Bristlecone, a Mahindra Group company, reported a 24% year-on-year topline growth and aims for a billion-dollar valuation. The AI-powered supply chain services provider is expanding its offerings to include data analytics, AI, and product engineering, focusing on making supply chains more resilient for its global clients across high-tech, retail, manufacturing, and life sciences segments.
Mahindra Group's Bristlecone, a supply chain services provider, has reported a 24 per cent year-on-year topline growth and aims for a billion-dollar valuation. The company is expanding its offerings in AI, data analytics, and product engineering, focusing on resilient supply chains for global enterprises.
A Crisil report indicates that India is the world's fastest-growing polymer compound market, contributing 13% to the global industry. Driven by increased manufacturing in automotive, electronics, and infrastructure, the domestic sector is projected to reach USD 16.5 billion by FY2031, with significant demand from various pipeline and cable segments.
Preeti Lobana, Google India VP, stated on Wednesday that Google views AI as an "economic equaliser" and a democratic technology. Speaking at Google Cloud Day, she highlighted AI's potential to empower businesses, especially SMEs, in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Google has committed USD 15 billion to scale India's digital and AI infrastructure, including an AI hub in Visakhapatnam, to support the IndiaAI Mission.
HCLTech, India's third-largest IT services company, reported robust Q2 revenue growth of 2.3 per cent in constant currency, driven by services and ER&D segments, with strong new deal wins of $3.3 billion and significant traction in its AI business. Despite exceeding margin estimates and raising revenue guidance, some brokerages remain cautious due to the stock's premium valuation compared to peers.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased its GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year (FY27) by 40 basis points to 7.1 per cent, acknowledging the resilience of domestic economic activity despite global headwinds and geopolitical tensions.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran affirmed India's robust economic position amidst global uncertainty, emphasising that energy security, advanced manufacturing jobs, and investment in human capital are 'critical' for sustaining the nation's long-term growth.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased India's growth forecast to 7 per cent for 2026-27, up from 6.4 per cent, attributing this robust outlook to resilient domestic demand and strong services activity, positioning India as one of the fastest-growing major economies.
L&T Technology Services (LTTS) CEO Amit Chadha announced that artificial intelligence is a net positive for the company, with six key focus areas expected to contribute 80% of revenue in five years. These areas, including digital manufacturing and AI infrastructure, are projected to deliver higher growth and margins, offsetting pricing pressures in traditional IT services. LTTS also inaugurated an NVIDIA-powered AI manufacturing lab in Bengaluru.
BRICS leaders, in their New Delhi Declaration 2026, have called for wider access to Artificial Intelligence resources and stronger international cooperation to ensure the technology is safe, secure, inclusive, and reliable. The declaration outlines a broad technology agenda covering AI, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, telecom, quantum technologies, and advanced manufacturing, committing to implement the grouping's statement on 'Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence'.
India's Next-Gen GST reforms are proving instrumental in driving robust economic growth, simplifying tax compliance, and fostering a more inclusive business environment across the nation, aligning with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat', writes Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed strong confidence in India achieving over 10 per cent economic growth, advocating for increased technology adoption and innovation. She urged overcoming scepticism and highlighted technology's transformative role in agriculture and public sector reforms, while also launching a new fund and book at an IIT Madras event.
Industry leaders at an AIMA panel discussion emphasised the need for businesses to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and invest in technologies like artificial intelligence to build resilience and achieve long-term growth. They highlighted the current era of uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rapid regulatory changes, stressing that tactical responses are as crucial as long-term strategy.
Fitch Ratings has increased India's GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year (FY'27) to 6.9 per cent, up from 6.4 per cent, attributing the revision to robust economic growth in the June quarter and overall economic resilience. The agency also anticipates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will raise interest rates by 0.25 per cent in October.
Indian stock markets are set to be influenced by a confluence of factors this week, including escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly concerns over US-Iran conflict, volatile crude oil prices, and the ongoing quarterly earnings season. Additionally, the US midterm elections, foreign investor activity, and key macroeconomic data releases will also be closely monitored by investors.
Hindustan Copper Limited CMD Anupam Misra spoke at the 85th CSIR Foundation Day, advocating for workplace safety, employee welfare, and scientific excellence. He stressed the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and bridging research with industrial applications to support Viksit Bharat 2047. CSIR-NML Director Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury also highlighted CSIR's legacy and its role in India's technological self-reliance.
Hyundai Motor India is set to outpace the broader passenger vehicle market, projecting an 8-10 per cent domestic sales growth in H2FY27, fueled by strategic launches of a new mid-size SUV and a dedicated electric vehicle, alongside increased production capacity.
'Once this entire AI and tech driven euphoria in the Western markets sees a correction there will be a re-evaluation of the Indian equity market and inflows will resume.'
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set an ambitious target for district collectors to achieve a 15-20 per cent growth rate, building on the state's 13.4 per cent growth in Q1 FY27, the highest in India.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has advocated for a bamboo-based economy to drive sustainable development, create rural livelihoods, and offer green alternatives to plastic. Speaking at a summit, he highlighted bamboo's crucial role in climate change mitigation, its potential to empower local communities, and its benefits for farmers.
A new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers, published in Nature Communications, reveals that urban growth patterns significantly influence future cooling demand in cities. The research highlights that a city's "thermal memory," shaped by decades of development decisions, impacts its heat burden and energy requirements, independent of global temperature rises. The study analysed 88 Indian cities and a global sample of 52 cities over two decades.
PFRDA Chairperson S Ramann announced an ambitious target to add 2-3 crore new subscribers to the National Pension System (NPS) within the next two years. This growth will be significantly driven by the new 'NPS Tatkal' scheme, which enables direct enrolment and contributions via UPI applications, making the pension system more accessible, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities and for the informal sector.
The Keralam government has allotted the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi to Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters FC for its home matches in the 2026-27 season at a rent of Rs 3.5 lakh per match, along with a Rs 25 lakh security deposit. The decision acknowledges the club's contribution to football in the state and the promotion of sporting interests.
Noel N. Tata will retire as chairman and director of Trent Ltd on November 11, after nearly three decades with the Tata Group retailer. Bahram Vakil has been appointed as his successor, effective November 12, in a leadership transition aligning with Tata Group Governance Guidelines.
Former Brazil international Douglas Maicon is set to visit Kolkata on November 13-14 as a global brand ambassador for King Sports Management. His visit aims to bolster grassroots football development, youth scouting, and provide technical insights to young Indian talent, including a talent hunt programme.
Morgan Stanley has upgraded One 97 Communications Ltd (Paytm) to Overweight, significantly raising its price target to Rs 1,950. This upgrade is driven by expectations of stronger execution in payments and financial services, leading to faster growth and improved profitability. The brokerage anticipates substantial revenue and EBITDA growth, further bolstered by potential changes to the UPI merchant discount rate framework.
NITI Aayog has called for a fundamental overhaul of urban governance in India, advocating for empowered city governments, directly elected mayors with five-year terms, and greater financial autonomy for urban local bodies to manage the country's rapidly growing urban population.
Telangana's IT Minister D Sridhar Babu unveiled an AI avatar at DevFest 2026, engaging with Gen Z attendees in English and Telugu. This initiative aims to make state information more accessible and enhance citizen engagement using emerging AI technologies, positioning Telangana as a global AI hub.
One 97 Communications Ltd, operating Paytm, reported a significant 10-fold increase in profit after tax to Rs 225 crore in Q2 FY27, marking its sixth consecutive profitable quarter. The company also saw a 28% rise in operating revenue to Rs 2,648 crore, driven by strong performance in merchant and consumer businesses, expanded monetisation, and AI adoption. Paytm's EBITDA margin reached double digits for the first time, reflecting enhanced operating profitability.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting expressed his belief that the growth of cricket in the United States has been slower than anticipated, but he remains optimistic about its potential, especially with the US national team's increasing competitiveness and the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Union finance ministry has constituted a high-level committee, chaired by former Central Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N Patel, to recommend structural, regulatory, and legislative reforms for India's banking sector, aiming to make banks globally competitive and support the financing needs of a developed economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth, achieved despite global conflicts and instability. He emphasised the importance of Swadeshi and self-reliance for a developed India by its 100th year of Independence, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign expenditures.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with an outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore for 2026-2033-34. This initiative aims to strengthen India's position in the global sports goods sector through dedicated manufacturing zones, research, skill development, and market expansion, fostering self-reliance and creating employment opportunities.
India's leading listed real estate developers are increasingly focusing on pan-India expansion, diversifying beyond their traditional home markets into high-demand residential areas like MMR, NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai to tap broader housing demand and reduce reliance on single-city market cycles.
Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) is set to achieve its target of 700 hotels by fiscal year 2027, significantly ahead of its original 2030 goal, driven by strong financial performance and strategic expansion plans, including the merger of Oriental Hotels Ltd.
J&K Bank MD and CEO Amitava Chatterjee defended the surcharge on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, stating it is necessary for the system's long-term sustainability. He also discussed the shift of household savings to mutual funds, the bank's profit growth, and India's consumption-based economy.
NITI Aayog has recommended treating data centres as strategic infrastructure rather than mere investment projects, releasing a report titled 'Data Centre Evaluation Framework to Help States Plan for Sustainable Growth'. The report advocates for common standards, central government guidance, and a structured approach for states to manage data centre growth, considering resource requirements and economic benefits.
Info Edge (India) Ltd, the parent company of Naukri.com, is undergoing a significant leadership change as founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani prepares to return as managing director and group chief executive officer. This transition follows Hitesh Oberoi's decision to step down from his executive roles after nearly 27 years with the company, though he will remain on the board as a non-executive, non-independent director.
The Standing Committee on Information Technology will review 17 critical subjects, including social media regulation, AI safety, deepfakes, cybersecurity, and the semiconductor ecosystem, during 2026-27. This comprehensive review aims to address growing concerns around digital platforms, AI misuse, and infrastructure development, with India's cybersecurity agency already issuing warnings about AI-driven threats.
'When you are content with your life, you become a much more difficult customer for companies trying to persuade you to spend.' 'When you are unhappy or constantly comparing yourself with others, you become more vulnerable to advertising and impulsive purchases.'
