Business

Vehicles without functional FASTag will be charged twice the applicable user fee if paying in cash

Cheques deposited from October 4 will be cleared within a few hours on the same day under the RBI guidelines

Electronic Arts has been acquired by a Saudi PIF-led consortium, including Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, in a $55 billion deal, the second largest in gaming history. The move puts EA franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, and Mass Effect under uncertainty

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed draft rules to ease foreign currency borrowings for Indian companies. The framework expands eligible borrowers and lenders, links limits to financial strength, simplifies regulations, and allows market-determined interest rates for external commercial borrowings

US Senators have asked TCS to explain its US hiring practices, including H-1B recruitment, wage parity, and American layoffs. The company must respond by October 10 amid an ongoing EEOC investigation and growing scrutiny of H-1B visa practices

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Thar 2025 starting at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV gets refreshed design, smart technology upgrades, rear AC vents, new infotainment features, multiple engine-transmission options, and enhanced off-road capabilities, reaffirming its appeal as a lifestyle vehicle

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India has emerged as a stabilising force in the global economy, resilient against trade, energy, and financial shocks. Speaking at Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025, she warned of global uncertainties, shifting alliances, and structural transformations in world order

Company, however, refutes allegation; says only a limited number of employees have been affected at its Pune office

Given external headwinds that could complicate the path forward, it is appropriate to maintain patience now

Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the central bank is examining a proposal to allow lenders to remotely lock mobile phones bought on credit in case of default in EMI payments; rules out any charge on UPI transactions

The Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.5% for the second consecutive time, citing tariff uncertainties. Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted risks to growth despite easing retail inflation, which fell to a six-year low in August 

Trump's 100 per cent tariff on branded drugs challenges India's pharma exporters but opens doors for growth in generics and biosimilars

The Reserve Bank of India has eased norms for small business loans and working capital lending to jewellers, allowing banks to adjust spreads more frequently and expand credit access. Feedback on these measures is open until October 20

Chinese President Xi Jinping led top leaders in paying tribute to fallen heroes at Tiananmen Square ahead of National Day. The ceremony, held on Martyrs’ Day, included placing flower baskets at the Monument to the People’s Heroes

The government is monitoring e-commerce platforms to ensure GST rate cuts on daily essentials are passed to consumers. Authorities are tracking pricing of 54 items, including FMCG products and electronics, amid complaints of inadequate price reductions

Gold surged to a record Rs 1.17 lakh per 10 grams on the MCX, tracking global gains as investors sought safe-haven assets amid looming US government shutdown risks, fresh tariffs, and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Silver also hit lifetime highs

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh as part of a FEMA probe into Reliance Infrastructure over alleged illegal remittances abroad. The company, facing multiple financial investigations, has denied wrongdoing and cited a court-approved settlement on past exposures

The India-EFTA free trade pact, effective October 1, commits USD 100 billion investment over 15 years and promises one million jobs. It cuts duties on Swiss goods while boosting Indian services access in Europe through Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein

Gold surged to a record Rs 1,15,450 per 10 grams on Tuesday, on track for its strongest monthly gain since 2011. Safe-haven demand, US government shutdown fears, and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts fueled the yellow metal’s rally.

Washington’s 50% tariff move signals a shift—economic interests now trump ideological alignments in global trade

India is negotiating free trade agreements with the US, EU, and several other countries, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. Talks with the US aim to double trade to $500 billion by 2030, while the India-EFTA pact takes effect on October 1

Despite the global shift towards SUVs, hatchbacks will remain relevant in India’s auto market. FADA believes GST cuts and affordability will boost small car sales, while competition keeps the segment alive, even as SUVs dominate evolving consumer preferences

Apple’s iPhone 17 Air and 17 models are seeing record sales in India, driving a projected 28% year-on-year increase and reinforcing the brand’s momentum in the premium smartphone segment.

From building railroads in the 19th century to running Silicon Valley today, immigrants power America, but the H-1B visa fee hike may choke its economy