Economy
100 articles in feed · 19855 tracked overall
Telangana farmers saw flower cultivation rise 198% during Kharif 2026 due to El Niño
During Kharif 2026, Telangana farmers increased horticultural crop areas due to El Niño and irrigation stress. Flower cultivation rose 198%, spices 192%, red chilli 80%, vegetables 66%, turmeric 21%, and fruits 1%. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao met officials in Hyderabad on Friday to discuss vegetable exports, cold storage, high-quality seeds, oil palm cultivation, and cocoa intercropping.
Strengthening MSMEs essential for $1.5 trillion Tamil Nadu economy, Tanstia president S. Vasudevan states
S. Vasudevan, president of Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (Tanstia), stated in Chennai on Friday that strengthening MSMEs is essential for a $1.5 trillion Tamil Nadu economy. At the Vettri Tamil Nadu MSME Summit 2026 organized by FICCI, he noted rising costs from West Asia conflict. P.N. Vasudevan of Equitas Small Finance Bank urged government support for micro units.
Four-hour batteries cheaper than open-cycle gas turbines across 43 surveyed markets
A new report from Wood Mackenzie reveals that four-hour duration batteries are cheaper than open-cycle gas turbines across 43 surveyed markets. While solar remains the cheapest new power, One Big Beautiful Bill protects 168 gigawatts from tariffs until 2027. By 2035, batteries will be 33% cheaper in Middle East and Africa. Ahmed Jameel Abdullah stated China's storage costs are 55% below neighbors'.
Scindia refutes Elon Musk's "oligarchs" allegations, says Starlink, Jio, OneWeb at same stage
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated on Friday (October 9, 2026) that the Department of Telecommunications is technology agnostic. He refuted Elon Musk's allegations regarding "oligarchs" blocking Starlink. All three applicants—Starlink, Jio, and Bharti-backed OneWeb—are at the same stage. Operations begin once revenue charges are finalized and all parties fulfill security milestones and prerequisites.
MEA slams J.D. Vance for "indentured servants" comments over suspended labor certifications
On October 9, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs slammed J.D. Vance and Keith Sonderling for suspending the Permanent Labour Certification programme for eight firms, including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft, and Adobe. The Ministry called Vance's "indentured servants" comments offensive. This occurs as Narendra Modi, Donald Trump, Jamieson Greer, and Nirmala Sitharaman navigate stalled trade talks and potential tariffs.
Trump announces committee to investigate Lisa Cook over alleged false 2021 mortgage statements
Donald Trump announced a three-member committee to investigate Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook regarding alleged false statements on 2021 mortgage documents. The committee includes the assistant to the president for economic policy, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission chair, and the Office of Government Ethics director. A hearing is scheduled for November 5. Cook was appointed in 2022 by Joe Biden.
Tesla renames Full Self-Driving to Tesla Assisted Driving after German ministry pushback
Tesla changed its "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" name to "Tesla Assisted Driving" in Europe following pushback from Germany’s transportation ministry. Minister Steffen Bilger stated the old name was misleading. Elon Musk thanked Bilger on X this week. While the Netherlands approved FSD, Reuters reported the campaign relied on flawed research. Tesla discontinued Autopilot after a judge ruled it used deceptive marketing.
Danu Robotics founder Amy Ma launches H.E.R.O. robot to outpace Glacier and RecycleEye
Amy Ma, founder of Danu Robotics in Edinburgh, Scotland, is launching her H.E.R.O. robot to sort recycling more efficiently than competitors like Glacier and RecycleEye. After raising $5 million in late-seed funding, the company secured $500,000 in contracts with 200 customers in its pipeline. The robot aims to generate $485,000 in revenue against a $160,000 investment.
LumenUs to use AI to help families claim billions in unclaimed life insurance
Sara Tashakorinia, Sajad Mirzaei, and Larry Keeley founded LumenUs to use AI to automate administrative tasks like filing insurance claims for grieving families. The startup, a participant in Startup Battlefield 200, will launch early access in October. It aims to help users manage paperwork and claim billions of dollars in unclaimed life insurance benefits while consulting with clinicians.
The Kerala Textile & Garments Association (KTGA) and president Pattabhiraman T.S. opposed proposed Merchant
The Kerala Textile & Garments Association (KTGA) and president Pattabhiraman T.S. opposed proposed Merchant Discount Rate charges on UPI transactions. They warned a 0.4% MDR could wipe out profit margins of 1% to 5% for retailers, potentially causing a return to cash. Instead, they proposed the government fund ₹20,000 crore to ₹25,000 crore in annual costs via the GST Council and Central Board of Direct Taxes.
Swiss delegation visits Hyderabad to explore innovation ecosystem and attract Roche, Novartis investments
A Swiss delegation led by Helene Budliger Artieda visited Skyroot Aerospace, T-Hub, and T-Works in Hyderabad to explore the innovation ecosystem. Ministers D. Sridhar Babu, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, and Jupally Krishna Rao hosted a dinner at Taj Falaknuma Palace. The government plans to engage with the Centre regarding patent frameworks to attract investments from Roche and Novartis.
Telangana to introduce 10 new generation policies for semiconductors and logistics
Nikhil Chakravarthi, Director of Industries, stated at ASSOCHAM’s MobilityNext 2047 on Friday that Telangana aims to attract electric vehicle manufacturers and battery suppliers through targeted incentives. The conference included Rambabu Boorugu and Harsh Vardhan, who discussed ecosystem needs and indigenous capabilities. The upcoming Telangana Global Summit will introduce "Industrial Policy 2.0" featuring 10 new generation policies for semiconductors and logistics.
Fabience plans ₹50 crore greenfield plant near Hyderabad to create 100 jobs
Fabience Managing Director Raj Venu Gopal Takkallapally announced on Friday plans to build a new, more than 1.5 lakh sq ft. greenfield plant near Hyderabad. The ₹50 crore project aims for completion next year, creating jobs for around 100 people using Italian and German machinery. The company currently operates a 2 lakh sq ft plant with 200 employees and has executed close to 3,500 projects.
Michael Dell and Susan Dell pledge $6.25 billion to fund 25 million kids
Michael Dell, 61, and his wife Susan Dell, 60, met Donald Trump at the White House to pledge $6.25 billion for Trump Accouns to fund 25 million kids. Michael stated they funded 10 million accounts today, aiming for 25 million by week's end. Dr Jennifer Armstrong analyzed viral photos, alleging Susan underwent upper blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, filler, lip filler, chin botox, and buccal fat removal.
Trump faces pressure to lower fuel prices as costs rose 70 per cent
Donald Trump faces pressure to lower fuel prices before the November 3 midterm elections as costs rose 70 per cent since the US-Israel war with Iran began in February. Prices reached $6.30 per gallon in early October. Trump signed an executive order expanding red-dyed diesel use and sought a G7 agreement to release 100 million barrels of oil.
Rahul Gandhi pledges to break crony capitalism after criticizing Modi's "economic terrorism"
On October 9, 2026, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Narendra Modi government for promoting monopolies and "economic terrorism." Following an exchange with Elon Musk regarding Mukesh Ambani, Gandhi pledged to break crony capitalism. Kharge cited a drop in telecommunications players from 13 to three, while MP Karti Chidambaram defended Gandhi's sarcastic response.
Russia reactivates 50 Soviet-era outposts as Nato and Russia compete for Arctic resources
The US department of defense 2024 Arctic strategy notes the Arctic may be ice-free by 2030. In 2025, ships made over 100 voyages on the Northern Sea Route. Nato and Russia compete for resources as Russia reactivated 50 Soviet-era outposts. Donald Trump sought Greenland, leading to a 2026 trilateral agreement with Denmark. Sberbank estimates annual climate damage of 580 billion rubles.
Vineet Nayar says Trump’s Green Card suspension has small impact on Indian IT companies
Vineet Nayar, former CEO of HCL Technologies, stated that the Trump administration's suspension of the Green Card process has a small impact because Indian IT companies accounted for less than 1,400 of the 117,849 PERM certifications last year. He predicted American work will move to India. Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu also expressed optimism, urging Indians to build India instead.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola cites Manchester City's appeal uncertainty as Premier League concern
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool manager who joined in June, stated that the lack of clarity regarding Manchester City's appeal over a guilty verdict for financial breaches causes uncertainty throughout the Premier League. Despite being six points off the top after three draws in five games, Liverpool faces Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday without injured players Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
Gamma, Engine and GV to present "The Zero-to-1K Playbook" at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 from October 13–15 at Moscone West, Grant Lee (Gamma), Elia Wallen (Engine), and Crystal Huang (GV) will present "The Zero-to-1K Playbook." They will discuss community building, product-led growth, founder-led sales, strategic outbound, and word of mouth. Attendees can save up to $100 on passes or 50% on a second pass.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 brings technology leaders to San Francisco from October 13-15
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 brings technology leaders to San Francisco from October 13-15. From October 10 through October 16, various organizations including PAIH, Upper Silesian Fund, Innovation Norway, and Royal Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco host networking events. Activities include the Pak US Tech Connect 2026 by PSEB, and sessions by PrincipiumX, AI Barmen, EPIC Connector Pte. Ltd., and Granite Landings LLC. Other hosts include onSpark, NMI, Ontology of Value, Syntro Connect, Khwajalabs, Enterprise Ireland, SafetyWing, EQUITY X INVESTMENTS, LLC, Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, American South Asian Network, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Trotta, Founder-Led Media, Omelo, WayFounder, EdgeM8, SWITH, TradeIL, Fynex, Love Soul AI, KOTRA Silicon Valley, Peak XV Partners, Augment, Mintz, Improbable, INNOVA × BeGlobe PR Agency, NLINK INC, Backblaze, Flamethrower, Whipsaw Connect, Hellyeah, Descope, SLI.pro, CedarDB, SignalFire, NachoNacho, Brinc, and Founder Institute.
Karnataka wins award for 9 GW highest under-construction wind power capacity
Karnataka won the award for Highest Under-Construction Wind Power Capacity of 9 GW at the 8th edition of Windergy 2026. The event was organized by the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers’ Association (IWTMA) at the Chennai Trade Centre on Friday. Minister K.J. George and Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta stated the state will continue working with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited to facilitate projects.
Only 2.2% of U.S. households pay for AI as prosumer tools dominate revenue
Olivia Moore, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, released a report on the top 100 consumer AI apps. While ChatGPT remains dominant, Suno and ElevenLabs show staying power. Only 2.2% of U.S. households pay for AI. Moore argues that true consumer AI is still early as most current revenue comes from prosumer tools like Lovable, Replit, Fal, Higgsfield, HeyGen, Manus, Fireflies AI, and Granola.
Andhra Pradesh thermal power stations hit record 19,268 MU electricity generation
K. Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary (Energy), announced that Andhra Pradesh state-owned thermal power stations generated a record 19,268 MU of electricity from April to September 2026-27. This 13.10% increase over last year’s 17,037 MU resulted from fuel security and advance plans against SLDC El Niño advisories. Key officials including S. Nagalakshmi, G. Surya Sai Praveen Chand, M. Sujay Kumar, P. Ashok Kumar Reddy, A.K.V. Bhaskar, and Venkata Ramana Murthy attended the review.
Postell couple turn $2,000 into Anchor Heating and Air on track for $8 million
After being fired in December 2020, Stephanie Postell and David Postell founded Anchor Heating and Air in 2021 with $2,000. Using 30 years of combined experience, the couple launched the Charleston, South Carolina business to provide HVAC services. On September 9, Stephanie shared on the Blue Collar StartUp podcast that the company is on track to generate more than $8 million in annual revenue.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to host 10,000 founders and investors at Moscone West
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13-15. Attendees can access 200+ sessions led by 250+ tech leaders, including the Startup Battlefield 200 pitch sessions. Tickets offer savings up to $100 before prices jump on October 13 at 8 a.m. PT. A second pass costs 50% off, while laid-off individuals can get an Expo+ Pass for $75.
SIHMA and TIDGMA to showcase ₹40,000 crore worth of domestic apparel in January
The South India Hosiery Manufacturers Association (SIHMA) and the Tirupur Domestic Garments Manufacturers Association (TIDGMA) will organize a garment exhibition from January 3 to 5 at the India Knit Fair complex. Led by R. Dhamodharan, P. Shanmugasundaram, and M.K.M. Balasubramaniam, the event features nearly 115 stalls showcasing ₹40,000 crore worth of domestic apparel produced by over 1,000 manufacturers.
Arjun Sofat turns £15,000 investment banking savings into £55 million annual turnover
In 2017, Arjun Sofat and his mother Rohini Sofat launched Free Soul in the UK using Arjun's £15,000 investment banking savings. After exhausting funds on vegan protein development, they installed kitchens to fund their first stock. Now employing 50 people, the company reached a £55 million annual turnover and £5.5 million pre-tax profit last year.
Airtel Money debuts on London Stock Exchange, raising 529 million pounds in shares
Airtel Money, the mobile payments arm of Airtel Africa, debuted on the London Stock Exchange on Friday. The firm raised around 529 million pounds (Rs 5,820 crore) by selling 270 million shares at 1.96 pounds each, valuing Airtel Mobile Commerce NV at approximately 5.3 billion pounds. Shareholders Qatar Investment Authority and TPG Inc. sold shares. Founder Sunil Bharti Mittal welcomed the listing.
Japan plans to invest 10 trillion yen in India over next 10 years
Japan plans to invest 10 trillion yen (around $100 billion) in India over the next 10 years. Between 2000 and 2025, Japan invested around $48 billion in India, compared to $98 billion in China. Representatives from Mitsui, Sumitomo Corporation, and Kikkoman discussed manufacturing, energy security, and co-creation. The panel noted 1,460 Japanese companies currently operate in India.
Trump's PERM suspension could increase costs for Indian firms but accelerate AI hub status
Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s IT Minister, stated the Donald Trump administration's suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme could increase costs for Indian firms but accelerate India's AI hub status. Mangaluru International Airport will expand flights to 195 weekly movements in October. NIMHANS-Bengaluru launches a course on October 10 for 350 participants. FSDA seized expired products from two Bengaluru ice cream units.
Department of Posts earns ₹596.71 crore revenue and serves 20 lakh Cheyutha beneficiaries
D.S.V.R. Murthy, Chief Postmaster General (CPMG), announced at Dak Sadan in Hyderabad on October 9, 2026, that the Department of Posts is observing National Postal Week. The Telangana Circle operates through 36 Head Post Offices, 759 Sub Post Offices, and 5,424 Branch Post Offices. It served nearly 20 lakh Cheyutha beneficiaries, processed 1.66 lakh passports, and earned ₹596.71 crore in revenue during 2025-26.
French family sells Qianlong Emperor vase for €16,182,800 at Sotheby’s auction
A French family sold an 18th-century Imperial 'Yangcai Crane and Deer Ruyi Vase' for €16,182,800 at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris on June 12, 2018. Originally estimated at €700,000, the vase was discovered by a woman in March 2018 and identified as an authentic piece for the Qianlong Emperor. It had been inherited from a relative who died in 1947.
Labor Inspector General faces criticism for reacting "Ruh roh" to false India market collapse
Anthony D'Esposito, Inspector General of the US Department of Labor, faced criticism for reacting "Ruh roh" to a post by Benny Johnson. The post falsely claimed India's stock market collapsed after the Trump administration suspended eight companies, including Cognizant, Infosys, and TCS, from the PERM programme on October 8. A community note clarified markets closed before the announcement.
Trump administration suspends Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, Wipro and HCL from PERM program
On Thursday, the Trump administration suspended Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant, Wipro, and HCL from the PERM program. The Labour Department also suspended Microsoft, Capgemini, and Adobe. US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling cited 3 million foreign worker requests since 2009. Vice President JD Vance alleged Microsoft laid off 6,000 Americans in 2025 while filing 3,682 PERM applications.
US suspends Microsoft, Infosys, TCS from labor program over alleged "indentured servants" fraud
Vice President JD Vance and Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the suspension of several tech firms from the Permanent Labour Certification programme. Impacted companies include Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini. The move targets alleged fraud where companies replace US workers with lower-paid foreign "indentured servants." This impacts thousands of Indian nationals currently in the green card backlog.
Maresca expresses faith in Manchester City appeal after "sham" contracts found
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager, expressed absolute faith that the club will win an appeal after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules. An independent commission found the club arranged “sham” contracts to reduce costs by more than 900 million pounds ($1.2bn) from 2009 to 2018. The club continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Bianca Monley started a business in Bondi by cooking for 10 friends with $100
Bianca Monley started a business in Bondi by cooking for 10 friends with $100. She grew the company into a $5 million business and a 100-acre farm, delivering 10,000 meals a week to Melbourne and Sydney. High-profile customers included Hugh Jackman, Miranda Kerr, Cate Blanchett, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Monley scaled by delegating tasks to chefs, nutritionists, and gardeners.
Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro component orders by 15-20% as demand falls
Apple is cutting component orders for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max by 15 per cent to 20 per cent for October as demand falls. In India, prices start at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,79,900 respectively. Nikkei Asia reported that higher memory chip costs and a weaker rupee are impacting sales. IDC forecasts global smartphone shipments to decline 16.7 per cent in 2026.
US suspends TCS, Infosys, Microsoft among 8 firms from PERM programme over fraud
On Thursday, US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling and Vice President JD Vance suspended eight companies from the PERM programme: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Cognizant, Capgemini, Microsoft, and Adobe. The move follows Admiral Samuel Paparo's visit to Delhi. While Vance alleged fraud involving 1,000 of Microsoft's 3,682 applications, the suspension impacts Indian engineers seeking green cards.
Tech job losses reach 253,000 as India's GCC ecosystem grows to 2,117 centers
Pranjal Sharma reports that while over 283,000 Indian software engineers once held H-1B visas, tech job losses reached roughly 253,000 across 2025 and 2026. SHRM notes 68% of organizations struggle to recruit talent. Conversely, Nasscom and Zinnov report India's GCC ecosystem grew to 2,117 centers by FY26, employing 2.36 million people. Startup India also created over 2.33 million jobs by FY2025-26.
Used 2026 Toyota Rav4 models list for $3,000 to $6,000 above new prices
Used 2026 Toyota Rav4 models are listing for $3,000 to $6,000 above new prices according to CarGurus. Kevin Roberts attributes this to high hybrid demand and a supply crunch. Toyota reported 29 percent higher third quarter 2026 hybrid sales, while Kia sales more than doubled. High gas prices of $4.40 nationally and $6.36 in California further drive these trends.
Friedkin Group open to selling controlling stake in Everton after stabilizing finances
The Friedkin Group (TFG), which also owns AS Roma and AS Cannes, announced on Friday it is open to selling a controlling stake in Everton. Having acquired the club from Farhad Moshiri in December 2024, TFG hired Moelis & Company to advise on the sale. The group aims to attract new investment after stabilizing the club's finances and completing the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Munir may plan to redraw Pakistan's 4 provinces into 12, 15, or 160 units
The Economist reported that Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's de facto ruler, may plan to redraw the country’s four provinces into 12, 15, or 160 smaller ones. While Munir claims large provinces hinder governance, critics suggest he seeks to dismantle power bases of the PML(N) and PPP. The move could make politicians more malleable to his control following the imprisonment of Imran Khan.
Trump's PERM suspension may accelerate India as global hub for AI and GCCs
On October 9, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s IT Minister and Home portfolio holder, stated on X that the Donald Trump administration’s suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for major IT outsourcing companies could increase costs and complicate residency. However, it may accelerate India's emergence as a global hub for research, product development, and artificial intelligence by strengthening Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Israel re-intensified attacks killing over 9,000 people as World Bank warns of contraction
On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah joined a "support war" for Gaza, a move analysts say reshaped Lebanese politics. Following the September 2024 pager attack and the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, Israel invaded southern Lebanon in October 2024. By March 2026, Israel re-intensified attacks, killing over 9,000 people. The World Bank reports a 6 percent economic contraction by 2026.
Rahul Gandhi supporters allegedly thrashed Fahim Nazir for chanting pro-Modi slogans in Delhi
On Thursday afternoon in Connaught Place, Fahim Nazir from Srinagar joined an INDIA bloc protest to oppose the group and support Narendra Modi. Nazir claimed supporters of Rahul Gandhi thrashed him for chanting pro-Modi slogans. Delhi Police registered an FIR against unidentified persons. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari blamed Congress workers for the attack during protests against Gyanesh Kumar.
Yemenis face deepening crisis as real GDP per capita fell 58 percent since 2015
Yemenis in Aden, Sanaa, and Marib face a deepening economic crisis as fighting between the government and Houthis intensifies. The World Bank reports real GDP per capita fell 58 percent since 2015. High inflation, unpaid salaries, and a divided banking system force residents to cut essentials. The World Food Programme found 74 percent of households cannot meet basic food needs.
Hexaware joins Anthropic’s Claude Partner Network to integrate AI into Zerovity and AgentVerse
Hexaware joined Anthropic’s Claude Partner Network as a Preferred Partner to develop AI solutions and enterprise deployments. Hexaware will integrate Claude into its Zerovity platform and AgentVerse, which has more than 600 pre-built agents. The company has over 1,100 Claude-certified professionals. Siddharth Dhar, Vinod Chandran, and Era Sahni highlighted the partnership's goal to help businesses deploy AI at scale.
Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the US will not attack Iran
Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the US will not attack Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, causing oil prices to fall Friday. Abbas Araghchi said Tehran will respond within days to the US response regarding a seven-day plan for the Strait of Hormuz. JD Vance demanded uranium reductions, while Masoud Pezeshkian called negotiations futile. Vladimir Putin promised help ending the war.
Elon Musk questions if Mukesh Ambani is the "real boss of India"
Elon Musk of SpaceX questioned if Mukesh Ambani is the "real boss of India" after Starlink faced delays seeking final approval. Musk accused "certain oligarchs" of a "monopolistic chokehold." The Ministry of Communications called these claims baseless, stating Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio Satellite Communications await similar clearances. Akash Ambani and Sunil Bharti Mittal declined to comment on the row.
Fortis Healthcare and Dr Agarwal’s jump as government discusses rationalizing medical device margins
The government is discussing rationalizing trade margins for medical devices and consumables to improve cancer treatment affordability. Following news of earlier oncology drug caps, Fortis Healthcare rose over 5% to Rs 805, while Dr Agarwal’s jumped 2% to Rs 478 on the BSE. Apollo Hospital, Manipal, Medanta, and Max Health also climbed. Jefferies recommends a Buy as regulatory uncertainty eases.
Panjshir emerald auction sells nearly 3,000 carats for $6.12m despite lack of equipment
In Panjshir, Afghanistan, the 23rd auction this year sold nearly 3,000 carats of emeralds. Ghulam Mustafa Habibi noted high quality attracts global buyers. Total sales reached nearly 400m Afghanis ($6.12m). Mining employs over 15,000 people. Muhammad Aman Rezaii and Hafiz Muhammad Agha Hakim stated miners lack modern equipment despite the Taliban signing deals with Chinese, Russian, and Iranian investors since 2021.
24 vehicles torched and shops looted as anti-migrant violence erupts in Soweto and Durban
At least 24 vehicles were torched and foreign-owned shops looted during anti-migrant violence in Soweto and Durban on Thursday. Clashes erupted following a Constitutional Court ruling requiring the government to remove asylum barriers. Police fired rubber bullets as protesters demanded closure of refugee reception centres. Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane condemned the destruction, while William Baloyi told Reuters that false claims fueled the unrest.
Cupid shares surge 657% in one year as company raises FY27 revenue guidance
Cupid shares rose to Rs 368 on the NSE, marking a 657% surge over one year. The company raised its FY27 revenue guidance to Rs 800 crore and net profit to Rs 250 crore, with Q2 FY27 revenue expected to cross Rs 200 crore. Plans include operationalising the Palava facility and expanding international healthcare through a proposed South African venture.
Revanth Reddy urges welcoming innovative internet systems to protect India’s global reputation
A. Revanth Reddy stated on October 09, 2026, that India must welcome innovative internet systems without weakening Brand India for "crony distractions." Supporting Elon Musk's claim that businessmen blocked Starlink, he noted the UPA-II government launched UPI in 2012-13. He responded to Rahul Gandhi by urging the protection of India’s global reputation and technological standing through innovation.
GQG-linked emerging markets fund sold nearly 37 crore ITC shares at Rs 257.35 apiece
GQG-linked emerging markets fund sold nearly 37 crore ITC shares at Rs 257.35 apiece on Wednesday, while Fidelity, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, and SBI Mutual Fund bought into the company. As of June 2026, GQG held a 3.12% stake. Shares hit a 52-week low of Rs 253.15 before jumping to Rs 259.60.
NCC shares rally 5% after order to construct Radial Road-2 over 18 months
On October 8, 2026, NCC received an order to construct Radial Road-2 from the Outer Ring Road near Budwel to Nacharam on NH-167N over 18 months. Shares rallied nearly 5% Friday despite a 40% yearly decline. The company has a Rs 7,515 crore market capitalisation. Promoters increased stakes to 23.19%, while FIIs reduced holdings to 10.44%.
Frequent micro-loans and multiple unsecured debts can lower credit scores, warns BankBazaar CEO
Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar, told NDTV that frequent micro-loans and multiple active unsecured debts can lower credit scores and reduce eligibility for major loans like home loans. Lenders assess debt-to-income ratios, so borrowers should avoid unnecessary applications, repay dues timely, and consolidate debts. Maintaining a clean repayment track record over the next twelve months is critical before approaching primary lenders.
Rogers accuses El-Sayed of supporting terrorism in Michigan Senate seat debate
Abdul El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health director, and Mike Rogers, a former US House of Representatives member, faced off in a televised debate for Michigan’s Senate seat. Rogers accused El-Sayed of supporting terrorism, while El-Sayed criticized Rogers' support for Donald Trump and Israel aid. Both candidates agreed to end the Iran war but disagreed on trade tariffs and immigration enforcement.
Bitcoin recovers above $81,000 after Donald Trump rules out US strikes on Iran
On October 9, Sensex rose 180 points and Nifty gained 80 points. The rupee opened at 96.74 against the US dollar. Bitcoin dropped to $80,316 before recovering above $81,000 after Donald Trump ruled out US strikes on Iran. Roughly $1 billion in positions were liquidated as US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $487.07 million of outflows. Gold reached $4,169 an ounce and silver stayed above $59/oz.
Sensex falls 1,045.46 points as market wipeout hits ₹10 lakh crore
The BSE Sensex fell 1,045.46 points or 1.44% to 71,593.24, while the Nifty declined 371.25 points or 1.64% to 22,231.80 on Thursday. This wiped out ₹10 lakh crore in market capitalisation. Adani Enterprises fell 5.4%, JSW Steel dropped 4.5%, and ITC fell 4%. Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. cited global issues as causes.
TCS to hire 15,000 more U.S. workers following PERM program suspension
On October 9, 2026, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) stated it would comply with any U.S. government directive following the October 8, 2026 suspension of several firms from the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM). Impacted companies included Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft, and Adobe. TCS plans to hire 15,000 additional people in the U.S. over five years across 31 offices.
Trump claims US holding productive discussions with Iran as crude oil prices fall
On Thursday, Trump posted on Truth Social claiming the US is holding productive discussions with Iran and maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite nine attacks reported by the UK Maritime Organization in early October, Brent crude fell 1% to $103 while West Texas Intermediate dropped 0.75% to $90.5. Goldman Sachs analyst Daan Struyven warned prices could hit $120.
Trump awards Musk, Brin, Huang and Su National Medals of Science
Donald Trump presented Elon Musk, Sergei Brin, Jensen Huang, and Lisa Su with the National Medal of Science at a Washington peace institute on Thursday. Michael Dell and Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Trump also received a posthumous medal for his uncle, John Trump. The event followed Musk's return to Trump’s orbit after their May 2025 fallout at DOGE.
Bank of England to replace famous Britons with Atlantic puffin on banknotes
The Bank of England (BoE) decided in March to replace famous Britons with native wildlife on banknotes to increase distinctiveness and deter counterfeiting. Following a public consultation where nearly 500,000 people voted on 18 animals in June, the BoE selected the Atlantic puffin. Chief cashier Victoria Cleland noted that cash usage fell below 10% in 2024, though UK Finance expects this decline to level off.
High forward premiums make hedging expensive for foreign investors as rupee hits 96.79
Kunal Sodhani of Shinhan Bank India noted that high forward premiums make hedging expensive for foreign investors. The one-year dollar-rupee forward premium rose from 7.40% to 8.65% before retreating to 8.45%. The Reserve Bank of India may have shifted focus on forward market dollar sales to cool premiums. The rupee closed at 96.79 against the dollar.
JM Financial leads market managing 26 transactions worth Rs 75,775 crore
According to Prime Database data, JM Financial led the market by managing 26 transactions worth Rs 75,775 crore during April-September. ICICI Securities ranked second with 21 deals worth Rs 73,310 crore, while SBI Capital Markets handled 11 transactions worth Rs 72,879 crore. IPOs and QIPs rose to 116 in H1 FY27 from 85 last year, increasing the amount raised from Rs 1.21 lakh crore.
Khambata defended Jane Street before tribunal over Sebi ex-parte order
Khambata defended Jane Street before a tribunal, arguing that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) issued an ex-parte order requiring the firm to deposit money. Jane Street stopped trading in India after receiving 42 complaints. Khambata cited a 12-page note from August 30, 2024, claiming the firm engaged with NSE and Sebi to explain its hedging strategy.
American crude falls to $91 a barrel after Trump says US won't attack Iran
The MSCI Asia Pacific equities index fell 0.1% Friday as Japan’s Nikkei dropped over 1% and Softbank Group Corp. declined more than 5%. The Nasdaq 100 Index sank 1.4% while the S&P 500 Index dropped 0.5%. OpenAI revenue was reported at $50 billion, below estimates. Firmus Grid Ltd. will postpone its IPO. American crude fell to $91 a barrel after Donald Trump said the US would not attack Iran before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
GQG trims ₹24,400 crore in Indian stakes including ₹9,395 crore in ITC shares
GQG, founded by Rajiv Jain, trimmed stakes worth around ₹24,400 crore in Indian companies during 2026. On October 8, it sold nearly 36.51 crore ITC shares worth around ₹9,395 crore. It also reduced Adani Group holdings by around ₹13,200 crore and added JSW Energy (₹1,941 crore) and JSW Steel (₹3,054 crore). The firm also sold stakes in Lodha Developers and ITC Hotels.
Bordeaux relegated to sixth tier after failing to provide 10 million euros
Bordeaux, the six-time French champions where Zinedine Zidane played, will compete in the sixth tier after being sanctioned for failing to provide roughly 10 million euros ($11.6m) for 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years. Sold for one euro to Park Bench, the club's debt was halved from 26 million to 13 million euros. President Dominique Delport announced rebuilding begins following a 12-year plan.
Meta launches Muse AI agent despite $18bn settlement and youth addiction legal actions
Mark Zuckerberg and Meta launched the AI agent Muse at Meta Connect, despite facing legal actions regarding youth addiction. Following a $942m fine in New Mexico and an $18bn settlement with 48 states, Meta reported $60.8bn in second-quarter revenue. While critics like Brooke Istook express privacy concerns over Muse and smart glasses, the company's stock rose 25% last month.
Telangana Finance Minister warns of ₹800 crore annual revenue impact from motor vehicle reforms
Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, addressed the 57th GST Council meeting on Wednesday. He urged the Centre to share financial implications of motor vehicle reforms, noting a potential ₹800 crore annual revenue impact on Telangana. He demanded action against fake registrations, scrap sector evasion, and identity theft, while proposing a Group of Ministers and regional offices in Hyderabad.
Bryan Cranston earns $2.95 million profit after building LEED Platinum net-zero home
In 2007, actor Bryan Cranston purchased a beach bungalow in Venice, California for $2.5 million. He demolished it to build a 2,450-square-foot net-zero energy home that earned LEED Platinum status from the U.S. Green Building Council. In 2021, he sold the property for $5.45 million, gaining $2.95 million over his initial purchase price according to Realtor.com and PR Newswire.
Elon Musk accuses "oligarchs" of blocking Starlink entry to maintain "monopolistic chokehold"
Elon Musk questioned Mukesh Ambani's influence on X as SpaceX faces delays launching Starlink in India. Musk accused unnamed "oligarchs" of blocking entry to maintain a "monopolistic chokehold." The Ministry of Communications stated all operators are at the same regulatory stage. Despite partnering with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Starlink has yet to begin commercial services in India.
Trump awards National Medals to Musk, Huang, Brin and Su at innovation summit
On Thursday, at the Golden Age of American Innovation Summit, President Trump awarded Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Sergey Brin, and AMD’s Lisa Su the National Medal of Science. Dell Technologies’ Michael Dell and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Awardees donated nearly $6 billion to Trump administration efforts, including a $6.25 billion pledge from Michael and Susan Dell.
OpenAI revenue $20 billion below previous indications as Nasdaq 100 falls 1.9%
Financial Times reported OpenAI revenue was $20 billion below previous indications. The Nasdaq 100 fell 1.9%, S&P 500 declined 0.9% at 1:26 p.m., and the Philadelphia semiconductor index dropped 3.5%. Oracle shares fell as Bloomberg reported natural gas transport to data centres. Oil prices rose after the White House asked the Pentagon for military-strike options against Iran.
Trump administration suspends PERM program for 8 IT giants including Microsoft and Infosys
Vivek Wadhwa reacted to the Donald Trump administration's suspension of the PERM program for eight IT giants, including Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capegemini. Nasscom called it a temporary suspension. Microsoft stated 80% of its 6,000 H-1B applications were for existing employees. JD Vance criticized IT bodyshops for undercutting American wages by $48,000.
Trump awards National Medal of Science to Musk, Brin, Huang and Su
Donald Trump awarded the National Medal of Science to Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, Jensen Huang, and Lisa Su. Michael Dell and Satya Nadella received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The ceremony occurred after the administration suspended Microsoft from the H-1B visa system due to alleged fraud. Dell committed $6.25bn to Trump Accounts last year.
Nasdaq drops 341.59 points as FedWatch shows nearly 70% December hike probability
The S&P 500 fell 36.07 points to 7,765.70, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 341.59 points to 27,197.10. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 45.68 points to 51,225.48. Terry Sandven of US Bank Wealth Management noted oil prices jumped 3.6% for WTI and 4.1% for Brent. Christopher Waller affirmed potential rate hikes as CME's FedWatch tool showed a nearly 70% December hike probability.
Manchester City faces Liverpool after guilty verdict for over 100 financial rule breaches
Manchester City faces Liverpool at Anfield after receiving a guilty verdict for over 100 financial rule breaches from 2009 to 2018. Manager Enzo Maresca and players, including suspended Phil Foden, face an angry reception. Gary Neville predicted a brutal day as fans demand titles be awarded to rivals like Liverpool, who finished runners-up in 2013-2014 and twice under Jurgen Klopp.
RBI raises interest rates by 25 bps to combat inflation; shifts to ‘calibrated tightening’
On October 09, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised interest rates by 25 bps to combat inflation. The RBI projected retail inflation at 4.9% in Q2, rising to 6% in Q3 and 5.7% in Q4. It revised the 2026-27 GDP growth forecast from 6.7% to 7.1%. The stance changed to ‘calibrated tightening’ from ‘neutral’.
In late 1963, Walt Disney and Roy Disney tasked lawyer Robert Price “Bob” Foster
In late 1963, Walt Disney and Roy Disney tasked lawyer Robert Price “Bob” Foster with "Project X" to secretly acquire land in Central Florida. Using nine front companies like Latin-American Development & Management Corporation, they bought 27,443 acres for about $5 million. In October 1965, Emily Bavar of the Orlando Sentinel exposed the secret. The project became Walt Disney World.
Google Cloud and Sundar Pichai announce unified Gemini AI agent for businesses
On Thursday, Google Cloud and CEO Sundar Pichai announced a unified Gemini AI agent for businesses. With over 1 billion monthly active users and 90% of Fortune 100 companies using Gemini Enterprise, the agent connects to systems like Microsoft 365 and Slack. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal, while customers include BNP Paribas, Bradesco, Merck, Orange Spain, Santee Cooper, SOMPO, Ulta Beauty, and Wesfarmers.
OpenAI corrects revenue to "approaching $50 billion" after investor comparison with Anthropic
OpenAI told investors its annualized revenue is "approaching $50 billion," correcting a previous $70 billion figure used to compare it with Anthropic. The discrepancy arose from investor attempts at direct comparison, as Anthropic counts cloud partner sales while OpenAI does not. Despite raising $122 billion in March and reporting $13 billion in 2025 financials, its IPO is delayed until early 2027.
Adidas sues White Fox for selling clothes with "deceptively similar" four-striped design
Adidas is suing Australian label White Fox, owned by Georgia and Daniel Contos and Melina Maceri, for selling clothes with a four-striped design. The lawsuit, starting Friday in Federal Court, claims the designs are "deceptively similar" to Adidas's trademarked three stripes. Adidas seeks damages from White Fox, which reported AU$542m revenue in June 2025 after expanding into the UK in 2024.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising via Condé Nast
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information use. Users must toggle the "Allow Targeted Advertising" switch or contact condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Arena raises $200 million in Series B at $3.1 billion valuation
Arena, a UC Berkeley research project from 2023, raised $200 million in a Series B round at a $3.1 billion valuation on Thursday. Led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Khosla Ventures, the funding followed reaching $100 million annualized run-rate revenue in June. The platform provides crowdsourced rankings and its commercial product, AI Evaluations, offers performance analytics to labs and enterprises.
US Office of Government Ethics filing details 517 transactions by Trump
The US Office of Government Ethics published an 18-page filing detailing 517 transactions by Trump. He purchased Meta stock valued between $5 million and $25 million, Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, Tesla shares worth no less than $51,000, and stakes in Comcast, Netflix, Abbott Laboratories, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron. He also bought SpaceX notes on August 18 maturing July 2031.
Protesters camp in Madrid as rental prices rise up to 150%
Protesters like Pierina Nicuray and Jorge Moreno camped in Madrid's Puerta del Sol to protest Spain's housing crisis. Following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, Prime Minister Pedro Sánche proposed reforms rejected by Congress. While Idealista reports rental rises up to 150%, Jorge Galindo and the Bank of Spain attribute costs to supply shortages, not vulture funds.
Hindustan Copper plans ₹7,000 crore expansion as copper prices stay above $14,000-per-tonne
Anupam Misra, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Copper, told The Hindu that copper prices will stay above $14,000-per-tonne due to a 5 million tonne demand-supply gap. The company plans a ₹7,000 crore expansion to reach 12.2 million tonnes per annum by 2030. They are also pursuing four copper blocks in Chile via a potential joint venture to diversify risk.
President Droupadi Murmu expected at National Saras Aajeevika Mela with 600 stalls
NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha, Society For Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) CEO Vakati Karuna, National Rural Livelihoods Mission(NRLM) Director Molishree, and Joint Collector S. Ilakkiya reviewed arrangements on October 8 for simultaneous events in Vijayawada. From October 13 to 31, the National Saras Aajeevika Mela will feature 600 stalls at Punnami Ghat. President Droupadi Murmu is expected to attend.
Palm Valley School for sale for $14 million after filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy
The 36-acre Palm Valley School campus in Rancho Mirage is for sale for $14 million after the 74-year-old institution filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June. The property features 53 classrooms and various sports facilities. Despite a May announcement regarding a financial gift, the school closed abruptly. Teacher Shaymi Ristaino stated the board lied about financial problems to families.
Rice prices may reach ₹100 a kg as 50% of Tiruppur mills shut
Palaniswamy, president of the Kangayam Rice Millers Association, warned that rice prices may reach ₹100 a kg by end of January, 2027. Currently ₹75 a kg, costs rose as paddy prices jumped from ₹24 to ₹42 for KNM and ₹29 to ₹46.20 for Amman Ponni. In Tiruppur district, 50% of mills are non-operational due to poor monsoon harvests.
Haaland urges Manchester City to "stick together" after 100+ financial breach charges
Erling Haaland told Sky Sports that Manchester City must "stick together" after an independent commission found the club guilty of more than 100 charges for financial breaches between 2009-2018. Facing potential relegation, points deductions, and fines, the club will face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The 26-year-old striker remains committed to the club despite links to a move away.
54% of forum participants plan increasing U.S. investments despite Asia's stability appeal
Christian Nolting, Deutsche Bank Global Chief Investment Officer, surveyed the Emerging Markets Family Office Forum 2026 in Singapore with around 200 participants. Polls showed 37% cited rates/yields as risks, while 73% favored Asia for stability. However, 54% planned increasing U.S. investments and 30% planned increasing Asian allocations. Deutsche Bank private bank had assets under management of 732 billion euros ($819.77 billion) as of June 30.
Alliance Witan Plc sells 16.11 lakh shares in Rs 9,437 crore block deal
Alliance Witan Plc sold 16.11 lakh shares worth about Rs 41 crore, contributing to a block deal value of nearly Rs 9,437 crore. Fidelity Advisor Overseas Fund bought 13.4 crore shares for about Rs 3,448 crore. Other buyers included ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, and Nippon India Mutual Fund. HDFC Securities maintained an “Add” rating with a Rs 300 target price.
Foreign investors are withdrawing from Indian stocks
Foreign investors are withdrawing from Indian stocks, pushing the Nifty 50 toward its worst year in 15 years. Despite monsoon and Middle East conflict concerns, J.P.Morgan analysts led by Rajiv Batra forecast a 20% net profit rise for firms. Motilal Oswal predicts a 27% increase, while PhillipCapital expects 13%. Tata Consultancy Services begins the earnings season this Friday.
TechCrunch to host Founder Summit 2026 in Boston with events by 12 partners
TechCrunch will host the TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 in Boston from November 3–6. Side events include a breakfast by PrincipiumX, an TBD Angels mixer, and sessions by Prepare 4 VC, Startup Grind Boston, Harmonic Finance, Fidelity Investments, Baker Tilly, Massachusetts AI Coalition, PTC for Startups, Hyperplane VC, Deel, Northeastern University Co-Op, and South Asian Collective.
