US stocks saw a slight pause near record highs on Thursday, with the S&P 500 inching up. Delta Air Lines soared after exceeding summer profit expectations, boosting other airline stocks. Corporate earnings are increasingly driving market sentiment amidst a government shutdown, with investors scrutinizing companies for strong growth to justify recent stock surges.

IT major TCS has acquired US-based ListEngage for $72.80 million, bolstering its global Salesforce and AI advisory strengths. This strategic move adds over 100 experts to TCS's US operations, enhancing its marketing cloud and CRM capabilities. The company also reported a modest profit increase for Q2 FY26, alongside a dividend declaration.

Tata Consultancy Services has confirmed laying off approximately 6,000 employees, about 1% of its workforce. Severance packages are being offered based on service length and skill obsolescence, reflecting an organizational shift towards integrating new technologies.

Elon Musk could pocket billions from Tesla's pay package even without hitting most ambitious goals. A Reuters analysis reveals easier targets in vehicle sales and software subscriptions could yield over $50 billion. While profit goals remain challenging, modest stock growth alongside a few product milestones could still net him substantial rewards, raising questions about the package's true intent.

Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest all 243 seats in Bihar, aiming to offer its governance model as an alternative to existing alliances. This move introduces a new dynamic alongside Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, both vying for space created by voter fatigue with traditional politics.

Indian elections on June 4, 2024, brought back coalition politics. The BJP did not secure a majority. This has made seat-sharing talks in Bihar challenging. Allies like Nitish Kumar's JD(U) now hold significant power. Smaller allies are testing the alliance's strength. The BJP must balance keeping allies happy with its own interests.

India's house price index saw a 3.6% year-on-year rise in Q1 of the current fiscal, moderating from last year's 7.6% growth. The Reserve Bank of India's updated index, now with a 2022-23 base year and expanded city coverage, also recorded a 2% sequential increase. Nagpur, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Kochi led the gains.

New rules now link PPF investments to PAN, making it impossible to hide multiple accounts. Exceeding the Rs 1.5 lakh annual limit can lead to interest clawback on excess contributions. Irregular accounts won't earn interest, with minor accounts earning a mere 4% until regularized.

India and the UK have inked a $468 million missile deal, bolstering the Indian Army's defense and creating over 700 jobs in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Hungarian author Lszl Krasznahorkai secured the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature. In Indian politics, Tejashwi Yadav pledged government jobs for every household, while CJI BR Gavai termed the shoe attack a 'forgotten chapter'.

US federal workers are facing financial hardship as the government shutdown enters its second week, with many resorting to loans to cover essential expenses. Furloughed employees and those working without pay are experiencing significant stress, impacting morale and household finances. Credit unions are offering short-term, interest-free loans to help bridge the gap until back pay is received.

Punjab's youth are set to benefit from 3,100 new sports grounds, a project inaugurated by CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal. The initiative aims to equip villages with modern facilities and sports gear.

Gold loans provide quick cash by pledging jewellery. Loan amounts depend on gold's purity and weight. Lenders accept 18-23 karat gold ornaments. Various repayment plans exist, including paying interest first or making partial payments. This offers a flexible way to manage financial needs. Understanding these options helps borrowers make informed decisions.

India is signaling a more welcoming stance towards Chinese investment in electronics manufacturing, contingent on technology transfer and local workforce training. This approach aims to build a robust domestic component manufacturing base, moving beyond mere assembly. The government is also facilitating tech transfer through incentives, with multiple Chinese firms expressing interest in joint ventures under the ECMS scheme.

Silver prices in New Delhi have reached a new high of Rs 1,63,000 per kilogram, marking a significant surge driven by global demand for safe-haven assets and anticipation of US interest rate reductions. This follows a substantial increase last week, with gold also holding steady at record levels.

The government is mandating Aadhaar authentication and the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System for all new centrally sponsored schemes to boost transparency in direct benefit transfers. This move, effective from April 1, 2026, aims to streamline public service delivery and promote a digital, less-cash economy.

India is poised to launch 6G trials, signaling its growing influence in future network technologies. Global experts at the India Mobile Congress emphasized the nation's potential for international collaboration, with Japan expressing keen interest in partnering on new services and technologies. This collaboration aims to elevate existing ties between industries and governments.

Tata Consultancy Services announced its Q2 results, reporting a net profit of Rs 12,075 crore, a 1.4% increase year-on-year. However, this figure fell short of market expectations. The company's operational revenue grew by 2.4% to Rs 65,799 crore for the quarter ended September 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer addressed the India-UK CEO Forum, highlighting the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and its potential to double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030. The leaders emphasized CETA's role in enhancing market access, strengthening MSMEs, and fostering collaboration in commerce, education, technology, and aspirations, building on existing strong economic ties.

India is set to boost its self-reliance in rare earth magnets with a Rs 7,300 crore scheme approved by a key government panel. This initiative will provide capital and operational support for local manufacturing, aiming to meet domestic demand by 2030. The move addresses concerns over China's market control and aims to integrate India into global value chains.

Prime Minister Modi and UK's Keir Starmer met in Mumbai, focusing on strengthening cooperation in critical minerals for the global energy transition. They announced the Critical Minerals Industry Guild and Phase II of the Supply Chain Observatory. Discussions also covered the Free Trade Agreement, defense, and digital infrastructure, highlighting India-UK as natural partners for global stability and economic progress.

Indian refiners are eyeing more Russian crude imports as price discounts widen, despite ongoing US discussions. October arrivals are set to increase, with potential for further growth. While the US has pressured India to curb these purchases, New Delhi maintains its price-driven strategy.

India will not bow to external trade and tariff pressures, prioritizing national interests amid global volatility, stated Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He stressed self-reliance in food security, highlighting the nation's progress from past aid to abundant food stocks. Efforts are underway to boost agricultural productivity, especially in pulses and oilseeds, and enhance farmers' incomes for a developed India.

US President Donald Trump has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize amid international endorsements. This article explores the educational backgrounds of the four American presidents who previously won the Nobel Peace Prize: Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama. It details their academic achievements, presidential tenures, reasons for receiving the prize, and current status, highlighting their diverse educational journeys from Harvard and Princeton to the US

US President Donald Trump again claimed he brokered a peace deal between India and Pakistan within 24 hours, attributing it to trade leverage and tariffs. This assertion follows India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor in May, which targeted Pakistani terror infrastructure after a deadly attack. India has consistently rejected third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue.

China is demanding assurances from India that heavy rare earth magnets will be used domestically and not rerouted to the US. Despite resuming light rare earth magnet exports, heavy rare earth supplies remain a constraint for India's electric vehicle sector, impacting larger vehicle development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), stating it will reduce import costs, create jobs, and boost trade for industries and consumers. UK PM Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment, calling the pact a reakthrough moment that will drive growth and enhance life in both nations.

Punjab Police's Counter-Intelligence unit has busted a Babbar Khalsa International terror module, apprehending two operatives and recovering 2.5 kg of IED. This operation, linked to UK-based handlers and a BKI mastermind, aimed to disrupt targeted attacks. Separately, Amritsar police dismantled a cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling ring, seizing heroin and sophisticated pistols intended for local criminals.

As Diwali approaches, numerous bank holidays are scheduled across India. While Karva Chauth sees closures only in Himachal Pradesh, the following weeks bring widespread bank shutdowns for Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, Kali Puja, Govardhan Pooja, and Bhaidooj. Customers should consult the RBI's holiday list to plan banking needs effectively amidst these festive closures.

The Supreme Court has ruled that age restrictions in surrogacy law do not apply retrospectively. Couples who had frozen embryos before the law's enactment can now proceed with surrogacy, offering relief to three families. The court questioned the rationale behind age limits for surrogacy, especially when none exist for natural procreation.

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India for a significant visit, the first by a top Taliban leader since 2021. This marks a deepening of engagement between India and the Taliban government, with discussions planned on bilateral relations and regional issues. India, a long-time provider of humanitarian aid, is set to explore further cooperation during Muttaqi's stay.

Former Home Minister P Chidambaram has strongly refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims that the UPA government halted a military strike on Pakistan after the 26/11 attacks due to foreign pressure. Chidambaram stated that the Prime Minister's reported words were erribly wrong and imagined, accusing Modi of twisting facts for political gain.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold and silver prices are exhibiting strong bullish momentum, reaching new highs driven by global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and central bank diversification. Gold is targeting 1,27,000 on MCX, while silver eyes 1,56,000, supported by robust industrial and investment demand. Both metals are poised for continued upward trajectory.

Ahead of Bihar polls, the Election Commission has issued a stern advisory to political parties, warning against the misuse of AI and deepfakes to target rivals. Campaigners must clearly label any synthetic content used, focusing criticism on policies, not personal lives. The ECI will strictly monitor social media to ensure a fair electoral process.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the initial phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, expressing optimism for enduring peace. Modi lauded the agreement, which follows prolonged conflict, and highlighted the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid as crucial steps. He also acknowledged the leadership of PM Netanyahu in this development.

Asian markets showed mixed trading as investors navigated the AI rally, US interest rate concerns, and a Washington shutdown. Japan's Nikkei climbed, while Hong Kong and Singapore dipped. A Gaza ceasefire phase offered some relief, easing oil and gold prices. Despite AI bubble fears, Wall Street hit new records, buoyed by Oracle's results and hopes for Japanese stimulus.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmark indices, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened in green on Thursday. While Nifty50 was above 25,050, BSE Sensex was just below 81,800.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessed mid-air refuelling of an F-35 fighter jet aboard an Australian RAAF tanker aircraft. This event highlights India-Australia defence cooperation, with both nations signing an agreement for air-to-air refuelling. Singh's visit to Canberra further strengthens bilateral defence ties and strategic coordination.