AI startup Anthropic is reportedly planning to launch its IPO during the week of November 9, 2026. The company is aiming for a valuation that could match or exceed SpaceX's recent listing. Its regulatory filings reveal significant revenue growth alongside substantial losses, while explicitly highlighting potential existential risks associated with the development of advanced artificial intelligence technologies.

Shares of retail companies faced significant pressure on the stock market this Monday following the release of September quarter business updates. V2 Retail stock plummeted by 19 percent in intraday trading, while Avenue Supermarts (DMart) saw its share price slip by 4 percent, trading near its 52-week low as market sentiment toward the retail sector remained dampened.

Kris Jenner has relisted her famous Hidden Hills mansion, known for its appearances on the Kardashian-Jenner family's reality shows, for $11.25 million. The property was put back on the market just one week after being withdrawn, featuring a $2 million price reduction from the previous asking price. The move aims to attract new buyers for the luxury residence.

AceVector, the parent company of e-commerce platform Snapdeal, has debuted on the BSE at an 11.6% discount. The firm has allocated ₹132 crore from its fresh issue proceeds for marketing and business promotion, while ₹50 crore has been earmarked for upgrading its technology infrastructure as part of its growth and operational expansion plans in the highly competitive Indian e-commerce market.

Global capital availability is becoming increasingly expensive, posing a significant challenge for policymakers and corporations worldwide. Investors are now demanding higher returns on sovereign debt instruments, which are typically considered risk-free. As global bond yields rise, Indian government security yields have also seen an impact, highlighting a shift in the global economic landscape where easy money is no longer guaranteed.

The International Monetary Fund has reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka regarding the seventh review of its Extended Fund Facility. This deal will unlock approximately $345 million in financing for the nation. The funds are part of a $2.9 billion program aimed at supporting the country's recovery from its 2022 economic crisis and bolstering foreign reserves.

Japanese companies operating in China have dropped to a record low of 10,118 as of June 2026. Data from Teikoku Databank shows over 4,000 firms fully withdrew in the last two years. Many businesses are shifting focus to the U.S. market, citing a slowing Chinese economy, diplomatic tensions, and concerns that their employees in China feel increasingly unsafe.

NFL star Patrick Mahomes is set to see returns on his $100 million investment as the company he backed plans a major expansion. The athlete continues to build his off-field business empire beyond his $450 million contract, balancing his sports career with strategic investments in various sectors including restaurant chains and team ownership stakes.

IIM Sambalpur celebrated its 12th Foundation Day, announcing that nine of its incubated startups received a total of Rs 40 lakh in seed funding, with each startup getting Rs 5 lakh. The institute currently hosts 35 incubated startups. Additionally, 26 top-performing students were awarded Rs 1 lakh each, as the institute expands its academic and entrepreneurial reach in Sambalpur.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) has raised Rs 3,500 crore through 15-year rupee-denominated non-convertible debentures. The funds will be used to refinance its $522.6 million dollar notes due in October 2026. India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd emerged as the largest investor, contributing Rs 1,426 crore, followed by participation from major banks like HDFC, ICICI, and IDFC First Bank.

NetApp CEO George Kurian stated that India is the company's fastest-growing market in Asia. Revenue growth is primarily driven by the BFSI, manufacturing, and public sectors. The company’s Bengaluru-based global capability centre, employing 4,000 engineers, is its largest worldwide. NetApp is also expanding its portfolio with new solutions in agentic AI, hybrid multi-cloud operations, and SAP cloud infrastructure.

OPEC+ has decided to keep its current oil production targets unchanged for the month of November. The agreement was reached following a meeting on Sunday, as the group continues to monitor global market stability amidst supply concerns stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict. The decision reflects the organization's cautious approach to managing output levels in a volatile geopolitical environment.

Jessica Lancaster and Charlotte Stagg successfully scaled their business to over £17 million in revenue using Instagram. The entrepreneurs achieved this growth after a planned £30,000 deal collapsed. Starting with an initial investment of just £2,000, the duo turned their venture into a thriving commercial success by leveraging social media platforms for direct customer engagement and brand development.

Streaming platforms in India are increasingly gamifying finance, with shows like 'Shark Tank India' and 'India's Future Investors' using investment, valuations, and risk as core entertainment elements. Supported by government initiatives, this 'money-entertainment' category leverages growing retail participation in capital markets. Producers aim to make financial decision-making as engaging as dramatic cliffhangers for a massive digital-savvy audience.

Lithium-ion battery distribution startup Pointo is planning to raise between ₹70 crore and ₹100 crore. The capital will be utilized to scale its EV battery circular ecosystem, enhance refurbishment capacity, and expand its distribution network. The company aims to strengthen its presence across key sectors, including e-autos, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and the second-life battery market segment.

IIT Indore's DRISHTI CPS Foundation has signed a partnership with IFCI Venture to bridge the gap between startups and financial resources. The collaboration aims to connect eligible startups with specialized funding schemes, venture capital investors, and professional support for commercialization, helping early-stage entrepreneurs accelerate their business growth and navigate the challenges of scaling operations in the current market.

Jio Platforms is reportedly planning an initial public offering (IPO) expected by the end of October. The company is aiming for an issue size of approximately $3.8 billion, with an estimated valuation between $143 billion and $146 billion. This move marks a significant step for the digital services giant in the public market as it looks to capitalize on its massive user base.

Golf icon Jack Nicklaus has successfully leveraged his sporting legacy to build a $400 million business empire. Beyond his professional golf career, Nicklaus expanded his wealth through various ventures including high-end golf course design, lucrative endorsement deals, branded consumer products, and significant real estate investments, establishing himself as one of the most successful athlete-turned-businessmen globally.

B2B commerce and finance platform OfBusiness plans to launch an IPO worth $600-800 million, targeting a listing between March and April next year. The company, founded by Asish Mohapatra and Ruchi Kalra, expects to file its draft papers in November. The IPO valuation is estimated to be between $4.4 billion and $5 billion, following an FY26 revenue of ₹20,000 crore.

Venture capital inflow into Indian startups remains strong, fueled by mega-rounds in Physical AI, EV manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. The momentum is supported by active early-stage funds and non-convertible debt issuances. Notably, agricultural machinery firm Balwaan Krishi raised Rs 100 crore from First Bridge India Growth Fund and other institutional investors to boost its growth and operations.

New-age tech stocks faced further pressure this week, with Turtlemint shares slumping another 20%. In recent corporate movements, BlackBuck invested Rs 22 crore in its subsidiary TZF Logistics Solutions for expansion and licensing requirements. Additionally, LEAP India incorporated two new subsidiaries, Vimprotech and Total International Packaging Solutions, with initial investments of Rs 4.03 crore and Rs 1.65 crore respectively.

Venus Williams has successfully expanded her career beyond tennis, establishing a diverse business empire. Through her lifestyle brand Eleven, strategic investments, high-profile endorsements, and ventures in architecture and entrepreneurship, she has cemented her status as a businesswoman. Her journey demonstrates how professional athletes can leverage their personal brand to build long-term, multi-industry commercial success and financial stability.

Indian startup Eloelo Group has launched Dolphin AI, an agentic AI studio platform designed for end-to-end video production. The tool allows creators to convert written scripts into multi-shot videos. It assists users throughout the content lifecycle, covering everything from initial planning and script creation to the final stages of video editing, streamlining the production process for digital content creators.

Four local councils in Lancashire, UK, have been awarded a share of a £222,000 government fund. This initiative, known as the Good Food Neighbourhood project, aims to improve access to healthy and affordable food for residents in these specific regions. The funding is intended to support local projects that address food insecurity and promote healthier eating habits within the communities.

Mumbai-based home appliance company EDT has secured $2.40 million (approximately ₹22.96 crore) in a Pre-Series A funding round. Founded by Naiyya Saggi and Vyasateja Rao, the company focuses on designing stylish, high-performance appliances. The investment saw participation from Alteria Capital, Shibam Das of Atomberg, and Ajith Pai, marking a significant step for the design-led tech firm.

A technology company owner in California has been arrested on charges of orchestrating a $300 million smuggling scheme. The accused allegedly exported restricted computer servers to China, violating export control laws. The case highlights ongoing US government crackdowns on the illegal transfer of sensitive technology and high-performance computing hardware to foreign entities, specifically those involving national security concerns.

Indian companies successfully raised Rs 2.43 trillion through various financial channels, yet the domestic stock market showed little movement in response. This phenomenon raises questions about the current state of corporate India and investor sentiment. The blog explores whether this stagnation reflects underlying concerns about valuations or a disconnect between corporate capital raising activities and broad stock market performance.

Nike is facing persistent market challenges as investor confidence tests CEO Elliott Hill's turnaround strategy. Appointed in October 2024 to lead a recovery, Hill is focusing on rebuilding retailer relationships and rejuvenating the brand’s sports product lineup. Despite these efforts, Nike continues to grapple with declining market value and earnings, leaving shareholders waiting for signs of a significant financial turnaround.

Vogue Business tracks significant investment and M&A activity across fashion, beauty, and tech. Key highlights include Anta Sports acquiring a 29% stake in Puma for $1.8 billion, Remedy securing Series A funding from L Catterton, and Reliance Retail acquiring Priyanka Chopra Jonas's haircare brand Anomaly. Other major moves involve The Estée Lauder Companies and L'Oréal investing in beauty brands.

Consumer and retail-focused businesses in sectors like home interiors, wellness, and tech raised over Rs 175 crore this week. Key deals included Gravity’s USD 15 million funding and EDT’s USD 2.4 million Pre-Series A round. Additionally, Arma Capital invested Rs 10 crore in EBG Group, while FIG Living secured undisclosed funding from entrepreneur Aman Gupta to expand its home and living platform.

SoftBank is set to earn Rs 88 crore through the upcoming initial public offering (IPO) of AceVector. The public issue has seen strong interest from individual investors, who are booking returns of up to 5.4 times. The IPO marks a significant liquidity event for major stakeholders while highlighting strong retail appetite for the company's debut in the Indian stock market.

Indian banks are actively acquiring stakes in artificial intelligence labs to secure a competitive edge in financial technology. By investing directly in AI development, these financial institutions aim to integrate cutting-edge automation, fraud detection, and personalized banking services into their core operations. This trend reflects the banking sector's strategic shift toward deep-tech adoption to improve efficiency and customer experience.

Alive App has successfully secured $1 million (approximately Rs 9.6 crore) in its latest seed funding round. The investment was led by Powerhouse Ventures and Flipkart Ventures. The capital is expected to bolster the startup's growth and operational capabilities, as it continues to expand its presence in the market. The deal was part of the startup funding activity for early October.

Brokerage firm Nuvama Research predicts significant growth for the media and entertainment sector in the third quarter of FY2026-27. The positive outlook is attributed to the late arrival of Diwali, which is expected to drive increased consumer spending, combined with a strong pipeline of major film releases that will likely enhance monetization across various entertainment platforms.

The media and entertainment sector has shifted into an 'attention economy' where consumer time is the most valuable commodity. With users prioritizing experiences over traditional formats, the industry must integrate diverse platforms and creators. This change forces businesses to adopt new frameworks to unify content distribution and maintain audience engagement in an increasingly crowded and fragmented market.

Indian startups raised $233.6 million across 16 deals between September 28 and October 2. Simple Energy led the funding with $180 million in Series C financing. Other notable deals included Seeds Fincap, Balwaan Krishi, and Arivihan. Additionally, WEH Ventures announced the first close of its third fund, while Peak XV's Surge launched its 12th cohort for 18 startups.

Bajaj Finance has received board approval to raise up to Rs 17,500 crore. The plan includes Rs 11,700 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) and Rs 5,800 crore via warrants issued to its promoter, Bajaj Finserv, through a preferential allotment. This move is part of the company's strategy to bolster its capital base for future growth and financial operations.

Ajay Sethi, Managing Partner at Baker Tilly ASA India, argues that India should leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to attract technology and boost domestic manufacturing rather than just increasing trade volumes. He emphasizes that the 'China-plus-one' strategy provides a significant opportunity for Indian SMEs to strengthen their role in sectors like aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing through global joint ventures.

Get Access, a platform for wealthy tech insiders, has raised $5 million at an $85 million valuation. It pools capital from individual investors to participate in late-stage private company deals, including Series B and beyond. The startup aims to democratize access to hot private firms, charging membership fees while taking a 10% profit share.

While Hyderabad has a robust number of startups, its deeptech ecosystem is currently facing a significant lag in securing venture funding. Despite the city's strong reputation in the technology space, stakeholders highlight that deeptech firms are finding it harder to attract the necessary capital compared to other sectors, indicating a disconnect between volume and investment flow in the region.

Indian startups specializing in robotics, agriculture, and medical technology recently showcased their solutions at the two-day Moscow Startup Summit. Hosted at SberCity and supported by Russia’s Sberbank, the event highlighted the growing high-tech partnership between India and Russia. The summit provided a platform for Indian firms to demonstrate their capabilities and explore international collaboration opportunities in emerging technologies.

San Francisco-based semiconductor startup Volantis has secured $88 million in venture capital to address the bottleneck between AI computing and memory chips. Using technology already common in iPhones, the startup aims to speed up AI coding tasks by next year. The funding round includes investments from industry veterans Naveen Rao and Anthropic researcher Sholto Douglas, among others.

Nike reported a 4% decline in first-quarter revenue to $11.2 billion, citing weakness in China and digital channels. The sportswear giant announced a new cost-cutting model named 'Pace', aiming for $2.5 billion in savings by 2031, which includes further job cuts. The company's stock has fallen nearly 50% since the end of 2025 as it struggles with competition.

As part of its global 'Pace' restructuring plan, Nike will open a new campus in Bengaluru starting in fiscal 2028. The move is designed to streamline operations and foster growth in India, even as the company implements widespread global layoffs and cost-cutting measures to combat declining sales and maintain profitability during its difficult turnaround phase.

Shares of sportswear giant Nike plummeted 8.5% as the company continues to grapple with a significant decline in its market capitalization and fading brand appeal. The stock rout follows broader market concerns regarding the company's competitive positioning and growth strategies in a changing consumer landscape, with investors questioning its ability to regain its previous market dominance.

Harish Varadharajan, an agritech founder, shared his experience after moving his business operations from Chennai to Bengaluru a year ago. In a viral LinkedIn post, he described the shift as one of his best professional decisions. His post has since sparked a debate on social media about the comparative startup ecosystems and operational advantages of India's major tech hubs.

India is set to invest $25 billion into its deep tech sector to compete with the US and China. The funding includes $11 billion from the government under the Research Development Infrastructure Fund, matched by private investors. This push aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and foster local innovation in fields like AI and space technology amid geopolitical tensions.

Indian startups showed resilience in Q3 2026, raising $2.2 Bn across 210 deals, a 5% YoY increase. Investment focus shifted towards AI, deeptech, spacetech, and advanced hardware. Government initiatives and new VC funds, such as Activate’s $105 Mn AI fund, are driving growth as the ecosystem continues to prioritize building deeper technology and real-world infrastructure for the future.

NBFC startup Seeds Fincap has secured $10.4 Mn (₹100 Cr) in a Series B funding round led by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. The funds will be used to scale the company's branch network and enhance risk-management systems. The startup, which provides small loans to underserved individuals, has disbursed approximately ₹620 Cr in the 2026 financial year.

Nasscom reports a rebound in IT fresher hiring in the June quarter with 19,000 recruits. Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based semiconductor startup Agrani Labs is in talks to raise Rs 800-850 crore from Samsung and Peak XV Partners. Separately, UPI transaction volumes saw a slight decline in September, reaching 24.07 billion, while Moneyview shares closed 67% above their IPO price.

CScale, a Silicon Valley startup, has raised $145 million in venture capital with backing from industry giants Nvidia and Intel. The company is developing advanced optical technology to replace copper links inside AI data-centre servers with fibre-optic connections. The firm intends to begin shipping its specialized networking chips by 2028 to improve data center efficiency.

The brand Lure has made its foray into India, marking its expansion into the local market. While the report focuses on the entry, it comes amid a period of significant economic activity including LPG price hikes for commercial cylinders and recent trade pacts affecting spirits pricing. The brand seeks to tap into the growing Indian consumer base.

Indian companies successfully raised a record $25 billion in equity during the first half of the fiscal year, defying broader market volatility. According to PRIME Database Group, fundraising jumped 75% year-on-year, with mainboard IPOs alone securing Rs 94,205 crore. Listing gains also improved significantly, increasing to 19% compared to 7% in the previous year's corresponding period.

US-based AI infrastructure company Accelevation is rewarding its employees with at least $100,000 (roughly Rs 96 lakh) each following its Nasdaq IPO. The payout, comprising cash, stock, and retirement contributions, will be distributed in five or six instalments over the next two years, linked to private-equity firm Olympus Partners selling its stake in the data centre-focused business.

Logistics technology startup QuikApp has secured seed funding from Vehra Ventures to scale its operations. The company plans to use the capital to expand its integrated logistics platform, which includes services like automated dispatch, security, tracking, and AI-powered route optimization across India, aiming to enhance overall efficiency in the logistics supply chain network.

Bengaluru-based semiconductor startup Agrani Labs is in negotiations to raise between Rs 800-850 crore. Investors including Samsung, 360 One Asset Management, and existing backer Peak XV Partners are participating in the round. Additionally, the firm plans to apply for Rs 120-130 crore under the government's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme to support its operations.

Flipkart reports a 60% growth in homegrown brands within Tier-II and Tier-III markets, with beauty and general merchandise segments expanding by nearly 50% year-on-year. Brands like Kapiva and Open Secret are leveraging Flipkart’s wide reach and quick commerce services to capture festive demand beyond metro cities, tapping into a growing base of aspirational shoppers in smaller towns.

Gravity, a platform specializing in home interiors materials, has successfully raised $15 million in a new funding round. The company plans to use these funds to scale its operations, enhance its digital infrastructure, and expand its footprint in the competitive Indian home decor market. This investment reflects continued investor interest in the home improvement and interior design technology sector.

India's vertical microdrama market generated ₹2,300 crore in 2026, reaching 40 million viewers. Industry forecasts predict revenues will surge to ₹25,500 crore by 2032. While currently driven by subscriptions, platforms are now focusing on ad-supported models to achieve profitability as production costs remain low, aided by AI tools that have cut baseline costs by 20-25%.

Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla has publicly criticized Factory.ai, a startup he invested in, calling it a 'struggling second-tier competitor.' The remarks follow a heated public dispute between Factory.ai and rival firm Cognition, involving accusations of corporate espionage. Khosla, who holds stakes in both companies, attacked the CEO of Factory.ai, Matan Grinberg, on social media amid the board advisor controversy.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that a trade agreement with India is not imminent. Following a constructive phone call between PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, Greer noted that both nations have identified specific sticking points. Experts suggest that final negotiations remain the most challenging phase as both countries work to resolve outstanding issues in the agreement.

Electric two-wheeler maker Simple Energy raised ₹1,750 crore in a Series C round led by the Dr. Arokiaswamy Velumani Family Office. Additionally, Seeds Fincap secured ₹100 crore, Zaperon raised ₹7 crore for AI security, and healthtech startup Aignosis closed a ₹4 crore seed round to scale its autism screening technology across various Indian states.

Armadin has secured $255.5 million in a Series B funding round, pushing its valuation past $2.5 billion. The round was co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel, with participation from Bain Capital Ventures and Redpoint. The company specializes in building defense systems against AI-driven cyberattacks, drawing significant attention from top-tier global venture capital firms.

The Indian stock market saw a major sell-off as the Sensex dropped nearly 1,000 points. The market capitalization of BSE-listed firms fell by Rs 10.32 lakh crore. The downturn was driven by heavy FII selling, rising US bond yields, and climbing crude oil prices. Auto stocks led the decline, while IT and private banks remained among the few sectors seeing small gains.

Cybersecurity startup Armadin raised $255.5 million in a Series B round, valuing the company at over $2.5 billion. Co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel, the total funding now stands at $445 million. Founded by Mandiant creator Kevin Mandia, Armadin uses AI agent swarms to simulate hacker behavior and identify system vulnerabilities for enterprise security.

Founder Pratham Jindal sparked a social media debate by claiming that employees who strictly clock out at 5 p.m. are unlikely to reach leadership roles in a startup environment. His comments have reignited discussions regarding the necessity of long working hours in early-stage companies versus maintaining a healthy work-life balance for the younger generation of professionals.

Kate Spade New York announced itself as the inaugural donor to The Irina Foundation during its fifth annual Global Summit on Women's Mental Health. Founded by the creators of the series 'Heated Rivalry', the foundation focuses on inclusivity and mental well-being for underserved and LGBTQIA2S+ communities through organized sports and arts programs.

Kuku, an IPO-bound firm, reported a massive six-fold increase in its FY26 revenue to Rs 1,484 crore, successfully turning profitable. The surge is attributed to the rapid scaling of its media platform, Kuku TV, as the company prepares for its initial public offering in the Indian market, reflecting strong user adoption and financial growth.

Fintech startup Seeds Fincap has successfully raised over ₹100 crore in its Series B funding round. The round was led by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. The startup plans to utilize the fresh capital to scale its lending technology capabilities, aiming to strengthen its presence in the financial services sector and improve its digital infrastructure for better service delivery.

Answer Engine Optimization startup Unveilr AI has raised pre-seed funding from Aviral Bhatnagar’s AJVC, achieving a valuation of ₹16.7 crore. The firm helps B2B and consumer brands boost lead generation via AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. The new capital will be used to scale the startup's engineering team and sales operations across India, the UAE, and the US.

Indian benchmark indices fell nearly 1%, marking their worst weekly losing streak in 25 years. The market decline is attributed to persistent foreign selling, high crude oil prices, a weakening rupee, and rising bond yields. Auto stocks underperformed significantly following disappointing sales data for September, though Nifty IT shares bucked the trend to record gains.

Dalal Street faced a massive rout as Sensex and Nifty extended their losing streak, marking the worst weekly performance in 25 years. The market crash wiped out approximately Rs 9 lakh crore in investor wealth. The sell-off was driven by global economic pressures, rising oil prices, and negative sentiment, leading to a sharp decline across major sectors on the Indian stock exchange.

Throne Sport Coffee, a brand favored by NFL star Patrick Mahomes, has successfully raised $18 million in total funding. The company plans to use this capital to expand its retail footprint significantly, aiming to reach 20,000 retail locations. Mahomes' long-term association with the brand has helped elevate its profile as it scales its operations in the competitive beverage market.

The government of Jersey has launched a new plan aimed at simplifying business operations and promoting the region's finance sector internationally. The initiative builds upon the 'Time to Win' report published in March, seeking to enhance Jersey's long-term economic competitiveness and provide a more favorable environment for financial institutions to operate and grow within the territory.

Twenty-five student-led startups from Gurugram-based Masters’ Union University secured soft funding commitments worth Rs 60.5 crore. Over 65 venture capital and angel investors participated in the pitch event. The ventures, spanning sectors like AI, satellite technology, and climate solutions, highlight a growing trend of students prioritizing entrepreneurship over traditional job placements, with 22% of the 2026 cohort choosing this path.

Silicon Valley startup CScale has raised $145 million in a funding round supported by Nvidia and Intel. The company is developing fiber-optic technology to connect AI chips, aiming to overcome the limitations of copper cables. With this latest round, CScale has raised $188 million in total and plans to begin shipping its chips by 2028 to support AI infrastructure.

Healthtech firm Aignosis has raised ₹4 crore in a seed round led by Antler and Nikhil Kamath. The startup, which uses AI-assisted technology for autism and developmental screening, plans to expand across India. Partnering with Mankind Pharma, the company aims to reach at least 100,000 screenings by the end of FY27, targeting multiple states for wider government-supported adoption.

AI search and Answer Engine Optimization startup Unveilr AI has secured ₹16.7 crore in pre-seed funding from AJVC. The company helps brands generate leads via AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. The newly raised capital will be utilized to bolster its engineering capacity and expand its sales team across India, the UAE, and the US to scale its AI agent operations.

Indian stock markets extended their decline for the fourth consecutive session on Thursday. The BSE Sensex closed 571 points lower, while the Nifty 50 finished at 22,422, down by 198 points. Sector-wise, Nifty Auto took a hit, falling 3%, while the Nifty IT index bucked the trend to close higher. Broader market indices, Midcap and Smallcap, also saw significant declines.

The Indian stock market witnessed a sharp decline on Thursday, with the Sensex tumbling 1,045 points and hitting a new 2026 low. Nifty also dropped 310 points during the session. Analysts attributed the crash to October rate hike fears, low liquidity, high oil prices, persistent FII selling, and an upcoming long weekend, with auto and metal stocks leading the losses.

In India, financial astrology is widely integrated into market behavior, with investors and brokers often aligning trading sessions with auspicious timings. The Bombay Stock Exchange even features images of the goddess Lakshmi. Business channels frequently host astrologers to predict market movements alongside professional fund managers, blending traditional cultural rituals with modern financial speculation during festivals like the upcoming Diwali.

President Donald Trump is set to hold a campaign rally in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma this Thursday. The visit marks a rare instance of a sitting U.S. president visiting a tribal nation. The tribe is renting the venue to the campaign but clarified that they are not sponsoring the event itself, citing the visit as an opportunity for engagement.

Indian startups raised $2.2 billion in Q3 2026, a 5% increase compared to the previous year. While total funding grew, deal volume and the number of active investors declined. AI, deeptech, and cleantech were the primary growth drivers, while Bengaluru solidified its position as the leading startup hub, accounting for 64% of the total funding raised during the quarter.

Key stocks to watch today include Reliance Industries, which raised ₹13,000 crore via bonds, and Blue Dart, which announced a 9-12% hike in shipment charges starting next year. IRFC faces a GST notice of ₹396.90 crore, while Cupid expects Q2 revenue to cross ₹200 crore. Additionally, IHCL opened a new Ginger hotel in Guwahati, impacting market sentiment for these firms.

A-One Steels made a strong market debut on the BSE, opening at ₹462, which is a 14.07% premium over its issue price of ₹405. Shares also showed significant gains on the NSE, listing at a 12.35% premium at ₹455. The positive listing reflects investor appetite for the steel manufacturer's primary market offering despite broader market volatility.

True Brit Entertainment, a U.K. theatrical film distributor founded by Zygi Kamasa, has filed for administration due to challenging market conditions. Despite critically acclaimed releases like 'The Death of Robin Hood', the company struggled at the box office. The venture, which launched in 2023 with support from Three Six Zero and Marv, will now undergo an assessment by an independent specialist.

Indian indices Sensex and Nifty are heading toward their worst nine-month performance in 15 years. Markets faced a major downturn, reminiscent of the 2011 period when indices fell significantly. The IT sector was the primary wealth destroyer this year, though healthcare, metals, and capital goods sectors outperformed the broader market trend despite significant volatility and global economic concerns.

Shares of aerospace and defence firm Aequs surged 5% to a record high of ₹286.05, marking a four-day winning streak. The rally follows the board's approval of a ₹650 crore equity infusion through warrants to the promoter group. The funds are earmarked for capacity expansion at their Hosur facility and general corporate purposes, boosting investor sentiment significantly.

Japanese music company Avex has acquired an 85% stake in management firm S10 Entertainment. Founder Brandon Silverstein will remain CEO of S10 and Avex Music Group while taking a broader role in the parent group's global strategy. Avex plans to take full ownership of S10 over time, further strengthening its international music business and investment portfolio in various global markets.

Bengaluru-based home interior materials platform Gravity has raised $15 million in a mix of equity and debt. The round was led by 3one4 Capital and Info Edge Ventures, with participation from Alteria Capital and other investors. Founded by former Livspace leaders, the startup aims to build infrastructure for India's interior materials ecosystem, focusing on kitchen and wardrobe segments.

Washington-based startup Ascerta, co-founded by Microsoft veterans, has raised $18 million in Series A funding led by Dell Technologies Capital. The company provides a platform that monitors AI impact within enterprises to measure ROI and optimize spending. With clients like Atos and Wipro, the startup aims to help businesses move AI initiatives from pilot programs to productive, scalable solutions.

State Bank of India (SBI) led the demand for Reliance Industries' 130-billion-rupee ($1.35 billion) 10-year debt sale, purchasing nearly 40% of the offering. The bonds are rated AAA and carry a 7.90% annual coupon. This move reflects a broader trend of Indian companies accelerating domestic borrowing to secure costs amidst shifting monetary policy expectations and rising inflation concerns.

Indore-based AI-powered edtech platform Arivihan raised $10 million in Series A funding. Meanwhile, design brand EDT secured $2.4 million to launch its beauty-tech venture SUKI, and Bengaluru-based Prodoc AI raised seed funding from the Dr A Velumani Family Office to develop its Patient Journey OS for hospital infrastructure integration.

Edtech startup Arivihan has successfully raised $10 million in a Series A round co-led by Accel and Prosus Ventures. The company, which provides an AI-powered tutoring platform, plans to use the funds to expand into new Indian states, bolster its vernacular language capabilities, and deepen its reach among students residing in Tier III cities and rural areas.