Tamil Nadu’s government is fully prepared to handle the Northeast monsoon, Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan said on Wednesday, citing a series of review meetings and near-completion of preparedness works across the state. He said about 98% of the required measures have already been completed, underscoring the administration’s confidence as the seasonal rains approach.
The remarks come as the state braces for a period that often brings both vital rainfall and serious flood risk, especially in low-lying and urban areas. The government’s emphasis on readiness reflects the recurring pressure on disaster management systems in one of India’s most monsoon-exposed states.
Justin Rose has said he would love to keep pushing himself in pursuit of another major championship, underscoring both his enduring ambition and his willingness to adapt as golf evolves. The 13-time PGA Tour winner also stressed that India is important to the sport’s global growth, arguing that the game must continue to modernise to stay relevant.
The Global Trade Research Initiative has called on the government to withdraw proposed charges on Unified Payments Interface transactions scheduled for October 15, arguing that even modest fees could weaken India’s digital payments ecosystem. The think tank said keeping UPI free is essential to protect small merchants, sustain consumer spending, and preserve the broad adoption that has made the platform a cornerstone of everyday commerce.
Indian equities traded unevenly in afternoon business on Wednesday, with benchmark indices struggling for clear direction as sector rotation and stock-specific moves dominated sentiment. Asian Paints, SBI, Tata Motors, HUL and Maruti Suzuki led gainers in the Sensex pack, while ONGC, Axis Bank, M&M, Bajaj Auto and Hero MotoCorp were among the major laggards.
ANRF CEO Shivkumar Kalyanaraman has outlined a patient-capital framework aimed at accelerating India’s research and development intensity toward 3% of GDP, arguing that the country cannot afford a slow, decades-long climb. The model combines private investment, open intellectual property licensing and national mission programmes to convert research into scalable innovation and commercial outcomes.
As Raaj Kumar’s centenary is marked, film history returns to an actor whose authority on screen was matched by few and imitated by many. Best remembered for commanding turns in films such as Waqt, Heer Raanjha and Pakeezah, he remains a study in charisma, precision and contradiction.
Google.org has committed $15 million to nonprofit The/Nudge to help expand credit access for micro, small and medium enterprises across India. The funding is aimed at strengthening financial inclusion for smaller businesses that remain underserved by formal lending channels despite their central role in the economy.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said India is entering a period of global uncertainty from a position of economic strength, citing real GDP growth of 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026-27 as evidence of underlying resilience. He argued that India’s ability to adapt to geopolitical, trade and technology shifts will determine how effectively the country converts current momentum into durable long-term gains.
The Madras High Court has granted interim injunctions restraining the unauthorised exhibition of two upcoming films, Rajinikanth-starrer 'Jailer 2' and Shivarajkumar's 'Bail', in separate copyright infringement suits filed by Sun TV Network Limited and KVN Productions LLP. Justice P.B. Balaji issued the orders as part of a wider effort to curb piracy and protect the commercial and creative rights of film producers ahead of release.
The Reserve Bank of India’s surprise 25-basis-point repo rate cut to 6.25 percent has prompted Nomura to argue that the central bank has effectively diluted its earlier policy framework. The brokerage said the move signals a more growth-supportive stance, even as inflation remains a key constraint on the pace and depth of future easing.
The Director of India’s Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has been elected Chair of UNESCO’s Indian Ocean panel, a significant appointment that strengthens India’s profile in regional ocean governance. The role places an Indian scientific institution at the centre of coordination on marine knowledge, disaster preparedness, and sustainable ocean policy across the Indian Ocean basin.
India will operationalise a trade pact with the United States only when it secures a competitive advantage, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, signalling that New Delhi intends to negotiate from a position of economic leverage rather than urgency. His remarks come as India also prepares to conclude a free trade agreement with the European Union in December, with implementation expected by February or March next year.
Former cricketer Mithun Manhas has argued that India’s selection framework should prioritise current fitness and form over age, reinforcing a merit-first approach in a sport where performance windows can shift quickly. His remarks come amid continuing debate over how Indian cricket balances experience, workload management and the need to refresh squads for the future.
An Air India Frankfurt-Delhi flight resumed its journey after landing in Jaipur for security checks, according to sources familiar with the matter. Security officials said the aircraft was diverted after the Pilot-in-Command transmitted Code 7500 to air traffic control, a signal associated with unlawful interference.
India is working to rebuild its relationship with China, but the process remains incomplete and the final outcome is still uncertain, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday. He also underscored that India’s ties with the United States remain strong and consequential, reflecting New Delhi’s effort to balance major-power relationships while protecting its economic and strategic interests.
Credit Suisse strategist Neelkanth Mishra said India still has scope for meaningful interest-rate cuts in the coming quarters, arguing that the repo rate could fall to a decade low as inflation and growth conditions evolve. He also said market momentum may broaden from December, potentially supporting a wider and more durable rally in indices.
Ahead of the release of 'Ranabaali', Vijay Deverakonda has offered a candid look at the discipline required for his latest period drama, set against the Madras Famine era. The actor said his Rayalaseema dialect preparation was demanding and contrasted his own tendency to carry work home with Rashmika Mandanna's ability to detach once filming ends.
Delhi Police has told the Supreme Court that people detained on October 10 were provided hot, fresh and adequate meals, and that the only restriction imposed was on cellular internet access. The police chief argued the measures were preventive, aimed at preserving peace and tranquility in a sensitive part of New Delhi. The submission places the dispute squarely in the constitutional balance between public order and civil liberties.
India’s finance ministry has asked banks to begin preparing for a sector-wide transition to post-quantum security, while also developing an artificial intelligence resilience framework, according to an official familiar with the matter. The move reflects growing concern that encrypted financial data could be harvested now and decrypted later by future quantum computers, exposing banks, payment systems and customer records to delayed but severe cyber risk.
Bengal seized firm control of its Ranji Trophy season-opener by posting 429 and building a commanding 189-run first-innings lead before reducing Delhi to 101 for three in the second innings. The home side’s sustained pressure with bat and ball left Delhi facing a steep fight to avoid a damaging defeat.
The Finance Ministry will meet heads of banks on Tuesday to assess the progress of India’s flagship financial inclusion programmes, including Jan Dhan, Mudra, and key insurance schemes. The review is expected to focus on account penetration, credit access for small businesses, and the depth of social security coverage across the banking system.
Bank of Baroda said it has not yet been served with a $15 billion lawsuit filed by UAE-based businessman B.R. Shetty, but intends to defend its interests if and when the claim is formally received. The case adds a new legal front to the long-running fallout from the collapse of NMC Health, with Shetty alleging bank officials facilitated fraudulent transactions and ignored anti-money laundering warnings.
Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated sequel 'Jailer 2' has arrived with expectations already inflated by the first film’s viral cameo moments. Early audience chatter is centring on whether Kannada star Shivarajkumar’s appearance delivers the same shock value and crowd response that made his role in 'Jailer' a breakout talking point.
The discussion reflects a broader sequel challenge: when a film’s most memorable moment in the first instalment becomes part of its identity, the follow-up must either recreate that electricity or risk being judged against an impossible benchmark.
Indian banks are entering the next few quarters with asset quality still broadly benign, but a rise in crude oil prices and uneven monsoon rainfall are emerging as key external risks, according to a sector report. While credit costs remain stable for both private and public sector lenders and deposit growth has improved, the report warns that borrower stress could build if fuel costs stay elevated and drought conditions persist in five states.
Infosys shares moved higher in afternoon trade on Wednesday, drawing investor attention to the broader outlook for India’s information technology sector. The stock’s upward movement comes as markets reassess earnings visibility, margin resilience, and the pace of discretionary technology spending in key overseas markets.
Karnataka coach Vinay Kumar has offered a strong public endorsement of Karun, underlining the batter’s value to the side at a time when domestic cricket remains fiercely competitive. The praise adds weight to Karun’s standing in the squad and reflects the emphasis Karnataka continues to place on experience, consistency and match temperament.
Chennai Grandmaster Savithri Shri announced herself on the global stage with a stunning individual gold medal on the reserve board at the Chess Olympiad, a result that helped India secure team bronze. In her maiden Olympiad appearance, she combined composure, precision and timely scoring to turn a low-profile selection into one of India’s standout performances.
India’s finance ministry has asked banks to prepare for a sector-wide transition to post-quantum security while also developing an artificial intelligence resilience framework, according to an official familiar with the matter. The move reflects growing concern that encrypted financial data could be harvested now and decrypted later by future quantum computers, forcing lenders to align on common industry standards rather than fragmented internal fixes.
Orient Electric Ltd reported a sharp improvement in quarterly performance, with net profit rising to Rs 27.06 crore in Q2 FY27 from Rs 12.06 crore a year earlier. Revenue from operations increased 25.15% year on year to Rs 879.34 crore, supported by stronger demand across its electrical consumer durables portfolio.
The Kerala High Court has suspended the sentence of former Director General of Police Tomin J. Thachankary and granted him bail while his appeal against conviction is heard. In his challenge, Thachankary has argued that the prosecution relied on a flawed sanction order and miscalculated key income and asset components, including rental receipts, property income, family payments and assets linked to his wife.
Indian steel and metal stocks advanced in afternoon trade after the government extended the minimum import price regime on 66 steel products, a move seen as supportive for domestic producers facing pressure from cheaper imports. Shares of Hindustan Zinc, Hindalco, Jindal Steel, JSW Steel and Tata Steel rose more than 1% from the previous close as investors priced in a firmer pricing environment for the sector.
The Reserve Bank of India’s surprise 25-basis-point repo rate cut to 6.25 percent has prompted Nomura to argue that the central bank has effectively diluted its earlier policy framework. The brokerage said the move signals a more flexible stance on growth support, even as inflation remains within the RBI’s tolerance band.
The Department of Expenditure has pressed states to accelerate the utilisation of interest-free loans tied to capital investment, warning that only about a quarter of the allocated funds have been used so far. The Centre has already released roughly ₹51,000 crore under the scheme by October 1 and is now working with states to identify projects and remove bottlenecks before the spending window narrows further.
Karnataka Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development Krishna Byre Gowda said the city is confronting deep infrastructure and governance pressures, but the state has a plan to address some of its most urgent problems. Among the most ambitious measures is a proposal to expand Bengaluru’s metro network to 400 km by 2037, a scale-up that would place mass transit at the centre of the city’s long-term growth strategy.
India is set to roll out a National Electricity Data Sharing Framework in October, a move designed to standardise access to power-sector information for utilities, startups and other authorised users. The initiative is expected to improve governance, support innovation in electricity services and strengthen cyber security across a data-intensive grid ecosystem.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is expected to post a sixth consecutive quarter of record profit, underscoring how the global AI buildout continues to reshape the semiconductor industry. Analysts are forecasting a 65% jump in earnings, while investors focus on updated guidance, interest-rate pressure, and the company’s expanding manufacturing footprint in the United States.
A little-known Jain retelling of the Ramayana has transformed the vanaras from forest-dwelling allies into disciplined monks, and a hilltop site in Maharashtra has become a living stage for that reinterpretation. The story illuminates how Indian religious traditions continuously rework shared epics to express distinct ethical worlds, ritual practices, and community memory.
Punjab National Bank has unveiled a 2026 festive retail loan campaign offering concessions across home, car and other consumer loans as lenders step up seasonal demand generation. The package includes a full waiver of upfront and processing fees on home loans, a 5-basis-point rate concession, and a full fee waiver on car loans.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has prohibited the use of shikara motorboats and jet skis on Dal Lake in Srinagar, tightening regulatory control over one of Kashmir’s most sensitive and iconic water bodies. The court, however, exempted boats used by the administration and authorities for emergency services, law and order, and disaster management.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called on the state government to move the Supreme Court against a recent ruling that affects reservation benefits for converted Muslims, arguing that social backwardness is rooted in centuries of structural exclusion and is not erased by religious conversion. His intervention places the issue at the intersection of affirmative action, religious identity, and constitutional policy, with wider implications for reservation jurisprudence in India.
Police have said there is no direct information linking the fire at Koder House to the separate arson probe involving a synagogue, even as investigators await forensic findings to determine whether a short circuit triggered the blaze at the heritage property. The building remains closed, and any restoration or reopening is likely to require heritage and archaeological clearances.
A fire was deliberately set at Blossom Nursery, directly opposite the historic Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Ernakulam, around 2.40 a.m. on October 12, 2026, triggering concern over the safety of one of Kochi’s most significant heritage structures. While the blaze appears to have been confined to the nursery premises, the incident has renewed scrutiny of security arrangements around the over 800-year-old synagogue and the broader protection of vulnerable religious heritage sites.
Indian steel and metal stocks advanced in afternoon trade after the government extended the minimum import price regime on 66 steel products, a move seen as supportive for domestic producers facing import competition. Shares of Hindustan Zinc, Hindalco, Jindal Steel, JSW Steel and Tata Steel rose more than 1% from the previous close as investors priced in a potentially firmer pricing environment.
Asian Games gold medallist Pranavi has met Rory McIlroy, the world’s most recognisable modern golf star, in a moment that underscores the growing ambition and visibility of Indian women’s golf. The encounter carries symbolic weight far beyond a photo opportunity, linking one of India’s brightest young champions with the global standard-bearer she has long admired.
India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing theme is gaining altitude as analysts point to a multi-year demand cycle powered by aircraft production, higher defence spending, export opportunities and supply-chain diversification. HAL, Data Patterns, Azad Engineering, MTAR Technologies and Unimech Aerospace are among the names drawing attention, though execution risk and elevated valuations remain central concerns.
Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati has renewed her attack on outsourcing and contractual hiring in government departments, calling the system exploitative and demanding regularisation for affected workers in Uttar Pradesh. Her remarks place labour security and public-sector staffing back into the political spotlight, with implications for the state’s governance model and employment policy.
Bengal seized firm control of its Ranji Trophy season-opener by posting 429 and building a commanding 189-run first-innings lead over Delhi. The home side then struck again late in the day, reducing Delhi to 101 for three and leaving the visitors under severe pressure heading into the next session.
A five-year review of Nifty constituents shows that eight stocks have delivered negative returns, underscoring how even blue-chip names can lag badly in shifting market cycles. Infosys and TCS were among the steepest laggards, while consumer and insurance names such as Hindustan Unilever, Asian Paints and HDFC Life also failed to protect capital.
Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Financial has agreed to acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for Rs 52,878 crore, in what is set to become India’s largest cross-border banking transaction. The deal underscores a long-term plan to build a broader financial services platform spanning banking, insurance, wealth management and capital markets, but it still faces regulatory scrutiny, integration challenges and questions over overlapping ownership with CSB Bank.
Indian banks are entering the next few quarters with broadly benign asset quality and stable credit costs, but rising crude oil prices and uneven monsoon distribution are emerging as key external risks, according to a sector report. The note warns that higher fuel costs and drought-like conditions in five states could weaken borrower repayment capacity, pressure margins, and complicate profitability even as deposit growth improves.
