Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, is under scrutiny for his mother's connections to Qatar. Mira Nair, a renowned filmmaker, has received significant funding from the country known for supporting Hamas. This has sparked concerns about foreign influence in US politics, but Mamdani's campaign denies any wrongdoing and remains focused on his progressive agenda.
The Centre is set to release a draft policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and aims to achieve 1% blending in jet fuel by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030. Private players are encouraged to participate in production. India has the potential to become a global leader in SAF production, which could benefit farmers, reduce crude oil imports, and create green jobs.
Former NFL star Antonio Brown has been extradited to the United States from Dubai for his alleged involvement in a Miami shooting incident. He is facing a charge of second-degree attempted murder and has been identified as the May 17 "shooter" by the Miami Police Department. Brown claims he was "jumped" and has CTE, but authorities had issued an arrest warrant for him in June.
The new release Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, has received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of the Shah Bano case. The film tackles themes of social injustice and the gendered experience of marriage, with Gautam's performance being praised as award-worthy. Despite its serious subject, Haq has sparked important discussions about the legal system's current state.
The final season of Stranger Things has officially begun with world premieres and the cast, including Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour, shared a warm embrace on the red carpet, putting to rest rumors of bullying and harassment. The Duffer Brothers also released the first 5 minutes of the final season, taking fans back to Hawkins.
Banks are optimistic about credit growth in the retail, agriculture, and MSME sectors due to sustained demand and government support. Data from the Reserve Bank of India indicates a rise in credit to these sectors, leading to a renewed focus on productive sectors. Lenders are revising their guidance for the RAM segment and see potential for growth in retail and MSME segments.
Arindam Mandal, Head of Global Equities at Marcellus Investment Managers, advises investors to prioritize the consumption basket, future liability, and diversification when allocating to global markets. He oversees the Global Compounders Fund with Rs 300 crore AUM, which mainly consists of U.S. and European equities of strong companies facing cyclical challenges.
Studds Accessories, India's largest two-wheeler helmet company, made its debut on the NSE at a 3.4% discount to the issue price of Rs 585. The company raised Rs 455.59 crore through its IPO, with a lot size of 25 shares for retail buyers and minimum investments of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 10 lakh for small and big NIIs. IIFL Capital Services and other firms were the lead managers for the IPO.
The upcoming Lenskart IPO has sparked concerns about its valuation, with a high price-to-earnings ratio and sales multiple. Experts have mixed opinions on its potential success, with some considering it overpriced while others see long-term profitability. With its listing on November 10, the market is eagerly watching to see if it will experience a surge or a decline.
The Blaze fired journalist Matt Forney for reportedly making anti-India and racist comments on social media. Forney claims he was terminated for his "concerning" tweets, but was not given specific examples. He was hired by the outlet less than a week ago to report on H-1B and Indian issues.
Indian-origin techies Varun Vummadi and Esha Manideep made headlines this week for raising $61 million in funding for their San Francisco-based AI startup Giga. The duo, who graduated from IIT Kharagpur in 2019-2023, started Giga in their college dorm and have since been named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. D
Indian equity indices opened lower on Friday, with NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex down by 0.49% and 0.52% respectively. Bank Nifty also opened lower by 0.35%. Despite DIIs buying more than FIIs selling, the market continues to drift down. The success of FIIs' sustained selling and shorting strategy has emboldened them to continue, with no immediate triggers for a trend reversal.
Infosys, the IT giant, has set November 14 as the record date for its Rs 18,000 crore share buyback. The promoters, including Nandan Nilekani and Sudha Murty, will not participate. The buyback will be conducted through the tender offer route at a 19% premium over the current market price. Small investors have a reserved 15% allocation.
WBBSE has mandated state sponsored/aided schools to include 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal' in morning Assembly. Written by Rabindranath Tagore, it will be the state anthem from 2023. Education Minister Bratya Basu believes it will promote unity and awaken Bengali sentiments. This move is seen as a way to prepare for upcoming events.
Sulakshana Pandit, a renowned actor and singer, died at 71 from a heart attack. She was known for her iconic roles in movies like Uljhan and her melodious singing in various languages. Born in 1954, she came from a musically gifted family and is survived by her siblings. Fans paid tribute to her unforgettable contributions to the industry.
Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will not run for reelection in 2026. Her decision follows a redistricting plan in California to secure Democratic control in the upcoming midterm elections. Pelosi, a progressive icon, has been a fierce opponent of former President Trump. Her retirement was unexpected.
Bharti Airtel's foreign promoter Singtel will sell 0.8% stake in the Indian telco for Rs 10,300 crore through a block deal on Friday. This will be executed at a floor price of Rs 2,030 per share, with JP Morgan India as the placement agent. The transaction, expected to settle on November 10, includes a lock-up period of 60 days. Singtel's subsidiary, Pastel, is the largest foreign promoter in
Apollo Hospitals experienced significant growth in net profit, revenue from operations, and Ebitda in the second quarter, driven by the success of its healthcare, pharmacy, and digital health businesses. The company also has plans to expand its capacity in the next five years.
Praveen Kumar Kapoor, co-founder of SRS Group, was deported from the US to India on the basis of an Interpol Red Corner Notice. He is accused of cheating investors and banks of Rs 2,200 crore and is currently being interrogated by the ED. His B1/B2 visa was cancelled, and he may be taken into custody soon. The ED is also questioning him about two other absconding promoter-directors.
Ola Electric, a leading electric two-wheeler maker, has revised its revenue and volume outlook for the current year due to weak deliveries in the first half. The company now expects a consolidated revenue of Rs 3,000-3,200 crore and plans to sell 220,000 units, down from the earlier guidance of Rs 4,200-4,700 crore and 325,000-375,000 units, respectively.
The Challenger report shows a sharp increase in job cuts in October, reaching the highest numbers in over 20 years. This brings the total layoffs for the year to over 1 million, a 65% increase from last year. The rise is linked to factors such as AI adoption, decreased spending, and rising costs. Social media has also changed the way companies announce layoffs before the holidays.
The GIFT Nifty started Friday's session lower at 25,511, down 0.31%, as investors monitored global trends in crude oil, gold, and currencies. Equity markets closed lower on Thursday, with the Sensex falling 148 points and the Nifty slipping 88 points. The Nifty Bank index also declined. Asian markets opened weak, with major indices trading lower.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund food aid for 42 million low-income Americans in November, accusing them of withholding benefits for "political reasons". The judge warns of hunger and hardship if aid is not provided, but the Trump administration has appealed the decision. The USDA blames Senate Democrats for compromising SNAP.
Quarterly results, buyback plans, and new project wins have kept several companies in the spotlight. While some firms have posted strong profits, others have faced pressure from weak earnings and higher costs. The Sensex and Nifty both closed lower on Thursday, with the Nifty Bank index also dropping.
President Trump has changed his view on tariffs, recognizing that they are causing higher prices for Americans. Despite this, he maintains that tariffs are ultimately beneficial. The legality of his tariff authority was challenged by Supreme Court judges, with Trump warning of potential consequences if they rule against him.
Pine Labs, a fintech company, is launching its Rs 3,900 crore IPO today, open for subscription until November 11. The issue includes a mix of fresh shares and an Offer for Sale, with the company aiming to raise Rs 2,080 crore through the fresh issue and existing shareholders selling shares worth Rs 1,820 crore.
U.S. airlines are facing challenges due to the government shutdown, with flight reductions and cancellations expected to affect hundreds of thousands of travelers. While international flights are not affected, major carriers like Delta and United are offering flexibility for changes and using bigger planes to accommodate passengers.
Trump praises Modi as a "great man" and hints at a visit to India next year to boost trade relations. This follows the cancellation of his plan to attend the Quad Summit due to US tariffs. They have also discussed lowering the cost of weight loss drugs in the US, with a company rep fainting during the announcement. Trump's remarks align with his administration's efforts.
Godrej Properties reports strong Q2 profit growth, misses revenue estimates. Chairman Pirojsha Godrej expresses confidence in surpassing FY26 booking and launch targets. Net debt rises, but debt-to-equity ratio remains conservative. Company expects strong sales in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with potential for high deliveries in Q4.
The report by Randstad India shows that Generation Z is changing the traditional work landscape with their focus on flexibility, fair pay, and purpose. This generation's preferences are reshaping how companies attract and retain talent, emphasizing the need for lifelong learning, inclusivity, and flexibility.
Google Maps introduces AI-driven conversational interface for Indian users, featuring India-specific updates like real-time highway updates, accident alerts, and customisable icons for two-wheeler riders. The app offers voice guidance in nine Indian languages and aims to make navigation more intuitive and context-aware by combining AI and local data.
Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey emphasized the need for governance to focus on substance rather than just structure in the face of evolving technology. He also stressed the importance of monitoring and nurturing company culture and incorporating ESG values in disclosure. Pandey suggested using technology for compliance and surveillance to improve transparency and efficiency.
India's services sector, a significant contributor to the economy, saw a slower growth in October due to competition and heavy rains. However, the manufacturing sector showed a higher number, fueled by the demand boost from GST reductions. The index of industrial production also rose, indicating a timely supply response for the festive season.
LIC's Q2 net profit jumps by 32% to ₹10,054 crore thanks to increased premium income and investment gains. However, market share dips below 60% due to product mix changes and GST-related issues. CEO R Doraiswamy prioritizes profitable growth and anticipates GST exemption to boost new business volumes.
RBI and Sebi are considering bond derivatives to boost interest in debt instruments for retail investors. Outstanding bank credit to industry and services is Rs 91 trillion, while corporate bonds stand at Rs 54 trillion. Pandey emphasizes the importance of governance beyond structure, suggesting scorecards and ethics committees for transparency and accountability in the digital age.
The Agriculture ministry is urging all states to open escrow accounts to ensure timely settlement of crop insurance claims under PMFBY. Only 11 out of 24 states have opened accounts, causing delays in claim settlements. The scheme offers coverage for natural disasters and pests, with fixed premiums of 1.5% and 2% for rabi and kharif crops respectively.
Freshworks, a Nasdaq-listed SaaS company, reported a 15% increase in revenue for the third quarter, with a narrowed loss from operations and improved operating margin. The company has raised its full-year revenue guidance for the third consecutive time and expects continued growth in the fourth quarter. The number of customers with high recurring revenue also increased.
Ambuja Cements' Q2 results show a rise in volume, realisations, and cost efficiencies due to the integration of Sanghi Industries, Penna Cement, and Orient Cement. The company achieved its highest-ever Q2 sales volume, thanks to the ramp-up and consolidation of acquired assets. The switch to Adani Cement brands has boosted distribution and pricing capabilities.
Indian and New Zealand trade ministers discussed progress in Free Trade Agreement negotiations, aiming for a balanced and future-ready pact that respects sensitivities and boosts economic ties. The Indian minister also co-chaired a CEOs Roundtable and negotiations are focusing on key areas like trade in goods and services.
The government securities market is experiencing low demand due to continuous supply and low interest from banks, insurance companies, and pension funds. The RBI has rejected higher yield bids and may use open market operations to maintain liquidity and protect yields. Discussions are ongoing between the RBI and market participants regarding the impact of high yield levels.
ABD, known for Officer's Choice brand, aims for mid-double-digit revenue growth in FY26 with launch of 3 high-end brands. Prestige and above segment contributed 47% to sales in Q2, with plans to cross 50% in next 12-18 months. ABD Maestro subsidiary launched at Bengaluru and Delhi airports, with plans for Mumbai.
The CAG will audit Indian Railways' multi-modal transport and logistics initiatives across nine zones, three ministries, and select routes. The report will be presented to Parliament next year with the goal of reducing costs, improving freight movement, and increasing modal share to 45% by 2030. The audit aims to enhance ease of doing business and decrease transit time.
20,000 crores SBI, India's largest bank, will take its fund management arm, SBIFML, public through an IPO in 2026, pending regulatory approval. The joint venture between SBI and French firm Amundi will see both companies selling 10% of their stake. Experts estimate SBIFML's value to be Rs. 20,000 crores due to its strong performance and market dominance.
India has made good progress in free trade agreement talks with Peru and Chile, with a focus on securing critical mineral supplies. Intersessional meetings will be held to address remaining issues, with both sides committed to reaching a timely conclusion. The agreement will open up new opportunities for cooperation in various sectors and benefit India's main exports and imports.
PhysicsWallah, an edtech major, has announced its IPO with a price band of Rs 103-109 per share, comprising a fresh issue of Rs 3,100 crore and an offer for sale worth Rs 380 crore by co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari. The company's financial performance has improved significantly, with a 49% increase in operating revenue and a 79% decrease in losses in FY25.
Kerala government's Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) has successfully redefined what it means to be poor in the state. It identified households lacking basic entitlements and provided them with customised micro-plans for sustainable livelihoods. The project's success is attributed to Kerala's decentralised governance, social mobilisation, and long-term investment in human development.
MSCI Standard Index to add Paytm, Fortis Healthcare, GE Vernova T&D, and Siemens Energy in quarterly review. Tata Elxsi and Container Corp of India to be excluded. India's weight in index to rise to 15.6%, with 8 stocks seeing weightage increase and 7 seeing decrease.
PhysicsWallah is expanding its offline presence and state board preparation. Their focus is on academic growth and building a strong foundation in various exam categories. The offline model has shown potential for consistent growth and faculty attrition is performance-driven.
In 2026, Bollywood is set to release many high-profile films, including the highly anticipated Border 2 starring Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan. The first look poster was recently released, featuring Dhawan as Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Dahiya's bravery and courage during the war, which ultimately earned him the Param Vir Chakra, are highlighted.
NIIT MTS had a successful Q2 of FY 2025-26, with a 5% rise in net revenue and 20% increase in profit year-on-year. They gained three new global clients and maintained a 100% contract renewal rate. The company's investment in AI-enabled learning and strategic expansions, such as the acquisition of MST Group and partnership with Sana, were highlighted by CEO Sapnesh Lalla.
Kokuyo, a Japanese major, is expanding in the Indian market through acquisitions and targeting residential real estate, lifestyle, and education segments. Its goal is to triple its India revenue in five years, with plans to increase manufacturing and product range. The company aims for an annual revenue of $3.5 billion by 2030 and has rebranded HNI India to Kokuyo Workplace India.