Top 20 India & World Business News Stories
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Here are 20 major India and global business, economy, corporate and market stories in focus today. Since Indian markets were closed for the weekend, several of the market-related developments below refer to Friday’s trading session and the latest corporate announcements.
🇮🇳 India Business News
1. Jio Platforms IPO Becomes India’s Biggest-Ever Public Issue
Reliance Industries’ Jio Platforms has completed a landmark ₹30,213-crore IPO, surpassing Hyundai Motor India’s 2024 issue to become India’s largest-ever public offering. The issue attracted extraordinary demand, with institutional investors and retail investors participating heavily.
2. Jio IPO Sets Global Record for Applications
Jio Platforms’ IPO crossed another milestone by receiving more than 1 crore applications, reportedly making it the first issue globally to reach that level. The strong demand came despite volatility in Indian equities and concerns over elevated oil prices.
3. Indian Stock Markets End Four-Day Losing Streak on Friday? — Actually, Selling Pressure Persists
Indian equities remained under pressure through Friday, with the Sensex and Nifty affected by rising crude prices and foreign investor selling. The market’s weakness has erased substantial investor wealth over recent sessions.
4. Rising Oil Prices Become Major Threat to Indian Economy
Crude prices have climbed sharply amid continuing geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. For India, which imports most of its crude oil, prolonged high prices could increase inflation, widen the trade deficit and put pressure on corporate margins.
5. India’s Private-Sector Growth Hits Four-Month High
India’s private-sector business activity accelerated in October, with the flash PMI indicating the strongest expansion in four months. Services remained the principal growth engine while manufacturing also recorded strong activity.
6. RBI Warns of Rising Inflation Risks
The Reserve Bank of India has highlighted inflation risks arising from the West Asia conflict, higher energy costs and El Niño-related disruptions. At the same time, the central bank’s latest assessment continues to describe the Indian economy as relatively resilient.
7. IDFC First Bank Reports Strong Q2 Profit Growth
IDFC FIRST Bank reported a 196.5% year-on-year jump in profit after tax to ₹1,045 crore for the September quarter. The result comes as Indian banks continue reporting their second-quarter financial performance.
8. Kotak Mahindra Bank Q2 Profit Rises 27%
Kotak Mahindra Bank reported consolidated net profit of approximately ₹5,645 crore, representing a 26.7% year-on-year increase. The result highlights continued earnings momentum among major private-sector lenders.
9. Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles Reports ₹1,257 Crore Profit
Tata Motors’ commercial-vehicle business reported a September-quarter profit of about ₹1,257 crore, with revenue rising 36%. The company also said its planned Iveco acquisition remains on track.
10. JSW Steel Profit Jumps 225%
JSW Steel reported September-quarter net profit of ₹5,279 crore, up 225.3% year-on-year. Higher volumes and realisations supported the strong performance, while the board also approved additional investment in steelmaking and mining projects.
11. Infosys Reports Higher Q2 Profit but Cuts Guidance
Infosys reported a September-quarter net profit of around ₹7,823–7,838 crore, up about 6% year-on-year. However, the IT major reduced its guidance amid continuing concerns about demand conditions.
12. Indian Companies Secure More Than ₹11,000 Crore in New Orders
Welspun Corp, Kalpataru Projects, Bharat Electronics, Larsen & Toubro and Transrail Lighting collectively secured more than ₹11,000 crore in new orders across infrastructure, defence, energy and power transmission. The contracts strengthen the companies’ FY27 order pipelines.
13. India and Russia Target $100 Billion Bilateral Trade by 2030
India and Russia are targeting bilateral trade of $100 billion by 2030, with both sides looking to expand cooperation beyond traditional energy and defence areas. Technology, manufacturing and investment are increasingly part of the economic relationship.
14. India-Poland Economic Partnership Gains Momentum
India and Poland are seeking deeper economic cooperation, including joint ventures in technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing and other strategic sectors. The two countries are also discussing a substantial increase in bilateral trade.
15. Semiconductor Investment Proposals Cross ₹1.64 Lakh Crore
India’s semiconductor ecosystem continues to attract major investment, with projects worth more than ₹1.64 lakh crore announced or under development. Gujarat remains a major hub, while other states are attempting to attract chip-related manufacturing and technology investments.
🌎 World Business News
16. Oil Prices Approach Six-Month Highs
Global crude prices have moved sharply higher, with Brent approaching or moving above the $115-per-barrel level amid supply disruptions and renewed attacks affecting energy infrastructure. The rise is becoming a major concern for inflation and global growth.
17. Wall Street Ends Lower as Oil Shock and AI Concerns Weigh
US stocks finished lower on Friday, October 23. The S&P 500 fell about 0.5%, the Dow declined 1.2% and the Nasdaq slipped 0.2%, while Brent crude climbed to about $116.72 a barrel.
18. Global Investors Reassess the AI Investment Boom
Concerns about the enormous capital spending required for artificial intelligence are increasingly affecting technology shares. Recent earnings reports have revived questions over whether the expected returns from AI investment will justify current valuations and spending levels.
19. IMF Warns of AI, Debt and War Risks to Global Economy
The IMF has warned that the world economy faces a combination of risks from heavy government borrowing, geopolitical conflicts and a possible correction in AI-related markets. The institution has urged governments to strengthen fiscal positions and prepare for potential financial instability.
20. China’s Economic Influence and Trade Tensions Remain Key Global Business Issues
China remains central to global economic discussions as governments assess trade imbalances, supply chains, technology competition and industrial policy. At the same time, European and US businesses continue to navigate uncertainty surrounding Chinese exports and international trade rules.
📌 Biggest Business Themes Today
Jio’s record IPO • rising crude oil • Indian market volatility • strong Indian bank earnings • IT-sector demand concerns • semiconductor investment • India-Russia trade • India-Poland economic ties • global AI investment concerns • inflation and geopolitical risks.
