions and a former Nvidia engineer, is adhering to a fresh approach to hiring. Leading a company of around 350,000 employees, Kumar believes AI won’t just automate tasks, it can actually create new opportunities, particularly for entry-level workers, like school graduates.
eClerx Services has announced a share buyback worth Rs 300 crore at a price of Rs 4,500 per share. The buyback represents 21.08% of the company’s equity capital and 13.80% on a consolidated basis. 15% of the shares will be reserved for small investors, with promoters and promoter group not participating. Shareholders' approval and process details are awaited.
The TikTok Awards Korea ceremony, sponsored by the Korean Music Copyright Association, will be held in Seoul today. The event will showcase rising K-pop stars and honor social media creators. It will be broadcast live on MBC every 1 and MBC M, with live streaming on TikTok's official account and TikTok Live. Voting is open for eight categories, including Creator of the Year and Video of the Year.
Chandraprabha Singh, a 44-year-old woman of Indian origin, was arrested earlier this month in North Carolina after being charged with felony assault for allegedly attacking her husband with a knife, WBTV reported.
A developing weather system over the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 27, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue rainfall alerts across multiple states. Heavy rains have already impacted Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Bihar, with Odisha on high alert.
Beer is more than just a drink, it can bring people together, claims Dolf van den Brink, CEO of Heineken. Speaking to the Financial Times, he said that in an era where isolation and mental health challenges are the new normal, beer’s qualities as a “social lubricant” could be a key part of discussions about alcohol.
A doctor in Maharashtra committed suicide, leaving a note accusing a sub-inspector of rape and another person of harassment. The Chief Minister has ordered strict action, and the police have booked the accused and suspended the officer. The investigation into the case is underway, and teams have been formed to nab the duo.
Four members of the US Congress have written to Rutgers University expressing concerns about an upcoming event by the Rutgers Centre, titled “Hindutva in America: A Threat to Equality and Religious Pluralism”.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is open to restarting trade negotiations with the US, despite President Trump's decision to halt talks due to an anti-tariff ad. Carney has been trying to lower import tariffs imposed by Trump, but the president is frustrated with Canada's inflexibility. The ad, featuring former President Reagan's words, has sparked controversy and legal action.
Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's supernatural love story Thamma has had an impressive opening day collection of Rs 24 crore at the box office. Despite a dip in sales on its first Friday, the film has grossed Rs 65 crore worldwide in just three days. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's return as an Indian vampire has been praised for its unique blend.
Uttar Pradesh's Minister for Women Welfare and Child Development, Baby Rani Maurya, narrowly escaped a road accident on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Her driver's quick reflexes prevented a major accident after their car collided with a truck. Maurya has instructed authorities to review safety measures on the expressway. In a separate incident, three people were killed.
Amid Trump’s immigration crackdown, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new rule that will make it compulsory for all immigrants and non-citizens to be photographed when entering or leaving the United States, Bloomberg reported.
President Trump is heading to Asia for a five-day trip, where he will confront issues like trade tensions and a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He will also visit Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, aiming to secure trade agreements and maintain peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Discussions with China will revolve around finding compromises.
Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit, known for her dedication to rural poor, traditional crafts, and environment, died at 93. She had been hospitalized since October and largely absent from public life due to declining health. Despite being overshadowed by her husband and son, she was beloved and influential and her birthday was celebrated as Mother's Day.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of allowing the flow of cocaine into the U.S. and refusing to take action. Petro denies the allegations and claims his government has seized more cocaine than ever before. The move adds him to a short list of leaders hit with sanctions, while tensions between the U.S. and Latin America continue to escalate.
Reliance Jio's Q2 results showed a shift towards home connectivity, with 8.3 million new users and a total of 506 million subscribers. Fixed broadband and 5G net additions were at 2.4 million and 21 million respectively. FWA and FTTH net adds were 2.1 million and 0.9 million, indicating the success of Jio's home broadband expansion.
Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato and Blinkit, announced a $25 million investment into his independent venture, Continue Research, which focuses on advancing studies in human health and longevity. The funds will support researchers globally and aim to extend the period of healthy human function.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has completed due diligence to acquire government's stake in IDBI Bank, potentially valuing it at $8-10 billion. It is a front runner in the race for the bank and the government aims to finalize the winning bidder by the end of FY26. Final financial bids are expected to be invited soon.
RBL Bank is considering opening bank accounts for Zerodha's 160 million broking clients, potentially bringing in `40,000 crore in deposits. This move could greatly benefit RBL's retail franchise, improving its cost of funds and liquidity profile. The talks come after Emirates NBD's investment in RBL, positioning it for growth in retail, corporate, and digital banking.
Blackstone, a global private equity firm, has purchased a majority stake in Ace Insurance Brokers for Rs 1,700 crore, making it their first investment in India's insurance intermediary market. With this acquisition, Blackstone now holds 70% of the company and plans to increase their investments in India, particularly in infrastructure and logistics.
RBI introduces targeted amendments to its regulation framework for NBFCs, proposing a refined approach to risk weights for infrastructure exposure. Under the new amendment, projects with high-quality infrastructure, satisfactory operations, and robust creditor protections will attract reduced risk weights.
Internet enthusiasts are obsessed with a French detective who appeared at the Louvre heist, sparking speculations and discussions on social media. The dapper man, caught in a photo taken by AP photographer Thibault Camus, has become the main character of the scene without even knowing it. While some believed he was AI-generated, it turns out he is a real person.
RIL, India's largest buyer of Russian crude, is evaluating the effects of US, UK, and Europe's restrictions on oil imports. The company will adjust its refinery operations to meet these guidelines. Sanctions on Russian state-run oil companies may disrupt its supply, but RIL is dedicated to following regulations and safeguarding India's energy security.
The Centre has introduced new options, LC 75 and BLC, for central government employees in the NPS and UPS, allowing a higher equity exposure of up to 75%. This move aims to meet the demand for more investment choices and flexibility in retirement planning.
SBI Cards and Payment Services' net profit increased by 10% in Q3, driven by growth in retail and corporate spending. However, it fell short of market expectations. Online spends saw significant growth, forming 62.5% of total retail spends. The company also added 936,000 new accounts and improved asset quality.
Indian B-schools have experienced a significant increase in international and domestic applications, surpassing the global average. Meanwhile, top GME destinations like the US, Canada, and the UK saw a decline, while Europe saw a rise due to favorable immigration policies and job opportunities.
Nomura economists predict that US sanctions on Russian oil will prompt a trade deal and lower tariffs with the US. India's reliance on other countries for oil could raise global prices, resulting in an extra $1.5 billion cost annually. Refiners, such as RIL, are likely to decrease imports from Russia, causing a less than 2% rise in the import bill.
RBI has proposed a draft circular allowing banks to finance 70% of acquisition value, with the rest coming from the acquirer. The financing can be given to the acquirer or a step-down SPV, and the acquirer must be a listed firm with a good record. The circular also sets limits for capital market exposure and emphasizes monitoring of fund usage and risk assessment. Effective from April 1, 2026.
October is the ideal time for a luxurious road trip in North India, with the GLC providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The journey from Delhi to Agra takes only 2.5 hours on the Yamuna Expressway, and the GLC seamlessly switches from highway to city driving. After the trip, relax at the stunning ITC Mughal Agra, inspired by Mughal architecture. The GLC is priced at Rs 73.97 lakh.
ICAI is amending its Code of Ethics to allow more freedom for chartered accountants in terms of advertising and maintaining their own websites. This move aligns with the government's push for homegrown professional service firms and the potential for expansion through free trade agreements.
Meta has laid off employees in their risk division due to improved internal technology. The company has invested in global technical controls and is transitioning to automated processes. While the risk organisation ensures compliance, the AI division will continue to hire top talent.
India and the US are nearing the completion of a bilateral trade agreement, with most issues resolved and the pact being drafted. Non-tariff barriers have been addressed, indicating a resolution to the main issue of tariffs. However, the announcement may be delayed due to political factors, such as the Bihar elections.
Section 80C and 24 provide tax breaks for renovation loans, but not for principal repayment. Inherited assets are tax exempt, but capital gains tax applies when sold. Interest on fixed deposits is taxable, but not again at maturity. Capital gains not eligible for tax rebate up to Rs12 lakh.
Switching from group health insurance to individual cover is wise for those facing career changes or retirement. It ensures continuous coverage, protection against pre-existing diseases, and minimizes coverage gaps. Individuals can increase sum insured, add riders, and transfer benefits from the group policy. Process must start 30 days before expiry, with premiums based on age and health.
China is currently constructing a new air-defence complex at Pangong Lake in Tibet, just 110 km from a friction point in the 2020 border clashes. The complex includes missile launch positions, barracks, and radar positions, with a replica located just 65 km from the Line of Actual Control. Experts speculate that this complex could house China's long-range HQ-9 Surface-to-Air Missile systems.
Delhi government to use cloud seeding as a temporary measure to tackle toxic pollution and improve air quality. AQI at 293 due to Diwali, but effectiveness of cloud seeding uncertain. Stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and construction dust also major contributors to poor air quality.
Term insurance is essential for HNIs as it guarantees financial security and preserves their lifestyle. ROP option refunds all premiums if no claim is made. Tax-free liquidity and flexible payout structures are available. HNIs should consider a cover of 15 times their annual income, but their intricate finances may require a higher sum assured. Term insurance also aids in estate planning.
NPS Tier 2 account offers higher returns than fixed deposits with no lock-in period, making it suitable for short- and medium-term needs. It is a voluntary savings account with low fund management charges and flexible asset allocation options.
Sebi has restricted mutual fund houses from investing in pre-IPO placements in order to protect retail investors from potential losses. This decision benefits FPIs, family offices, and AIFs who are involved in pre-IPO investments. Additionally, Sebi is exploring the possibility of a regulated platform for trading unlisted shares.
Orkla India, famous for MTR and Eastern food brands, is set to raise Rs 1,667 crore through an OFS starting on October 29. The IPO will offer 22.84 million shares at a price range of Rs 695-730 and will close on October 31. The company plans to use the funds for acquisitions, expanding distribution channels, and consolidating manufacturing units.
Piaggio, the Italian 3W leader, has lost its second position in the market due to a drop in sales and market share. This is due to its weak performance in the CNG segment and slow adaptation to the EV shift. Despite entering the EV market early, Piaggio's market share is lower than Mahindra and Bajaj.
Blackstone, a global private equity firm, is set to acquire a 9.99% stake in Federal Bank through a preferential allotment of warrants. The deal, worth Rs 6,196 crore, will see Blackstone subscribing to 273 million warrants at Rs 227 per share. The dilution will be staggered, with Blackstone becoming the bankers for all its Indian investments.
Netherlands-based broadband company GX Group is investing Rs 3,000 crore in its new subsidiary, GX Quantum Photonics, to develop photonic chips and modules for 5G/6G, AI data centres, EV LiDAR, and quantum communication. Production will begin in FY27 and the venture is supported by Invest International and SMART Photonics BV.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed that despite 20 years of NDA rule, Bihar remains a poor state with widespread unemployment, corruption, and crime. He accused CM Nitish Kumar of being controlled by BJP leaders and promised to provide affordable medicines, jobs, and a clean government if voted to power.