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OpenAI has officially launched GPT-6 Astra, hailed as 'the world's most intelligent and aligned model,' designed to excel in computer browsing, software engineering, mathematics, and enterprise workflows, with immediate deployment for select organisations.
RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain highlighted that banks are well-positioned to deploy $133 billion mobilised through FCNR(B) deposits, especially with strong credit demand ahead of the festival season, while also stressing the importance of robust technology governance and cyber defences in the financial sector.
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is facing a thinning of its top management as Managing Director Dinesh Pant exits to join Irdai, leaving one of four MD posts vacant. This comes amidst broader staffing challenges across several public sector insurers and a headless Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).
An IPO can create excitement, particularly when you see a new issue attracting strong interest from investors. But popularity alone does not make an IPO suitable for every investor. Before you apply, it's crucial to scrutinise the financial performance, risk profile, and valuation of the company. Ultimately, your objective should be choosing a company that aligns with your financial goals.
Microsoft India and South Asia President, Puneet Chandok, discusses the company's strong belief in human-centric AI development, significant investments in India's cloud and AI infrastructure, and the country's pivotal role as an AI market, talent hub, and technology builder. He highlights AI's impact on jobs and the need for responsible innovation.
Industry experts advocate for India to develop its own artificial intelligence (AI) safety framework, distinct from US or EU models, to address unique challenges like deepfakes and cyberattacks. They call for a comprehensive commitment involving all stakeholders and a hybrid regulatory approach combining voluntary and binding measures, as the Indian government also considers new AI regulations.
Microsoft has inaugurated its India South Central data centre region in Telangana, marking its fourth cloud region in the country and significantly expanding its cloud and AI infrastructure. This strategic investment supports Telangana's ambitious goal of achieving 5 GW of data centre capacity by 2029 and attracting USD 30 billion in digital infrastructure investments, further solidifying Hyderabad's role as a global technology hub.
Microsoft has inaugurated its India South Central data centre region in Telangana, marking its fourth cloud region in the country and significantly expanding its cloud and AI infrastructure. This strategic investment supports Telangana's ambitious goal of achieving 5 GW of data centre capacity by 2029 and attracting USD 30 billion in digital infrastructure investments, further solidifying Hyderabad's role as a global technology hub.
Tata Capital remains confident in its 23-25 per cent growth guidance, driven by strong momentum in Retail and SME segments, despite facing pressures from rising funding costs and potential impacts from new RBI regulations on revolving credit.
The Supreme Court has refused to grant an interim stay on the imposition of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, which is set to take effect from October 15. The court has agreed to examine the challenge to this new fee and has issued notices to the Centre, RBI, and NPCI, seeking their responses within four weeks. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) argues that the levy lacks statutory safeguards, transparency, and public consultation, and could adversely affect merchants and consumers.
Seven of them posted losses, led by Air India, with their combined net loss widening to Rs 31,823 crore in FY26 from Rs 17,553 crore a year earlier and Rs 1,555 crore in FY20.
Venu Srinivasan, a trustee and Tata Sons nominee director, has requested a regulatory inquiry into the governance of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, one of the charitable entities controlling 66 per cent of Tata Sons, citing concerns over trustee appointments and the trusts' involvement in commercial affairs.
India's MSME sector faces a significant formal credit gap of approximately Rs 60 lakh crore, with traditional channels meeting only a fraction of the demand. A new report suggests that a centralised, interoperable digital layer could effectively bridge this gap and enhance productivity across the formal business sector by digitising workflows and enabling cash-flow-based underwriting.
Airtel Africa's mobile payments arm, Airtel Money, has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) agreeing to purchase shares worth up to $90 million at the final offer price.
Quantum computing is set to redefine artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and scientific discovery, promising unprecedented speeds and capabilities while also necessitating urgent development of quantum-safe security measures and strategic enterprise readiness, says Sunil Varghese.
The Belgian football federation (RBFA) will not support Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president unless it receives satisfactory answers regarding the handling of the Folarin Balogun red-card case at the World Cup and other governance concerns.
Homegrown software company Zoho has launched Zia Chat, a unified AI interface designed to streamline business operations across various functions. Alongside this, Zoho announced its entry into vertical SaaS with seven industry-specific applications for sectors like retail, automotive, healthcare, and education, reinforcing its position as a 'Swadeshi' alternative to global tech giants.
A Microsoft Work Trend Index report reveals India has the highest share of "Frontier Professionals" globally, with 32% of its AI users employing AI agents in multi-step workflows, double the global average. Indian professionals are not just adopting AI but are actively redesigning work processes, demonstrating strong leadership alignment and a focus on human oversight and critical thinking. Major Indian IT firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro show rapid adoption and significant productivity gains with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Leading appliance and consumer electronics manufacturers are set to increase prices of air conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines, and other products by 5 to 8 per cent from October 1, citing rising input costs for metals like copper and steel, crude derivatives, and currency exchange volatility due to the West Asia crisis.
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti has called for robust safeguards, human oversight, and intervention capabilities as Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into telecom networks. While acknowledging AI's potential to transform network management and threat detection, Lahoti stressed the need for responsible AI deployment, risk assessments, and clear accountability to ensure consumer trust and prevent misuse, especially in combating online fraud.
A trade body in Jharkhand, FJCCI, has urged the Union Finance Minister to withdraw the proposed 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 for merchants. The body argues that this charge will significantly increase operating costs for businesses, especially MSMEs and retailers, who rely on the current zero-MDR regime for digital payments.
'I don't think the government will sacrifice such a fine institution for monetary gains.'
Tamil Nadu Minister R Nirmal Kumar has challenged former DMK minister S Regupathy's assertion that video evidence in a POCSO case involving industrialist R Veeramani is "shadowy." Kumar accused the DMK of attempting to protect the accused, while Regupathy denied the allegations, defending the previous government's actions and criticising the current administration's handling of public concerns and sensitive case disclosures. The dispute highlights political tensions surrounding a high-profile child protection case.
HCL Group, a USD 14.8 billion conglomerate, has announced a new partnership with the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). This collaboration aims to leverage technology and innovation to strengthen India's professional golf ecosystem, broaden the sport's reach, and enhance experiences for players, fans, and partners.
A new report by CIEL HR indicates a massive 260 per cent year-on-year surge in demand for Agentic AI engineers in India by 2026. This growth highlights AI's increasing role in automating routine tech functions and the evolving landscape of technology skills, prompting organisations to invest in reskilling and talent development to meet the rising demand for AI, cloud, and cybersecurity expertise.
The Central Crime Branch has arrested Ganesan, a former employee of Gem Granites, for possessing video evidence in the POCSO case against industrialist R Veeramani. The arrest comes as police intensify their probe into multi-crore financial transactions allegedly linked to the case, involving influential individuals and attempts to suppress the investigation.
CDSCO has warned consumers against using two unauthorised Pakistani whitening creams after finding excessive heavy metals and regulatory violations.
Newly listed companies Vedanta Aluminium Metal, SBI Funds Management and Manipal Health Enterprises have entered the Rs 1 trillion mcap list since March 2026.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly increasing the demand for flexible office spaces in India, as enterprises prioritise agility, speed-to-market, and struggle with forecasting workforce requirements. AI-native startups are a primary driver, while established companies are adopting 'core-plus-flex' strategies to balance stability with adaptability.
India's deposit growth has reached a 15-year high of 17.8 per cent, primarily driven by a surge in foreign currency non-resident (bank), or FCNR(B), deposits. This influx of funds is expected to lead to a softening of corporate loan rates as banks seek to deploy their excess liquidity.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank consistently views fintechs as 'valuable partners' in shaping India's future financial system, crediting the sector with expanding financial inclusion, enhancing customer experience, and streamlining credit delivery, particularly for MSMEs.
A food tampering racket in Navi Mumbai, involving the alteration of expiry dates on popular brands like Maggi and Lay's, has been busted by the Maharashtra FDA and Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch, leading to the seizure of products worth over Rs 75 lakh.
Adobe has announced Anil Chakravarthy as its new president and CEO, succeeding Shantanu Narayen, who will transition to executive chair. Chakravarthy, an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University and IIT, will assume the role on December 1, leading the company into an AI-driven era.
Six companies made their stock market debut on Thursday, setting a new record for the most mainboard listings on a single day since at least 1996.
State Bank of India (SBI) is developing an innovative solution to assess the creditworthiness of small businesses lacking GST registration by utilising UPI transaction data. This initiative aims to provide end-to-end digital loans within a day, addressing the financial exclusion of many small enterprises.
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The plea argues that the levy was introduced without adequate statutory safeguards, transparency, or public consultation, and questions its constitutional validity and potential adverse effects on merchants and consumers.
Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma stated that the government's new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on large-value UPI transactions will significantly increase the company's revenue and profitability. The 0.4% fee on UPI transfers exceeding Rs 2,000 to merchants, effective October 15, is expected to give Paytm a competitive edge. Sharma also highlighted the company's focus on generating free cash flow, expanding internationally, and developing proprietary artificial intelligence capabilities to drive future growth.
'Members of Indian family businesses have considered it their birthright to work there and responsibility to take care of it.'
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has inaugurated India's first Industrial Autonomy & Engineering Lab in Pune, a "lights-out factory lab" designed to advance AI-led manufacturing. The facility features a robotic battery pack assembly line, enabling manufacturers to prototype and scale AI-first production systems with minimal human intervention, simulating self-optimising factories.
