The Economic Times

Representatives from 196 countries are meeting in Yerevan to evaluate biodiversity progress under the 2030 targets. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to restore ecosystems and phase out harmful subsidies. India's national report highlights progress with key wildlife species, despite challenges in land degradation and protected areas. The report shows India's successful ecosystem restoration and involvement in biodiversity-inclusive planning.

The government is looking to revamp GST return forms to minimise discrepancies between reported sales and tax payments. Draft forms will be available for public feedback starting November 1 and the changes take effect on April 1, 2027.

Even as SEC paused the process, YSRCP alleged that the ruling TDP cadres continued to attack and intimidate its candidates for the second consecutive day. The Opposition party released videos of several places and alleged that the modus operandi had been to not allow senior YSRCP leaders to accompany candidates to nomination centres and then snatch the nomination papers to prevent them from filing.

Piyush Goyal expressed concerns over the EU's carbon tax and numerous regulations impacting their steel industry. He warned that these measures could lead to increased costs and decreased competitiveness for EU businesses. Goyal highlighted that the high import duties and standards could harm the economy and raise the cost of living. He mentioned the reciprocal nature of trade regulations in response to the EU's actions.

Beginning on November 20, Airbnb is rolling out updated guidelines to enhance cleanliness expectations for guests. Hosts can no longer impose extensive cleaning responsibilities, permitting only simple tasks. A new feature in the app aims to clarify house rules and host requests for better guest comprehension. If guests encounter unreasonable demands, they can report them. It's important for travelers to check house rules and total expenses before confirming their bookings.

Indian equities fell sharply as rising crude prices, rupee weakness and global uncertainties pressured sentiment. Sensex lost over 460 points, Nifty declined 124 points, and BSE-listed companies lost Rs 3 lakh crore in market value.

Yes Bank has announced potential non-payment of coupons on additional tier-1 bonds this fiscal year following a Supreme Court decision that annulled the previous write-off of these bonds. Bondholders are advocating for repayment based on the court's ruling, which emphasizes unsettled dues. Nonetheless, Yes Bank maintains it has ultimate authority over coupon payments, raising concerns about its financial losses impacting these obligations.

SEBI has cautioned investors against exclusive WhatsApp groups spreading unauthorised stock tips and fake profit claims. The regulator flagged astroturfing, overseas numbers, replacement groups and suspicious trading apps, urging investors to verify credentials and use registered intermediaries.

In the first half of FY27, crop insurance premiums fell by 31% due to lower rates and discounts. Fire insurance premiums also decreased by 26.6% amidst price competition and discounts across the sector. Public sector insurers saw a sharper decline in crop insurance compared to general insurers, impacting overall growth. Non-life insurance premiums grew 6.1% year-on-year, and health insurance experienced a 20.2% increase.

NCDEX has launched NDEX and FINNDEX, two equity benchmarks tracking 20 large, liquid Indian stocks and 15 financial sector companies. Their multi-factor methodology incorporates market capitalisation, trading activity, beta and volatility, with semiannual rebalancing.

CreditAccess Grameen reported a fourfold rise in Q2 net profit to Rs 502 crore, driven by higher income, lower expenses and credit costs. Improved asset quality prompted upward revisions to profitability guidance, while assets under management grew 19.5%.

Hatsun Agro Product reported a notable growth in net profit for the September quarter, reaching Rs 115.69 crore, up from Rs 109.54 crore from last year. Total income also surged to Rs 2,902.49 crore, showcasing strong sales amidst industry hurdles. The company emphasizes enhancing direct consumer relationships and expanding its market footprint in Maharashtra and Odisha, while continuing to invest in its procurement, processing, and distribution systems.

Commercial insurance rates in India decreased significantly in 2026 due to increased competition among insurers. Property and financial liability insurance rates fell for the fourth consecutive quarter, providing businesses with better terms. Cyber insurance also witnessed a decline, marking the twelfth consecutive quarter of reduced rates in the IMEA region. Insurers became more competitive, allowing businesses to negotiate premiums and coverage more effectively.

Indian Bank managing director Binod Kumar had said earlier that the bank does not have surplus liquidity as it shed Rs 10,000 crore of bulk deposits and slowed term deposits mobilisation during the second quarter while it raised $2.3 billion (about Rs 21,000 crore) of foreign currency non-resident-bank (FCNR-B) deposits using the regulatory window.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Independence Day celebrations. Modi expressed gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the cooperation between India and Israel on terrorism. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their long-standing relationship over the years. Netanyahu shared this conversation on social media to highlight their collaboration.

According to The Express Tribune, the event, organised by the Christian Study Circle at a local hotel, brought together political representatives, religious figures, lawyers and social activists. Participants called for coordinated efforts to tackle religious extremism, discrimination and abuses against vulnerable communities.

Building a robust investment portfolio requires a clear understanding of the foundational roles played by both core and satellite investments. Many investors fall into the trap of miscategorizing satellite strategies as core assets, which disrupts the overall balance. While Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are becoming increasingly popular, they must be aligned with specific functions in a broader investment strategy.

Jio Platforms Rs 30,213-crore IPO attracted 12.87 times QIB subscription, surpassing NSEs institutional demand. Overall subscription reached 5.36 times by Day 2, with a strong grey market premium and positive brokerage recommendations.

Russia conducted a bombardment of Kyiv with ballistic missiles, resulting in casualties and substantial damage. Ukrainian officials reported fatalities and injuries due to targeted strikes on civilian areas, including markets and infrastructure. Following this escalation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the lack of change in Moscow's approach toward peace negotiations. Peace talks with the U.S. and Ukraine were briefly discussed but yielded no significant progress.

Microsoft has unveiled a groundbreaking service called Xbox Cloud Playtime, enabling gamers to stream titles without needing a Game Pass subscription. Currently in preview for Xbox Insiders, it is set for a broader release in November. Players can buy cloud playtime in several hour increments, allowing them to stream eligible games on compatible devices. Due to increasing costs, restrictions have been placed on cloud gaming for Game Pass users.

Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls helped India complete their highest successful T20 chase against New Zealand, earning praise from captain Shreyas Iyer for his composure and all-round options. Dhir's breakthrough comes after he nearly quit cricket in 2022 to move to Canada, before his father's encouragement led him to continue, make his Ranji Trophy debut and earn an IPL opportunity.

When the market experiences corrections, panic can easily set in for investors, causing them to rethink their long-term commitments. It's common to see reactions to volatility, even when the strategies themselves are unchanged. Success in wealth creation hinges on sticking to a steady approach instead of trying to outsmart market variations. Regularly assessing financial goals and portfolio health helps investors sidestep emotional choices and concentrate on achieving lasting financial outcomes.

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd has reported a 4.3% increase in net profit for the September quarter. The company achieved a net profit of Rs 341.57 crore compared to Rs 327.51 crore last year. Sales increased by 12.22% to Rs 1,691.57 crore in this quarter. The gross margin expanded by 40 basis points year-on-year, reflecting cost management strategies and pricing actions.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has announced a new directive that eases margin requirements for clients with a net sell obligation. This policy is particularly applicable when early pay-in requests are accepted by the clearing corporation, allowing clients to execute trades more efficiently. No margin will be collected on future trades up to the value of accepted early pay-in securities.

HPCL reported Q2FY27 net profit of Rs 3,625 crore, recovering from a previous-quarter loss. Revenue rose 26.1% year-on-year, refining margins surged, fuel sales increased, and investments advanced infrastructure expansion, innovation, and green energy initiatives.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd experienced a substantial 66 percent drop in consolidated net profit for the quarter ending September 2026, with profits falling to Rs 16.34 crore compared to Rs 47.91 crore last year. However, total income saw remarkable growth, reaching Rs 104.02 crore, up from Rs 33.06 crore. For the first half of this fiscal year, net profit saw a minor uptick to Rs 101.

Indian equity markets fell for a third consecutive session as weak global cues and sustained selling weighed on sentiment. The Nifty 50 declined 0.54% to 22,688, while the Sensex dropped 0.62% to 73,249.

UBS has acquired a 4.8% stake in 360 ONE WAM by exercising 2.05 crore warrants and paying around Rs 1,584 crore. The transaction follows a partnership announced in April 2025, under which UBS agreed to sell its Indian onshore wealth management business to the Mumbai-based firm for about $32 million.

Swiggy is transitioning to an India-owned structure to gain greater control over its Instamart operations and improve margins. The company aims to enhance profitability while managing competition from rival services like Blinkit and Zepto. Instamart's contribution margin is projected to improve, and overall growth is anticipated over the coming quarters. Swiggy's core food delivery business remains strong, showing significant growth and profitability.

Adani Total Gas Q2 Results: Adani Total Gas reported a 5.9% year-on-year rise in Q2FY27 net profit to Rs 173.27 crore, while revenue from operations climbed 33.8% to Rs 2,109.65 crore. EBITDA grew 12% YoY, supported by higher CNG and PNG volumes and continued expansion of its city gas distribution network.

In a significant chapter for Jio Platforms, Akash Ambani is stepping into a leading role with the company preparing for an IPO. The event saw incredible momentum, with the IPO being fully subscribed in under two hours, illustrating strong investor demand. As managing director, Akash is directing Jios vision as a technological leader while cultivating relationships with prominent investors like Meta.

In 1892, Jesse Wilford Reno patented a moving conveyor designed to transport people between different levels. His invention was first exhibited as an amusement ride at Coney Island, attracting around 75,000 visitors in two weeks. The conveyor consisted of metal boards and operated at a 25-degree gradient, differing from modern escalators. Although seen as an entertainment novelty, it laid the groundwork for future escalator development.

Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement to produce 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets over the next decade. The contract is not an order but a prearranged long-term arrangement with the Department of Defense. This agreement aims to stabilize annual production at 156 aircraft, while also covering international orders and spares. Lockheed anticipates that this deal will support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the US.

Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles is expected to post strong Q2FY27 revenue and profit growth, driven by 43% volume expansion. However, rising input costs, margin pressures and divergent brokerage estimates remain key investor concerns ahead of results and management commentary.

Jammu & Kashmir Bank reported a 10.6% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to Rs 546.4 crore. Operating profit increased 26.7%, while asset quality improved, with gross NPA falling to 2.23%. Advances grew 23.7% to Rs 1.34 lakh crore, and deposits rose 16.3% to Rs 1.77 lakh crore.

Swiggy Q2 Result: Food delivery and quick commerce company Swiggy Ltd on Thursday said its consolidated profit after tax narrowed to Rs 922 crore in the second quarter of FY27 from Rs 1,092 crore in the same quarter of last year. However, on a sequential basis, losses increased from Rs 792 crore posted in the preceding June quarter.

The Nationalist Congress Party has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of misleading the public. NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto emphasised the need for a legitimate electoral process to change government. Allegations arise regarding irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision concerning electoral rolls. Crasto specifically mentioned the BJP's defense of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid these controversies. Opposition parties continue their calls for Kumar's resig

Indias market correction has pushed several midcap stocks sharply below their 52-week highs. Ten stocks, including Rail Vikas Nigam, PB Fintech and Swiggy, have fallen between 40% and 53%, underperforming broader indices amid heightened volatility and sustained selling pressure.

Union home minister Amit Shah has set December 31, 2029, as the target to make India drug-free, saying the Centre will focus on tackling the narcotics menace after its fight against terrorism and armed Naxalism. Speaking on Police Commemoration Day, Shah also credited security forces for their role in LWE-affected regions. Around 7,000 people from 126 districts affected by left-wing extremism will attend the Ekta Diwas parade in Gujarat on October 31.

Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson, best known for hits like Swingin and Seminole Wind, has died at 71. With an estimated net worth of $7 million, Anderson built his fortune through hit albums, music royalties, live performances and a career spanning four decades. John Andersons hit album Wild and Blue went multi-platinum, earning him royalties that continue to bring in money.

Prabhas, the renowned Telugu actor, lives in a stunning villa situated in the Jubilee Hills area of Hyderabad, valued at around Rs 60 crore. The residence boasts contemporary architecture with refined interiors, including a spacious living room and an impressive spiral staircase adorned with exquisite artwork. The terrace offers breathtaking views of the Hyderabad skyline, reflecting Prabhas stylish living.

Adani Energy Q2 Results: Revenue from operations in the reporting period rose 53% YoY to Rs 10,076 crore.

SBI Securities has launched an exciting financing option for the highly anticipated IPO of Jio Platforms Ltd. Investors can secure up to 60% funding for their subscriptions, with the IPO set to open for bids on October 21. The impressive demand already seen indicates a surge in interest, prompting several brokerages to engage new clients. This event could usher in a wave of new investors into the market.

India Post has reported a revenue of Rs 4,202 crore for the second quarter ending September 30, 2026. This marks a growth of 25 percent compared to the same quarter in the previous year. The revenue growth was primarily driven by a 71 percent increase in parcel services. Additionally, Postal Life Insurance and International Business also saw substantial growth rates.

The anticipated IPO of Jio Platforms is likely to reshape valuation assessments for both Reliance Industries and Bharti Airtel. With Jio's market debut, Reliance may witness a decrease in its holding-company discount. Meanwhile, Airtel stands to gain from rising telecom tariffs, boosting average revenue per user and overall profitability. The enthusiasm from investors towards Jio's IPO highlights strong market confidence in the sector's trajectory.

Amagi Media Labs shares dropped on Thursday after the company disclosed a cyber extortion attempt involving allegedly obtained operational and network configuration data. The company is investigating the claim with external cybersecurity experts and legal counsel, while stating that services remain unaffected and no material financial impact is expected at this stage.

The gold loan market in India is on a rapid growth trajectory, fueled by true demand alongside possible financial distress among borrowers. According to the Reserve Bank of India, there's significant annual growth in gold loans issued by banks and NBFCs. Heightened competition might bring challenges in assessing borrower viability and repayment options. While regulatory changes aim to create a stable environment, they could introduce operational hurdles for lenders.