The Economic Times

Eight NSE midcap stocks recorded over 100% year-on-year profit growth in Q2FY27, led by Max Financial Services, One97 Communications and Poonawalla Fincorp, according to StockEdge data.

Aditya Birla Capital reported an impressive 38% profit increase for the September quarter of FY27, with profit after tax soaring to Rs 1,288 crore, up from Rs 933.52 crore year-over-year. Operational revenues also climbed significantly, reaching Rs 14,003 crore. Lending assets under management witnessed a robust 32% growth to Rs 2.34 lakh crore, while shares gained 1.75% on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The Nifty 50 rose 0.51% to close at 23,053.10 on Friday, while the Sensex gained 308 points to 74,459.53. Trent and InterGlobe led the gainers, while Shriram Finance and Nestle India topped the Nifty losers. Broader markets remained weak, with midcap and smallcap indices falling up to 2%.

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Alaska is bracing for heavy snowfall, with up to 15 inches forecast in parts of the state under a winter storm warning from NWS Anchorage. NWS Fairbanks has also issued separate winter weather advisories, warning of additional snowfall and hazardous driving conditions along key highway routes. Visit 511.alaska.gov or call 5 1 1 for the latest road conditions, the advisory read.

A businessman has approached the Madras High Court seeking an investigation into Yogesh Sharma's background. He claims Sharma, known as Saurav Das, has Nepali roots that need to be probed. The petitioner alleges that Sharma has abused the judiciary and must therefore face consequences for his actions. Additionally, he requests the blocking of Sharma's social media accounts for derogatory statements against judges.

SEBI has issued a regulatory censure against Axis Capital, concluding proceedings linked to September 2024 restrictions. The regulator noted no recorded investor harm or fraudulent default, while Axis Bank expects no material business impact.

Binance crypto hack news: Binance suffered a massive $6.3 billion cryptocurrency security breach, with investigators linking the attack to North Korea's TraderTraitor hacking group. Around $2.7 billion worth of stolen assets has reportedly been frozen. Here's where the stolen money went, which cryptocurrencies were affected and whether Binance customers risk losing their Bitcoin.

In a fresh initiative, John Santora has rolled out a dress code for employees who work from home one day per week. This strategic change aims to revitalize WeWork's culture in the wake of financial struggles. Emphasizing professionalism alongside employee flexibility, Santora reflects on addressing casual dress codes during past visits. His leadership focus since taking on the CEO role has been on operational stability and enhanced management practices.

India's fiscal deficit for the first six months of the fiscal year reached Rs 7.14 lakh crore. Total receipts during this period equaled Rs 18.35 lakh crore, which is 50.3% of the budget estimate. Revenue receipts accounted for Rs 17.57 lakh crore, with net tax revenue being Rs 12.76 lakh crore. Non-tax revenue was reported at Rs 4.81 lakh crore, which is lower than last year.

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Asian Paints reported a 7.5% year-on-year rise in Q2 consolidated profit to Rs 1,067.6 crore, while net sales grew 16.9% to Rs 9,953.9 crore. Higher raw material costs weighed on margins, prompting further staggered price hikes. The company also declared a dividend of Rs 5.75 per share.

Indian market indices Sensex and Nifty ended the week on a high note, each climbing by up to 0.5%. Even as the broader market suffered losses, standout performers like Trent and IndiGo flourished thanks to positive earnings. The Nifty IT index was a highlight, soaring over 2%, while Nifty Consumer Durables fell nearly 2%.

European blue-chip companies are projected to report a substantial earnings growth this quarter due to energy sector profitability. Energy companies are expected to post a striking increase in profits linked to higher oil prices. Overall, companies within the STOXX 600 index will likely show a positive earnings performance across various sectors. However, some sectors like real estate and consumer cyclicals may face declining earnings.

GAIL (India) has revealed a whopping 139.3% surge in its consolidated net profit for the FY27 September quarter, showcasing impressive operational revenue growth of 32.7% year-on-year. The board has sanctioned the IPO listing of its subsidiary GAIL Gas Ltd. on Indian stock exchanges, facilitating a 25% equity dilution. In a strategic move, GAIL will also transition six city gas distribution networks to its subsidiary by January 1, 2027.

U.S. stock futures tumbled as Amazon's rising AI investments and Intel's cash burn warning heightened concerns over infrastructure costs, borrowing expenses and profitability. Technology stocks slumped, while investors reassessed AI valuations, capital expenditure and sustainable returns.

An 11-year-old boy and his 40-year-old father died after falling from the 23rd floor of their apartment at Mahagun Mywoods Society in Greater Noida. The incident occurred early Friday morning as the family was preparing for a trip to Khatu Shyam Temple. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Texas Democrats are proactively contesting every major election as they seek to end a long-standing Republican dominance. The state has become a battleground with rising Latino voter turnout and unrest among conservative women. Disturbing issues involving Attorney General Ken Paxton have led to doubts among Republican voters. Democrats are focusing on affordability while Republicans delve into culture wars.

The Times Internet Half Marathon in Hyderabad wrapped up on a high note, uniting a diverse group of runners across multiple distance categories. With robust support from various partners, the event celebrated fitness and camaraderie. Next on the agenda, the series promises exciting races in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, keeping the spirit of running alive.

Sir Tom Jones health update: Sir Tom Jones is alive but has postponed multiple US tour dates after contracting a bad case of the flu. The veteran singer apologised to fans as he rescheduled concerts in Los Angeles, San Diego and California, following medical advice to rest and recover. Tom Jones shared the shows would be rescheduled for early next month on 3 and 4 November, respectively

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The Thomas Viaduct, completed in 1835, stands as a testament to innovation in American railway engineering. Built with 63,000 tons of granite featuring a curved design, this bridge overcame early doubts about its strength. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, emphasizing its cultural importance. Today, it exemplifies how historic structures can be preserved while supporting contemporary transportation needs.

A recently declassified US intelligence report has revealed a satellite image that confirms China's reusable spaceplane is currently orbiting. This significant development has sparked concerns about China's expanding capabilities in space and the potential military implications. The spacecraft is noted for its ability to interact with smaller objects during missions, amplifying worries about the competitive landscape of space exploration, as tensions between nations continue to rise.

Halloween is a dazzling occasion where celebrity couples capture attention with imaginative costumes, blending creativity with playful spirit. In 2024, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco channeled the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland. A year prior, Zo Kravitz and Channing Tatum honored Rosemarys Baby, while Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker took a spooky twist as Bride of Chucky characters in 2022.

N Biren Singh emphasizes the need for the BJP government in Manipur to regain public confidence before elections. He criticizes the current government's handling of ongoing violence and issues related to illegal immigration. Singh highlights a strong public demand for his return as chief minister and expresses concerns over the party's ability to connect with voters.

Israel held elections, resulting in Prime Minister Netanyahu's bloc securing 53 seats, while the opposition won 48. The historic performance of Arab-led parties, which captured 19 seats, adds complexity to coalition talks. President Isaac Herzog will determine who is tasked with forming the new government amidst these negotiations. Allegations of electoral misconduct were raised by Netanyahu and his supporters against Arab-led parties.

The Reserve Bank of India has declared a new interest rate of 7.26% per annum for the Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2034, reflecting an increase from the earlier rate of 6.45%. This updated rate will be effective from October 30, 2026, to April 29, 2027, allowing investors to earn more on their six-monthly coupon payments.

The Supreme Court recently refused to extend the deadline for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Keralam. Petitioners presented concerns about individuals not completing enumeration due to time constraints. The Chief Justice encouraged petitioners to identify affected individuals for further representation. The Election Commission was tasked with reviewing these representations within four weeks. The court emphasized that the electoral correction process remains ongoing despite

Arshdeep Singh achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian bowler with 150 T20I wickets. He reached this landmark by dismissing New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner during the fourth T20I match. Additionally, Arshdeep set a new record for the most T20I wickets by a Full Member bowler in a calendar year. In the same match, New Zealand's Glenn Phillips scored an impressive 107 runs off 49 balls.

Wicker is a fantasy comedy-drama that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. It stars Olivia Colman as a lonely fisherwoman and features Alexander Skarsgrd as her wicker husband. The film has received positive reviews, highlighting its unique storyline and performances. Read on!

Paris Hilton's family dressed as characters from Disney's Beauty and the Beast for Halloween festivities. Hilton portrayed Belle while her husband played the Beast and their children dressed as supporting characters. Some users criticized Hilton for not allowing her daughter to dress as the princess. Hilton defended her choice, explaining that her daughter wanted to be Chip, her favorite character.

Karnataka's industries minister MB Patil has urged manufacturers and exporters to leverage free trade agreements effectively. The state has signed trade agreements with 38 countries, which could enhance market access for various products. This initiative is part of Karnataka's goal to achieve a $1 trillion economy in the future. Increasing foreign direct investment highlights the state's economic momentum and potential growth.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries experienced a significant decline in net profit during the September quarter of FY27. The company incurred acquisition-related costs of Rs 346.16 crore while preparing for the Organon acquisition. Revenue from operations increased by 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. An important settlement of Rs 922.67 crore was reached concerning a litigation in the US. The transaction with Organon is expected to close in Q4 FY27.

Aam Aadmi Party's Political Affairs Committee met to discuss candidates for the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann provided an update on the process for finalizing candidates. The first list of candidates is expected to be released on October 31st after further discussions. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India reviewed poll preparedness across districts to ensure fair elections.

As October unfolds, numerous distressing global incidents ignite fears of a looming World War 3. The persistent violence in Ukraine, coupled with emerging hybrid threats in Europe and escalating military activities, cast a shadow over humanity's future. Thought-provoking films depict the harrowing aftermath of nuclear war, illustrating the profound impact on society and prompting critical discussions about the potential for conflict in today's complex geopolitical landscape.

Omron Healthcare has commenced full-scale production at its new facility near Chennai for blood pressure monitors. The company aims to produce three million monitors annually by 2028 for the Indian market. Initially, all produced devices will serve local consumers to address cardiovascular health challenges. Omron is also working towards increasing domestic sourcing of components to support local manufacturing initiatives.

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Gauri Khan stood out at Anil Kapoors Karwa Chauth celebrations in a pastel greyish-blue floral kurta set featuring colourful embroidery, a matching dupatta and traditional accessories. Her sindoor and bindi added festive charm. Sonam Kapoor, Anshula Kapoor and Mira Rajput also attended, showcasing elegant ethnic looks in deep maroon, red and beige-gold ensembles.

Amit Shah addressed party workers in Uttar Pradesh, criticizing the Samajwadi Party for violence against Ram devotees. He highlighted the BJP's role in constructing the Ram temple as a key achievement. Shah reaffirmed the commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code if the BJP is re-elected. This address reflects the party's strategies and priorities ahead of upcoming elections.

Curry Barker, celebrated for his film Obsession, has unveiled a chilling short horror film titled Mama Bear, featuring Jon Lee Richardson in a role that captures the terror of unsettling phone calls. In collaboration with Windows, the film is accessible for free on YouTube. This partnership with costume designer Blair James showcases their creative synergy.

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Ramayana Part 1, helmed by director Nitesh Tiwari, is set to premiere on November 5 across multiple languages. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring talents like Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash. Producer Namit Malhotra has an inspiring backstory, evolving from a garage startup to an Oscar-winning visual effects powerhouse with DNEG. Read on!

Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the government is deleting millions of voters from electoral rolls. He claims that these actions amount to 'vote theft' and urged public support for the opposition's rally on November 1. Gandhi accused prominent leaders of benefiting from these alleged electoral manipulations, emphasizing the opposition's unified stance. The opposition aims to defend voting rights and uphold the Constitution in response to these allegations.

In a thrilling Group C encounter at the Hong Kong International Sixes, India faced off against Pakistan, but their batting woes persisted as they managed a mere 88 runs, with Shashank Singh's 40 being the highlight. Pakistan swiftly responded, clinching the match with a solid partnership from Khawaja Nafay and Abbas Afridi, reaching 92 runs effortlessly.

Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group has appointed Nehal Shah as group head of Legal, Compliance & Secretarial to strengthen its regulatory compliance and corporate governance functions. Shah brings over two decades of experience across financial services and capital markets.

A reported $6.3 billion breach at Binance, described as the largest crypto heist on record, has renewed concerns about digital-asset security. Binance has located about $3 billion in affected assets and pledged to cover losses. The incident joins major attacks on Bybit, Ronin Network, Wormhole and other platforms, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities across exchanges, wallets, blockchain bridges and DeFi services.