India’s digital lenders have posted a 28% jump in their personal-loan portfolios over the past year, even as the number of outstanding accounts edged down to 5.64 crore. The data points to a clear shift toward larger loan sizes, with new sanctions rising 50% and younger borrowers, along with consumers with thin credit files, driving demand.
Mohammed Shami has expressed satisfaction at seeing Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in the Indian setup, a development that strengthens India’s fast-bowling options at a time when workload management and form remain central selection concerns. The endorsement carries added weight because it comes from one of India’s senior seamers, underscoring the value of experience in a pace attack that continues to evolve across formats.
India’s petroleum regulator has suggested allowing up to 5% hydrogen blending in piped natural gas supplied to households, signalling a cautious step toward decarbonising the city gas network. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board stressed that 5% is the maximum commercial concentration, not a routine operating target, underscoring that safety, compatibility and economics remain central to any rollout.
India has advised its citizens in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and vigilant as the kingdom confronts a renewed wave of drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The advisory reflects New Delhi’s effort to protect a large overseas workforce while avoiding alarm, even as regional security risks remain elevated.
Union minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia outlined a push to expand banking access across the Northeast at the North East Bankers' Conclave 2.0 in Agartala, calling for more branches and ATMs in underserved areas. The event also underscored the role of coordinated action between banks and government in widening financial inclusion and supporting regional development.
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) will need access to new coal blocks to sustain production and safeguard its long-term operational viability. He also said the government is examining whether coal prices should be rationalised in line with market conditions, signalling a broader policy review with implications for the state-run miner and the wider coal economy.
The recently concluded LURU Screendance Festival placed a sharp focus on the evolving relationship between dance and cinema, underscoring how the camera does more than record performance: it can reinterpret movement, alter rhythm and turn choreography into an archive. The festival’s conversations and screenings highlighted screendance as a growing cultural form in which film becomes both witness and collaborator.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has appointed Anup Kumar Saha as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the transition set to take effect on January 1, 2027, subject to shareholder approval. The move, following Reserve Bank of India clearance, positions a long-serving insider with more than 32 years in banking and financial services to lead one of India’s most closely watched private lenders.
The International Monetary Fund has lifted India’s growth forecast for fiscal 2027 to 7%, citing resilient domestic demand, even as it kept a more cautious stance on the medium-term global outlook. The upgrade underscores India’s relative economic strength, but the IMF also warned that inflation pressures, external shocks and geopolitical tensions could still cloud the path ahead.
Peru is courting domestic and foreign investors for an $844 million port project aimed at expanding cargo capacity and improving mineral shipping routes to Asia. The proposal has drawn interest from investors in India, the United States and China, underscoring the strategic value of Peru’s logistics corridor in global trade and resource flows.
Citigroup posted a 40% year-on-year rise in third-quarter profit, driven by stronger investment banking, services and wealth revenue as the lender continued to reshape its business. The results underline progress in Citi’s multi-year overhaul, even as trading revenue softened and credit card earnings came under pressure from higher costs and loan-loss provisions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as senior Canadian ministers were in New Delhi for talks, underscoring a cautious but visible effort to reset ties. Modi said India and Canada can contribute to a stable and prosperous world, a formulation that reflects both diplomatic intent and the broader strategic value of the relationship.
Crunchyroll has expanded its manga offering to India, giving readers access to more than 250 titles from leading publishers through a single platform that also streams anime adaptations. The move strengthens the company’s push to build a unified destination for anime and manga fans in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital entertainment markets.
Non-banking finance companies now account for 50% of India’s new-to-credit borrowers, more than doubling their share from 24% in 2016, according to a TransUnion CIBIL-FIDC report covering about 2,000 NBFCs. The data underscores how NBFCs have become a crucial gateway to formal credit for first-time borrowers, including consumers in mobility-linked segments such as vehicle finance and EV adoption.
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an interim stay on the government’s new merchant discount rate policy for certain Unified Payments Interface transactions above Rs 2,000, allowing the levy to remain on track for an October 15 rollout. The court issued notices to the Centre, the Reserve Bank of India, the National Payments Corporation of India and other respondents after a public interest litigation challenged the legality of the charge.
Anup Kumar Saha is set to take over as chief executive of Kotak Mahindra Bank in January 2027, positioning a seasoned banker with a reputation for discipline, brevity and directness at the helm of one of India’s most closely watched lenders. His appointment signals continuity with a sharper operational focus, as the bank looks to accelerate loan growth while widening and deepening its deposit franchise.
Shares of Paytm, Pine Labs and Mobikwik fell sharply on Monday after the National Payments Corporation of India delayed the rollout of merchant discount rate fees on select UPI transactions beyond Diwali. The postponement removes a near-term earnings catalyst for fintech firms that had been expecting festive-season support from the new fee structure.
The passing of Agra gharana maestro Pt. Indudhar Nirody has prompted an outpouring of remembrance from disciples who credit him with shaping their musical discipline and artistic identity. Known as a rigorous yet nurturing guru, he leaves behind a legacy defined not only by performance, but by the transmission of a classical tradition to the next generation.
At TechSparks 2026, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge set out the state’s case for widening its technology economy beyond Bengaluru, framing the effort as a deliberate policy shift rather than a symbolic decentralisation exercise. He pointed to the state’s Beyond Bengaluru policy as the backbone of a strategy to spread startup activity, talent, and investment across multiple cities and districts.
The remarks come as India’s startup ecosystem faces a more selective funding environment and rising pressure on states to offer not just incentives, but durable infrastructure, talent pipelines, and market access. Karnataka is positioning itself to retain Bengaluru’s dominance while building a wider innovation map that can absorb growth more evenly.
Major US banks posted stronger third-quarter earnings, helped by resilient consumer spending, AI-related investment and firmer trading revenue. But top executives warned that persistent inflation, high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty could pressure households and slow the broader economy in the months ahead.
A woman Circle Officer in Ajmer has apologised after allegedly slapping an advocate during a dispute over parking, triggering a protest by lawyers and drawing attention to standards of conduct in public administration. The incident has escalated into a broader question of accountability, with the local legal community demanding a formal response from authorities.
Bayer has entered into a partnership with Absolute's INERA to distribute and market a crop nutrition product in India, underscoring the growing commercial focus on climate-resilient agriculture and nutrient efficiency. The collaboration combines Bayer's market reach with INERA's AI-driven analytics platform, aiming to help farmers improve input use, strengthen crop performance and adapt to mounting weather volatility.
Government sources have clarified that a proposed 0.4% merchant fee on select UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 will not be levied on consumers, easing concerns over a possible cost increase in India’s most widely used digital payment rail. The National Payments Corporation of India said only a small portion of transactions may be affected, while the Indian Banks’ Association is expected to address market confusion around the charges soon.
India’s festive e-commerce season is tracking below last year’s pace, with sales estimated to be down by as much as 10% as consumers increasingly buy fewer items per order. A research firm said mobile phones, while still the single largest category, are likely to account for 30% of festive sales this year, down from 35% a year ago, underscoring a shift toward more selective spending.
The Indian rupee strengthened against the dollar after the Reserve Bank of India moved to curb speculative dollar demand and steady the foreign exchange market, giving the currency a firmer near-term footing than many Asian peers. Traders also pointed to easing crude prices, helped by expectations of additional Russian supply, as an external tailwind for the rupee.
The International Cricket Council said it has received 15 million ticket applications from 142 countries within 12 days of opening the ballot for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. The surge underscores the global commercial pull of the tournament, which will be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The early demand signals strong international interest well before the event begins, and points to a highly competitive allocation process as the ICC manages access to one of cricket’s most anticipated global tournaments.
India’s retail inflation accelerated to a 21-month high of 5.54% in September, driven by persistent food price pressures and unfavorable base effects. The reading strengthens expectations that the Reserve Bank of India may have to keep policy restrictive for longer, even as growth concerns remain in focus.
PMK leader Anbumani has accused the Wetland Authority of moving with unusual speed to shrink the buffer zone around the Pallikaranai marsh, alleging the decision serves construction interests rather than environmental protection. He has urged the government to notify all wetlands across Tamil Nadu, framing the issue as a test of whether the state will defend fragile ecosystems or accommodate real estate pressure.
Prime Video has released the first substantial trailer for 'Blade Runner 2099', offering a sharper look at the next chapter in the long-running sci-fi franchise ahead of its November 25 premiere. Starring Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer, the series appears to expand the saga’s central questions about identity, memory and power in a world increasingly shaped by Replicants.
India’s used-car market is increasingly shifting toward digital platforms that bundle vehicle selection with pre-approved financing, giving buyers faster access to credit and clearer cost visibility. The model is gaining traction as consumers seek to avoid the paperwork, delays and opaque charges often associated with traditional bank lending.
A Bengaluru court has restrained media outlets and technology platforms from disseminating allegedly defamatory videos targeting Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, marking a significant interim intervention in a politically sensitive dispute over online speech. The order underscores the growing legal scrutiny around digital content, reputational harm, and the responsibilities of intermediaries in India’s fast-moving information ecosystem.
Abhishek’s latest Ranji Trophy outing offered Kerala a timely reminder of the value of form, temperament and adaptability in domestic cricket. In a competition where every innings can alter selection narratives and team momentum, his contribution stood out for both substance and timing.
Filmmaker Mike Flanagan has reframed Stephen King’s 'Carrie' as a story driven less by its two central teenagers than by the cruelty surrounding them. In a recent interview, he argued that under different circumstances Carrie White and Chris Hargensen might even have become friends, underscoring the novel’s enduring focus on bullying, humiliation, and social violence.
Cristiano Ronaldo was on target as Al-Nassr secured victory in Riyadh after kickoff was delayed by a late security warning from Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence. The precaution came amid heightened concern in the capital, which has been targeted in recent days by missiles fired from Yemen-based Houthi forces.
Hyderabad-based EON Space Labs is moving to deepen India’s capabilities in space imaging by building indigenous optical payloads after its Mira mission flew successfully on SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The startup is positioning itself as an end-to-end systems developer, aiming to convert flight heritage into a stronger domestic supply chain for advanced space optics.
Four BSE 500 stocks, including PTC Industries and Aditya Infotech, touched fresh 52-week highs on Tuesday as the Sensex jumped 1,109 points, extending a broad market rally into select high-momentum counters. The gains, which have reached as much as 14% over the past month, suggest continued institutional and retail buying interest in names with strong relative strength.
Enterprises that spent years collecting data are discovering that volume does not equal readiness. As AI agents move from pilots to production, companies are being forced to rebuild the data foundations that determine whether these systems can act reliably, securely, and at scale.
Indian equities staged a broad-based rebound on Tuesday, with the Sensex surging 1,109 points and the Nifty 50 adding 358 points as technology shares led the advance. HCL Technologies and Tata Consultancy Services were among the strongest performers, while Kotak Mahindra Bank, Eternal and Maruti Suzuki featured among the notable laggards.
As India prepare for the fourth T20I against West Indies at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, local batter Tilak Varma has underlined the need for discipline on a surface known for high-scoring chaos. The left-hander said T20 batting is not about launching from the first ball, but about building innings with control, timing and situational awareness.
The government is increasingly hopeful of meeting its tax collection budget target, supported by GST reforms, a wider taxpayer base and tighter compliance tools such as B2C e-invoicing. Officials expect these measures to improve reporting discipline and help sustain revenue momentum even as the economy navigates uneven consumption trends.
Goldman Sachs reported a strong rise in third-quarter profit, powered by a surge in equities trading revenue as volatile markets drove client activity. The bank also posted higher investment banking fees, even as fixed income revenue edged lower and merger activity remained subdued.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation will host a dedicated session on semiconductors and next-generation chips at ESTIC-2026, underscoring the growing convergence between national security, industrial policy and advanced electronics. The move reflects New Delhi’s effort to deepen domestic capability in a sector now central to defence systems, strategic autonomy and high-value manufacturing.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has accused the Tamil Nadu Wetland Authority of moving with unusual speed to shrink the buffer zone around the Pallikaranai marsh, alleging the decision serves construction interests rather than environmental protection. He has urged the state government to notify all wetlands across Tamil Nadu, arguing that partial protection leaves ecologically sensitive areas vulnerable to encroachment and regulatory dilution.
Chennai-based sculptor G. Sooriyamoorthy is drawing attention for an exhibition built around the idea of “art made difficult,” a practice that deliberately embraces resistant and unconventional materials. His works will be on view at Lalit Kala Akademi from October 10 to 15, offering audiences a close look at a method that treats difficulty not as a barrier but as the source of artistic meaning.
Mohammed Shami has expressed satisfaction at Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian team, a development that strengthens India’s pace options and restores experience to a bowling unit often judged by its depth in pressure situations. The comeback is significant not only for balance but also for the tactical flexibility it gives India across formats.
HDFC Bank has proposed an annual compensation package of up to Rs 35.90 crore for incoming chief executive Anup Bagchi, with the total potentially rising to Rs 43.24 crore if performance-linked stock awards are fully realised. The package, subject to shareholder approval, would place Bagchi among the highest-paid bank leaders in India and underscores the lender’s push to reinforce growth, execution and investor confidence after a period of sector-wide margin pressure.
India’s higher education system is confronting a familiar but unresolved policy dilemma: how to convert talent into research capacity when financial pressure continues to shape academic choices. The issue is no longer only about access to classrooms, but about whether students from modest backgrounds can realistically pursue long-term research careers without structural support. As the debate deepens, the question for policymakers is whether ambition alone can compensate for weak institutional backing.
India’s clean-energy transition reached a new milestone in the second quarter of FY27, with renewable power generation crossing 100 billion units for the first time in a single quarter. Including hydropower and nuclear, non-fossil sources accounted for about one-third of total electricity generation, underscoring the growing structural shift in the country’s power mix.
A citizens’ group has raised alarm over the reported worsening health of surrendered Maoist Kotehonda Ravindra and urged the government to intervene without delay. The appeal adds a human-rights dimension to a sensitive national security issue, placing renewed scrutiny on how surrendered insurgents are treated after laying down arms.
Janakiram Marella’s Telugu film ‘Comrade Kalyan’ is a knowingly absurd comedy that leans into brain-rot humour, punchy one-liners and ensemble chemistry rather than narrative finesse. Sree Vishnu anchors the film with an easygoing comic rhythm, while the supporting cast helps the film land enough laughs to keep it afloat.
