Fed cuts rates, Jimmy Kimmel show axed, Maharashtra doctors protest, and more

Jerome Powell-led Federal Reserve gives first interest rate cut of 2025

As widely anticipated, the Jerome Powell-led US Federal Reserve on Wednesday, September 17, slashed its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to bring it to a range of 4.00%–4.25%. The move aims to support economic growth amid worries over a slowing US labour market and rising inflation.

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Disney pulls 'Kimmel Live' over host's Charlie Kirk remarks

Walt Disney Co.’s ABC network is taking Jimmy Kimmel Live off the air

indefinitely amid a backlash to remarks the late-night host made about the killing of Republican activist Charlie Kirk. Disney said in a statement that the suspension starts with Wednesday’s broadcast.

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What the Federal Reserve’s latest 'dot plot' tells us about interest rates trajectory

The Federal Reserve expects to cut short-term interest rates by another 0.5% this year, following a 0.25% reduction on Wednesday, according to its latest projections. However, internal disagreement is growing. The Fed’s “dot plot” shows varied views, with one policymaker favoring a year-end rate of 4.4%, while another—likely new Governor Stephen Miran—prefers 2.9%.

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China is betting big on foreign investors and tourists to spur spending

China has big plans to manufacture whole new experiences for the global audience to drive consumption in its ailing economy — and foreign investors and tourists are at the centre of it. After months of calls and initiatives to spur spending from domestic consumers, the Asian giant is looking to tap any potential its culture and tradition allure holds to breathe new life in the sluggish economy.

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Rupee falls 16 paise to 88.01 against US dollar in early trade

The rupee depreciated 16 paise to 88.01 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday (September 18), as traders assessed the US Fed outlook following a rate cut. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 87.93, then lost ground and touched an early low of 88.01 against the US dollar.

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Here's how India reacted to Pakistan's security pact with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed a pact on Wednesday where the two countries agreed they would treat an attack any one of them would be treated as an attack on both. The pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is significant, coming as it is, close on the heels of Israel's unprovoked attack on Qatar.

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Poonawalla Fincorp share price surges 12% as promoter stake increases

Shares of Poonawalla Fincorp Ltd. surged as much as 12% to a 52-week high on Thursday, September 18, after the company's promoters completed a fund infusion announced earlier, thereby increasing their stake.

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Why doctors in Maharashtra have gone on strike

Resident doctors across Maharashtra’s government hospitals are on strike today. They are protesting the state government’s decision to grant Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) registration to CCMP-trained homeopathic practitioners.

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Hindalco's Novelis plant in New York catches fire, no injuries reported; Production halted

Hindalco Industries Ltd. on Thursday, September 18, said a fire was reported at its Novelis Plant in Oswego, New York on September 16 around 10 pm (EDT). No injuries were reported in the incident. The fire was put out around 2 AM (EDT) on September 17.

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Neeraj Kanwar says Apollo Tyres in for the long innings as it pads up against 'sponsor jinx'

Apollo Tyres’ Vice-Chairman and MD Neeraj Kanwar isn’t losing sleep over the so-called “sponsor jinx” that has followed past Indian cricket team jersey partners such as Sahara, Byju’s and even Dream11. Asked if that history worried him, Kanwar admitted he had heard plenty of chatter.

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Bihar govt announces interest-free education loans for those passing class 12 exams

The Bihar government has announced that interest-free loans will be provided to students who passed the class 12 board examinations under the Student Credit Card Scheme to help them pursue higher education. Earlier, education loans of up to ₹4 lakh were provided at an interest rate of 4% to general male applicants, and 1% to female, differently-abled, and transgender applicants.

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