India

The Finance Ministry clarified in Parliament that there are currently no proposals for the merger of any public sector banks. This statement comes amid market speculation regarding potential consolidation in the banking sector to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen balance sheets. Officials emphasized that while mergers have been considered in the past as part of banking reforms, no formal decisions or announcements are under consideration at this time.

Lodha Group, one of India’s leading real estate developers, has unveiled plans to launch housing projects worth Rs 14,000 crore in FY26, signaling strong growth in the residential property segment. The ambitious expansion includes premium, mid-segment, and affordable housing projects across key urban centers. Analysts view this as a strategic move to capitalize on rising urban demand, government housing initiatives, and favorable credit conditions. Lodha’s FY26 project pipeline underscores its commitment to market leadership, portfolio diversification, and customer-centric offerings.

India’s luxury wedding destination market is experiencing a significant upswing as affluent families increasingly seek exclusive venues, bespoke experiences, and high-end hospitality for multi-day celebrations. Prestigious palaces, heritage resorts, and scenic coastal properties are witnessing record bookings, driven by rising disposable incomes, globalized tastes, and the growing influence of social media. Industry estimates indicate that destination weddings now contribute a substantial share to the country’s Rs. 5 lakh crore wedding ecosystem.

The government has announced the release date for India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data for October, providing crucial insights into the performance of manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors. Investors and policymakers are closely watching the data to assess industrial momentum, sectoral growth, and broader economic health amid mixed global and domestic signals. Industrial output trends directly influence macroeconomic assessments, corporate earnings expectations, and monetary policy outlook.

Swiggy, India’s leading food delivery platform, is witnessing rapid growth through its innovative “Swiggy Bolt” service, promising deliveries in just 10 minutes. This accelerated model leverages hyperlocal logistics, AI-powered route optimization, and a network of strategically positioned cloud kitchens to meet consumer demand for instant gratification. The service aims to transform urban food consumption patterns while enhancing operational efficiency and customer retention.

In the wake of a crushing defeat to South Africa, India’s Test selectors appear to be rethinking their batting strategy. Amid calls for stability and experience, domestic run-machines such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar are reportedly back under serious consideration for red-ball duties. Their resurgence comes as the team grapples with a shaky top and middle order, injuries, and unsatisfactory performances.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has emphasized the critical role of alternative fuels in addressing India’s escalating air pollution crisis. Highlighting the environmental and public health benefits, Gadkari urged stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy sources, including biofuels, ethanol, and electric mobility solutions. He stressed that transitioning from conventional fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives is essential for reducing vehicular emissions and achieving India’s climate targets.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for the acquisition of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC), marking a significant development in India’s asset management sector. This clearance facilitates strategic consolidation, enabling enhanced scale, operational efficiency, and competitive positioning in a rapidly evolving market. The deal is expected to strengthen the acquiring entity’s portfolio, deepen market penetration, and leverage ICICI Prudential AMC’s established distribution networks and fund management expertise.

Small tea growers across India are advocating for a unified national policy to address the challenges they face, ranging from fluctuating prices and high production costs to limited access to technology and credit. These growers, who contribute significantly to India’s tea output, argue that a formal policy would ensure minimum support prices, enhance quality standards, and strengthen marketing and export channels.

Wealth Company Mutual Fund has announced the launch of a new specialized investment fund, targeting high-net-worth individuals and retail investors seeking tailored portfolio solutions. The fund aims to combine strategic asset allocation, risk-adjusted returns, and sector-focused opportunities to deliver consistent long-term growth. This launch reflects the growing demand for customized investment vehicles in India’s expanding mutual fund landscape, driven by investor sophistication and an appetite for diversified wealth creation.