Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty experienced a decline in early trade, primarily due to a sell-off in power and metal stocks, mirroring a broader downturn across Asian markets. Elevated crude oil prices and firm US bond yields further dampened investor sentiment, while an expert warned of an impending correction in overvalued mid and small-cap segments. Track Sensex, Nifty on October 22.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery, a day after calling India a crude oil refining 'superpower', and met with top Indian business leaders Gautam Adani and N Chandrasekaran to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade, investment, and defence.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Washington marks a pivotal moment for global diplomacy, as he advocates for a "partners, not rivals" approach to US-China relations amidst high-stakes discussions on trade, technology, and international stability.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India this week underscores the complex dynamics of global energy policy, as Washington re-evaluates sanctions on Russian oil buyers amidst India's continued reliance on Russian crude.
Indian equity benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty, opened higher on Friday, driven by a strong rally in IT stocks, despite a significant overnight decline in US technology shares and broader Asian markets. Experts anticipate further market support from falling US bond yields, a strengthening rupee, and a substantial liquidity inflow following the Jio Platforms IPO allotment. Track
Listing, according to Noel Tata, will fundamentally change how the company and the group have been working over the past 150 years.
Pakistan and the Maldives have signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering defence, maritime security, artificial intelligence, trade, and other sectors during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's three-day visit to Islamabad. The agreements aim to significantly boost bilateral cooperation and trade, with Pakistan also offering technical expertise and educational opportunities.
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.
India has stated its commitment to protecting its economic interests and ensuring energy security after the US House of Representatives passed a bill allowing the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries, including India and China, for purchasing Russian crude oil. The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed India's resolve to maintain diversified energy sourcing and has articulated its concerns to US interlocutors regarding the bill's potential implications.
Indian squash player Anahat Singh has advanced to the second round of the Silicon Valley Open squash championship in Redwood City, USA, after defeating Egypt's Nour Aboulmakarim.
Indian equity benchmark indices extended losses for a second consecutive session, with the Sensex dropping 143 points, driven by a sell-off in power, banking, and financial stocks, coupled with elevated crude oil prices and persistent FII selling.
The Finance Ministry has refuted allegations that US pressure influenced the decision to levy a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI payments. The ministry clarified that the NPCI guidelines prioritise RuPay credit cards on UPI to promote domestic alternatives and ensure a self-sustaining revenue model for smaller domestic companies, countering claims of favouring foreign payment providers.
Former US President Donald Trump revealed he considered renaming the Atlantic Ocean but was dissuaded by Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who warned of international repercussions. Trump also mentioned renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake of America" and toyed with renaming rivers, while recently advocating for New Mexico to be renamed.
India's top singles player Vaishnavi Adkar, Sahaja Yamalapalli, and Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathy have been granted wild cards for the WTA Chennai Open. American Katherine Hui also received a wild card. Tamil Nadu Tennis Association president Vijay Amritraj expressed optimism about the Indian players' performance at the home event.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested five individuals and seized 3.1 kg of foreign-origin gold, US dollars, and euros, collectively valued at over Rs 5.8 crore, near Vijayawada. The operation targeted a syndicate allegedly smuggling gold from Bangladesh to Hyderabad via Kolkata.
US President Donald Trump has issued a waiver from sanctions under the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, citing national interest. This move comes after a deal with Russia for diesel supply and ahead of a US official's visit to India, where concerns about the act's impact on India's oil imports were raised.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer lauded all-rounder Naman Dhir for his crucial role in India's record-breaking 226-run chase against New Zealand in the first T20I. Iyer highlighted Dhir's versatility and calm demeanour under pressure. Sanju Samson's explosive start and the team's adaptation to changing pitch conditions were also key factors in India's highest-ever T20 chase.
Aryna Sabalenka's quest for a third consecutive US Open title concluded with a defeat to Elena Rybakina, a match where Sabalenka struggled with emotional control under pressure.
The Congress party has accused the Modi government of succumbing to US pressure by introducing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000 for merchants. The party alleges this move aims to benefit US card companies and links it to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues. The government, however, clarifies that consumers will not be charged.
Indian IT major Infosys announced a 6.2 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 7,823 crore for the second quarter ending September 30, alongside a 10.2 per cent growth in revenue from operations.
The Congress party has strongly criticised the Modi government's decision to introduce a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000, alleging it is a result of US pressure to benefit American card companies. The party also linked this move to broader US actions against India, including tariffs and H-1B visa issues, coining the term "Narendra's Ongoing Trump Appeasement." The government, however, clarified that consumers will not bear the charge, which applies only to merchants.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi voted in favour of a Russia sanctions act in the US House, diverging from his Democratic party and other Indian-American lawmakers. The bill, which passed, imposes tariffs on Russian oil and gas buyers, potentially impacting India and China, and exempts US uranium purchases from Russia.
The opposition has intensified its criticism of the government's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, effective October 15. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh allege the move is a result of US pressure, particularly from American card companies, and demand an immediate rollback, warning of increased costs for consumers.
US lawmakers are racing to amend the Russia sanctions bill before recess. One amendment specifically names India, China, and other countries as potential targets for 100% tariffs due to their oil trade with Russia. Another significant amendment proposes to scrap the tariff section entirely, while others address presidential waiver powers and aid to Ukraine.
Sivakasi, India's fireworks capital, is eyeing global markets as green crackers, rising demand and interest from overseas buyers offer a chance to challenge China's dominance.
Aryna Sabalenka expressed her profound disappointment after losing the US Open final to Elena Rybakina, culminating in a furious racket-smashing incident. Sabalenka, who was aiming for a third consecutive US Open title, explained her emotional outburst as a way to release aggression and disappointment following the significant defeat.
Alexander Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in the U.S. Open final, securing his first title at Flushing Meadows and his second Grand Slam championship of the year, following his French Open victory.
The ongoing US conflict with Iran has cost the Trump administration an estimated $45.1 billion, according to a Pentagon estimate provided to the US Congress on Friday, CNN reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes criticised his team's mentality, stating they adopted a 'mood of defeat' after conceding an early goal in their 4-1 Champions League loss to Como, a result that intensifies pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested four individuals, including two women, in connection with the firing incident at actor Tiger Shroff's car in Mumbai. The suspects are believed to have acted under the instructions of Anil Pandit, a US-based gangster with alleged ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The arrests involved a complex operation spanning multiple states, with the accused now in transit remand to Mumbai Police for further investigation.
New photographic evidence and a Pentagon inspector general's report confirm extensive damage to US military installations across the Middle East due to Iranian missile and drone strikes. The report details billions in financial costs, structural losses to hundreds of buildings, and damage to dozens of aircraft, contradicting previous assertions about US military readiness and ordnance stockpiles. The conflict also led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices.
China has strongly rejected a US bill that would impose tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil and gas. Beijing views the "Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026" as an act of "long-arm jurisdiction" and interference in its sovereign trade relations, asserting that its economic cooperation with other nations is based on equality and mutual benefit.
Frances Tiafoe discusses his U.S. Open semi-final loss to Ben Shelton, acknowledging the need to improve his match-closing ability. Despite the defeat, he expresses pride in his season, which will see him re-enter the world's top 10, and reaffirms his goal of becoming a Grand Slam champion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that Ukraine stands prepared to freeze the conflict along the current front line and transition towards diplomatic negotiations as part of initiatives to end the war with Russia.dukr
There is a heartbreaking sincerity in the way Sumo Didi presents its protagonist and her story of courage. But there's a fine line between a sincere underdog story and a banal one, and the film never quite finds it, notes Mayur Sanap.
Donald Trump has ruled out using nuclear weapons or ground troops against Iran, despite the US military developing strike options including the "mother of all bombs" (MOAB) for Iranian energy and nuclear facilities. Trump clarified the MOAB is not nuclear and expressed confidence in non-nuclear options. He also discussed nuclear disarmament talks with Russia and China and his determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, even as questions arise about MOAB's effectiveness against deeply buried targets.
WazirX founder Nischal Shetty stated, "We have outdone ourselves, but it is a journey we are still on, and there is a long way to go," reflecting on the cryptocurrency exchange's year-long journey since restarting operations after a cyberattack and restructuring.
Indian and US Army personnel conducted a live-firing demonstration involving the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan as part of the ongoing bilateral Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, showcasing artillery capabilities, operational coordination and exchange of battlefield practices between the two forces.
Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh, 18, achieved a career-defining victory by defeating eight-time World champion and top seed Nour El Sherbini in straight games at the Silicon Valley Open.
