India

India’s foreign exchange reserves have fallen below the $700 billion mark, reflecting a combination of global market volatility, dollar strength, and external capital outflows. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data indicates that reserves now stand at approximately $698 billion, marking a notable decline from previous highs. Analysts attribute the decrease to interventions to stabilize the rupee, external debt repayments, and fluctuations in global oil and commodity prices.

BMW India recorded a robust 21% increase in its Q3 sales, reflecting strong consumer sentiment during the festive season. The luxury automaker sold a total of 5,412 units in the quarter, compared to 4,476 units in the same period last year. BMW attributes the growth to heightened demand for its new models, attractive festive offers, and expanding dealership reach. The performance underscores the resilience of the premium car segment in India, driven by aspirational buyers and improved financing options.

Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) has been awarded a significant infrastructure contract by Hindalco Industries, valued at Rs 204 crore. The project underscores HCC’s continued leadership in large-scale industrial construction and its strategic focus on the metals and mining sector. The contract encompasses comprehensive civil and structural work, with completion timelines aligned to Hindalco’s expansion plans. Analysts note that this award will strengthen HCC’s order book, bolster revenue visibility, and enhance its positioning in high-value industrial projects.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned the Managing Director of Muthoot Group in connection with an ongoing financial fraud investigation. The probe reportedly revolves around allegations of irregularities in loan disbursements and financial transactions under the group’s operations. The ED’s inquiry forms part of a broader crackdown on corporate financial misconduct, aiming to identify culpable individuals and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.

India and Canada are actively exploring a strategic cooperation framework aimed at deepening diplomatic, economic, and technological partnerships. The initiative seeks to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration across sectors including renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and education. Officials from both nations are engaged in discussions to outline mechanisms for joint initiatives, policy alignment, and sustainable economic growth.

Karwa Chauth 2025, falling on Thursday, October 16, is a culturally and spiritually significant festival celebrated by married women for the well-being and longevity of their spouses. Observing the day with devotion requires attention to key rituals, timely preparation, and adherence to traditional practices. From the pre-dawn sargi to evening moon-sighting ceremonies, each ritual carries symbolic and spiritual importance. Missing any of these can diminish the intended blessings of the day.

Indian equity markets experienced a notable uptick on October 8, 2025, driven by renewed investor interest in the Information Technology (IT) sector and a resurgence in Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) inflows. The Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex indices advanced by 0.23% and 0.29%, respectively, marking the fifth consecutive day of gains. This positive momentum was fueled by strong performances in IT stocks and a shift in FII sentiment, with net purchases of Rs 1,440.66 crore.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, beginning his maiden visit to India since taking office. The visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, innovation, and investment ties, comes after the successful signing of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Starmer is leading a high-profile delegation of business leaders, academics, and policymakers to deepen cooperation in technology, finance, and education.

Imarticus Learning, one of India’s leading professional education firms, has launched the Imarticus School of Finance and Business (ISFB) to reshape the future of finance and management education. Backed by a Rs. 25 crore venture fund in partnership with BLinC Invest, the institution aims to bridge the widening gap between academic knowledge and real-world business demands.

India and the European Union (EU) are intensifying efforts to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal is scheduled to visit Brussels this week to meet European Commission Director General for Trade Sabine Weyand. This visit aims to address remaining issues and expedite the negotiation process. The 14th round of FTA talks commenced on October 6, 2025, focusing on key areas such as market access, intellectual property rights, and sustainability. Both parties are optimistic about concluding the agreement within the set timeframe.