Wednesday, October 1, 2025 News Archive

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2018–2019 U.S. Government Shutdown: Border Wall Funding Dispute

The U.S. government underwent a historic 35-day shutdown from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, due to a dispute over funding for a U.S.–Mexico border wall. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were affected, with many furloughed or working without pay. Essential services continued, but many agencies were impacted. The shutdown ended after Congress passed an appropriations bill on January 25, 2019.
Companies:
  • TSA
  • IRS
  • National Parks
  • Federal Agencies
Tags:
  • Government Shutdown
  • 2018–2019
negative

2013 U.S. Government Shutdown: Dispute Over Affordable Care Act Funding

The U.S. government experienced a 16-day shutdown in October 2013 due to disagreements over funding the Affordable Care Act. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, and another 1.3 million were required to work without pay. Essential services continued, but many government operations were curtailed. The shutdown ended after Congress passed an interim appropriations bill on October 17, 2013.
Companies:
  • Social Security Administration
  • Federal Agencies
  • Air Traffic Control
Tags:
  • Government Shutdown
  • 2013
negative

1995–1996 U.S. Government Shutdowns: Budget Clash Between Clinton and Gingrich

In 1995–1996, the U.S. experienced two government shutdowns due to conflicts between President Bill Clinton and House Speaker Newt Gingrich over funding for education, the environment, and public health. The first shutdown lasted 5 days in November 1995, and the second lasted 21 days from December 1995 to January 1996. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed during the first shutdown, and about 284,000 during the second. The shutdowns ended after negotiations led to a balanced budget agreement.
Companies:
  • Federal Agencies
  • National Parks
  • Museums
Tags:
  • Government Shutdown
  • 1995
neutral

Partial U.S. Government Shutdown: Key Services Impacted and What Stays Open

As a partial shutdown hits the U.S. government, a wide range of services face suspension. While critical services such as air traffic control and mail delivery remain operational, numerous federal agencies have ceased their functions, causing widespread disruptions and furloughs across various departments.
Companies:
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • United States Postal Service
  • Social Security Administration
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Internal Revenue Service
Tags:
  • Government Shutdown
  • Federal Services
negative

U.S. Government Shutdown Begins as Partisan Division Rules Washington

The U.S. government has entered a partial shutdown as deep partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding deal. The shutdown could lead to the loss of thousands of federal jobs and disrupt various government services.
Companies:
  • Federal Reserve
  • Social Security Administration
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • USPS
  • IRS
Tags:
  • Government Shutdown
  • Partisan Division
neutral

Wall Street Brushes Off Shutdown Amid Economic Concerns

Despite the U.S. government entering a partial shutdown, Wall Street remains relatively unaffected, with major indexes showing minimal changes. However, bond yields have declined following disappointing economic data, including a report indicating a loss of 32,000 private-sector jobs in September. The upcoming Labor Department report is expected to be delayed due to the shutdown.
Companies:
  • Federal Reserve
  • Social Security Administration
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • USPS
  • IRS
Tags:
  • Wall Street
  • Government Shutdown
negative

US Government Enters Partial Shutdown Amid Budget Deadlock

The United States government entered a partial shutdown at 12:01 AM EDT on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year. Around 900,000 federal employees are furloughed, and 700,000 are working without pay. Essential services like TSA and Amtrak continue, but agencies like NIH and CDC face partial or full suspensions. The shutdown stems from disputes over Affordable Care Act tax credits and infrastructure funding, raising concerns about fiscal stability.
Companies:
  • TSA
  • Amtrak
  • NIH
  • CDC
Tags:
  • US Government
  • Shutdown
positive

RBI Unveils Measures to Enhance Bank Lending and Stimulate Economic Growth

On October 1, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched 22 measures to boost bank lending to large corporates and capital markets, aiming to stimulate economic growth. Key changes include lifting restrictions on lending to large borrowers, increasing loan limits against listed securities, and deferring Basel III norms. The RBI's actions, coupled with an unchanged repo rate of 5.5%, have positively impacted financial markets, with bank stocks rising in Mumbai.
Tags:
  • investment
  • stock
positive

NTPC Green Energy Files $1.2B IPO to Expand Renewable Operations

NTPC Green Energy, the renewable arm of state-owned NTPC, filed draft papers for a $1.2 billion IPO. The company will issue only new shares, using proceeds to repay ₹75 billion in loans. This move aligns with India's clean energy expansion plans, aiming to boost renewable capacities and diversify NTPC's energy portfolio amid a booming IPO market and strong investor demand.
Companies:
  • NTPC Green Energy
  • NTPC
Tags:
  • NTPC Green Energy
  • IPO
positive

Infra.Market Files for Confidential IPO in India

Infra.Market, a leading construction material supplier in India, has filed for an IPO under the confidential route. The company supplies cement, tiles, and paints for large infrastructure projects nationwide. Earlier, it raised ₹7.32 billion from investors including Tiger Global and Accel. The confidential filing allows the IPO process to remain private until the public issuance begins, reflecting growing investor interest in Indian infrastructure markets.
Companies:
  • Infra.Market
  • Tiger Global
  • Accel
Tags:
  • Infra.Market
  • IPO
positive

GrowXCD Raises ₹200 Crore Led by Blue Earth Capital

Chennai-based GrowXCD Finance, a lender to small businesses and MSMEs, raised ₹200 crore in a funding round led by Swiss firm Blue Earth Capital. Prosus Ventures contributed ₹70 crore, while Lok Capital increased its stake with ₹21 crore. The capital will support branch expansion, technology upgrades, and portfolio growth across southern India, with plans to open 40-50 more branches by March 2027.
Companies:
  • GrowXCD Finance
  • Blue Earth Capital
  • Prosus Ventures
  • Lok Capital
Tags:
  • GrowXCD
  • MSME
neutral

Bollywood Stars Sue Google Over AI Deepfake Videos on YouTube

Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have filed lawsuits in India seeking protection of their personality rights. They argue that AI-generated videos on YouTube infringe their image and voice, and request safeguards to prevent such content from training other AI platforms. The Delhi High Court is reviewing their case, which could set a precedent for celebrity rights in the age of generative AI.
Companies:
  • Google
  • YouTube
Tags:
  • Bollywood
  • AI
neutral

Mutual Fund Screener: 8,000+ Funds, One Search

The Mutual Fund Screener helps investors filter across 8,000+ funds using criteria like category, sector, expense ratio, fund size, risk, and returns. Users can sort by 1-year or 3-year performance, compare across fund houses, and analyze SIP options. With advanced filters and an easy grid view, it simplifies fund discovery and ensures faster, data-driven investment decisions.
Companies:
  • Discvr.ai
Tags:
  • mutual funds
  • fund screener
neutral

AI Mutual Fund Screening: Ask, Compare, Decide

AI Mutual Fund Screening lets investors ask natural-language questions about funds — returns, tax-saving ELSS, AUM, expense ratios, and thematic fits — and get instant, data-backed answers. Popular searches include top ELSS post-tax returns, shortest lock-in tax-savers, best risk-adjusted ELSS, and expense-ratio comparisons. It speeds up screening and decision-making for SIP and lump-sum investors.
Companies:
  • Discvr.ai
Tags:
  • AI
  • mutual funds
positive

Tariff-Resilient India Theme Offers Stability Amid Trade Headwinds

The Tariff-Resilient India theme on Discvr.ai features 35 mutual funds positioned in sectors less exposed to global trade shocks. With key fund houses like HDFC, SBI, and ICICI Prudential, the basket emphasizes healthcare, banking, and energy. These funds provide investors a defensive edge against U.S. tariff risks and external volatility while maintaining steady long-term return potential. SIP entry starts as low as ₹100.
Companies:
  • HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd
  • SBI Funds Management Ltd
  • ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co Ltd
Tags:
  • Mutual Funds
  • Tariff-Resilient India
positive

GST Edge Fund Theme Highlights 31 Mutual Funds Benefiting from Policy Tailwinds

The GST Edge Fund theme brings together 31 carefully selected mutual funds that focus on sectors expected to benefit from India's GST-driven growth story. These funds are positioned to capture rising demand and improving profitability in consumption, logistics, and financial services. Leading asset managers such as Aditya Birla Sun Life, ICICI Prudential, Nippon India, and UTI feature prominently in the theme. Investors can find both sectoral/thematic funds and index options within the basket, with offerings like Kotak Consumption Fund, HDFC Banking & Financial Services Fund, and UTI Transportation & Logistics Fund. While short-term returns have varied, some funds have posted double-digit growth over the past three years. The theme offers exposure to policy-driven opportunities with manageable entry points for SIP investors starting as low as ₹100. For a full list of the 31 funds and their performance metrics, readers can explore the GST Edge Fund theme on Discvr.ai.
Companies:
  • Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd
  • ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co Ltd
  • Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd
  • UTI Asset Management Company Ltd
Tags:
  • Mutual Funds
  • GST Edge Fund
negative

U.S. Stocks Slide as Government Shutdown Stokes Investor Anxiety

On October 1, U.S. equity markets opened lower amid heightened uncertainty surrounding a federal government shutdown. The impasse threatens to delay key economic reports and complicate the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. In response, gold surged to a fresh record high, while stock futures and the U.S. dollar softened. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures each declined about 0.5%, signaling a cautious tone among investors heading into a volatile stretch for global markets.
Tags:
  • US stocks
  • market volatility
positive

Simple Energy Plans 19× Retail Expansion Ahead of IPO Move

Electric two-wheeler maker Simple Energy is mapping out a 19-fold retail expansion by 2029 as it readies for a public offering. The Bengaluru firm currently runs 53 outlets and expects aggressive growth to position itself among India's leading EV players. Unique to its strategy is an in-house motor design that bypasses reliance on rare-earth metals, which the company may license in volatile supply conditions. The IPO, expected to come in fiscal 2027, aims to raise $350 million to fund growth, R&D, and branding.
Companies:
  • Simple Energy
Tags:
  • EV
  • startup growth
positive

RunXCD Bags ₹200 Crore Investment to Serve SMB Credit Needs

Chennai-based fintech startup RunXCD Finance has secured ₹200 crore in a new funding round led by Blue Earth Capital, with participation from Prosus Ventures and other backers. The firm specializes in small business lending, offering tailored credit solutions to enterprises underserved by traditional banks. The infusion will bolster growth, enhance tech infrastructure, and expand into new geographies across India.
Companies:
  • RunXCD Finance
  • Blue Earth Capital
  • Prosus Ventures
Tags:
  • fintech
  • startup funding
positive

Anthropic Accelerates Hiring, Expanding Footprint in India and Beyond

Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic has revealed plans to significantly expand its workforce across India and several other international markets. The expansion will include scaling its applied AI research teams and establishing country leads in key regions. With India becoming a major usage market for Claude AI, the company is pushing deeper into local engineering and operations. This move aligns with Anthropic’s ambition to compete globally and strengthen its presence outside the U.S.
Companies:
  • Anthropic
Tags:
  • Anthropic
  • AI expansion
neutral

Abu Dhabi Bans Crypto Mining on Farmland, Imposes Strict Penalties

In a fresh regulatory move, Abu Dhabi has prohibited cryptocurrency mining on agricultural land, citing environmental and land-use concerns. Violators face stiff fines, suspension of utility services, possible confiscation of mining gear, and increased penalties for repeat offenses. The measure seeks to curb energy misuse and prevent disruption to farming ecosystems.
Tags:
  • crypto regulation
  • mining ban
positive

LG Electronics India Aims ₹8,700 Cr Valuation in IPO Launch

LG Electronics is preparing to go public in India via an IPO that values its local business at around ₹87,400 crore (approximately $8.7 billion). The offering will involve the sale of up to 15% of its India unit through nearly 1.02 billion shares, with a tentative price band between ₹1,080 and ₹1,140 each. The proceeds are expected to fund expansion, R&D, and debt reduction. The IPO is slated to open in the coming week.
Companies:
  • LG Electronics India
Tags:
  • IPO India
  • LG Electronics
positive

India Readies for $8 Billion IPO Flurry in Final Quarter

India’s equity markets are bracing for a heavy IPO season in Q4 2025, with expectations of raising up to $8 billion. Major players like Tata Capital and LG Electronics India are among those set to tap capital markets. In the first nine months of the year, over 240 companies have already raised $10.5 billion, placing India among the top global IPO markets. The rally of new issuances comes amid elevated investor interest and favorable valuations.
Companies:
  • Tata Capital
  • LG Electronics India
Tags:
  • IPO rush
  • India capital markets
neutral

Shankar Sharma Reduces India & U.S. Equity Exposure to 30-Year Low

Veteran investor Shankar Sharma revealed he now holds the lowest exposure to Indian and U.S. equities in three decades. His decision comes after reviewing portfolio performance, and he cited underwhelming returns in these markets relative to global and China allocations. Despite his move, he maintains conviction in private and unlisted investments over public indices at this stage.
Tags:
  • shankar sharma
  • equity allocation
positive

RBI Unveils 22 Measures to Boost Lending & Ease Capital Rules

The Reserve Bank of India has rolled out a package of 22 regulatory changes intended to bolster credit flow to large firms and capital markets. Key moves include lifting lending caps on share-backed loans, easing rules around IPO financing, and relaxing capital charge norms for infrastructure loans from non-bank entities. Some Basel III compliance deadlines have also been pushed back to give banks breathing space. The reforms are expected to aid credit growth and economic momentum in the coming quarters.
Tags:
  • RBI policy
  • bank credit
neutral

RBI Raises Share-Pledge Loan Limit to ₹1 Crore, Retains Repo Rate

The Indian central bank has increased the maximum loan one can obtain using shares as collateral from ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore, a move aimed at improving liquidity for market participants. At the same time, the RBI opted to maintain the repo rate at 5.5%, signaling steady monetary settings amid evolving macro pressures. The expanded pledge limit should help borrowers with margin financing and IPO participation.
Tags:
  • RBI
  • share pledge
positive

World Liberty Financial to Unveil Crypto Debit Card in Upcoming Quarter

World Liberty Financial has announced it will roll out a debit card that lets users spend cryptocurrencies in daily transactions. The pilot phase is slated for late 2025, followed by a full launch expected soon after. The firm is also exploring tokenizing real-world assets like real estate and timber to expand trading options through blockchain. Their digital token, WLFI, has already debuted in the market, and the company plans a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin backed by Treasuries to strengthen its financial footing.
Companies:
  • World Liberty Financial
Tags:
  • crypto
  • debit card
neutral

RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.5% Amid Economic Assessment

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to keep its key repo rate unchanged at 5.5%, aligning with market expectations. This pause follows a total rate cut of 100 basis points earlier in the year. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to maintain a neutral stance, preferring to evaluate the effects of previous rate reductions and tax cuts amid ongoing global trade uncertainties, including U.S.-imposed tariffs on Indian exports. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized a 'wait and watch' approach to allow recent policy decisions to influence the economy. Despite global headwinds, the RBI upgraded its GDP growth forecast for the current year to 6.8%, from 6.5%, following a stronger-than-expected 7.8% growth in the April-June quarter. Additionally, the central bank lowered its inflation forecast to 2.6% citing lower food prices and tax cuts even though annual inflation rose to 2.07% in August, remaining within the RBI’s 2%-6% tolerance range.
Companies:
  • Reserve Bank of India
Tags:
  • RBI
  • repo rate