Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa said India has become Fairfax Financial Holdings’ largest country exposure, underscoring the firm’s deepening conviction in the Indian economy as the government clears the divestment of a majority stake in IDBI Bank. In a phone interview, the Fairfax chairman said the group has no direct bets on artificial intelligence, even as it continues to deploy capital selectively across financial services and other long-duration opportunities.
Vettikavala grama panchayat has launched a new scheme aimed at strengthening farmers through local-level support, marking a notable rural governance intervention in Kerala. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward decentralised policy delivery, with panchayats increasingly stepping in to address agricultural stress through targeted assistance and community-based implementation.
The Astana International Financial Centre is exploring a partnership with India’s GIFT City, signalling a potential new corridor for financial services, investment flows and cross-border market access between Kazakhstan and India. The move reflects growing interest in linking two emerging international financial hubs that sit at the intersection of regional trade, digital finance and sustainable capital.
Five government hospitals in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district have secured Kayakalp awards, underscoring a notable push to improve cleanliness, infection control and patient-facing standards in public health facilities serving a largely tribal population. The Community Health Centre at Palvancha stood out with the State-Level Eco-Friendly Award worth ₹5 lakh, along with a Commendation Award, signalling recognition for both service quality and sustainable hospital practices.
Endurance Technologies’ initial public offering opened for subscription on Wednesday, with the Aurangabad-based auto components maker seeking to raise nearly Rs 1,162 crore at the top end of the price band by selling a 17.5 percent stake. The issue follows a strong anchor book that raised Rs 348.52 crore a day earlier, setting the tone for what market participants expect to be a closely watched test of appetite for manufacturing-linked listings.
India has received a temporary reprieve after U.S. President Donald Trump waived penalties tied to Russian oil purchases, easing immediate pressure on New Delhi’s export outlook. But the relief is widely seen as conditional, with analysts warning that the tariff threat could return as leverage in broader trade negotiations.
India’s private investment cycle is showing clearer signs of traction, supported by a robust expansion in bank credit, according to Jefferies. The brokerage said credit growth rose 18.1% year-on-year in mid-September, with corporate lending and loans to micro, small and medium industrial enterprises posting especially strong gains, a combination that points to firmer business confidence and a healthier pipeline for capital expenditure.
Jio Platforms’ proposed Rs 30,200 crore initial public offering is drawing strong pre-listing interest, with the grey market premium at Rs 221 implying gains of nearly 20% over the issue price. Emkay Global and SBI Securities have pointed to the company’s telecom dominance, earnings momentum, digital expansion and technology edge, while warning that regulation, competition and capital intensity could temper enthusiasm.
GIFT Nifty has become a closely watched pre-market indicator for investors seeking an early read on how Indian equities may open, especially when overnight global cues are in flux. By comparing the current futures level with the previous close, traders can gauge sentiment, though the contract provides only a directional signal and not a guaranteed forecast.
A high-profile convergence of cinema and cricket has once again underlined how Indian sport now operates as both competition and mass entertainment. The latest buzz around "Bhairava and Beyond" reflects the growing commercial and cultural overlap between star power, fan engagement and the cricket economy.
A four-way tie at the top has set up a compelling finish, with Hidalgo, Adrian Meronk, Joost Luiten and Thomas Detry all sharing the lead after a tense round of elite-level golf. The crowded leaderboard underscores how little separates the contenders, with momentum, course management and nerve likely to decide the outcome from here.
The recently concluded LURU Screendance Festival placed a sharp focus on the changing relationship between dance and cinema, underscoring how the camera can do more than record movement: it can reinterpret it, preserve it, and turn performance into an archive. The festival’s conversations and screenings highlighted screendance as a growing artistic form in India, where choreography, editing, framing, and sound design increasingly shape how audiences experience movement.
IDBI Bank reported a 39% year-on-year decline in second-quarter net profit to Rs 2,205 crore, weighed down by a one-off gain booked in the same period last year. Excluding that exceptional item, profit rose 14%, while asset quality improved, deposits grew 17% and advances increased 18%, signalling a firmer operating trajectory beneath the headline decline.
Power Of Beauty has emerged as the horse to watch in a race that has drawn attention across India’s racing circles, with form, conditioning and market confidence converging ahead of the contest. The build-up has sharpened focus on whether the runner can translate promise into a decisive performance when it matters most.
Signpost India has transformed Bengaluru’s Majestic Metro station into an immersive digital art destination, launching the experience on October 17, 2026 with a midnight soirée titled Stone to Life. The installation signals a growing convergence between public infrastructure, cultural programming, and urban placemaking in one of India’s busiest transit hubs.
Piccadily Agro Industries has earned a CRISIL A+ rating, underscoring improved credit quality after reporting a sharp rise in FY26 profit to ₹138 crore. The Haryana-based distiller also posted stronger income and operating margins, supported by a richer mix of premium spirits and expanding overseas sales.
HDFC Bank reported a 4.7% year-on-year rise in standalone net profit for the second quarter, supported by steady loan and deposit growth, even as margin pressure weighed on core profitability. Net interest income climbed 9.7%, but the lender’s earnings profile remained under strain as it prepares to welcome a new chief executive later this month, ending a prolonged period of succession uncertainty.
A new exhibition in Thiruvananthapuram is tracing the emergence of modernism in Keralam and wider south India through more than 140 works by 30 artists. Curated by Tensing Joseph, Southern Latitudes: Scenes from Madras & Trivandrum places landmark paintings and sculptures by figures such as KCS Paniker, CL Porinchukutty and Kanayi Kunhiraman in a broader historical frame.
India received 15% less monsoon rainfall than normal this year, according to the India Meteorological Department, underscoring a broad seasonal shortfall with implications for agriculture, rural demand and water management. Goa recorded the highest rainfall in the country at 196.68 cm, while Punjab logged the lowest at 28 cm, highlighting stark regional disparities in the distribution of the southwest monsoon.
Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings are expected to travel for exhibitions as the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in Vadodara expands and prepares a state-of-the-art storage facility next year, according to royal family member Radhikaraje Gaekwad. The development points to a broader effort to make one of India’s most important art collections more accessible while strengthening long-term conservation and display infrastructure.
Latest rainfall readings are intensifying concern over India’s rabi season, with below-normal precipitation threatening soil moisture at a critical stage for wheat, mustard and pulses. The risk is compounded by El Niño-linked weather uncertainty, which could weaken winter rains and increase dependence on irrigation in key producing regions.
The government will retain a 15% equity stake in IDBI Bank while Life Insurance Corporation of India will hold 19%, marking a significant restructuring of ownership ahead of the lender’s strategic disinvestment. Both shareholders will withdraw their nominees from the bank’s board and transition into public shareholders, underscoring the formal separation of state control from the sale process.
Indian banks have sought detailed clarification from the Reserve Bank of India on the implementation of its new currency-supporting measures, with lenders pressing for guidance on how foreign exchange risk reserves should be calculated and how those balances will affect liquidity ratios. They are also asking how costs will be passed on to customers, how exposure limits will be measured, and whether certain cash reserves can be treated as high-quality liquid assets.
Borosil Glass Works has emerged as one of the market’s standout wealth creators, with its shares more than tripling over the past year on the back of robust revenue growth and improving EBITDA performance. The rally reflects a sharp re-rating of the company as investors bet on sustained operating momentum and a stronger earnings profile.
Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo has signalled that the 400m world record remains a live target, underscoring her belief that the event’s benchmark is still within reach. Her comments add fresh intrigue to the women’s one-lap race, where elite form, race execution and injury management continue to shape the pursuit of history.
Punjab National Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Ashok Chandra said festive demand has materially strengthened credit offtake and could add as much as 2% to loan growth in the current quarter. His remarks point to a seasonal but meaningful pickup in borrowing across retail and business segments, even as lenders continue to watch deposit mobilisation and broader liquidity conditions.
Tea prices eased at the Kochi auctions in Sale 42 as demand weakened sharply after most upcountry buyers stayed away for the extended Puja holidays, traders said. The softer tone reflected thin participation rather than a broad supply shock, but market participants warned the subdued trend could persist into the next rounds of auctions.
Exercise Konkan-2026 has concluded off the coast near Plymouth, marking another significant step in India-UK naval cooperation. The drill underscored growing operational coordination between the two maritime forces at a time when both countries are seeking deeper security engagement in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Arvind Sanger, Managing Partner at Geosphere Capital Management, said he remains cautiously optimistic on India even as global liquidity support appears to be nearing its limit. He argued that the next leg for Indian equities will depend less on easy money and more on an earnings revival that can justify current valuations. The outlook, he suggested, is constructive but selective, with investors needing to focus on fundamentals rather than broad market momentum.
OnMeta has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan’s national postal operator, QazPost, in a move that could extend its digital financial infrastructure into a broader physical distribution network. The agreement is aimed at exploring digital financial solutions and reflects a growing push by fintech firms to pair technology platforms with established last-mile reach.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has tipped Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a major impact in the upcoming Test series, saying the India swing specialist could be decisive on his return to the format. Southee also suggested New Zealand may have enough balance and familiarity with home conditions to edge the visitors in what he expects to be a closely fought assignment.
The Telugu Desam Party has called on the State Election Commission to act against YSR Congress Party leaders, alleging that they incited violence during the first hour of nomination filing for local body elections. TDP leader Varla Ramaiah said party workers and candidates were attacked with weapons, leaving several people seriously injured and raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
Sassy Sarah delivered the headline performance in the feature event, asserting control at the decisive stage and repelling late challenges to secure a polished win. The result underlined both the horse’s current form and the tactical execution behind the victory, marking a notable moment in the day’s racing programme.
Roughly 5,000 tickets have already been sold for the BBL-16 season opener in Chennai, signalling strong early demand for the marquee match and underscoring the city’s growing appetite for top-tier cricket events. The brisk sales point to a well-attended launch and highlight Chennai’s role as a major market for premium sporting spectacles in India.
Magicbricks has appointed Mayank Jain as its chief executive officer, placing him at the helm of one of India’s most prominent digital real estate platforms. His mandate is expected to focus on business transformation, stronger operational and financial performance, and reinforcing the company’s position in a rapidly evolving housing market.
Chinese dramas are quietly gaining ground in India, challenging the long-held dominance of Korean content with stories that feel more flawed, more urban and more emotionally lived-in. Their appeal lies in ordinary settings, imperfect leads and women characters with agency, a combination that is drawing a widening audience across streaming platforms and fan communities.
Delhi bowling coach Sanjeev has argued that raw pace alone is no longer enough for a modern fast bowler, stressing that control, skill and adaptability are what separate a specialist from a short-lived prospect. He said a bowler who can command a red ball effectively has the tools to succeed even in the shortest formats, including T10 cricket.
Raja Ravi Varma’s celebrated paintings are set to travel for exhibitions as the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in Vadodara prepares for an expansion, according to royal custodian Radhikaraje Gaekwad. The museum’s new state-of-the-art storage facility is expected to be ready next year, a development that could significantly improve conservation, access and the long-term circulation of the collection.
India has dispatched an export consignment of organic palmyra jaggery powder from Erode in Tamil Nadu to Bulgaria, underscoring the commercial promise of a heritage sweetener made from palmyra palm blossom nectar. The shipment points to growing overseas demand for niche, value-added agricultural products that can move beyond commodity pricing and into premium health and specialty food markets.
One 97 Communications Ltd., the parent of Paytm, has seen Indian ownership rise above 56% in Q2 FY2027, underscoring a continued shift toward domestic capital in one of India’s most closely watched fintech names. Domestic institutional ownership has climbed to 29.5%, while foreign direct investment has eased to 18%, highlighting a changing shareholder mix with potentially important implications for market sentiment and governance.
India’s listed new-age technology companies have moved from a narrative of hypergrowth to one of hard financial scrutiny, with market capitalisation, revenue expansion and profitability now pulling in different directions. The latest tracker underscores how public markets are rewarding execution, discipline and scale rather than growth alone, even as the sector remains one of the most closely watched in Indian capital markets.
India’s startup ecosystem moved further into a maturity phase in FY26, with 22 new-age technology companies debuting on public markets as investors increasingly rewarded clearer earnings visibility and stronger governance. The shift marks a decisive change from the capital-intensive growth model that defined the previous cycle, even as private funding remains selective and valuation discipline tightens.
Rapido has been booked in Pune for allegedly operating bike taxis without the required licence, intensifying scrutiny of app-based two-wheeler mobility services in Maharashtra. The case lands amid continuing regulatory uncertainty over bike-taxi operations across Indian states, where enforcement and policy frameworks remain uneven.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan in a high-level engagement that underscored inter-state cooperation on governance and environmental policy. During the meeting, Pawan Kalyan highlighted tiger conservation and pressed for the reintroduction of the Indian bison in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, bringing wildlife management into the centre of the discussion.
ICICI Bank has received a show cause notice from GST authorities seeking ₹229.14 crore in connection with services linked to customers maintaining minimum account balances. The notice, issued on September 30 by the Additional Commissioner at the CGST and Central Excise Division-IV, adds to the bank’s existing legal and regulatory overhang on a similar issue.
The development underscores the continuing scrutiny of how banks classify and tax customer service charges, particularly in areas where fee structures intersect with indirect tax rules. ICICI Bank is already engaged in litigation over earlier notices involving comparable demands.
Small-trader groups have withdrawn their proposed 'No UPI Day' protest after a meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Wednesday. The decision eases an immediate flashpoint over digital payments, though it also underscores continuing friction between merchants and the payments ecosystem over costs, compliance and settlement concerns.
Hunger Pangs Limited, the parent of restaurant chain Burma Burma, reported a sharp deterioration in profitability in FY26, with net loss surging nearly 31 times year-on-year to ₹15.4 crore. The results underscore the cost pressures facing premium dining operators even as they pursue expansion, brand building, and higher operating scale.
The widening loss points to a business still investing heavily in growth while absorbing elevated expenses, a pattern increasingly common across India’s consumer startup and restaurant sector as companies balance expansion with the path to sustainable margins.
Music composer Deva, whose work helped define a crucial era in Tamil cinema, leaves behind a legacy marked by mass appeal, memorable melodies, and a distinctive sonic identity. This picture-led dispatch revisits his career through rare images that capture both the public figure and the creative force behind some of the industry’s most enduring songs.
India is advancing a nutrient-rich purple potato as part of a broader push to diversify crops, improve nutritional outcomes, and support climate-resilient agriculture. The initiative reflects a policy shift toward value-added horticulture and science-led farming, with implications for public nutrition, farmer incomes, and seed innovation.
Paramount Syntex’s Rs 82-crore initial public offering was subscribed 1.35 times by the second day of bidding on the BSE SME platform, driven overwhelmingly by institutional demand. The qualified institutional buyer portion was subscribed 119.29 times, while retail and non-institutional investor categories remained subdued, underscoring a sharply uneven response ahead of the October 6 close.
