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• 8:00 PM |  03 Nov –04 Nov  2026

National Business News Highlights

1. Sensex and Nifty Extend Winning Streak for Fifth Consecutive Session

Indian equity markets continued their upward momentum on November 4, with the Sensex gaining 383.55 points to close at 77,301.40 and the Nifty rising 149.75 points to 23,960.60. Realty and defence stocks led the rally, supported by foreign investor inflows and easing crude oil prices.

2. India’s Services Sector Growth Hits Four-Month High

India’s services sector recorded its fastest expansion in four months during October, driven by improving domestic demand and increased new business orders. However, subdued hiring and weaker international orders remained areas of concern.

3. NPCI Establishes New Technology Subsidiary to Focus on AI and Blockchain

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) established a wholly owned technology subsidiary, NPCI Tech Solutions Limited. The new entity will focus on artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital financial infrastructure and global capability centre services.

4. RBI Forms Technical Consultative Committee on Financial Markets

The Reserve Bank of India constituted a technical consultative committee to examine developments in financial markets and infrastructure. Representatives from SBI, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Citibank India and Morgan Stanley India are among its members. The committee will review market efficiency, liquidity, trading and settlement mechanisms.

5. Kotak Mahindra Bank Gets CCI Approval to Acquire Deutsche Bank’s India Retail Business

The Competition Commission of India approved Kotak Mahindra Bank’s proposed acquisition of Deutsche Bank’s retail banking, private banking and wealth management businesses in India. The transaction is expected to expand Kotak’s customer base and strengthen its presence across banking and wealth management services.

6. Dabur India Q2 Profit Rises 12% to ₹506 Crore; Declares Interim Dividend

Dabur India reported a 12% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to ₹506 crore for the September quarter. Revenue also grew 12%, while the company announced an interim dividend of ₹3.50 per share.

7. Nykaa Q2 Profit Soars 207% to ₹101 Crore; Announces Simply Nam Acquisition

FSN E-Commerce Ventures, which operates Nykaa, reported a 207% year-on-year jump in net profit to ₹101 crore for the second quarter. Revenue increased 28%. The company also announced plans to acquire an 82% stake in beauty brand Simply Nam.

8. Lenskart Reports 122% Jump in Q2 Profit; Revenue Grows 36%

Eyewear retailer Lenskart reported a strong financial performance for the September quarter, with net profit increasing 122% year-on-year to ₹227 crore. Revenue grew 36%, reflecting continued demand across its eyewear retail and online businesses.

9. BHEL Bags Major Order from Adani Power for Four Projects

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) received a major order from Adani Power for four projects, with the estimated order value ranging between ₹20,000 crore and ₹28,000 crore. The development is expected to strengthen BHEL’s power equipment and engineering order book.

10. Essar Signs Renewable Energy Agreement with NHPC; Plans ₹4,500 Crore Investment

Essar signed a power purchase agreement with NHPC for a 300 MW renewable energy project. The company plans to invest approximately ₹4,500 crore in the project, marking a significant development in its clean energy expansion plans.

International Business News Highlights

1. US Democrats’ Election Victory Raises Questions Over Corporate Tariffs and Business Costs

The Democratic Party’s sweeping victories in the US midterm elections have triggered fresh discussions about the country’s economic and trade policies. Business executives indicated that the political shift is unlikely to provide immediate relief from higher operating costs and tariff-related challenges.

2. European Markets Rise as Banking and Clean Energy Stocks Gain

European stock markets moved higher on November 4, supported by gains in banking and clean energy shares. Novo Nordisk also recorded a notable rise, contributing to positive sentiment among investors.

3. Asian Stock Markets Deliver Mixed Performance Amid Global Uncertainty

Asian markets recorded mixed movements as investors assessed the US election outcome and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence valuations. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and China’s Shanghai Composite advanced, while Japan’s Nikkei and Singapore’s Straits Times declined.

4. Global Oil Prices Ease Amid Changing Geopolitical and Market Sentiment

International crude oil prices softened during Wednesday’s trading session, with Brent crude hovering around $102.50 per barrel. The movement offered some relief to oil-importing economies, including India, while geopolitical uncertainty continued to influence energy markets.

5. US Markets Remain Divided as Investors Assess Political and Technology Risks

US financial markets witnessed mixed movements as investors evaluated the implications of the midterm election results, elevated Treasury yields and concerns over artificial intelligence-related valuations. Technology stocks attempted a recovery, while uncertainty surrounding corporate spending and trade policies remained in focus.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

— Warren Buffett

BILKUL BAZAAR | Business Beyond Headlines

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