Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have withdrawn Rs 44,166 crore from Indian equities in October, pushing the total outflows for the year past Rs 3 lakh crore, driven by elevated crude oil prices, a stronger US dollar, higher US bond yields, and the allure of AI-led rallies in North Asian markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in redefining governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating all-round development. He emphasised its impact on digital payments, direct benefit transfers, and expanding digital public infrastructure, making technology a powerful instrument for 'Ease of Living' across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Elon Musk has renewed his criticism of Mukesh Ambani regarding Starlink's entry into India, accusing Ambani's supporters of hypocrisy for simultaneously claiming Starlink can't compete with low prices and that it poses a strong competitive threat. Musk argues that competition would benefit Indian consumers and that Starlink would adjust pricing if too expensive. He also shared reports alleging Reliance-funded political donations. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated India does not permit monopolies and that multiple players, including Starlink, have received satcom licences.
State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, and Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans. This significant handover, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, underscores India's progress towards self-reliance in aerospace, strengthening both military and civil aviation capabilities with indigenous platforms.
The CBI has filed a closure report in the 2002 disinvestment of Hindustan Zinc Ltd, stating that allegations of irregularities could not be substantiated. This comes despite a 2022 Supreme Court directive by then-CJI D Y Chandrachud to register a regular case, citing sufficient material and concerns over undervaluation and the role of a global advisor. The special court will now decide on the report.
IPL players' auction for the 2027 season is slated to be held in India, marking a return after three overseas editions, with league chairman Arun Dhumal expressing a strong desire for a domestic venue.
Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to maintain zero-fee UPI transactions for several more years, arguing that the benefits of UPI as a public good outweigh the costs. This comes amidst the government's recent decision to introduce a 0.4% fee on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15, a move that has drawn criticism.
Cisco Chairman and CEO Chuck Robbins stated that attempts to slow down AI development are futile. He emphasised that the primary focus should be on enhancing security and defensive measures to match AI's rapid advancement. Robbins also discussed the need for guardrails in AI model releases, the importance of cyber hygiene, and the balancing act between innovation and regulation, particularly for countries like India. He believes AI will not be a net job disruptor but will move people up the value chain.
Pakistan has requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. Hockey India has rejected this demand, stating there will be no change in venue for the tournament scheduled in Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5. Pakistan's participation remains uncertain, with potential replacements like Bangladesh and Oman being considered.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra reiterated India's cautious stance on cryptocurrencies due to concerns over monetary sovereignty and capital flows, while actively promoting underlying technologies like distributed ledger technology and tokenisation. He also addressed the global rise in public debt and hardening bond yields, attributing it to increased government and private spending, including that driven by AI, and noted the implications of global interest rates on India's monetary policy.
Harvard trained lawyer Shahdan Farasat's detention by the Delhi police at Saturday's protest has ignited a crucial debate on the shrinking space for peaceful dissent and the protection of democratic rights.
GIS intelligence solutions provider Mirai Aerospace Systems and Software Solutions has signed an MoU with US-based GreenValley International Inc to strengthen India's geospatial and LiDAR remote sensing manufacturing base. The collaboration focuses on local assembly, manufacturing, technical support, and the development of AI-driven LiDAR applications, aiming to meet India's growing demand across various sectors.
The Sports Ministry has formed a five-member committee to address the financial viability and sustainability of the Hockey India League (HIL). Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with Hockey India officials and franchise representatives, directing them to develop a comprehensive plan for the league's revival, which has faced challenges since its return last year.
An Indian firm, Bharat Forge, and US defence major Pratt & Whitney Canada have announced a collaboration to develop India's high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This partnership will focus on integrating advanced turboprop engines into the DRDO-designed HALE UAV, bolstering India's indigenous defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The collaboration aims to enhance India's strategic self-reliance in surveillance and reconnaissance technology.
From Shahid to Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, these films bring real-life lawyers, landmark courtroom battles and extraordinary fights for justice to the screen.
India is set to develop its first 100% hydrogen-powered Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant, a Rs 207-crore national pilot project led by CSIR-IMMT. This initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the steel sector and achieve net-zero commitments, focusing on adapting the technology to India's domestic iron ore conditions.
India has dismissed Pakistan's recent announcement of a seven million rupees bounty on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a "gimmick," demanding concrete action against terrorism. India highlighted Pakistan's history of similar "phoney announcements" and its alleged sheltering of Azhar, while Pakistan faces international pressure from the FATF to crack down on terror financing.
CPI(M) leader John Brittas was allegedly manhandled and injured by Delhi Police personnel during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Rajya Sabha MP was taken to RML Hospital for examination. Brittas has written to the President, Rajya Sabha chairman, and CJI seeking an independent investigation into the alleged assault, claiming he was dragged, assaulted, and abandoned. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the incident, and other political leaders like M A Baby and Manoj Jha visited Brittas, criticising the police action and alleging brutality against protesters. The protest was organised to demand Kumar's resignation over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to disclose the specific rules and policies behind its requirement for shooters to submit an affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper for date of birth verification. The directive came after an RTI appeal sought clarity on the basis for this mandatory requirement, which the NRAI stated was part of its age fraud prevention measures.
An Indian national was killed and ten others injured in an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy confirmed the death and ongoing medical care for the injured. India has strongly condemned the repeated attacks, which Saudi Arabia blames on Yemen's Houthis, and called for an immediate cessation of violence.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar warned that replying 'NO' to unsolicited WhatsApp messages regarding unauthorised bank debits could allow fraudsters to steal your money without needing an OTP or a link.
Digital money is gradually starting to behave like software. It's no longer inert -- sitting passively in accounts. In the not-so-distant future, your money could become 'smart' and 'active,' understanding your preferences, paying your bills automatically, optimising your returns, and managing your risks -- all without you having to manage the details.
The AIADMK suffered a significant blow in the recent Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-polls, seeing a sharp decline in its traditional vote base. The party came in a distant third in both seats, which were previously its strongholds, raising concerns about its leadership, strategy, and future in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, especially with the rise of the TVK.
The four-day Paragliding Accuracy Pre-World Cup has commenced at Solang Nala in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, featuring 42 pilots from multiple countries. The event, inaugurated by Minister Rajesh Dharmani, aims to promote adventure sports and tourism in the region, with strict safety standards in place.
"Pressure on the current account is a temporary problem. Sooner rather than later, our external sector will improve," said RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has announced that Input Tax Credit (ITC) will now be available on health and life insurance policies provided by employers to their employees, a move expected to significantly reduce costs for businesses, especially MSMEs.
Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.
'93 lakhs deletions in Bengal, 96 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 24 lakhs in Kerala, 77 lakhs in Gujarat, 45 lakhs in Madhya Pradesh, 44 lakhs in Rajasthan. 2.89 crores in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 3 crores!'
For India, the goal is not simply to host another grand diplomatic gathering. It is to prove that a diverse coalition of emerging powers can still deliver.
The BRICS New Delhi Declaration has endorsed India's proposals for a Working Group on Sports Technology and a Sports Goods Manufacturing Conclave, aiming to enhance cooperation and innovation among member nations in the sports sector.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is set to introduce a new, more investor-friendly bilateral investment treaty (BIT) framework, which is expected to receive Cabinet approval shortly, aiming to provide sharper protection for investors from both sides.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, Vyom and Neera, into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, making it the state's third cheetah habitat. This expansion is part of India's Cheetah Project, which has seen the big cat population grow to 60. The initiative aims to boost wildlife tourism and local economies, with the government also supporting villagers through revenue sharing and homestay schemes.
The Supreme Court has upheld the Bombay High Court's decision to quash the Yes Bank administrator's write-off of Rs 8,415 crore worth of Additional Tier 1 (AT-1) bonds, criticising the RBI and Yes Bank's conduct.
Pakistan has formally requested the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy matches from India to a neutral venue, citing a "sensitive bilateral situation" and security concerns. The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5 in Mohali and Jalandhar. This request follows earlier claims of Pakistan's participation and past withdrawals from events in India.
The Finance Ministry has dismissed allegations of US pressure influencing the 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions. It clarified that NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI and do not favour international cards. The ministry also asserted that the MDR, applicable to person-to-merchant transactions above Rs 2,000, is unlikely to increase cash transactions or cause inflation, with measures in place to prevent burdening consumers.
Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad, who has a British Indian mother, is increasingly vocal about his strong Indian roots, a heritage he has always been proud of.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and actor-activist Prakash Raj joined a protest in Bengaluru, demanding the scrapping of the electoral roll revision exercise and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging widespread voter deletion aimed at disenfranchising specific groups.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman has voiced serious concerns regarding the Election Commission's functioning, stating that the right to vote is 'at great peril'. He called for the Supreme Court's intervention to address 'disturbing developments' within the poll panel, particularly citing issues like voter disenfranchisement during electoral roll revisions and the controversial appointment process of Election Commissioners.
Even as lawyers on both sides study the pros and cons of a court battle, there are unanswered questions: When did Tata Trusts review its resolution of 2025 on backing Chandrasekaran for a third term?How will the shareholders of Tata Sons respond on listing and the leadership issue?
