Week 2 (Oct 08 – Oct 14) (2026/10/08 to 2026/10/14)
Veteran Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia’s latest collection, '50 Stories,' reaffirms his reputation as one of Indian literature’s most restless and fearless voices. The book blends the everyday with the bizarre, producing fiction that is emotionally layered, sharply observant, and deeply humane even at its most unsettling.
Delhi Police detained Citizens for Justice and Peace leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde near Jantar Mantar on Monday, sharpening tensions over the capital’s newly de-notified protest zone. The action came days after the police formally removed Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated site for demonstrations, a move critics say narrows the space for peaceful dissent in the heart of New Delhi.
Most listed new-age technology stocks advanced this week, helped by a broader recovery in Indian equities after benchmark indices ended an eight-week losing streak, even as a midweek sell-off briefly tested sentiment. MobiKwik led the pack with a 25% surge, while PhysicsWallah rose about 20%, underscoring renewed investor appetite for select consumer internet and edtech names.
Proposed US Commodity Futures Trading Commission rules on digital assets are being watched far beyond Washington, with market participants saying clearer federal oversight could become a template for global regulation. Bitget chief executive Gracy Chen says the framework could accelerate institutional adoption, strengthen investor protection and support growth in stablecoins, tokenised real-world assets and cross-border markets, including India.
India’s cage-free egg market remains tiny despite rising commitments from food companies, retailers and hospitality groups to source more humane and traceable ingredients. Higher production costs, limited certified farms and weak supply-chain depth are slowing expansion, leaving cage-free eggs at only 0.08% of national supply.
India’s cleantech startups drew sharply higher capital in the third quarter of 2026, with large electric mobility rounds doing most of the heavy lifting. The surge points to a funding market that is still selective, but increasingly willing to back businesses with clear scale potential, stronger unit economics and policy-aligned demand.
A pair of authoritative centuries from Sudip Gharami and Abishek Porel powered Bengal into a strong position, turning the day decisively in their favour. Their partnership combined patience and controlled aggression, exposing the opposition attack and giving Bengal a substantial first-innings advantage.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar died in the early hours of Thursday at his residence in Goa, prompting an outpouring of grief from across India’s film fraternity and public life. His last rites were carried out with full State honours, underscoring the scale of his cultural stature and the breadth of his influence on Indian cinema.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia interacted with students at Mizoram University in a high-visibility outreach event that underscored the Centre’s effort to deepen engagement with young people in the Northeast. The interaction placed education, public service, and participatory governance at the centre of a broader political message aimed at strengthening institutional trust and regional inclusion.
Government sources have clarified that the proposed 0.4% merchant fee on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 will not be levied on consumers, easing concerns over a possible cost increase in digital payments. The National Payments Corporation of India has indicated that only a small share of UPI transactions may be affected, while the Indian Banks' Association is expected to address market confusion soon.
The mini-series ‘Below’ is more than a genre exercise: it uses a monster story rooted in a specific place to probe exploitation, displacement, and the violence of being made invisible. The result is a tightly wound thriller that pairs atmospheric dread with a sharply observed social undercurrent, while delivering a creature that is, by all accounts, thoroughly smashing.
Karan has credited a renewed emphasis on his own game and a disciplined commitment to consistency for powering his return to form. His remarks point to a comeback built less on reinvention and more on patience, process, and sustained performance under pressure.
Nana Patekar’s long-standing love for cricket and shooting offers a revealing window into the discipline and intensity that have long marked his work on stage and screen. The actor’s off-screen pursuits mirror the same exacting temperament that made him one of Indian cinema’s most forceful and distinctive performers.
The Global Trade Research Initiative has called on the government to withdraw proposed charges on Unified Payments Interface transactions slated for October 15, arguing that fees would weaken India’s digital payments ecosystem. The group warned that even modest transaction costs could raise merchant expenses, pressure consumer spending and undermine the broad adoption that has made UPI a cornerstone of everyday commerce.
India’s draft steel policy proposes an AI-supported framework to detect sub-standard and non-conforming steel imports at an early stage, as policymakers move to shield domestic producers from quality risks and sudden import surges. The plan also seeks to address possible circumvention of trade measures, signalling a more technology-driven approach to industrial monitoring and market surveillance.
Ben Affleck’s latest thriller, 'Animals,' arrives with the makings of a taut, prestige crime drama but ultimately feels muddled, derivative and dramatically underpowered. Gillian Anderson emerges as the film’s most compelling presence in a story that appears to borrow heavily from Akira Kurosawa’s 'High and Low' without matching its moral force or narrative precision.
HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank have each appointed a new chief executive, marking a notable leadership transition at two of India’s most closely watched private lenders. Anup Bagchi will take over as MD and CEO of HDFC Bank on October 26, while Anup Saha will assume the top job at Kotak Mahindra Bank on January 1.
A special anti-corruption court in Rajamahendravaram has sentenced an assistant engineer to one year in jail for demanding a ₹4,000 bribe from a farmer in exchange for an electricity connection for a borewell motor. The ruling underscores the continuing judicial scrutiny of petty corruption in public service delivery, particularly in rural infrastructure and agricultural administration.
Global temperatures remained exceptionally elevated in September, with Copernicus data showing the month ranking as the second-warmest on record as the El Niño climate pattern strengthened. Scientists say the persistence of extreme heat underscores the durability of the warming trend and raises the likelihood that temperatures will remain unusually high into 2027.
Nazara Technologies has announced a significant leadership reshuffle, with founder Nitish Mittersain stepping down as managing director as the listed gaming company resets its top management structure. The move brings in Sachin Sacheti, best known for his leadership role at CaratLane, into an executive position as Nazara looks to sharpen governance and execution in a competitive gaming market.
India’s National Steel Policy has set out an ambitious long-term roadmap that envisions steel demand rising to 505 million tonnes by 2047, backed by installed capacity of 604 million tonnes. The plan underscores the centrality of steel to India’s industrial expansion, infrastructure build-out and manufacturing ambitions over the next two decades.
Kerala will be aiming to seize early momentum when they face a strong Jharkhand side in a domestic cricket contest that promises to test discipline, depth and temperament. With Jharkhand carrying a reputation for balanced bowling and resilient batting, Kerala’s best chance lies in a sharp opening spell and sustained pressure through the middle overs.
Proposed US Commodity Futures Trading Commission rules on digital assets could become a de facto global template for crypto oversight, sharpening the regulatory path for stablecoins, tokenised real-world assets and cross-border market access. Bitget chief executive Gracy Chen says clearer federal rules would strengthen investor protection, accelerate institutional adoption and support innovation in markets including India.
Kochi Corporation will survey public taps across the city to identify unused and illegally installed connections, in a move aimed at tightening control over water bill leakages. Officials also plan to geo-tag and meter public taps that remain in active use, signalling a broader push toward accountability in municipal water management.
Tripura’s innings unravelled after a spirited start, even as Hyderabad’s tactical decision to field two pacers and three spinners paid rich dividends on a turning pitch. The spin pair of Tanay and Aniketh tore through the visitor’s middle and lower order, while off-spinner Sarkar briefly revived Tripura with a four-wicket burst of his own.
Global artificial intelligence shares came under heavy pressure after Broadcom Chief Executive Hock Tan warned that some investors are treating the sector like a casino, stoking fears that valuations have run ahead of fundamentals. His remarks, including doubts over OpenAI’s long-term profitability despite rapid revenue growth, intensified concern that the AI boom may be entering a more fragile phase. The selloff rippled across Asia, with Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi lower, even as Indian IT stocks drew support from the broader rotation away from high-priced technology names.
Mohammed Shami spearheaded a disciplined Bengal bowling effort as Delhi were dismissed for 240 in a hard-fought domestic contest. The total leaves the match delicately poised, with Bengal gaining a clear early advantage through control, pressure and sustained wicket-taking.
Chennai-based deeptech startup Hypersonic Technologies is building a business around a process that converts methane into hydrogen and carbon black, targeting industrial customers under pressure to lower emissions without sacrificing margins. The company is positioning the model as a dual-revenue proposition: cleaner fuel and a saleable solid byproduct that can help offset production costs.
CREDAI Andhra Pradesh has called on the state government to prioritise civic infrastructure along the Vizianagaram-Bhogapuram and Vizianagaram-Visakhapatnam routes, warning that rapid development in the region must be matched by basic urban services. Vice-president K.S.C. Bose said the corridors are emerging as key growth belts and need coordinated planning to support mobility, liveability and long-term investment.
Manu Ashokan’s ‘Eyes’ arrives as a tense, one-time watch that treats stalking as a serious violation rather than a melodramatic device. Despite episodes that feel longer than necessary, the series gains weight from committed performances and a clear refusal to soften the subject for easy consumption.
A proposed 0.4% merchant discount rate on large UPI transactions could generate as much as Rs 15,000 crore in the first year, according to the National Payments Corporation of India chief, reviving debate over how India should fund its fast-growing digital payments infrastructure. The proposal comes as policymakers weigh the long-term sustainability of a system that has scaled rapidly on the back of zero-cost consumer transactions and heavy incentives for merchants and banks.
The recently held LURU Screendance Festival placed a sharp spotlight on the evolving relationship between dance and cinema, arguing that the camera is not merely a recording device but an active force that can reshape movement, rhythm and meaning. The festival underscored how screendance is emerging as a serious cultural form, one that turns performance into an archive while expanding how audiences experience choreography.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance is set to elevate veteran ICICI Bank executive Sidharatha Mishra as its chief operating officer and chief executive officer, marking a leadership transition rooted in deep institutional continuity. Mishra, who has spent nearly three decades across retail banking, branch leadership and digital operations, steps into the role as the insurer looks to strengthen execution, customer experience and technology-led distribution.
Global technology shares sold off sharply after Broadcom CEO Hock Tan warned that some investors are treating artificial intelligence like a gamble, intensifying concerns that the sector’s valuations have run far ahead of fundamentals. His remarks also cast fresh doubt on the long-term profitability of OpenAI and other AI leaders, even as revenue growth remains strong. Indian IT stocks moved against the global trend, drawing support from the broader rotation away from high-priced AI names.
India’s festive e-commerce season is tracking below last year’s pace, with online sales estimated to be down by as much as 10% as consumers buy fewer items per order and trade down on discretionary spending. A research firm said mobile phones will account for a smaller share of festive sales this year, underscoring a shift away from big-ticket electronics toward more selective purchases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared a Sanskrit subhashita that underscored the power of divine grace and inner strength, framing the message in a cultural register that has become a recurring feature of his public communication. The post, while brief, carried symbolic weight by linking spiritual reflection with the broader language of national identity and civilisational continuity.
Incoming HDFC Bank chief Anup Bagchi inherits a lender that remains structurally strong but is under sharper investor scrutiny after loan growth and return on equity drifted closer to industry averages. His first major task will be to prove that execution discipline and governance can restore the premium valuation that once set the bank apart.
Bengaluru-based startup CaliperAI is developing software for physical AI and configurable robotic platforms designed to adapt across industrial inspection use cases. The company’s approach reflects a broader shift in automation: moving from single-purpose machines toward software-defined systems that can be reconfigured for changing factory and field environments.
Google’s latest Pixel push has renewed scrutiny of how deeply artificial intelligence must reach into users’ lives to be useful. As Assistant becomes more predictive and more personal, the trade-off between convenience and data security is once again under the spotlight, with privacy advocates warning that weak AI governance can magnify existing risks.
Global technology shares fell sharply after Broadcom Chief Executive Hock Tan warned that some investors are treating artificial intelligence like a casino bet, intensifying concerns that the sector’s rally has run ahead of fundamentals. His comments also cast fresh doubt on the profitability path for OpenAI, even as the company posts rapid revenue growth and drives heavy spending across the AI ecosystem.
Eight years after Sohum Shah’s 'Tumbbad' first unsettled Indian audiences with its mythic dread, Danish composer Jesper Kyd is reflecting on the score that helped define the film’s eerie identity. In a wider conversation about his career, Kyd also points to the Ezio-era 'Assassin’s Creed' music as one of the most emotionally durable bodies of work in modern game scoring.
Shares of Paytm, Pine Labs and Mobikwik fell sharply after the National Payments Corporation of India delayed the rollout of merchant discount rate fees on select UPI transactions beyond Diwali. The postponement removes an expected near-term earnings catalyst for fintech firms that had been banking on festive-season monetisation momentum.
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has directed Kochi Corporation to stop washing waste-collection vehicles and dumping waste near Kadambrayar at Brahmapuram after inspections found the practice at the civic body’s dumping site. The move sharpens scrutiny of waste handling in Kochi, where environmental compliance has become a recurring public concern. Officials are now under pressure to prevent contaminated runoff from reaching the sensitive waterbody.
Rajya Sabha member Bhashyam Rama Krishna said chess can strengthen concentration, judgment and strategic thinking while inaugurating a chess club at Chalapathi University. He described the initiative as a potential model for other institutions, as the university also hosted an All India Open Rapid Chess Tournament that drew 242 players.
Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings will soon travel for exhibitions, according to Vadodara royal Radhikaraje Gaekwad, as the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum undergoes expansion. The museum is also preparing a state-of-the-art storage facility expected next year, a development that could significantly improve conservation, access, and long-term display planning for one of India’s most important art collections.
West Bengal has begun a special statewide drive across all 24 districts to ensure eligible voters are included in the electoral rolls, following instructions issued by the Election Commission of India to state officials. The exercise is expected to intensify voter verification, address gaps in registration, and strengthen the integrity of the electoral database ahead of future polls. Officials are likely to focus on outreach, documentation checks, and field-level coordination to reduce exclusions.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has spoken with his Iranian counterpart to discuss the latest developments after attacks on two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. The call comes as two Indians remain missing and regional maritime tensions rise, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy warning merchant vessels against switching off automatic identification systems to avoid detection.
Tamil Nadu has renewed its claim that Karnataka has fallen behind on Cauvery water releases, arguing that the shortfall has worsened its irrigation stress after a weak southwest monsoon. The Supreme Court’s response has pushed the dispute back into the legal and technical arena, where reservoir levels, release schedules and rainfall deficits now shape the politics of an old interstate conflict.
The government has prepared a significant restructuring of India’s tax administration to support the nationwide rollout of the goods and services tax, according to a Moneycontrol exclusive. The plan includes a major overhaul of the Central Board of Excise and Customs to reduce implementation risk and improve coordination across the indirect tax system. The move signals that officials are treating GST not merely as a tax reform, but as an administrative transformation requiring tighter institutional alignment, clearer accountability and a more resilient compliance framework.
Karan marked his return to the Ranji Trophy with a composed, high-impact performance that put Rajasthan firmly in command against Tamil Nadu on the opening day of their latest domestic encounter. His innings provided both stability and momentum, allowing Rajasthan to dictate terms in a contest that could shape their position in the group standings.