National / The Times of India
Delhi traders are set for a brighter Diwali. The government has disbursed Rs 694 crore in GST refunds pending since 2019. A record Rs 227 crore was paid in September alone. This initiative promotes ease of doing business. Traders are benefiting from lower GST rates and timely refunds. The government is committed to resolving all refund applications promptly.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to introduce legislation to control the population of Miyas, a term he uses for Muslims, who he claims will become the largest community in the state. Sarma stated this is a attle to protect the state's people and secure its future, asserting that Miyas need to be kept under pressure.
Equity mutual fund inflows slowed in September, marking the 55th consecutive month of positive flows. Gold ETFs attracted record investments, signaling a shift towards precious metals. Debt funds saw substantial outflows due to institutional redemptions. Overall mutual fund AUM saw a modest rise despite market volatility.
India's foreign exchange reserves saw a slight dip of $276 million, settling at $699.96 billion for the week ending October 3. This follows a larger decline in the prior week. While foreign currency assets decreased, a significant rise in gold reserves partially offset the overall reduction, indicating a dynamic shift in the country's financial holdings.
The organized gold loan market is projected to reach Rs 15 lakh crore by March 2026, a year ahead of schedule, driven by soaring gold prices and banks' expanding dominance. Banks now hold 82% of the market share, with their assets under management growing significantly faster than NBFCs.
India's new real-time cheque clearance system is experiencing initial problems. Bank staff are facing challenges with new processes, and technical glitches are slowing down cheque processing. Customers report delays in payments. The Reserve Bank of India is working to resolve these issues. The system aims for same-day clearance, replacing older methods. Bankers expect smooth operations soon.
Over 250 B9 Beverages employees have petitioned for leadership change, citing governance failures and financial woes. Salaries and dues are delayed for months, impacting over 500 employees. Production paused in July, with a major investor withdrawing. The company faces significant losses and operational challenges. Founder Ankur Jain acknowledges delays and restructuring efforts.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism as a shared threat during talks with Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi. He stressed coordinated efforts against terrorism, noting Afghanistan's sensitivity to India's security concerns. Muttaqi affirmed Afghanistan's commitment against elements threatening others and praised India's humanitarian aid.
Tata Consultancy Services has launched a new AI Experience Zone and Design Studio in London. This expansion is part of a drive to create 5,000 new jobs across the United Kingdom over the next three years. The company's investment reinforces its commitment to the UK market. This development aligns with growing trade ties between India and the UK.
Gold prices surged on Friday, nearing Rs 1.21 lakh per 10 grams, driven by global market strength and anticipation of US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Silver also saw a significant jump. Economic uncertainties and the ongoing US government shutdown are fueling investor confidence in the precious metals, pushing them towards further gains.
China will implement special port fees on US-built or operated ships starting October 14, with charges of 400 yuan per net tonne. This retaliatory measure mirrors US port fees imposed on Chinese vessels, aiming to protect Chinese shipping companies' interests. Beijing urges Washington to reverse its actions.
Barely days after its inauguration, Patna Metro stations are already marred by red gutka stains. A viral video highlights the widespread vandalism, with walls, stairs, and platforms defaced. A frustrated citizen expressed dismay at the public's disregard for the new infrastructure, questioning civic sense.
LG Electronics India's IPO is set to finalize share allotment on October 10 after a strong response, with the issue oversubscribed over 54 times. Investors can check their allotment status on BSE/NSE or Kfin Technologies. The company's robust financial performance and a significant grey market premium suggest a promising market debut.
The US government has proposed barring Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on routes to and from the United States, citing unfair competitive advantages. This move aims to level the playing field for American carriers, which lost access to Russian airspace after the Ukraine invasion. The proposal could impact major Chinese airlines and adds to existing US-China economic tensions.
Kejriwal also condemned the recent incident of a shoe-hurling attempt at the Chief Justice of India. When a shoe was thrown at the Chief Justice of the country, their trolls on social media are insulting Dalits, even abusing Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Where have these people brought India today? he asked in a post on X.
Insurance agents and distributors face reduced commissions following the removal of GST on insurance policies. Insurance companies are cutting agent payouts by 15-18% to cover increased operating costs due to the loss of input tax credit. This move impacts the earnings of intermediaries.
Nayara Energy, a major Indian refinery with significant Russian ownership, is navigating EU sanctions by boosting domestic fuel distribution via increased rail transport. The company, now solely sourcing crude from Russia, faces challenges securing export markets and processing international payments.
India is upgrading its Technical Mission in Kabul to an embassy, signaling a renewed commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty and regional stability. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted cooperation in mining and trade, while Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi pledged not to allow Afghan territory for anti-India activities, emphasizing mutual respect and people-to-people ties.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, accompanied by Deputy Secretary Michael J Rigas, will visit India from October 9-14 to discuss bilateral issues and strengthen the strategic partnership. The visit underscores the US commitment to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the unique rapport between Presidents Trump and Modi.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea for a CBI investigation into the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These deaths were reportedly caused by a toxic cough syrup. The manufacturer's owner has been arrested. Several states have banned the syrup, and the factory has been sealed.
Small businesses are experiencing a significant sales surge, driven by recent GST rate reductions and the ongoing festive season. Sectors like toys, textiles, footwear, and auto accessories are reporting heightened demand. Industry bodies indicate positive initial feedback, with expectations of continued growth as consumers benefit from lower prices and increased purchasing power.
An Air India flight from Vienna to New Delhi was diverted to Dubai due to a suspected technical issue, landing safely and departing after necessary checks. This follows another incident on October 4 where an Air India flight from Amritsar to Birmingham deployed its Ram Air Turbine during landing, with all systems functioning normally and no injuries reported.
WeWork India Management debuted on the stock markets with a muted opening, with shares trading slightly above their issue price before dipping. The company's Rs 3,000 crore IPO, which closed 1.15 times subscribed, aims to boost visibility and provide liquidity. WeWork India operates co-working spaces across major Indian cities.
Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are expected to dip, with analysts advising traders to sell on any rise. Technical indicators like EMA crossover, Bollinger Bands, and MACD signal strong bearish momentum. Investors should consider selling near 1,21,2001,21,500 with targets at 1,20,000 and 1,19,100.
An avalanche struck the snow-covered Dhauladhar Hills in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Friday. The powerful slide was captured on video, with no casualties reported thus far. This event follows heavy rains and snowfall across several districts, and a recent landslide that claimed 18 lives.
Asian markets closed mostly lower as the week concluded, despite positive AI investment news and a Middle East ceasefire. Investor sentiment was dampened by potential US government shutdown concerns and fears of a tech bubble. Gold and Bitcoin reached record highs, but experts caution about overvalued companies and a possible market correction.
The Bharatiya Janata Party criticises West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for opposing electoral roll revisions. BJP leaders accuse Banerjee of inciting communal riots and protecting illegal voters. Banerjee warns of public outrage against the BJP's actions. She also criticises Union Home Minister Amit Shah, comparing him to a historical traitor.
Diwali, also known as Deepawali, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2025, confusion arises as Amavasya Tithi spans two days. However, Lakshmi Puja is scheduled for October 20th, aligning with the start of the Tithi and Pradosh Kaal, making it the primary day for celebration.
Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, opened in green on Friday. While Nifty50 want above 25,200, BSE Sensex was up around 200 points.
Analysts are bullish on India's infrastructure and consumer sectors. Adani Enterprises' new airport is set to boost aviation, while Prestige Estates sees strong property sales. IndiGo is poised for international travel growth, and PVR Inox anticipates a strong festive season for cinemas. Blinkit's rapid expansion in quick commerce also shows promising momentum.
America has imposed new sanctions targeting individuals and companies aiding Iran's oil and LPG exports. Three Indian nationals are among those sanctioned for their alleged roles. The US aims to disrupt Iran's revenue streams and its support for terrorist groups. These actions are part of a broader effort to dismantle Iran's energy export network.
Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research highlights Jayaswal Neco Industries and Bank of Baroda as top stock picks for October 10, 2025. The Nifty and Bank Nifty are showing signs of consolidation after strong rallies.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai stated he and Justice K. Vinod Chandran were shocked by a lawyer's shoe-throwing attempt on October 6, calling it a forgotten chapter. The incident, which drew widespread condemnation, occurred while the CJI was hearing environmental clearance review pleas. Former Justice Markandey Katju, however, suggested the CJI's remarks about Lord Vishnu invited the incident.
The death toll from adulterated cough syrup reached 23 after two more children died of renal failure. Police arrested the owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, which manufactured the contaminated Coldrif medicine. Investigations revealed the syrup was laced with DEG, an industrial solvent, leading to widespread seizures and a political blame game between state governments.
A youth from Hisar, Sonu, is feared dead in the Russia-Ukraine war, with his companion Aman missing since September 22. Both men were reportedly deceived into joining the Russian army after going to Russia for a foreign language course. Families have sought help from the MHA and the Indian embassy in Moscow.
Rajasthan has enacted a new anti-conversion law, mandating advance notice for inter-religious weddings and imposing severe penalties for forced conversions. The legislation, which includes lengthy prison terms and substantial fines, particularly for offenses involving vulnerable groups, is described as the strictest in the nation.
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