October 21, 2026: Indian equity benchmarks closed lower for the second consecutive session on Wednesday, October 21, while the rupee strengthened against the US dollar. Gold and silver prices declined in the domestic bullion market. Meanwhile, Persistent Systems, NHPC and Swastika Infra announced key corporate updates.
Top Business and Market Headlines
1. Sensex Falls 143 Points, Nifty Slips 78 Points
Indian equity markets extended their losses for a second consecutive session on October 21. The BSE Sensex declined 143 points, or 0.19%, to close at 73,710, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell 78 points, or 0.34%, to settle at 22,811.
2. Indian Rupee Gains 46 Paise to Close at ₹94.47 Against US Dollar
The Indian rupee appreciated 46 paise to close at ₹94.47 against the US dollar in the foreign exchange market on October 21. The US Dollar Index, which measures the dollar against a basket of six major currencies, was trading at 101.68 during intraday trade.
3. Gold Prices Fall 1.2%; Silver Declines 0.9%
Domestic bullion prices declined on October 21. The price of 24-carat gold fell 1.2% to ₹1,44,105 per 10 grams, while silver prices dropped 0.9% to ₹2,06,783 per kilogram.
4. Persistent Systems Receives CRISIL AA+ Rating Watch for Proposed NCDs
Persistent Systems Limited received a credit rating of CRISIL AA+; Rating Watch with Developing Implications from CRISIL Ratings Limited for its proposed non-convertible debentures (NCDs). The rating was dated October 21, 2026. The developing implications indicate that the rating may be reassessed as relevant developments unfold.
5. NHPC Announces Commercial Operation Date for 250 MW Subansiri Lower Project Unit
NHPC Limited announced that Unit 5, with a capacity of 250 MW, of its 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will achieve its commercial operation date on October 23, 2026. With this addition, five units of the project will have achieved commercial operation. The company will communicate the commercial operation dates of the remaining units separately.
6. Swastika Infra Submits Unaudited Financial Results for June Quarter
Swastika Infra Limited submitted its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, along with the limited review report, in compliance with the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015.
