upGrad is adding new courses in financial services, creative arts, gaming, and VFX, while also strengthening its AI offerings. The company is teaming up with universities worldwide to grow its international reach, especially in the gaming and VFX areas. AI programs remain a top focus, with a sharp rise in demand for both technical and non-technical skills. upGrad aims to expand its offline presence and reach profitability by FY25.

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 4% drop in its standalone net profit for Q2FY25, totaling ₹7,621 crore. Despite the profit decline, LIC saw a 12% increase in net premium income and a 16% rise in investment income. The insurer’s market share grew to 61.07%, and it plans to launch a health insurance business by the end of this financial year.

The Australian curriculum will soon be launched in India, with a pilot program starting in 10 schools by the next academic year. The goal is to test how well the curriculum works in India, starting with a school in Punjab. It covers subjects like English, math, science, and the arts, with assessments split between school-based evaluations and external exams.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu criticized Freshworks for laying off 660 employees despite reporting a 22% revenue growth. Vembu condemned the “corporate greed” behind such decisions, calling it a trend imported from the U.S. He also criticized Freshworks’ stock buyback and emphasized Zoho’s commitment to employees, prioritizing them over shareholders. Vembu argued companies with ample cash should avoid layoffs and instead invest in new ventures.

India Cements reported a larger net loss of ₹240 crore for Q2 FY2024, up from ₹81 crore last year, due to falling cement prices and low demand. For the first half of the year, the company posted a loss of ₹203 crore. Despite a 17% increase in volumes from Q1, lower prices and weak market conditions caused significant pressure on margins, resulting in a negative EBITDA of ₹154 crore.

State Bank of India (SBI) reported a 28% increase in net profit to Rs 18,331 crore for Q2 FY25, compared to Rs 14,330 crore in the same period last year. Interest income grew by 12.32%, and net interest income rose by 5.37%. The bank’s asset quality improved, with a reduction in both gross and net non-performing assets. SBI also saw strong growth in total deposits and advances.

India’s food services market is smaller than the U.S. and China’s, but it’s growing fast. In 2023, it was worth about $70 billion, and online food delivery is expected to grow from $8 billion to $17-21 billion by 2028. While the U.S. and China have established markets, India’s sector is expanding quickly, especially the organised part.

Five people, including a woman, were arrested by the Esplanade Police in Chennai for smuggling methamphetamine during a security check. The arrest followed a raid at a vehicle checkpoint on Thursday, where two men were found with crystal meth. Further questioning led to the arrest of the other suspects and the seizure of 7 grams of the drug.

During the opening of the National Judicial Museum, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud asked an AI lawyer whether the death penalty is constitutional in India. The AI confirmed it, saying the death penalty is allowed but only for the most serious crimes. This marks an important moment in the growing use of AI in India’s legal system.

The Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, Canada, suspended and later reinstated Priest Rajinder Parsad after his controversial speech urging Hindu unity following an attack by pro-Khalistani protesters on Diwali weekend. The priest had warned that division among Hindus would lead to destruction. His suspension and reinstatement followed a review by the temple’s board.