SBI Life Insurance posted a net profit of Rs 494 crore for the second quarter, reflecting a 6.6% decline compared with the same period last year. The dip was primarily attributed to higher claims, increased operating expenses, and market-linked fluctuations in investment income. Despite the profit contraction, the company’s new business premium grew steadily, supported by strong retail and group insurance segments. Analysts note that SBI Life continues to maintain a robust capital position and solvency ratio, positioning it for sustained growth in India’s life insurance market.

Bajaj Auto has received regulatory approval to assume controlling stake in Pierer Mobility AG, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, marking a significant expansion in its global two-wheeler portfolio. The move aligns with Bajaj Auto’s strategy to enhance its international presence, leverage technology synergies, and accelerate growth in premium motorcycle segments. Industry analysts highlight that the acquisition provides Bajaj with access to Pierer’s engineering expertise, electric mobility initiatives, and European market foothold.

Aravind Srinivas, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Perplexity AI, is rapidly emerging as one of the most influential figures in the artificial intelligence ecosystem. A graduate of IIT Madras and a PhD scholar from the University of California, Berkeley, Srinivas has built Perplexity AI into a formidable rival to traditional search engines, combining academic precision with commercial acumen.

The New York Times’ Strands puzzle has swiftly emerged as a defining addition to its portfolio of daily word games, combining the familiarity of a traditional word search with the intellectual depth of a logic puzzle. Since its introduction, Strands has captivated a growing audience by challenging players to identify theme-based words hidden within a six-by-eight letter grid. Each puzzle incorporates a unique “spangram” that encapsulates the day’s theme, testing not just vocabulary but also spatial reasoning.

Lenskart Solutions Ltd., India’s largest eyewear retailer, is gearing up for its much-awaited market debut with an initial public offering (IPO) scheduled to open on October 31, 2025. The company aims to raise Rs. 2,150 crore through a fresh equity issue, complemented by an offer-for-sale (OFS) of about 12.75 crore shares from existing shareholders.

Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) has declared a dividend of Rs. 135 crore to the Karnataka government, reflecting robust financial performance and strong operational efficiency. The payout underscores KSDL’s continued profitability amid competitive pressures in the FMCG sector, particularly in the soaps and personal care segments. The dividend will provide a meaningful boost to the state’s finances while reinforcing the government’s stake in a profitable public-sector enterprise.

Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on Thursday as investors resorted to profit-taking after a sustained rally in recent sessions. The BSE Sensex fell by nearly 300 points, closing around Rs. 79,850, while the NSE Nifty 50 slipped below the Rs. 24,250 mark. The decline was driven by losses in key sectors such as banking, metals, and information technology. Weak cues from global markets and persistent foreign investor outflows also weighed on sentiment.

Pensioners in Himachal Pradesh have intensified demands for a 46% revision in dearness relief, citing escalating inflation and increased cost of living. The pensioners’ associations argue that existing allowances are inadequate to sustain retirees’ basic expenses, particularly healthcare and daily necessities. The state government faces mounting pressure to address these demands while balancing fiscal prudence. A timely revision of dearness relief would not only support retirees financially but also reflect the administration’s commitment to social security.

India’s office rental market is witnessing significant growth in key metros, including Bengaluru, the National Capital Region (NCR), and Mumbai, according to a recent report by Knight Frank. Strong demand from IT, technology, and BFSI sectors, coupled with limited Grade-A office supply, is driving upward pressure on rents. Bengaluru recorded the highest rental growth, reflecting sustained tech sector expansion, while NCR and Mumbai also posted healthy gains.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has undertaken a significant initiative to clear accumulated electronic waste (e-waste) from airport facilities, freeing up valuable operational space and promoting sustainable waste management practices. The effort, which involves the systematic removal and environmentally responsible disposal of obsolete electronic equipment, aims to improve airport infrastructure efficiency while adhering to regulatory standards for hazardous waste.