President Trump has made a deal with AstraZeneca to lower drug prices for Medicaid patients in exchange for tariff relief. This follows a similar deal with Pfizer and aligns with the White House's goal of reducing drug prices. AstraZeneca will offer discounts through TrumpRx and receive a tariff exemption.
President Trump is accusing Democrats of being responsible for the thousands of federal worker layoffs during the government shutdown. Around 300,000 workers are already set to leave due to downsizing efforts, and Trump has threatened to fire even more, specifically targeting agencies supported by Democrats. Despite pressure, Democrats are refusing to give in, while unions are taking legal action.
Citigroup's Head of Equity Capital Markets foresees a robust IPO pipeline in the next year, with an estimated $20 billion to be raised. India ranks fourth in IPO volumes by 2025, while the US takes the lead globally. The recent success of IPOs by WeWork, Tata Capital, and LG Electronics India indicate a promising primary market.
SEBI has reduced penalties from 235 to 90, with 40 violations removed and 105 minor lapses deemed as 'financial-disincentives'. This revised framework will be effective from October 15, bringing relief to stock brokers. A common reporting mechanism will also be implemented to reduce compliance costs, along with 30 additional reports by October 15, 2025.
India's underinsured population can benefit from the "Life Insurance for All by 2047" project, initiated by the IRDAI and the Government. This aims to increase awareness and affordability through measures like removing GST on policies and mandating coverage through employer-employee participation, potentially providing life cover for 300 million individuals in the next 10 years.
The US has decided not to increase tariffs on Indian generic medicines, providing relief to drug-makers. However, changes in domestic regulations may make it harder for companies to launch generic versions of new drugs. This move is a response to pressure from the Trump administration to reduce non-tariff barriers for US companies in India.
Papa John's is returning to India after eight years and plans to open 650 restaurants in the next decade. The company is focusing on one city at a time and prioritizing quality ingredients to cater to the growing demand for eating out. The first four dine-in restaurants have opened in Bengaluru, offering affordable yet high-quality pizzas, and introducing Indian-inspired menu items.
Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd has joined forces with NEURA Robotics GmbH to advance humanoid robotics and capitalize on the growing intelligent automation market. This partnership will allow Sona Comstar to expand beyond automotive and deliver top-notch solutions globally.
TCS's Q2 results have sparked debate among analysts, with some praising their move into data infrastructure as a strategic move for AI growth, while others question the low-return and asset-heavy nature of the business. Despite disciplined execution and strong deals, growth was modest and demand sluggish. Management is hopeful, but analysts predict a visible rebound in FY27.
The government has mandated importers of solar energy products to register on the renewable energy equipment import monitoring system. This applies to items like safety glass and photovoltaic cells, as well as certain items used in wind energy projects. Registration must be done 2 days in advance for air cargo and 5 days for sea and land shipments, and will be valid for 3 months.
NITI Aayog has proposed decriminalisation of minor non-compliances in the Income Tax Act to foster trust-based governance in India's direct tax system. The burden of proof of fraud should be on tax officers, and civil penalties should be imposed for lapses without malicious intent. The report suggests retaining criminal sanctions for deliberate, high-value, and injurious misconduct.
The new GST system offers a 90% provisional refund to the pharma and MedTech sectors, easing working capital constraints and promoting domestic manufacturing. The government has amended rules to expedite tax refunds and ensure transparency and fairness. Industry experts suggest including input services and capital goods in the process for neutrality.
Despite a 17% decrease in funding, fintech startups in India have shown sustained investor confidence with an 8% rise in early-stage deals. The sector also saw two major funding rounds and 23 acquisitions. While only one IPO took place, more are expected soon. Top investors include Venture Catalysts, Antler, and Fundament.
TTK Group, best known for its Prestige pressure cookers, faced a crisis in the 1970s when their products started exploding in kitchens. The solution came in the form of a simple innovation- drilling a hole in the lid to release excess steam. This safety feature, invented by the late TT Jagannathan, helped the company regain trust and become a billion-dollar enterprise.
The Centre has proposed legal amendments to introduce competition and market discipline in the electricity sector, allowing direct procurement from private players. This will improve revenue flows for discoms, reduce tariff distortions, and open distribution networks to multiple private companies. State regulators will determine tariffs and discoms will be exempt from supplying to open consumers.
Private sector employees may receive Diwali gifts from vendors, but if the total value exceeds Rs. 50,000 in a year, it is taxable. Only cash, property, and specified movable property are taxable, not gifts like electronics and vacation vouchers. Stamp duty may be levied on the entire amount, including GST, in the case of property purchase.
Travel insurance with a visa rejection rider is becoming increasingly popular, with a 30% rise in adoption by travelers. This rider covers non-refundable expenses for destinations with strict visa requirements. It can be added to standard plans for an extra cost, but it's crucial to know the exclusions. Consider a Cancel For Any Reason rider for broader coverage.
SC hints at relaxation of complete ban on firecrackers, acknowledges difficulty in enforcement. Green crackers developed to reduce pollution and noise, but ban has not led to decrease in pollution levels. Delhi government and BJP seek middle ground, former considering sale of green crackers. 50 companies in Delhi-NCR manufacture green crackers, manufacturers plead for decision before Diwali.
Life insurers are pushing for the government to let them spread out distribution costs to counter the effects of GST rate reductions. The 'Sabse Pehle Life Insurance' campaign has boosted awareness for term, savings, and retirement products, but converting it into action is difficult. The industry is also worried about input tax credit and is collaborating with regulators to address the issue.
Indian travelers planning international trips seek forex cards with zero markup to avoid additional fees. Advanced app-powered features, such as in-app security, real-time transaction tracking, instant reloading, disposable virtual cards, and card insurance, provide safety, control, and convenience. These features allow travelers to manage their spending, track transactions, reload funds instantly
September saw record-breaking sales of tractors in India, driven by a reduction in the goods and services tax (GST) rate and festive demand. The tax cut to 5% and expectations of a positive Kharif outlook and strong monsoons boosted sales. Experts predict that sales will surpass one million units for the first time, aided by the upcoming Diwali season.
Gold prices are at record highs, affecting large-ticket purchases, but retailers are optimistic about steady festive demand. To encourage buying, retailers have rolled out offers such as discounts, exchange schemes, and investment-oriented purchases. Despite the price pressure, larger chains expect healthy double-digit growth, while smaller jewellers are seeing a shift towards lab-grown diamonds.
PFRDA Chairman Ramann is considering new options for NPS subscribers, including assured payouts and systematic withdrawal plans. The government supports this and is looking to incorporate insights from the Unified Pension Scheme. This may allow subscribers to use their savings more efficiently and reduce mandatory annuitisation. PFRDA also plans to replace part of the annuity with withdrawal plans
OMCs are projected to have lower earnings in the July-September quarter of 2025-26 due to costly crude oil and steady retail fuel prices. However, analysts anticipate better earnings than last year. They may also receive government aid for LPG sales. While GRMs are expected to improve, city gas distributors may face lower margins due to pricier gas.
The SP group is demanding a public listing of Tata Sons, citing their moral and social responsibility. Despite talks for a peaceful exit, the SP group remains firm on their demand, believing it will benefit shareholders and adhere to good corporate governance. However, Tata Sons has met regulatory conditions to remain private, but the SP group believes a transparent and publicly accountable.
Fintechs in India are diversifying their lending portfolio to reduce costs and enhance credit quality. They are also improving collection methods and building core capabilities. Despite a slow revenue growth, there is a positive investor sentiment and a push to attract domestic capital and create a strong acquisition system. It remains to be seen if banks will benefit from their tech investments.
The Sebi-formed HLC, led by Pratyush Sinha, will soon submit its report on conflict of interest norms. It has consulted with stakeholders and may suggest measures like public disclosures of assets and aligning employee regulations. Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has stressed the importance of managing conflicts of interest.
The Tata Trust board met to discuss important matters as the government intervenes and tension rises with the SP Group over the public listing of Tata Sons. Sources suggest a possible partial exit for the SP Group, who holds an 18% stake and has pledged it as collateral for a loan. Internal divisions within the group may complicate the situation.
Shares of Jindal Photo Ltd, a BC Jindal Group-owned company, rose by 9.9% on Friday following a 20% surge the day before. This increase is linked to a class-action lawsuit being reviewed at the NCLT in Delhi, which alleges that promoters siphoned off ₹2,780 crore from JPFL. The case has garnered significant interest due to its unprecedented nature in Indian courts.
Infosys has launched a new Customer Experience Suite for Salesforce, combining their AI-first services with Salesforce's AI capabilities. The suite offers Agentforce solutions to improve customer interactions and automate processes, resulting in reduced transactional inquiries and case handling time.
World Mental Health Day 2025 embraces the theme 'Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies' with increased reports, counselling needs, and overall awareness. Stress eating, eating disorders, and unhealthy eating habits can impact mental health. Experts advise self-reflection, portioning, and seeking help for managing stress-eating.
The IPL 2026 mini auction is scheduled for mid-December, with franchise officials already in talks with the BCCI. Teams have until November 15 to retain players. The venue for the auction is yet to be decided by the Governing Council. The 19th edition of the T-20 tournament is expected to be thrilling, with teams vying to strengthen their rosters, including big names like T Natar.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J Rigas will be visiting New Delhi this week to discuss bilateral issues and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The relationship between India and the US hit a roadblock due to tariffs and disagreements over Russian oil, but recent meetings between leaders have shown progress.
Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man and Chairman and MD of RIL, recently visited the Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand, showing his belief in the power of prayers. He regularly visits religious places and celebrates festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. This highlights his successful business ventures and his devotion to seeking blessings from the divine.
Actor Suniel Shetty has approached the Bombay High Court to protect his personality rights as several social media pages and websites were using his photos without permission. He sought an order to remove the photos and restrain them from future use. The plea also claimed that fake images of Shetty and his grandchild were being used on some websites, damaging his reputation.
Indian-origin 12-year-old Raghav Shrestha tragically passed away in Minnesota after being taken off life support following a bike crash. The Sartell Police Department honored Raghav by making him an honorary member and fulfilling his dream of becoming a police officer. Raghav's condition worsened and he was declared brain dead. His parents remember him as a courageous and loving boy.
Banking sector stocks, led by SBI, are on the rise today with all Nifty Bank stocks trading in the green. SBI and Axis Bank are among the top gainers in Nifty 50. The technical charts show a positive trend, with targets set at 57,300-57,500 levels. Three reasons for the surge include revised guidelines for PSU bank director appointments, FII buying, and Nifty Bank's overall uptrend.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov turned 41 but refused to celebrate, expressing concerns over the future of digital privacy. He highlighted the introduction of measures like digital IDs, online age checks, and scanning of private messages in many countries. Durov warned that the free internet is at risk and urged to save it before it's too late.
Canara Bank is launching two IPOs - Canara Robeco AMC and Canara HSBC Life Insurance, both offer-for-sale issues. The Canara Robeco IPO will close on October 13, while Canara HSBC Life Insurance IPO will close on October 14. The price band for Canara Robeco is Rs 253-266 per share.
Sona Comstar, a global mobility technology company, has signed an MoU with NEURA Robotics GmbH to jointly develop advanced technologies and promote "Made in India" products. The collaboration aims to expand Sona Comstar's automation solutions and expertise in EPIC mobility and electric powertrains beyond the automotive sector.
Pakistan's Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control has suspended mobile internet in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This decision comes as the radical Islamist party TLP plans a pro-Palestinian protest. The US Embassy has issued a statement, warning of potential disruptions and advising American citizens to avoid large gatherings.
Tata Elxsi's share price dropped by 3% after reporting a 32.5% decline in quarterly profit to Rs 154.8 crore. Despite this, the company's overseas markets performed well, with strong growth in the US and a 6.8% increase in the Media & Communication business. The transportation business also saw a 0.7% growth, while the employee count stood at 11,951 at the end of Q2 FY26.
The inheritance battle for Sona Comstar Chairman Sunjay Kapur's assets has escalated with accusations of forgery and conspiracy. Karisma Kapoor's children accuse their stepmother Priya Kapur of sidelining them and their grandmother. The will, allegedly changed while Sunjay was away, leaves everything to Priya, raising suspicions of forgery.
Gen Z is known for their love of streetwear and recreating Pinterest-inspired outfits. Designer Shubhika hopes that the upcoming Gen Alpha will bring a change in their lack of personal style. However, she acknowledges that Gen Z is brand-conscious. Netflix star Ayesha Kanga describes this generation as unapologetic and free-spirited.
Republican Congressman Riley M Moore of West Virginia, along with other US representatives, has strongly condemned the H-1B visa program for negatively impacting American workers and college graduates by driving down wages and limiting job prospects. This sentiment is shared by a majority of Americans, according to a recent survey.
Indian man, Abjeet Kingra, sentenced for shooting and arson targeting Punjabi singer. Came to Canada on student visa with big aspirations, but joined Bishnoi Gang for family's financial needs. Judge notes calculated and deliberate actions captured on body camera.
Motilal Oswal maintains a Buy rating on PN Gadgil Jewellers with a target price of Rs 825, citing strong retail demand during the festive season. Q2 saw 29% growth in same-store sales, with gold category up 24% and silver up 92%. PN Gadgil plans to open 13-15 new stores in the second half of FY26, targeting 76% growth.
The Tata Trust board is facing internal tensions as they discuss healthcare allocation and key issues. Government intervention raises concerns for the $180 billion Tata Group. Divisions within the Trusts over board appointments and governance, as well as a rift over leadership and the listing of Tata Sons, add to the challenges.
Netflix's Indian adaptation of the Spanish OTT series 'Elite', titled 'Class', follows the lives of students at a posh private school in Delhi. Despite rumors of a second season, actress Ayesha Kanga has confirmed that it will not be happening. The cast has moved on to other projects, with Ayesha walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week and Naina Bhan hosting a podcast.
President Trump denies rumors of poor health during Oval Office meeting and claims to be mentally and physically fit. He will undergo a routine physical exam at Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday and boasts about his perfect cognitive score. Speculations about his health increased after his diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.