The first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting concluded in New Delhi on October 13 with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, establishing a new political framework for regional security cooperation among seven member countries. The declaration calls for stronger action against terrorism, violent extremism, terrorist financing, human trafficking, narcotics and transnational organised crime. It also emphasises…
India’s proposed merchant discount rate framework for selected UPI transactions has been postponed until after Diwali, according to an Economic Times report published on October 13. The framework had been scheduled to take effect on October 15 and proposed a 0.4% merchant fee on eligible bank-account-funded payments above ₹2,000, capped at ₹300 per transaction. The…
India and the United States are reporting progress in negotiations over a bilateral trade agreement, with US Ambassador Sergio Gor saying the discussions are advancing at an “incredible pace.” Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Gor said major components of the agreement had been finalised and remaining details were being worked out. His comments…
The Reserve Bank of India has intensified efforts to stabilise the rupee amid currency pressure, capital outflows and inflation concerns. According to a Reuters report published on October 16, the central bank has raised policy rates, tightened liquidity conditions and deployed foreign-exchange measures to manage market volatility. The rupee has depreciated by approximately 6% this…
India’s merchandise exports rose 23% year-on-year to $44.4 billion in September 2026, supported by stronger shipments of electronics, petroleum products, chemicals and engineering goods. Imports increased more slowly, while a sharp decline in gold imports helped narrow the merchandise trade deficit to approximately $30.21 billion. The figures provide a positive signal for India’s export sector,…
Rockstar Games has released the official launch trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, offering another look at Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos ahead of the game’s scheduled November 19 release. The trailer, published on October 15, arrives alongside a major Bloomberg Businessweek investigation by journalist Jason Schreier into the game’s development. Based on interviews with…
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become an essential part of everyday life, allowing millions of people to make instant digital payments at shops, restaurants, supermarkets and online platforms. However, a proposed change to UPI merchant transaction charges has attracted considerable attention across the country. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has now postponed…
Formula 1 is preparing for one of the most significant chapters in its modern history. On October 13, 2026, the championship officially announced its return to Africa through a new 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix in Rwanda, while FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that the return of V8 engines is targeted…
In a significant development for government job aspirants in Maharashtra, the state government has formed a committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) recruitment system and recommend reforms. Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed as the secretary of the committee, following days of protests by aspirants in Pune…
India is approaching a historic milestone that could redefine its position in the world. As the country moves towards the centenary of its independence in 2047, the vision of transforming India into a developed nation has become a major national aspiration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed an ambitious vision for India’s future, stating that…
