INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS REFORM
India’s ‘dear friend’ is back in power in Brazil, and a $30 billion trade opportunity is on the table
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, pledging to deepen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade rose 25% to $15.21 billion in 2025, with Lula setting a target of $30 billion.
Israel votes tomorrow: What’s at stake for India as Bibi faces tough fight
Israel's elections on October 27 will significantly affect the country's relationship with India. More than just political outcomes, defense and trade agreements will be critical in bilateral ties. India aims to maintain cooperation regardless of the election's outcomes or the new leadership in Israel. The balance between Israel and Iran remains essential for India's regional strategy and economic interests.
Serbian Elections: How a student protest born after a railway station canopy collapse ended right-wing Aleksandar Vučić’s 12-year grip on power
Serbia’s student-led movement has emerged victorious in the October 25, 2026, parliamentary election, dealing a major blow to Aleksandar Vučić’s 14-year political dominance. The movement began after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. Demands for accountability grew into nationwide anti-corruption protests before the students entered electoral politics. Vučić conceded defeat based on preliminary estimates, although official results were still awaited.
Traditional stockbroking firms must adapt to AI driven changes or risk becoming obsolete in 10 years: DEA Joint Secretary Alok Tiwari
Technology's rapid growth is transforming capital markets, compelling players to rethink their operational frameworks. Dr. Alok Tiwari emphasizes the need to abandon outdated brokerage models within the next decade. He advocates for the merging and professionalization of small, family-run firms to succeed amid increasing complexity. The integration of technology with evolving governance structures is critical for managing future challenges, while market intermediaries remain essential in fostering trust and driving progress.
What kind of AI economy does India want to build?
India's debate on regulating artificial intelligence is evolving and mostly focuses on copyright and economic incentives. Recent legal rulings highlight the conflict between copyright law and the needs of AI developers. The government is investing in domestic AI capabilities to enhance innovation and competition. Additionally, regulatory frameworks must align with overarching economic goals and public welfare.
India, Poland push for stronger trade and defence ties
India and Poland are strengthening their collaboration in various sectors, particularly defence and space. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish counterpart Donald Tusk discussed trade enhancement and global governance reforms. Both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine and its humanitarian impact. They emphasized the importance of a comprehensive peace in line with international law. Tusk reiterated Poland's support for India's position in global forums like the UN.
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'Trade becoming means of weaponisation, sea routes epicenter of geopolitical tension': PM Modi highlights India's role in changing world order
Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the evolving nature of international relations. He explained how trade is increasingly being used as a weapon among nations. Modi highlighted that technology has emerged as a new battleground for competition and conflict. Additionally, he pointed out the rising geopolitical tensions affecting global sea routes. These remarks reflect India's acknowledgment of current shifts in the global order.
BRICS Parliamentary Forum to be held in Delhi on October 26-27, says Om Birla
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is scheduled to occur in New Delhi on October 26-27, focusing on people-centric development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present to engage with delegates from member countries. The forum will include discussions on various topics like ethical artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and global governance reforms. India has initiated efforts to establish Parliamentary Friendship Groups with 64 countries for enhanced cooperation.
Global Market: China's Lingjun Investment attracts $300 million from overseas investors
China’s Lingjun Investment has raised at least $300 million from US and Southeast Asian investors as it resumes overseas fundraising. Strong fund returns and AI-driven interest support growth, while regulatory scrutiny makes governance and risk management critical.
Tax matters, as does capital: Is it time for India to reconsider its LTCG tax policy on listed equities amid rising global competition?
Debate on long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax and securities transaction tax (STT) has gained momentum, with the government recognizing its significance. With foreign portfolio investors withdrawing substantial funds from Indian equities, the impact of tax regimes on investment behavior and market liquidity warrants deeper analysis. Reforms are necessary to enhance India's competitiveness in attracting global capital.
Fertiliser stocks: Combination of strong headwinds and structural repair. Who will win? 9 stocks, 4 with upside potential of up to 31%
For the better part of a decade now, every time this critical sector has run into trouble, the government has stepped in. The clean-up began with small steps. The mandatory coating of urea with neem was an early one. It was a measure that was not financial on the face of it; but it changed the sector’s economics by stopping the diversion of subsidised fertiliser to other uses.
Permanent India UNSC seat an 'obvious element' of global governance reform: Polish envoy
Poland's Ambassador to India affirmed support for India's permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. This endorsement aligns with broader reforms in global governance that recognize emerging powers from the Global South. India has been praised for its diplomatic efforts concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, promoting peace and dialogue. A potential trilateral summit between Russia, the United States, and China could address this conflict further.
Lula vs Bolsonaro: As Brazil lies on the brink of tilting right, India watches its major BRICS partner
Flávio Bolsonaro secured leading votes against incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil's elections on October 4. The runoff on October 25 could solidify right-wing power across South America, following a regional trend. Lula aims to reduce economic inequality while Bolsonaro focuses on crime and spending cuts. India is observing the elections closely due to its strategic partnership with Brazil in various sectors.
IMF and World Bank meetings leave developing countries with more questions than answers
The recent discussions at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank left developing nations feeling uncertain about their futures. Delegates raised alarm over growing debt, inflation, and the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence, but found themselves without significant solutions. These urgent concerns, alongside geopolitical issues and diminishing aid, paint a challenging landscape for low-income countries as both organizations strive to balance AI advancements with their commitment to sustainable development.
Bessent urges World Bank to end restrictions on upstream oil, gas financing
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged the World Bank to ease restrictions on oil and gas financing, support deep-sea mining, and reform procurement policies. He also advocated nuclear energy investments and stronger IMF scrutiny of global economic imbalances, reflecting the Trump administration’s push to reshape multilateral institutions around American priorities.
Cabinet approves Rs 52,878 crore IDBI Bank sale to Fairfax arm in India’s largest financial-sector FDI
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the strategic sale of IDBI Bank to a Fairfax Group arm, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The government and Life Insurance Corporation of India will retain a combined 34% stake in the restructured entity. Vaishnaw called it India’s largest financial-sector FDI.
World Bank helps mobilise $36 billion in private capital to support job creation in India since FY22
Private capital mobilisation by the World Bank Group has grown nearly five-fold in four years, rising from approximately USD 3 billion in FY22 to USD 14.5 billion in FY26 and unlocking a cumulative USD 36 billion for development across sectors, Manuel Reyes-Retana, Division Director, South Asia, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, said.
IMF's bullish call: Why is India sprinting when the world stumbles?
The IMF has raised India's growth forecast to 7% for both FY27 and FY28, highlighting the country's resilience despite higher oil prices and a slowing global economy. Strong domestic consumption, infrastructure spending, recovering private investment and AI-related capital expenditure are supporting growth, though inflation, energy costs and weaker rural demand remain risks.
India calls for inclusion of terrorism under crimes against humanity framework at UN
India called for the recognition of terrorist acts within the framework of crimes against humanity at the UN. The country's representative emphasized the primary responsibility of states to prevent and prosecute such crimes. India seeks a convention that complements existing legal mechanisms and respects national jurisdictions. Enhanced counter-terrorism measures have also significantly improved internal security in India over the last 12 years.
IMF raises India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7%
The International Monetary Fund has increased India's economic growth projections for FY27 and FY28 to 7%. This adjustment reflects resilient domestic demand and strong performance in the services sector. India's GDP growth reached 7.8% in FY26, exceeding expectations during the April-June quarter. Additionally, other major institutions like the World Bank have raised India's growth forecasts as well.
IRDAI may allow transition period for insurance fee cap
IRDAI Chairman Ajay Seth said the regulator is examining industry feedback on a consultation paper that is open until October 25, while maintaining that distribution costs must be aligned with the value delivered to the policyholder, and selling incentives must reward persistency rather than first-year sales.
Rich countries on the debt frontline: How the Iran war is shifting world's risk map by squeezing America, Europe and Japan
The International Monetary Fund confronts increased borrowing costs and record debt levels among developed countries. As inflation rises, governments find it harder to manage their financial obligations. The potential for civil unrest emerges alongside economic pressures observed in these nations. Emerging markets have improved their resilience since previous crises, allowing them to face challenges more effectively.
Govt asks banks to develop a sector-wide quantum transition along with an AI resilience framework
According to the industry, major concerns in this segment include 'harvest now, decrypt later' threats, where cyber adversaries stockpile encrypted banking data for future quantum decryption. The finance ministry has also asked banks to assess post-quantum vulnerabilities and initiate mitigation measures, said an official, who did not wish to be identified. "Each bank can prepare its internal strategy, but there has to be some common industry parameters," he added.
Stable institutions, steady pursuit of reforms will steer India to 2047 goal: Jean-Claude Trichet
India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on institutional stability and sustained economic reforms. Former European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet emphasizes the importance of resilient democratic institutions. He cautions against the risks posed by global over-indebtedness and market corrections. Trichet believes AI will bring challenges and benefits in the long run but highlights the need for global regulations.
UN ‘largely irrelevant’ to major global conflicts, Jaishankar says, calls for reform
S Jaishankar addressed the need for reform in the United Nations during the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave. He pointed out the UN's irrelevance in addressing significant global issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf. Jaishankar noted that the Security Council is gridlocked and does not represent global interests adequately. He emphasized the importance of fixing the UN instead of bypassing it.
India-Brazil-South Africa make strong pitch for ambitious, comprehensive and profound reform of UN
IBSA Foreign Ministers convened to call for urgent reforms of global governance institutions and the UN Security Council. They expressed support for increased representation of developing countries in decision-making processes, particularly in the UNSC. The Ministers highlighted the need for reform to address contemporary challenges, including climate change and socio-economic inequality. They also raised concerns about conflicts in the Middle East affecting the Global South.
80 years, no woman at the top: UN chief race tests its gender-equality promise
Calls for a female UN leader are growing as the agency faces ongoing gender equality challenges. Experts indicate it may take 171 years to achieve true gender parity globally. Several nations expressed the need for women to hold leadership roles during recent discussions. Notably, women currently represent only 22% of positions in the AI sector, reflecting ongoing disparities.
India calls for greater Global South voice, UNSC reform at G77 foreign ministers' meeting
India called for greater voice and representation for developing countries and stressed the need for urgent UN Security Council reform as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri delivered India's national statement at the 50th Annual Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
First-ever: Centre to launch nationwide campaign 'Reform Utsav' from October 2 to mark reform-oriented governance
The Centre is set to launch 'Reform Utsav' on October 2 to celebrate transformative governance initiatives. Various ministries will organize a series of events highlighting welfare-focused reforms and citizen-centric service delivery. The initiative will include interactive sessions with beneficiaries sharing their positive experiences with government schemes. Meetings are being organized by different ministries to prepare for the upcoming events.
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