QUICKREADS

Infosys narrows annual revenue guidance after 5.2% decline in Q2, profit up 6.4%

Infosys Ltd. has revised its annual revenue growth forecast to 2-3% after a 5.2% decline in Q2 revenue, totaling Rs 44,490 crore. Despite the dip, net profit rose 6.4% to Rs 7,364 crore. The company remains optimistic about future growth amid potential challenges in IT spending and H-1B visa policy changes.

Coca-Cola said to plan $1-billion India IPO for bottler Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages

Coca-Cola is exploring a potential $1 billion IPO for its Indian bottler, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt., at an estimated valuation of $10 billion. Meetings with bankers have taken place, but no formal hiring has occurred yet. If successful, the IPO could launch next year, joining a trend of global firms entering India's thriving IPO market amidst rising competition.

Smart Investing: How bond laddering can build predictable income for everyday Indians

Bond laddering is gaining popularity among Indian investors as a strategy for steady income and predictable returns. By investing in multiple bonds with varying maturities, investors can manage interest rate risks and ensure liquidity. This approach is accessible through online platforms, making it suitable for retirees, homemakers, and freelancers seeking consistent cash flow and diversified investments.

Stock Market Holidays 2025: Muhurat Trading on Diwali and the day after

In 2025, the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange will observe 14 official holidays, with significant events during Diwali. Muhurat Trading on October 21 marks the Hindu New Year, followed by a market holiday on October 22. Investors should plan trades ahead of this two-day pause, as Muhurat Trading is ceremonial and typically sees positive sentiment.

Sensex tops 84,000, Nifty 50 at one-year high ahead of Muhurat Trading on Diwali

The BSE Sensex surpassed 84,000 and the NSE Nifty 50 hit a one-year high ahead of Diwali's Muhurat Trading. Despite initial declines, both indices rose with gains in ten sectors. However, the Nifty IT index fell 1.3%. Analysts suggest strong quarterly results from major banks could sustain market momentum. Asian Paints led gains, while Zee Entertainment saw a profit drop.

IRCTC website goes down amid Diwali rush for train ticket booking

The IRCTC website is experiencing outages, affecting thousands of users attempting to book train tickets for the Diwali and Chhath Puja holidays. Complaints have surged as the server is temporarily unavailable due to high service requests, particularly for Tatkal ticket bookings that opened on Friday. This is a developing story.

Dhanteras, Diwali demand pushes gold price premiums to highest in more than a decade

Gold prices in India have surged to a record high of Rs 1,31,699 per 10 gm, leading to premiums rising to over Rs 782 per 10 gm, the highest in over a decade. Despite weak jewelry demand, investor interest is growing ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali, prompting increased gold smuggling due to supply shortages.

Peyush Bansal nears billion-dollar net worth with upcoming Lenskart IPO

Peyush Bansal's net worth could reach $1 billion with Lenskart's upcoming IPO, targeting a valuation of $9 billion. The eyewear retailer, which made its first full-year profit this year, plans to utilize IPO proceeds for expansion and technology investments. Lenskart's success reflects a rebound in investor interest in Indian startups after a challenging period.

Gold, silver prices hit records on US credit fears and ‘US-China trade war’

Gold and silver prices surged to record highs amid concerns over US credit quality and escalating US-China trade tensions. Gold reached $4,379.93 an ounce, while silver exceeded its 1980 peak, hitting $54.3775. The demand for safe-haven assets is supported by expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts, with gold up 65% and silver up 87% this year.

Five smart ways to buy gold this Dhanteras, even at record-high prices

As Diwali and Dhanteras approach, gold buying is popular in India despite record high prices. Investors are advised to approach gold strategically, considering options like physical gold, sovereign gold bonds, Gold ETFs, and digital gold. Key tips include avoiding high making charges, ensuring purity, and diversifying investments. Smart purchasing can balance tradition with financial prudence.

AGI isn’t coming, it is already here: Google’s Blaise Aguera y Arcas

Blaise Agüera y Arcas, Google’s AI CTO, claims we already have Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) due to advancements in unsupervised learning. He argues that the transition to AGI has been gradual, without a clear defining moment. Agüera y Arcas emphasizes the importance of responsible AI innovation and suggests future models will learn more efficiently through in-context learning, moving away from the era of brute-force scaling.

Balanced Advantage Funds: How to Find the Sweet Spot in Market Cycles

Between 2020 and 2024, Indian equities surged, with the Nifty 500 more than doubling. However, a phase of moderation is beginning, prompting investors to consider Balanced Advantage Funds (BAFs). BAFs adjust equity and bond exposure based on market conditions, offering lower risk and steadier returns. They help investors remain committed without facing significant losses during market fluctuations.

Zepto gets $450-million funding in run-up to a likely IPO next year

Zepto Pvt. Ltd. has secured $450 million in funding, boosting its valuation to $7 billion as it prepares for a potential IPO next year. The investment comes amid competition with Swiggy's Instamart and Blinkit. CEO Aadit Palicha highlighted the company's strong cash position, while Zepto aims for profitability before going public, pushing back its IPO plans to 2026.

India’s growth story under PM Modi rests on three strong pillars: Piyush Goyal

India's growth, under PM Modi, is anchored in strong macroeconomic fundamentals, modern infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. With low inflation, robust GDP growth, and $700 billion in foreign exchange reserves, India is positioned for ambitious targets. The government focuses on structural reforms and inclusive development, aiming for a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047.

Swiggy Instamart to deliver 1 gm gold to 1 kg silver on Dhanteras

On Dhanteras, Swiggy Instamart will deliver gold and silver within 10-15 minutes, partnering with Kalyan Jewellers and others. Customers can order gold coins from 1 gm to 10 gm and up to 1 kg of silver. The first 10,000 gold purchases get a Rs 100 discount. Delivery is available in major metro cities between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.