The S&P 500’s march toward 8,000 is facing a tougher test as higher bond yields, firmer oil prices and growing skepticism around artificial intelligence valuations weigh on sentiment. With quarterly earnings approaching, investors are watching for proof that corporate profits can justify elevated equity prices and narrow market leadership.
The Students’ Federation of India has claimed a strong showing in the latest college union elections in Kozhikode, saying it secured victories on 30 campuses. The result underscores the organisation’s continued influence in Kerala’s student politics, where campus contests often serve as a barometer of wider ideological strength and organisational reach.
Foreign currency non-resident deposit inflows are expected to keep a lid on bank deposit rates in the near term by adding to system liquidity and easing funding pressure. Analysts say the effect should be temporary, with conditions likely moving back toward neutrality by the end of December even as lenders continue to benefit from relatively firm lending yields on floating-rate loans.
Authorities have opened a probe after a viral video showed TVK MLA Mr. Kumar driving a government bus carrying about 30 commuters during the launch of a public scheme. The episode has triggered questions over road safety, official accountability, and the use of state vehicles in politically staged events.
The Astana International Financial Centre is exploring a potential partnership with India’s GIFT City, a move that could strengthen cross-border financial services, investment flows and market access between Kazakhstan and India. The initiative reflects AIFC’s push to expand its international reach as it builds on its role as a Central Asian financial hub and advances work in sustainable finance and digital assets.
Kazi Nazrul Islam’s Agomoni songs remain among the most resonant yet under-acknowledged strands of Bengal’s Durga Puja tradition, blending devotion with social commentary and cultural inclusiveness. As autumn rituals unfold, the rebel poet’s work continues to frame the festival not only as worship, but as a living expression of Bengal’s pluralist imagination.
Bradley Barcola delivered a decisive hat-trick as Liverpool overpowered LASK 6-3 in a high-scoring Champions League contest, easing pressure after a subdued start to his Anfield career. The French forward’s sharp finishing and movement provided a timely reminder of his quality in a match that swung heavily in Liverpool’s favour after an open first half.
Neeraj secured the individual recurve bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 after a tightly contested play-off that swung on fine margins. He prevailed through a composed five-end battle, posting scores of 29-26, 27-28, 28-29, 30-28 and 29-28 to seal the podium finish.
Foreign capital is accelerating into India’s banking and financial services market, with a wave of high-value investments signalling renewed confidence in the sector’s long-term growth. Fairfax Financial Holdings, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Emirates NBD have each moved to secure strategic positions in Indian lenders, collectively underscoring the scale of global interest in the country’s financial architecture.
Fix My Curls, the haircare startup founded by Anshita Mehrotra, has turned a category rooted in education and trust into a faster, more responsive commerce model. Drawing on a family background steeped in cosmetic formulation, the company is building a quick-commerce engine designed to meet demand where it is increasingly being generated: on digital shelves and in near-immediate delivery windows.
Peak XV Managing Director Mohit Bhatnagar said the venture capital firm is increasingly prepared to back more ambitious, higher-risk startups as Indian founders use artificial intelligence to build companies with global reach. Speaking at TechSparks 2026, he framed the shift as part of a broader evolution in India’s startup ecosystem, where technical depth and market ambition are rising together.
Corteva has announced plans to spin off its seed business, a move that would transform the company into a pure-play crop protection specialist and mark one of the most significant portfolio shifts in the agricultural inputs sector. The company also said it intends to launch 12 new active ingredients over the next decade, including five biologicals, underscoring a long-term bet on innovation-led growth.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will launch a Fleet Support Vessel for the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam on October 6, underscoring New Delhi’s push to expand indigenous naval shipbuilding. The vessel is part of a five-ship programme awarded in 2023 to Hindustan Shipyard Limited under a ₹19,000-crore contract for 45,000-tonne Fleet Support Ships.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the long-promised Vizhinjam fishing harbour is moving toward reality, with a new 235-metre breakwater, a 500-metre L-shaped fishery berth and supporting infrastructure now part of the plan. The project is being positioned as a major upgrade for the state’s coastal economy, with dredging, lighting and road connectivity expected to improve operating conditions for fishers and related logistics.
New Reserve Bank of India data points to a notable reordering in the country’s collateralised overnight money market during the first half of fiscal 2026-27. Private sector banks reduced their share in the tri-party repo market, while public sector banks expanded their position, even as mutual funds remained a major source of liquidity in the segment.
Guruvayur Dorai, one of the most respected mridangam exponents in Carnatic music, is being remembered for a career that combined technical brilliance with rare generosity toward younger musicians. Rooted in the Pudukkottai bani yet unmistakably original, his playing elevated concerts across generations and left a lasting imprint on South Indian classical performance.
Yes Bank shares plunged as much as 20% after India’s Supreme Court ruled that the bank’s write-off of Rs 8,415 crore in additional tier-1 bonds was unlawful, handing a major victory to bondholders. The decision could reverberate across India’s debt markets by sharpening scrutiny of how high-risk bank capital instruments are marketed, documented and extinguished in distress.
A court in Malappuram has sentenced a man to 47 years of rigorous imprisonment in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, delivering one of the harsher punishments seen in such prosecutions. The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure additional compensation for the victim under the state’s victim compensation framework.
Tamil Nadu Under-23 batter Madhava Prasad has pointed to the influence of senior cricketers Baba Aparajith and Varun Chakravarthy, along with coach Guru, as central to his recent progress. He said the group’s camaraderie has been as important as technical guidance, helping him develop confidence and consistency in a demanding domestic environment.
Demand for bank credit is strengthening as higher bond yields make market borrowing less attractive for corporate India, with Canara Bank and Indian Bank together reporting a ₹1.10 lakh crore corporate loan pipeline. Both lenders said credit growth remains healthy, even as they flagged the need to accelerate deposit mobilisation to keep pace with lending expansion and narrow the credit-deposit gap.
One 97 Communications Ltd., the parent of Paytm, has seen Indian ownership rise above 56% in the latest quarter, underscoring a continued shift toward domestic control of one of India’s most closely watched fintech names. Domestic institutional ownership also advanced sharply to 29.5%, while foreign direct investment eased to 18%, highlighting a changing shareholder mix with potential implications for governance, market perception and long-term capital support.
Efforts are under way to revive the long-stalled Sabari rail project by using Kerala’s 50% financial share, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, while noting that the Railways has been asked to contribute its portion as well. The project, whose estimated cost stood at ₹3,800 crore in 2023, remains a significant infrastructure proposal for improving connectivity in southern Kerala and easing pressure on existing transport corridors.
Navaratri dressing is taking a louder, more experimental turn this season, with chaniya-cholis, statement accessories, tinted glasses, temporary tattoos and graphic nail art pushing festive style into maximalist territory. Designers and stylists say the shift reflects a younger consumer base that wants tradition, but with sharper personal expression and social-media-ready impact.
Bengal completed a composed nine-wicket victory over Delhi in the Ranji Trophy after being set 89 in the final session, with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Ankur Paul steering the chase without alarm. Earlier, Bengal’s spinners had set up the result by sharing seven wickets as Delhi were bowled out for 277 in their second innings, despite skipper Ayush Badoni’s resilient 85.
Tata Communications posted a sharp improvement in second-quarter performance, with consolidated net profit rising 86.3% year on year to Rs 341 crore in Q2FY27. Revenue climbed 9.6% to Rs 6,688 crore, while EBITDA advanced 21.1% to Rs 1,422 crore, indicating stronger operating leverage and healthier execution across the business.
HSBC has hired Paras Jain from Cantor Fitzgerald to head its global technology, media and telecom investment banking franchise, according to people familiar with the matter. Jain, who is set to join in November, is expected to help the bank deepen its reach in Asia and the Middle East as HSBC sharpens its focus on businesses where it sees stronger competitive advantage.
A missed college assignment by Isha Ambani became an unlikely trigger for one of India’s most consequential digital businesses, according to Akash Ambani. The family anecdote has resurfaced as Reliance Jio prepares for a Rs 30,213 crore initial public offering at an implied valuation of about Rs 10.3 lakh crore, with proceeds earmarked for debt reduction and broader value unlocking across Reliance’s digital portfolio.
The finance ministry has asked banks to prepare for post-quantum cyber risks and develop a common industry framework for transition, according to an official familiar with the matter. The move reflects growing concern that encrypted banking data could be harvested now and decrypted later as quantum computing advances, alongside the need for stronger AI resilience across the financial system.
Google.org is committing $15 million to The/Nudge to build artificial intelligence tools aimed at helping Indian small businesses access credit, reach markets and navigate compliance requirements. The initiative also includes local skills training, positioning the effort as both a technology intervention and a workforce development push.
The cost of insuring against potential defaults by US technology borrowers has climbed to record levels, underscoring growing unease around the financing model behind the artificial intelligence boom. Investors are increasingly questioning whether data centres and related infrastructure can generate enough future cash flow to justify the debt used to build them.
At just 11, Aaradhya Jain has turned a low-cost hardware idea into a globally visible assistive-tech story. Her device, STAMBHA, is an AI-enabled smart cane designed for elderly and visually impaired users, and she presented it at a United Nations forum in Bangkok.
Nine fishermen from Rameswaram were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy after being accused of crossing into Sri Lankan waters for fishing, underscoring the persistent volatility of the Palk Strait. The latest detention is likely to renew pressure on Indian and Tamil Nadu authorities to pursue a diplomatic and humanitarian response while addressing the recurring livelihood crisis along the coast.
A Jammu-based Hindu organisation has called for a ban on halal certification, arguing that the label has expanded beyond meat and now influences a wider range of consumer goods. The group said any religiously specific certification should be confined to willing populations and essential items only, framing the issue as one of consumer choice and regulatory overreach. The demand adds to a broader national debate over food labelling, market access and the role of faith-based standards in a secular economy.
Manufacturing and industrial technology company Zetwerk has raised ₹2,251.2 crore from anchor investors ahead of the opening of its initial public offering, signalling strong institutional interest in one of India’s most closely watched startup listings. The anchor book, typically a key early test of demand, gives the company a firmer launch pad as it moves toward the public markets.
Foreign currency non-resident deposit inflows are expected to keep a lid on Indian bank deposit rates in the near term by adding to system liquidity and easing pressure on lenders to raise pricing for retail and bulk deposits. Analysts say the effect should be temporary, with liquidity likely moving back toward neutrality by the end of December even as banks continue to benefit from higher yields on floating-rate loans.
Sassy Sarah delivered the decisive performance in the feature event, turning a closely watched contest into a statement win. The result adds momentum to a campaign that has been building steadily and reinforces her standing in a competitive field.
The National Highways Authority of India will require independent design verification for major bridges and other critical structures from December 1, in a move aimed at tightening safety oversight on highway infrastructure. The checks will be carried out by IITs, technical institutions and experienced engineering firms, adding a second layer of scrutiny before execution.
For readers tracking India’s political economy, security challenges and environmental stakes, five nonfiction titles stand out as essential reading before 2026 ends. Together, they map the country’s contested history through politics, Kashmir, corruption, archaeology and wildlife conservation, offering context that is especially relevant to startups, investors and policy watchers navigating a fast-changing India.
Nana Patekar, whose career spanned decades across parallel and mainstream Hindi cinema, is being remembered for performances that combined intensity, restraint and uncommon emotional force. As tributes gather, his body of work stands as a record of an actor who helped shape the modern grammar of Indian screen performance through roles that were as socially alert as they were artistically exacting.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cited unresolved hurdles in the proposed runway expansion at Kannur International Airport, where a land acquisition notification was issued in 2017 but the process has yet to begin in earnest. The plan to acquire 99.3235 hectares in Keezhallur is under review after officials questioned the site’s suitability for runway expansion and affected residents rejected the rehabilitation package.
Fix My Curls, the Indian textured-haircare brand founded by Anshita Mehrotra, has turned a category once dominated by slow-moving specialty retail into a fast-delivery business built for instant purchase behavior. The company’s quick-commerce push reflects a broader shift in beauty retail, where speed, availability, and repeat purchasing are becoming as important as formulation and brand story.
Paris Saint-Germain produced a statement 4-2 victory over Manchester City in a breathless Champions League contest that swung repeatedly before the French champions seized control late on. The result came amid a night of high drama across Europe, with Real Madrid edging Roma 4-3 in another seven-goal classic and Erling Haaland becoming the fastest player to reach 60 Champions League goals.
This Navaratri season, festive dressing is moving decisively away from restraint and into maximalist territory, with chaniya-cholis, oversized accessories, tinted glasses, temporary tattoos and experimental nail art shaping the look of the dance floor. Designers and style observers say the trend reflects a broader shift in Indian occasion wear, where self-expression and spectacle are increasingly central to celebration.
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. said it will contribute significantly to India’s nuclear energy expansion, positioning itself as a key upstream supplier as the country accelerates its clean-energy and energy-security agenda. Speaking at an event in Jaduguda, company officials emphasized safety, innovation and the development of new facilities as central to the next phase of growth.
Copper prices fell to a 10-day low as traders locked in gains after a recent rally, while easing concerns over mine disruptions reduced the market’s risk premium. The pullback came amid broader pressure across metals, with investor unease over inflation, interest rates and a sharp sell-off in Asian technology shares weighing on sentiment.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia used the North East Bankers' Conclave 2.0 in Agartala to outline a broader push to deepen banking access across the region, including more branches and ATMs in underserved areas. The event also underscored the role of coordinated action between banks and government in turning financial inclusion into tangible economic opportunity for households and small businesses.
The Reserve Bank of India has moved to make the Account Aggregator framework interoperable, allowing customers to share financial data across platforms without being locked into a single provider. The change is designed to simplify consent-based information flows between banks, lenders and consumers, while preserving the central role of user authorization.
Pranavi produced a composed final-round recovery to capture gold at the Asian Games, becoming the central figure in a landmark result for Indian women’s golf. Despite a damaging triple bogey on the third hole that erased her three-stroke overnight advantage, the 23-year-old from Mysore responded with three birdies to steady her round and finish on top, while India’s women also claimed team silver.
Theatre group Ank is marking its golden jubilee with a new production that returns to one of coastal India’s most formidable historical figures, Veera Rani Abbakka. Titled Veera Rani Abbakka: The Queen of the Seas, The Flame of Ullala, the play is written, directed and headlined by Priita Mathur Thakur, positioning the project as both a commemorative milestone and a cultural reclamation of a largely under-told legacy.
As Raaj Kumar’s centenary arrives, Hindi cinema is being asked to reckon with one of its most distinctive stars: an actor whose baritone, bearing and timing made him instantly recognisable. From 'Waqt' and 'Heer Raanjha' to 'Pakeezah', his legacy endures not through versatility in the modern sense, but through a rare, uncompromising screen identity that remained unmistakably his own.
