HDFC Securities has introduced margin trading for exchange-traded funds (ETFs), becoming one of the first major brokerage firms in India to offer this facility. The move marks a significant expansion of retail investors’ access to leverage, previously limited largely to equities and derivatives. By allowing investors to pledge ETF units and avail funding through margin trading, HDFC Securities aims to deepen ETF participation and cater to the evolving needs of active traders.

A fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases has been reported across several Indian states, prompting health authorities to monitor the situation closely. While hospitalization rates remain low, the sudden rise in infections has reignited public health concerns, especially amid the ongoing monsoon season and increased travel activity. The Union Health Ministry has urged state governments to step up surveillance, ensure testing readiness, and ramp up public awareness campaigns.

A devastating aviation accident has struck Russia’s eastern Amur region, where a passenger aircraft carrying nearly 50 people reportedly crashed during flight. Initial reports suggest that all those on board are feared dead, although authorities are still in the process of locating survivors and recovering wreckage. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation’s aviation sector and prompted an urgent investigation by federal transport and safety officials.

Indian equity markets saw a decline on Thursday, with benchmark indices—the Sensex and Nifty—retreating from recent highs. The dip was primarily driven by profit-booking across key sectors and sustained selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Weak global cues and a marginal uptick in crude oil prices added to investor caution. While domestic fundamentals remain largely robust, short-term sentiment has turned cautious due to global risk-off triggers and concerns around overvaluation in select pockets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to the United Kingdom is expected to culminate in the signing of a long-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a pivotal moment in the two nations’ economic and geopolitical relationship. The agreement, under negotiation for several years, is set to unlock substantial trade and investment opportunities, reduce tariffs, and deepen strategic cooperation.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that, should he return to office, American technology firms could face a complete expulsion from China. The statement marks a significant escalation in the geopolitical tech standoff between the world’s two largest economies. Trump's remarks have sparked global debate, particularly as they coincide with growing Western concerns over critical supply chains, intellectual property theft, and national security.

Television actress Meera Deosthale has addressed widespread speculation surrounding her potential participation in the upcoming season of the reality show Bigg Boss 19. As rumors swirled across entertainment circles, Deosthale issued a clear statement, dismissing the claims and urging fans not to believe unverified reports. Known for her acclaimed performances on Indian television, the actress emphasized her current focus on other professional commitments and expressed gratitude for the continued support from her followers.

Mohit Suri’s latest directorial venture, Saiyaara, is rewriting the rules of box office performance with a thunderous global debut. Within just five days of its theatrical release, the film has amassed a staggering Rs. 188 crore in worldwide gross collections, surpassing the total lifetime earnings of earlier hits like Game Changer and Sikandar. The film’s blend of emotional storytelling, mass appeal, and star-driven momentum has struck a chord with audiences, propelling it to blockbuster status.

In a deeply emotional revelation, actress and social activist Tanushree Dutta has once again found herself in the public eye—not for her cinematic work, but for voicing concerns about her safety. In a recently shared video, Dutta appeared visibly distressed as she alleged ongoing harassment at her residence, suggesting deliberate intimidation and psychological pressure. The video has reignited conversations around the challenges faced by women who speak out, particularly those in the public domain.

The initial public offering (IPO) of Bengaluru-based flexible workspace provider Indiqube Spaces garnered robust investor interest on its first day, achieving 87% subscription. This enthusiastic response underscores the market's confidence in India’s growing co-working sector, which has seen a sharp resurgence post-pandemic due to hybrid work trends and demand from startups and SMEs. Backed by strong fundamentals and a rising footprint across metro and Tier-I cities, Indiqube’s IPO is being closely watched by investors seeking exposure to the evolving commercial real estate landscape.