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GAIL Launches ‘Wah Kya Energy Hai’ Season 2 With New Anthem

Devyani Nautiyal — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 12:52:26 +0530

GAIL (India) Limited has launched Season 2 of its consumer awareness campaign, Wah Kya Energy Hai, alongside a new anthem titled Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Energy. Featuring four short films, the campaign highlights cleaner energy alternatives such as CNG, PNG, LNG and Compressed Biogas (CBG), using relatable stories to encourage more sustainable fuel choices across India.

GAIL’s ‘Wah Kya Energy Hai’ Season 2 Focuses On Clean Energy

Launched on October 6, 2026, the second season builds on GAIL’s efforts to make conversations around cleaner energy more accessible to everyday consumers. The campaign places particular emphasis on Gen Z, recognising the younger generation’s growing influence on consumption habits and its potential role in India’s transition towards sustainable energy.

The four films explore applications of Domestic PNG (D-PNG), Commercial PNG (C-PNG), Industrial PNG (IPNG), CNG and LNG. Through everyday situations, the campaign demonstrates how these fuel options can be incorporated into household activities, transport, businesses and industrial operations.

Mishra Family Returns With Everyday Stories

Season 2 follows the Mishra family through familiar situations, including a trip to Varanasi, a boat ride, family celebrations, visits to relatives and an event at Senior Mishra’s factory.

Each episode uses humour, light-hearted storytelling and recognisable experiences to highlight the relevance of cleaner fuels. The films aim to encourage viewers to reconsider their energy choices while illustrating the practical applications of alternative fuel options.

With enhanced visuals, production quality and storytelling, each episode runs for approximately eight to 10 minutes. All four films are available on GAIL’s official YouTube channel.

Actors Srikant Verma, Divya Jagdale, Luv Vispute and Ahmed Khan feature across the films, bringing the campaign’s messages about sustainability and responsible energy choices to life.

‘Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Energy’ Anthem Showcases Cleaner Energy

Alongside the four films, GAIL has released Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Energy, an anthem lasting more than four minutes. The video highlights the company's energy infrastructure and solutions, including India's first floating CNG station in Varanasi and its Compressed Biogas (CBG) initiatives.

The anthem features people from different age groups, regions and walks of life, including children, young adults, senior citizens and members of the defence forces. Its central message connects everyday decisions and the adoption of smarter fuel options with efforts to reduce individual carbon footprints and support a more sustainable future.

Ayush Gupta Explains GAIL’s Clean Energy Campaign

Speaking about the initiative, Ayush Gupta, Director (HR) at GAIL, who also leads Corporate Communications and Branding, said, “Wah Kya Energy Hai Season 2, along with our anthem Naye Bharat Ki Nayi Energy, is an endeavour to kindle greater awareness about clean energy choices and environmental responsibility among consumers. Through logical, grounded and relatable storytelling, we aim to encourage Indians to make smarter, future-ready fuel choices and understand how cleaner energy can positively impact both the environment and everyday life. We have also consciously brought Gen Z into the communication, recognising that the youth are not only the consumers of tomorrow but also important catalysts for the energy transition.”

He further highlighted how the campaign showcases the different applications of GAIL’s energy solutions, from cleaner mobility and household fuel requirements to commercial and industrial needs.

Gupta added, “Each story in the campaign brings alive a different facet of GAIL’s clean energy ecosystem and demonstrates the relevance of cleaner energy across diverse use cases. From CNG and PNG enabling cleaner mobility and everyday household applications to Transport LNG and Commercial and Industrial PNG supporting cleaner and more efficient industrial and commercial needs, the campaign showcases the breadth of our solutions. We have also woven in GAIL Utkarsh, our CSR initiative supporting bright students from underprivileged communities, and the innovative floating CNG stations in Varanasi, reflecting how GAIL’s presence extends beyond energy delivery to creating wider social and economic value. Through these diverse narratives, Wah Kya Energy Hai seeks to make the clean energy transition more relatable, relevant and meaningful for consumers across India.”

How GAIL Is Promoting The Campaign

GAIL is extending the campaign's reach through social media, influencer collaborations, audience engagement activities, digital banners, radio, cinema chains and gamification-led initiatives.

The films are also being promoted through short-form digital content, while the anthem is available across music-streaming platforms, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Gaana and JioSaavn.

As India continues to explore cleaner energy alternatives, GAIL is using the campaign to raise awareness of natural gas and other energy solutions as part of its wider sustainability efforts.

About GAIL (India) Limited

GAIL is India's largest natural gas company, with operations spanning natural gas trading and transmission, LPG, LNG re-gasification, petrochemicals, city gas distribution, and exploration and production. The company operates a natural gas pipeline network of more than 18,700 km and is undertaking additional pipeline projects to expand the reach of natural gas across the country.

It holds around 65% of India's gas transmission market and more than 48% of the natural gas marketing market. Alongside its established energy businesses, GAIL is expanding into renewable energy, including solar, wind and biofuels.

Musk ups ante in Starlink row, sarcastically calls Ambani 'Prime Minister', alleges monopoly

PTI — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:16:42 +0530

New Delhi, Oct 9 (PTI): Elon Musk on Friday escalated his public spat over Starlink's entry into India, sarcastically addressing industrialist Mukesh Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accusing him of seeking to protect a monopoly, while asking if he would consider allowing the satellite internet service to compete in the country.

Musk's latest salvo on X came just hours after Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia asserted that India does not permit monopolies in any sector, and that despite the buzz around one “particular” company, three players have received satcom licences and can start operations after individually meeting the security requirements and milestones.

The post by Musk now marks a sharp escalation in the Starlink satcom offering row, which saw the US trillionaire recently alleging that powerful business interests are seeking to block his service to preserve their dominance in the Indian market.

In a post on Thursday, Musk had asked if “Ambani is the real boss of India”.

On Friday evening, Musk upped the ante with a fresh post.

“Dear Prime Minister Ambani, Please accept my humble apologies for not realising that you are the real boss of India. Naturally, you would prefer to maintain your monopolistic exploitation of the great people of India, but would you nonetheless consider allowing Starlink to compete?” he wrote.

Musk also said that there are many areas of India, as there are in all countries, with no internet access, which denies children the opportunity for education and small businesses the opportunity to sell their goods to a global market.

“Starlink would change their lives for the better,” Musk said.

Within minutes, Musk penned another post, saying, “Starlink has proven to be essential for saving lives during natural disasters throughout the world, when all other communication systems have failed,” adding, “So you would also be helping save men, women and children throughout India.”

On Friday, Scindia said India doesn't allow monopoly in any sector.

“Let me set the record straight. For us, the Department of Telecommunications, we are technology agnostic... Our job is to be able to provide the bouquet of services to every single customer. It is for the customer to choose in a free market which service he or she prefers, and within that service bouquet, which company's service he or she prefers,” the Union minister said at a briefing at the India Mobile Congress here.

Scindia said that three entities – Musk's Starlink, Reliance Jio's satellite venture Jio Satcom and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb – have already secured licences, while Amazon's Kuiper has expressed interest and will need to undergo the established procedure.

While there is a lot of conversation about one particular company, three have got satcom licences, he said.

"We are very clear on our stand. There are three parties that have got a licence; as and when the government decides the charge system on the revenue basis, that spectrum will be assigned to them, and as and when they individually fulfil the security conditions, they can start operations,” the minister said.

TRAI and the telecom department are close to a final decision on pricing regime for satcom spectrum, Scindia said.

Hitting out at the Congress in the backdrop of Rahul Gandhi and Musk's exchange on X, the minister said, “As far as the Congress is concerned... I don't think they themselves know whether they're going left or right.”

He said the Congress initially had a problem with "a certain person getting a licence" and pointed out that "now they have a problem, and they've allied with that person in terms of why he's not getting a licence".

“So I don't know whether they have clarity on where they're going, but that is the case with the Congress, which is to be expected," Scindia said.

The war of words came amid a spat over satcom services, with Musk alleging that Starlink is being blocked by certain oligarchs seeking to "maintain their monopolistic chokehold on the Indian people".

As the India Mobile Congress (IMC) unfolded in the capital, the government and Musk traded barbs over satellite communications, with the Department of Telecommunications rejecting allegations that domestic business interests were blocking Starlink's entry, prompting the tech billionaire to sarcastically ask whether "Ambani is the real boss of India".

"Starlink is licensed in over 165 countries and has spent five years complying with every single law and requirement of the government of India, so why still no license?" Musk said in an X post earlier.

The telecom ministry has maintained that the country's authorisation framework for telecom and satellite services is "fair and non-discriminatory" and that any suggestion that it was being applied selectively was "baseless and misconceived". PTI MBI NB ARI

ARI

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

'Deeply Offensive': MEA Hits Back At JD Vance's Remarks, Flags US PERM Suspension

Shayak Majumder — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 17:00:49 +0530

India has criticised the Trump administration's decision to suspend the processing of Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) applications for certain companies in the United States, warning that the move does not serve the shared interests of the two countries. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the decision could affect the green card process for eligible Indian employees but clarified that it does not automatically alter the validity of their H-1B visas.

Responding to the US Department of Labor's decision, Jaiswal emphasised the economic benefits of skilled migration for both countries. He also pushed back against remarks by US Vice President JD Vance concerning foreign workers, describing the terminology used as offensive and dismissive of the contributions made by Indian professionals to the American economy.

ALSO READ: Trump's Green Card Suspension Hits Microsoft, TCS, Infosys: Impact on Indians Explained

Concerns Over US PERM Suspension

Explaining India's position, Jaiswal said, "We are aware of the US Department of Labor's decision concerning the Permanent Labor Certification Program, known as PERM, for certain companies. It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though it could have some impact on the permanent residency or green card process for eligible employees of the affected companies."

#WATCH | Delhi: On the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme for certain companies, MEA Spox Randhir Jaiswal says, "We are aware of the U.S. Department of Labor's decision concerning the Permanent Labor Certification Program, known as PERM, for certain companies. It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa programme. The suspension of PERM applications does not, by itself, affect the validity of H-1B visas or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents, though it could have some impact on the permanent residency or green card process for eligible employees of the affected companies. It should also be clear that talent mobility adds value to both economies, that of India and that of the United States. While it creates opportunities for Indians, it equally benefits U.S. companies by providing access to cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness, and job creation. Besides creating shareholder wealth in the United States, this is an area of tremendous mutual benefit for the two countries. Our expectation is that all stakeholders in this process will appreciate this fact. The steps announced by the U.S. do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries. We continue to follow developments on this particular issue." He adds, "Regarding the comments made by the U.S. Vice President, let me say that we believe such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem. Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise, and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive."
— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2026

He added, "It should also be clear that talent mobility adds value to both economies, that of India and that of the United States. While it creates opportunities for Indians, it equally benefits US companies by providing access to cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness, and job creation. Besides creating shareholder wealth in the United States, this is an area of tremendous mutual benefit for the two countries. Our expectation is that all stakeholders in this process will appreciate this fact. The steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries. We continue to follow developments on this particular issue."

The clarification distinguishes between temporary employment authorisation and the process associated with permanent residency. Indian professionals currently holding valid H-1B visas are not automatically affected by the PERM suspension, although eligible employees seeking employment-based green cards could face delays or complications.

India Calls Vance's Remarks Offensive

Jaiswal also responded to comments made by US Vice President JD Vance about foreign workers, defending the contribution of Indian professionals to the United States.

He said, "Regarding the comments made by the US Vice President, let me say that we believe such descriptions are unwarranted and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem. Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants whose labour, enterprise, and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Resorting to terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy connotations is deeply offensive."

India's response underscores the importance of skilled Indian workers to American businesses, particularly in technology, research and innovation. The government has maintained that the movement of skilled professionals creates economic opportunities on both sides rather than benefiting only the workers seeking employment abroad.

ALSO READ: US Green Card Curbs: TCS Plans 15,000 Local Hires Despite PERM Suspension

Why Has the Trump Administration Suspended PERM Applications?

The Trump administration has argued that certain companies exploit immigration programmes to replace American employees with foreign workers. Vance specifically criticised Microsoft, claiming that the company had laid off thousands of US workers while securing thousands of H-1B visas and green cards.

“Our message to Microsoft is: You’re a great American company, but you’ve got to hire great American workers,” Vance said.

He also referred to foreign H-1B employees as “foreign indentured servants”, arguing that their immigration status can leave them dependent on their employers.

The administration's action covers Microsoft and Adobe, alongside major technology, IT services and outsourcing companies, including Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini. The US government said it would stop accepting new PERM applications and processing pending applications for certain companies.

The decision has drawn attention to the implications of immigration restrictions for businesses that rely on international talent, as well as for employees pursuing permanent residency in the US.

PERM Vs H-1B Visa: What Is the Difference?

PERM, short for Permanent Labor Certification, is a process administered by the US Department of Labor. It allows an employer to seek certification to hire a foreign worker permanently in the United States.

The employer initiates the process, which is intended to establish that there are insufficient qualified and available US workers for the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed American workers.

Introduced in 2005, PERM replaced the older paper-based Alien Employment Certification system to streamline labour certification.

The H-1B programme serves a different purpose. It permits foreign professionals in qualifying specialty occupations to work temporarily in the United States, generally for up to six years, subject to applicable rules.

PERM, meanwhile, is a labour-certification step that can support an employment-based green card application. A green card grants permanent US residency.

In simple terms, an H-1B visa allows eligible foreign professionals to work temporarily in the US, while PERM addresses labour certification for permanent employment. The green card process is a separate stage towards permanent residency.

For Indian employees working for affected companies, the immediate concern is therefore the potential disruption to their permanent residency applications, rather than an automatic cancellation of their existing H-1B status. India said it would continue to monitor developments, reiterating that skilled talent mobility remains an area of significant mutual benefit for both countries.

THE FIFTH ESTATE: Why Corporate Communication Advisors With Governance Expertise Belong On Company Boards

Nitesh Sarkar — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 16:30:32 +0530

New Delhi: The role of corporate communication in business leadership and governance is receiving renewed attention following the release of The Fifth Estate: Corporate Communication, a book by author Pavan Kaushik that advocates a greater role for communication professionals in corporate decision-making.

The book argues that corporate communication should be viewed as an institution within an organisation rather than merely a support function. It examines how communication influences corporate reputation, stakeholder relationships, leadership credibility and business resilience, while making a case for including experienced communication professionals on company boards.

The proposal has drawn responses from senior business leaders and industry professionals, whose reviews discuss the growing relevance of communication in corporate strategy and governance.

Book Proposes a Board-Level Role for Communication Experts

Kaushik, a Communication Economist and advisor to founders and CXOs in critical sectors, argues that communication professionals with the appropriate business, financial, legal, operational and industry expertise can contribute to board-level decision-making.

“My question is simple: If a communication expert understands the business, governance and regulatory responsibilities of the Board; possesses the required financial, legal, operational and industry expertise; and brings a deeper understanding of stakeholders, reputation and organisational communication, why not have such an expert on the Board as an Independent Director? That combination adds another dimension to independent judgement—what I call Communication Economies.”

Kaushik is registered as an Independent Director in the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) Databank. His book is aimed at promoters, founders, chairpersons, CEOs, CXOs, board members and communication professionals.

The central argument is that communication should be integrated into strategic planning and governance, rather than being limited to public relations, media engagement or the dissemination of corporate information.

Business Leaders Highlight Communication’s Strategic Importance

Dr. Sunil Duggal, CEO of Bhumi Ventures and former CEO of Vedanta Group and Hindustan Zinc, said the book addresses the changing responsibilities of corporate communication.

“The Fifth Estate: Corporate Communication is a book that was long overdue. It makes a compelling case for Corporate Communication to evolve beyond a support function into a strategic institution built around trust, reputation, leadership credibility and stakeholder confidence. Its arguments are practical and grounded in real business experience, with its perspectives on crisis management, leadership voice, reputation, trust and human judgment particularly relevant in today’s business environment. For promoters, chairpersons, CEOs, CXOs, Board members and communication professionals, The Fifth Estate challenges conventional thinking and reinforces a critical reality: Corporate Communication is no longer about communicating business—it is increasingly about shaping trust, reputation and long-term organisational sustainability”, says Dr. Sunil Duggal.

Chirag Warty, Chief Product Officer at Ved Sanjeevani, highlighted the gap between how organisations treat communication and the expectations they place on it.

"The reframing of communication as an institution rather than a function is the genuinely useful shift here, because most organisations still budget for it as an output while expecting it to behave like infrastructure. In cyclical and commodity businesses in particular, the gap between operating performance and perceived performance is where a surprising amount of enterprise value quietly sits, and it tends to be discovered only during a crisis or a transaction. The stakeholder set has also widened well beyond investors and regulators, which is precisely why the discipline can no longer sit downstream of strategy.”

Dr. Govind Pahari, Vice President and Site Head at Aditya Birla Insulators, said the book's accessible language connected corporate communication with leadership and organisational culture.

“I read this book on Sunday, and I found it to be one of the simplest, most relevant, and thought-provoking books I have come across. Its language and simplicity make the ideas remarkably relatable. What stood out to me is that many of the insights go beyond corporate communication and connect strongly with leadership, organisational culture, and everyday professional life. Several lines made me pause and rethink how I approach my day-to-day responsibilities as a leader. One thought that particularly stayed with me was: The most credible employer brand is built by employees, not advertisements.”

Reviews Focus on Trust, Reputation and Crisis Prevention

Other reviewers have also emphasised the relationship between communication and business performance.

Kruttika Dwivedi, Manager at Deloitte, said: “The Fifth Estate: Corporate Communication clearly says that in today’s world, communication can make or break an organisation. It is no longer merely a support function - it has become a differentiating pillar of business, shaping trust, reputation and how an organisation is perceived by its stakeholders.”

Griselda Pinto, an Independent Communications and Content Strategist, pointed to the role of communication in preventing organisational crises.

“One thought brought to mind is that Corporate Communication derives its greatest value not by managing crises, but by helping to prevent them in the first place.”

Maya M, Global Strategic Partnerships Manager at Lakshya Consultancy Services, highlighted the shift towards involving communication professionals in strategic discussions.

“The transition of Corporate Communication from a supportive function to a strategic advisor at the leadership table is a game-changer. Building trust and securing stakeholder confidence are no longer secondary metrics—they are core business drivers.”

Book Examines the Future of Corporate Communication

Beyond board representation, The Fifth Estate: Corporate Communication covers several areas in which communication intersects with organisational strategy. These include employee advocacy, investor confidence, sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), media relations, leadership communication and crisis management.

The book also considers the implications of artificial intelligence, digital crises and the continuing importance of human judgement in corporate decision-making.

Its broader argument is that communication professionals can contribute to more than the management of an organisation's public image. By understanding stakeholder expectations, identifying reputational risks and advising leadership on communication strategies, they can help organisations build stronger relationships with employees, investors, regulators, customers and the wider public.

The reviews reflect a growing discussion about the place of corporate communication within business leadership. Kaushik's proposal to consider qualified communication experts for Independent Director positions extends that discussion to corporate governance, where reputation, trust and stakeholder confidence increasingly form part of the wider assessment of organisational performance.

Share Markets Rally As IT Shares Outperform: Sensex Nearly 900 Points Up, Nifty Over 22,500

Sakshi Arora — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 15:31:56 +0530

Indian equity benchmarks ended Friday’s session higher, recovering from the previous day's sharp sell-off. Gains in information technology (IT) stocks, particularly heavyweight counters, and softer crude oil prices during Asian trade supported the recovery.

The BSE Sensex soared close to 900 points and crossed 72,450, while the NSE Nifty50 jumped nearly 300 points and surpassed 22,500.

The rebound followed a steep decline on Thursday, when the Sensex plunged over 1,000 points and the Nifty50 dropped 1.64 per cent.

IT Stocks Lead Market Recovery

Information technology shares were among the biggest contributors to Friday's gains, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Apollo Hospitals Enterprise and Max Healthcare Institute featuring among the top gainers in the Nifty50 index.

The IT sector remained in focus after TCS reported its results for the second quarter of FY27, marking the start of the earnings season. The company posted a 4 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in net profit to Rs 13,884 crore, while revenue rose 1.3 per cent sequentially to Rs 73,188 crore.

TCS also reported annualised artificial intelligence (AI) revenue of $3.1 billion, a total contract value of $9.6 billion and an interim dividend of Rs 12 per share.

Investors are also monitoring uncertainty around US employment-based immigration processes after the US Department of Labor suspended the processing of new and pending PERM labour-certification applications for companies including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL and Cognizant. The development could affect employer-sponsored green-card applications, although it does not cancel existing H-1B status.

Also Read : Bank Holidays Next Week: Banks To Close On These Dates From Oct 11-17; Check RBI’s City-Wise List

Global Markets And Crude Oil Remain Key Triggers

Global market movements and energy prices continued to shape investor sentiment.

Brent crude was trading at $103.62 per barrel in early trade, down 0.48 per cent, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 0.21 per cent to $92.52 per barrel.

Although prices eased, Brent remained above the $100-per-barrel mark. Sustained high crude prices are a concern for India because of the country's dependence on oil imports and the potential impact on inflation, the current account balance and businesses with high energy or crude-linked costs.

Overnight, US markets ended mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.10 per cent to close at 51,231.64, while the S&P 500 fell 0.47 per cent to 7,765.36. The Nasdaq Composite declined 1.25 per cent to 27,193.34 amid pressure on technology stocks.

Asian markets were largely lower in early trade, with Japan's Nikkei down 1.07 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng falling 1.43 per cent and the Shanghai Composite declining 0.79 per cent.

Gold, Silver And Rupee In Focus

Precious metals advanced in early trade, with gold rising 0.70 per cent to $4,162.99 and silver gaining 1.23 per cent to $59.88.

The US Dollar Index stood marginally lower at 102.045, while the rupee traded around Rs 96.78 against the US dollar, unchanged from its previous level. The US 10-year Treasury yield eased by 0.004 percentage points to 5.231 per cent.

Also Read : 8th Pay Commission: 15-Year Pension Rule May Be Cut To 10-12 Years; What Pensioners Should Know

FIIs Sell Shares, DIIs Provide Support

Provisional data showed that foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers of Indian equities worth Rs 12,943.58 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 10,703.11 crore.

The contrasting flows highlight continued support from domestic institutions even as overseas investors withdrew funds.

Meanwhile, the India VIX rose 9.94 per cent to 15.27, indicating an increase in expected market volatility. The index reflects anticipated volatility and does not, by itself, indicate the direction in which equities will move.

IT Stocks Today: TCS Leads 3.3% Nifty IT Rally As Investors Shrug Off US Green-Card Curbs

Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ) — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 15:21:44 +0530

IT stocks rallied on Friday, October 9, 2026, with the Nifty IT index rising around 3.3 per cent Intraday as investors responded positively to TCS' September-quarter results and looked past fresh US restrictions on employment-based green-card processing. TCS shares rose as much as 5.4 per cent, while other major IT names including Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech and Tech Mahindra also traded higher.

TCS Results Set The Tone

TCS became the first major Indian IT company to report Q2 FY27 results, giving investors an early indication of the sector's demand environment. The company reported a 15 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit to Rs 13,884 crore, while revenue increased 11.2 per cent to Rs 73,188 crore.

More importantly for the market, TCS maintained its operating margin at 24 per cent despite continued investment in artificial intelligence. Its annualised AI revenue rose to USD 3.1 billion, crossing 10 per cent of total revenue, while total contract value stood at USD 9.6 billion. The results have helped ease some of the concerns that had weighed on IT stocks in recent months, particularly around AI-driven changes to traditional technology services.

Also Read : Bank Holidays Next Week: Banks To Close On These Dates From Oct 11-17; Check RBI’s City-Wise List

US Green-Card Restrictions Fail To Derail The Rally

The IT sector is also dealing with a fresh development in the US.

The US government has suspended several technology companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech and Cognizant, from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme. PERM is an important step for employers seeking employment-based green cards for foreign workers. The US Department of Labor said it would stop accepting and processing new and pending applications involving the affected companies.

Despite this, investors have not treated the move as an immediate earnings threat. TCS said its PERM applications had been in the single digits over the past two years and that the suspension was not expected to materially affect its workforce strategy or client engagements. The company also reiterated plans to hire 15,000 people in the US over the next five years, with local hiring forming a major part of its strategy.

IT Stocks Get Relief After Heavy Selling

The rally also comes after a difficult period for technology stocks. The Nifty IT index had fallen sharply in 2026 amid concerns over AI disruption, weak discretionary technology spending and uncertainty around US immigration policies. The index was down about 26 per cent for the year, according to reports on Friday.

Also Read : 8th Pay Commission: 15-Year Pension Rule May Be Cut To 10-12 Years; What Pensioners Should Know

That steep correction has left investors more willing to respond to positive developments. TCS' results, particularly the stable margin and strong AI revenue, provided the sector with a reason to recover. The broader market also bounced back after Thursday's heavy sell-off. The Nifty 50 and Sensex were both higher in Friday's morning trade, adding to the positive tone across sectors. What Investors Will Watch Next The focus now shifts to the upcoming results from other major IT companies.

Their revenue growth, deal wins, margins and commentary on AI spending will determine whether Friday's move develops into a broader sector recovery or remains a relief rally. For now, TCS has given the IT sector a much-needed positive trigger. The US immigration issue remains a risk, but investors appear to be focusing more on actual business performance and the industry's growing exposure to AI-led technology spending.

(“Disclaimer: This article uses information originally published by Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ). The views expressed are those of the original authors and not necessarily of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal or tax advice. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and/or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as investment advice. ABP Network, its employees and associates shall not be responsible or liable for any losses or damages arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on this article or any information contained herein.”)

RBI May Hike Repo Rate By 75 Bps By June 2027, Says Goldman Sachs Economist

IANS — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 13:55:30 +0530

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Goldman Sachs' Chief India Economist Santanu Sengupta said the Reserve Bank of India is likely to raise interest rates three more times by June 2027, totalling about 75 basis points, a new report has said.

The report from NDTV Profit cited Sengupta said that India should still manage roughly 7 per cent economic growth. Sengupta warned that El Nino poses a material downside risk to growth and an upside risk to inflation in 2027.

Despite that, India will be able to achieve approximately 7 per cent economic growth, which is impressive considering that we are an oil importer operating within this type of global climate, he said.

Goldman Sachs has projected that the RBI will implement rate hikes in December, February, and either April or June.

"We would have one more hike in February, and after that perhaps the RBI can take a break to evaluate the situation, and then implement one final hike in April or in June," Sengupta said.

Also Read : Bank Holidays Next Week: Banks To Close On These Dates From Oct 11-17; Check RBI’s City-Wise List

The economist stressed that El Nino has yet to be fully accounted for by many financial market participants as climate threats pose a greater risk for 2027 than for 2023.

Though the kharif harvest will be relatively unaffected by the El Nino event, it represents a more back-end risk, Sengupta said.

He noted that current inventory levels will help contain inflationary pressures for the immediate future. "El Nino Lower reservoir levels may harm the rabi harvest. Additionally, with diminished stock levels by 2027, inflation could accelerate into 2027,” Sengupta said.

"There is a downside to economic growth and an upside to inflation as a result of El Nino in 2027," he added.

He flagged crude oil as the biggest risk, saying projections assume $85–$95 per barrel but sustained $100-plus oil would represent a greater impediment to economic growth and inflation.

"There is little additional scope for stimulating the economy through either GST cuts or income tax cuts," Sengupta added.

(This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

Bank Holidays Next Week: Banks To Close On These Dates From Oct 11-17; Check RBI’s City-Wise List

Sakshi Arora — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 13:37:45 +0530

Planning a bank visit next week? Customers who need to deposit cheques, collect demand drafts or access other branch-based services should check the holiday calendar before heading out. Between October 11 and 17, banks will observe the regular Sunday closure and a regional holiday for Maha Saptami, according to the October 2026 holiday list shared above.

Several more closures are scheduled later in the month for Dussehra, Durga Puja and other regional observances, with dates varying across cities.

Bank Holidays From October 11 To 17: Check These Dates

October 11, Sunday: Banks will remain closed across India for the weekly holiday.
October 17, Saturday: Banks in Agartala will remain closed for Maha Saptami.

Customers should also note that October 10 is the second Saturday. Banks will remain closed across India, while Mahalaya Amavasye is also listed as a holiday in Bengaluru and Kolkata.

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Upcoming Bank Holidays In October 2026: Full List

The holiday calendar shared above lists the following bank closures for the rest of October.

Date	Holiday	Cities/centres affected
October 18, Sunday	Weekend holiday	All over India
October 19, Monday	Dussehra, Maha Navami, Ayutha Pooja, Durga Puja and related observances	Agartala, Aizawl, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi and Shillong
October 20, Tuesday	Dasara/Dussehra, Vijaya Dashami, Mahanavami, Ayudhapooja and Durga Puja	Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Belapur, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kochi, Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Panaji, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram and Vijayawada
October 21, Wednesday	Vijaya Dasami/Durga Puja (Dasain)	Agartala, Bengaluru, Gangtok, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram
October 22, Thursday	Durga Puja (Dasain)	Gangtok
October 23, Friday	Durga Puja (Dasain)	Gangtok
October 24, Saturday	Fourth Saturday	All over India
October 25, Sunday	Weekend holiday	All over India
October 26, Monday	Laxmi Puja, Accession Day and Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday	Agartala, Chandigarh, Jammu, Shimla and Srinagar
October 29, Thursday	Karva Chauth	Shimla
October 31, Saturday	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birthday	Ahmedabad

What To Keep In Mind Before Visiting A Bank

Customers who need locker access, demand drafts, certain cash transactions, cheque-related services or documentation requiring branch staff should plan their visits around the applicable holidays.

Digital services can still be used for transactions that do not require a physical branch. As the dates listed for festival holidays differ across cities, customers should refer to the relevant entry in the shared calendar before planning a branch visit.

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8th Pay Commission: 15-Year Pension Rule May Be Cut To 10-12 Years; What Pensioners Should Know

Sakshi Arora — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 12:33:34 +0530

A proposal submitted to the 8th Pay Commission could bring changes to the rules governing the restoration of commuted pensions for central government employees. Employee organisations have called for the existing 15-year restoration period to be reduced to between 10 and 12 years, arguing that the current timeline is longer than necessary.

The three-member commission, headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is currently holding consultations with employee organisations and other stakeholders across states to gather suggestions and assess their concerns.

The proposal centres on a rule that determines how long pensioners must wait before the portion of their pension surrendered at retirement is restored to their monthly payments.

What Is The 15-Year Commuted Pension Rule?

Under the existing rules, central government employees can commute up to 40 per cent of their basic pension at retirement. This allows them to receive a lump-sum payment in advance in exchange for a corresponding reduction in their monthly pension.

The commuted portion is deducted from the pension every month, with the original pension amount restored after 15 years.

Employee unions have argued that this period should be reconsidered. According to their proposal, the lump sum paid at retirement is calculated using a commutation factor that represents approximately 8 years and 2 months of pension payments, or 98 months.

However, the corresponding deduction continues for 180 months under the existing 15-year rule.

Unions have therefore urged the 8th Pay Commission to consider shortening the restoration period to 10-12 years. If accepted, the proposal would change the timeline for pensioners to receive their full monthly pension again. The commission has not been reported to have approved the proposal.

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Commuted Pension Explained With A Rs 100 Example

The National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has used an example involving a monthly pension deduction of Rs 100 to explain its concerns about the existing arrangement.

Under a commutation factor of 8.194, the government calculates the lump-sum payment by applying the factor to the pension amount being commuted. For a monthly pension component of Rs 100, the calculation produces a lump sum of approximately Rs 9,833 for an employee aged 61, according to the example cited in the proposal.

After receiving this amount, the pensioner sees Rs 100 deducted from their monthly pension for the next 15 years.

Over 15 years, the total deductions would amount to Rs 18,000. The employee representatives have questioned why deductions continue for the full period when the initial lump-sum payment is calculated using a commutation factor equivalent to around 8 years and 2 months of pension.

They have argued that the restoration period should be reduced, with 10-12 years proposed as an alternative to the current timeline.

What Could Change For Pensioners Under The 8th Pay Commission?

The proposal seeks to reduce the time pensioners must wait for the commuted portion of their pension to be restored. If the commission recommends the change and the government accepts it, eligible pensioners could see their full monthly pension restored earlier than under the existing rules.

For now, the 15-year restoration period remains the applicable rule. The proposal is among the issues being raised during consultations with the 8th Pay Commission, and any change would depend on the commission's recommendations and the government's decision.

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Renault Duster Hybrid Mileage Revealed: SUV To Deliver 29 kmpl

Somnath Chatterjee — Fri, 9 Oct 2026 12:08:58 +0530

Renault has revealed that it's upcoming Duster hybrid will have a claimed fuel efficiency of 29 kmpl. Called hybrid E-Tech 160, the powertrain includes 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery, delivering a combined output of 160 PS.

Renault says it has an intelligent multi-mode transmission where the "petrol engine and electric motors according to driving conditions. The system can operate using electric power under suitable conditions, recover energy during deceleration and braking, and switch between electric and combustion propulsion."

The fuel efficiency of 29 km/l is an ARAI figure and that is indeed higher than all of the hybrids sold in India. The Duster hybrid would be the third strong hybrid powertrain for its class. Previously we have seen the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara plus the Toyota Hyryder having a strong hybrid combination for its powertrain lienup.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Engine, Power And Efficiency

The Duster hybrid will have a 1.8l engine which will give it enough power on its own while paired with the motors the power of 160ps would be ample but the real talking point would be the range per full tank and the efficiency.

The high fuel efficiency points to the efficient hybrid powertrain and it has more mileage than others. As of now the fuel efficiency figure indeed makes it the most fuel efficient car in its class.

Renault Duster Hybrid Launch And Pricing

Renault will reveal the prices for its Duster hybrid on the 17th and it will be positioned above the current Duster range.

More details for the Duster hybrid would be revealed closer to the launch date and we will know the pricing including how much more expensive it would be above the standard Duster.