17 C 
The 8th Pay Commission has published several important notices on its official website. Here are 5 latest updates covering stakeholder meetings, consultant recruitment and regional consultations that central government employees and pensioners should know as they await salary and pension revision.
This isnt 9/11: US Homeland Security Secy says no security threat indicated behind flight halt
Authorities are investigating the communications failure that disrupted air traffic nationwide, while assuring passengers that all flights were accounted for
Tanker collides with cruise ship on Mississippi River in New Orleans; rescue operations underway
Rescue teams rushed to assist passengers after a tanker struck a docked cruise vessel, prompting an evacuation and emergency response
US grounds all flights nationwide after air traffic control communication outage
Airlines faced widespread disruption as authorities investigated a telecommunications failure affecting air traffic control centres across the United States.
Virgin River Season 8 will be released in 2027. The upcoming season is expected to be released on Netflix in March. The new season will have 10 episodes. The filming for the season finished in August 2026. It is currently in post production. Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson will return in the season. There are new additions in the cast in the form of Natasha Calis and Mitchell Slaggert.
Virgin River Season 8 is set to be released on Netflix in 2027. It is expected to be released in March. The 10 episode season was finished filming in August 2026 and is currently in post production. Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson will return along with new actors Natasha Calis and Mitchell Slaggert. The season will centre around Brady and Brie, Doc and Hope's marriage and Mel and Jack's family.
Lori Huang survived a near-fatal car crash
Why Indians behave better at sacred sites
The tranquil and indescribably beautiful environs of Kamarpukur and Joyrambati, the birthplaces of Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa and Maa Sarada Devi in the verdant plains of West Bengal, are truly balms for the soul. Green-gold vistas of ripening rice fields criss-crossed by a myriad of small rivers and dotted with distant sleepy hamlets greeted the eye as a friend and I headed there from Kolkata. And the early morning autumn sun cast a golden, almost divine glow.It was a world away from the pollution-spewing trucks and buses, factories and warehouses that crowd the suburbs of Kolkata beyond the graceful Vidyasagar Setu arching over the Hooghly. Once the cacophony of the Durgapur Expressway was left behind, there was a perceptible change in mood. Anyone who lives in a frenetic big city these days would vouch that stress is endemic and heading out, away from the madding crowds, leads to an instant lowering of tension.And peace is the overwhelming feeling upon entering the impeccably maintained compounds in both villages that contain not only the quaintly thatched huts where the two elevated souls came into this world, but also prayer halls, offices, bhog areas, dispensaries, guesthouses and flower-filled gardens. Given that thousands - exceeding 20,000 on important days - visit Kamarpukur and Joyrambati daily and stay on for bhog prasad, the compounds' serenity is hard to believe.And their cleanliness stuns. Forget jhalmuri packets, tissue papers or plastic water bottles, not even fallen leaves or dust mar the pathways and gardens. It is not as if there are armies of sweepers on hand to pick up detritus either; visitors are simply more mindful while on the premises. How come? After all Indians these days are notorious for being loud, littering gits, on par with British lager louts. It seems that it all depends on whether places inspire respect and restraint.In the expansive hallowed campuses of Kamarpukur and Joyrambati, these same people - Indians - did not talk loudly; they did not try to scratch their initials on pillars; they did not drape themselves on walls or amid the flowers to take selfies; they did not throw trash into the ponds; and they did not let their children turn into screeching, high-speed, wrecking balls. Polite attendants firmly told the few infringers to abide by the rules. And they all willingly complied.I have seen a similar all-pervasive calm at the Belur Math of the Ramakrishna Mission near Kolkata, the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and the Golden Temple in Amritsar, thousands of miles apart. There are more such places around India where desi visitors are anything but the kind of Ugly Indian Tourist that locals complain about from Goa to Gangtok, Kashmir to Kanyakumari. That just begs the question why Indians are so badly behaved in many other places.An overwhelming majority of those who come to Kamarpukur and Joyrambati are devotees. They, therefore, know the sanctity of those places and behave accordingly. The same is true of the sacred precincts at Belur, Pondicherry and Amritsar. But why is the same courtesy not extended to all places they visit? Do only the divine merit courtesy, cleanliness and calm? The public's behaviour at these places show that Indians can be model visitors when we want to be.At Kamarpukur and Joyrambati it is hard to be anything but ideal visitors, though. There's something about the cumulative effect of their soothing tranquillity broken only by birdsong and trees rustling in the autumn breeze, the fresh flowers artfully arranged around the statues of Sri Ramkrishna and Maa Sarada Devi, and the smiling sanyasis telling stories of the divine couple's limitless humanity and humbleness... On the journey back to Kolkata, our hearts were full.
Focus on commercial infrastructure, Sribharat tells real estate developers
Axis Mutual Fund expects another 5075 bps of rate hikes and favours high-quality corporate bonds with 35-year maturities and short-duration debt strategies. It sees scope to add duration selectively as bond yields become more attractive.
US giant puts 1,663 crore on Pricol's dashboard
Virgin River Season 9 has been confirmed by Netflix. The romantic drama has become the streaming platforms longest-running original scripted series by number of seasons. The renewal has happened before the premiere of Season 8 in 2027. The ninth season will have 10 episodes. The show will have a total to 94 episodes. Netflix also revealed that the series has crossed 500 million views.
AP To Build A Unique Space Economy Ecosystem: Lokesh
He appreciated the innovative startups represented at the session and noted that industry leaders, including air commodore Prasanth B. Nair, had highlighted the possibilities and emerging opportunities in the sector
Adani Group rejects allegations of lowering Tarali PSP project costs to cut statutory obligations
The group spokesperson in a statement said the online proposal was submitted solely for site investigation purposes, while the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) had considered the project's total cost at Rs 5,675 crore.
Gadkari Says Greenfield Corridors, Port Connectivity Will Drive APs Economy
Observes that Andhra Pradeshs extensive coastline and network of ports will lead to industrial and export-led growth
Forex Reserves Up by $2.49 Billion to $719.5 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $2.49 billion to $719.55 billion in the week ended November 6, primarily due to a rise in foreign currency assets and a significant appreciation in gold reserves, according to the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.
Yes Bank files Supreme Court petition seeking review of AT-1 bond order
Yes Bank has approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of its October judgment that overturned the 8,415 crore write-off of its additional tier-1 (AT-1) bonds. The move follows a contempt petition filed by Axis Trustee Services on behalf of bondholders, accusing the bank of failing to provide a clear plan to restore the bonds.
Trump cannot withhold highway funding from New York, court says
The US Transportation Department cited an audit that found New York had been routinely issuing commercial driver licenses to foreign drivers illegally in withholding the funding.
AMD vs. Nvidia stock: AMD has beaten Nvidia by a record 53.2 percentage points in five trading sessions, gaining 44.7% as Nvidia lost 8.5%. Jensen Huangs sudden exit has shaken investor confidence in Nvidia. AMDs record rally faces fresh pressure after Fridays selloff. Both stocks now leave investors with one question; buy AMD after its surge or Nvidia after its fall?
RBI fines MobiKwik 9 lakh over PPI transfer and fraud reporting lapses
RBI imposed a 9 lakh penalty on MobiKwik for breaching PPI transfer limits and failing to report certain frauds within the prescribed timeline following an inspection
Christian Cousins cause of death: Kindergarten Cop child star dies at 43-here's how he became famous
Christian Cousins, an actor known for his role in Kindergarten Cop, has passed away at the age of 43 due to liver disease. His brother Jonas Roeser announced the news on social media, sharing memories of Christian. The twins gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s through various television shows and films. After acting, Christian moved into the furniture business and co-owned a CBD company.
Tibets Economy Shows Steady Growth in First Three Quarters of 2026
Tibets economy demonstrates stability with growth in investment, consumption, and residents income in the first three quarters of 2026. Tibets Economy Shows Steady Growth in First Three Quarters of 2026
Turkey, Qatar sign mutual defence pact: Presidency
Banks are raising fixed deposit interest rates as strong loan demand, slower deposit growth and tighter liquidity increase funding pressure. Here's why lenders are offering higher FD rates, which banks have revised rates and whether depositors should lock in now.
RBI imposes monetary penalty on One Mobikwik Systems
In a release, the central bank said a statutory inspection of the company was conducted by the RBI with reference to its operations for the period from June 2025 to March 2026.
North Korea changes flag after 78 years
Rate hikes may be less effective against supply-led inflation, says CEA
CEA V Anantha Nageswaran says supply shocks will dominate the global economy, making monetary policy less effective and placing greater responsibility on fiscal measures
Bengaluru: Real estate businessman hacked to death in broad daylight
India's current account deficit widens to $25.8 bn in H1FY27: RBI data
India's current account deficit widened to $25.8 billion in April-September 2026 from $18 billion a year ago, while the balance of payments posted a $66.8 billion surplus
India says foreign goods can overstay
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced greater flexibility for foreign businesses and organisations on Friday, bringing goods into India temporarily by allowing senior customs officials to extend the existing four-month stay limit under the ATA Carnet system.The move will benefit foreign exhibitors, businesses, media organisations and other international participants who need to bring equipment, commercial samples or professional goods into India for a limited period. Until now, such goods were generally required to be re-exported within four months of their import.Under the revised provision, Principal Chief Commissioners of Customs and Chief Commissioners of Customs can approve an extension beyond the four months if they consider it necessary in the public interest.However, the extended period cannot go beyond the validity of the respective ATA Carnet.Provided also that where the Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs or the Chief Commissioner of Customs, as the case may be, is satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, may extend the aforesaid period of four months by such further period as it may deem fit, not exceeding the period of validity of the A.T.A. Carnet, said a memo from the Department of Revenue.What changes under the revised ATA Carnet rules?The amendment gives senior customs officials the authority to grant additional time for temporarily imported goods to remain in India.Previously, the four-month limit applied under the relevant customs notification, leaving limited room for businesses and organisations that needed more time before sending their goods back.With the latest change, the Principal Chief Commissioner or Chief Commissioner of Customs can assess individual cases and allow an extension where circumstances justify it.The additional time will depend on the official's assessment, but there is one important restriction: the extension must remain within the validity period of the ATA Carnet. This means the new provision does not allow goods to stay in India indefinitely.The amendment has been made to Notification No. 4/2018-Customs, dated January 18, 2018, by inserting an additional proviso under condition (vi).What is the ATA Carnet system and how does it work?An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows goods to enter a country temporarily without the importer having to pay customs duties at the time of import, subject to compliance with the applicable conditions.Often described as a passport for goods, the document simplifies customs procedures for businesses and individuals transporting professional equipment, commercial samples and exhibition materials across international borders.The system is particularly useful for companies participating in overseas trade fairs, exhibitions and business events. It also helps media organisations and professionals who need to carry specialised equipment across countries for temporary assignments.However, the duty-free facility comes with an important condition: the goods must be re-exported within the permitted period.
Rabi nutrient-based subsidy hikes should help restore balance between DAP, complexes
Domestic production of nitrate, phosphate, and NPK fertilizers declined sharply in the first half of the current fiscal
Binance Blockchain Week 2026, under this years theme of Evolve, will convene leading policymakers, central bankers, institutional asset managers and technology leaders.
Calling for a dedicated national policy to nurture an integrated space ecosystem, the IT Minister says States must proactively identify and cluster component vendors and major space firms
CAG undertakes comprehensive study on Indias urea sector after 15 years
Many experts have identified two critical factors for a global Urea price surge in 2025-26 a ban by China and India entering market with huge quantity in each round of tender
Indias tea exports fall 8.9% in H1 FY27 as West Asia crisis disrupts shipments
Exports during April-September were 128.43 mkg, down from 140.96 mkg in the same period last year, while value was down 7.7% at 4,016 crore
Buying property in your spouses, parents or childs name using your money can attract income tax scrutiny and benami law action. Know the tax rules, legal exceptions, penalties and documents you need to avoid notices and property disputes.
Bollywood's popularity extends beyond India, the Indian subcontinent, and the South Asian diaspora. Many videos of foreigners lip-syncing to famous lines from Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan and dancing to Bollywood tunes have gone popular.
Multiple lenders' involvement delaying loan; spectrum renewal not to hit services: Vodafone Idea CEO
Vodafone Idea is experiencing delays in securing a loan from the SBI-led consortium, affecting its plans. The company's CEO, Abhijit Kishore, mentioned that funds from private and foreign banks are sufficient for current capex. Vodafone Idea is working on plans to upgrade its network by 2027 and enhance competitiveness. Its average revenue per user has shown improvement, although losses have increased due to exceptional items.
Microsoft 364 meme: Why workers love the outage
Experts place emphasis on resilient blue economy
92nd annual meeting of the Indian Academy of Sciences opens at National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram
India's Auto Dispatches See Double-Digit Growth in October
India's domestic passenger vehicle dispatches surged by 12.4 per cent year-on-year in October, reaching a record 5.19 lakh units, while two-wheeler sales also saw a significant 16.1 per cent increase, driven by festive season preparations and improved demand.
HDFC Mutual Fund has entered the SIF segment with its first hybrid long-short fund, combining debt, arbitrage and derivatives. The NFO is open until November 27, with a 10 lakh minimum investment. The strategy allows short positions of up to 25% of net assets.
Andhra Pradesh to build unique space economy ecosystem, says minister Lokesh
Digital Desk | Visakhapatnam, Nov 13 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Friday expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh, unlike other states, will build a unique space economy ecosystem. Speaking at a session on India's New Space Economy on the second day of the CII Partnership Summit 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Lokesh said the space economy was at the beginning of an exciting phase, with enormous opportunities yet to be explored. The Minister said Andhra Pradesh had created a strong sense of excitement around the space economy and was positioning itself differently from other states. He emphasised that a thriving industrial ecosystem could not be developed merely through incentives or freebies, but required collective efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders. He highlighting the growing opportunities for startups, entrepreneurs and research institutions. He stressed the importance of bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs and academia to create a sustainable and vibrant space industry ecosystem. According to him, close collaboration among these groups would be essential to identify opportunities, encourage innovation and translate emerging ideas into successful ventures. Expressing confidence in the state's vision, Lokesh said that Andhra Pradesh was committed to turning its ambitions into reality. The Minister added that Andhra Pradesh would work towards building a distinctive and thriving ecosystem for the space economy through collective leadership, entrepreneurship and academic collaboration. Addressing college students on the emerging opportunities in the space economy, Lokesh noted how state governments can contribute to a sector largely governed by the Central government. He said Andhra Pradesh is adopting a systematic approach to developing sector-specific ecosystems by identifying key industries, mapping all stakeholders and attracting investments and companies to the state. He emphasised the need for strong vertical and horizontal integration to build a comprehensive space industry ecosystem. Vertical integration involves attracting sub-component manufacturers, suppliers and vendors who support major space companies such as Skyroot in developing and launching their rockets. Lokesh said that a significant number of these supporting companies are Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which play a crucial role in strengthening the supply chain. Citing an example, he mentioned meeting an MSME exhibitor that had manufactured a shield for a rocket. Explaining horizontal integration, Lokesh said it involves bringing academia and industry together by revamping academic curricula, encouraging research and strengthening testing and certification facilities through Centres of Excellence. He highlighted the collaboration with IIT Tirupati to establish a Centre of Excellence in the energy sector, particularly in view of the growing cluster of ingot, solar wafer and solar cell manufacturing companies in the region. Lokesh also stressed the need for a dedicated national policy to develop an integrated space industry ecosystem and said state governments should proactively identify and attract companies such as Skyroot. He called for a systematic approach to identifying the entire value chain, including component manufacturers, suppliers and vendors, and bringing them together within a common industrial ecosystem.
US assures India lower tariffs than peers in trade deal
The US has assured India of lower tariffs than those imposed on its trading partners under the proposed trade deal. The first phase of the agreement will cover goods, with services to be negotiated separately in the next phase.
Karnatakas Tarikere drip irrigation scheme benefits over 10,000 farmers amid drought
It has brought a large area under drip irrigation, benefiting over 10,000 farmers and supporting the cultivation of crops such as onion, chilli, ragi and vegetables
The IV Glow Economy Beauty, on the Drip
For Rs 6,000 Rs 20,000 a sitting, Hyderabad's beauty-conscious can now put their glow on a drip. The catch? The science is still catching up with the glamour
New Mangalore Port gets new cargo storage shed, upgraded international cruise lounge
The two projects are expected to improve cargo-handling efficiency, support growing trade requirements and provide better facilities for international cruise passengers.
Commerce Ministry hopeful of resolving scotch whisky disputes soon
It may be noted that dozens of containers of bulk Scotch belonging to leading liquor companies Diageo and Pernod Ricard held at Indian ports, with Customs investigators seeking a 150 per cent import duty despite the trade pact providing for a reduced 75 per cent rate
Air India suspends flights to Riyadh and Jeddah
Indonesia to sign ASEAN digital economy pact on Nov. 14 in Manila
Tata Motors sees Q3 cost pressure, Q4 relief
Sam Altman got a comeback. Will Jensen Huang too?
Mahindra 3XO ZNG: Spirited drive, now with CNG economy
The Mahindra 3XO finally jumps onto the CNG bandwagon. Has it lost its youthful zing as a result? We find out
Microsoft suffers outage after dethroning Nvidia
India's forex reserves rise by $2.49 billion to $719.55 billion: RBI data
India's forex reserves increased by USD 2.49 billion to USD 719.547 billion during the week ended November 6, according to the RBI data released on Friday. In the previous week, the forex reserves had dropped by USD 2.691 billion to USD 717.056 billion. The reserves had touched an all-time high of USD 785.706 billion during the week ended September 4, driven by a heavy flow of currency as part of a special concessional swap for deposits from the diaspora through which banks raised a record USD 133 billion, but had been on a decline ever since. During the week ended November 6, foreign currency assets, a major component of reserves, increased by USD 232 million to USD 591.350 billion, according to the data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include effects of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units, such as the euro, pound, and yen, held in foreign exchange reserves. The value of gold reserves increased sharply b
Airlines' grouping AAPA calls for government support amid surging fuel prices, operational costs
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) -- which represents 18 carriers, including Air India -- has also called for having government leadership during the sustainability transition amid challenges related to using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for decarbonisation.
The Supreme Court upheld the inheritance rights of a woman's two sons from her second marriage over 45 bighas of Delhi land, ruling that her limited interest had become absolute ownership under Section 14(1) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956.
Pro-Palestinian Group Seeks to Block Israeli Real Estate Fair in Paris
The Franco-Palestinian NIDAL association filed an emergency motion to a court against the 9th Icube real estate and investment salon, arguing that the fair violates human rights.
Indias exports hit record $90 billion in October, but merchandise trade deficit widens
Higher festival-season demand and oil prices pushed up imports, even as market diversification and new trade deals supported export growth.
Rupee weakens to 94.25/$, 10-year bond yield rises as crude prices surge
The rupee settled at 94.25 against the dollar, while the benchmark 10-year bond yield rose six basis points to 7.31 per cent amid higher crude prices and a firm dollar index
Bengaluru real estate businessman hacked to death in front of wife
Bengaluru: A real estate businessman was brutally murdered in broad daylight by a gang of armed assailants in Yelahanka New Town on Friday morning, November 13. The victim, identified as Charan Gowda, owner of Dhani Properties, was attacked with lethal weapons while arriving at his office with his wife. According to police, Charan had driven Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Vallarpadam container movement hit as trailer crews boycott mandatory cargo scanning
Health concerns among trailer workers have triggered protests, while trade bodies warn of mounting delays and additional costs for importers
In South Carolina, volunteers are collecting discarded oyster shells and returning them to coastal waters for habitat restoration. The SCORE program has seen significant community involvement, with over 25,000 volunteers participating in oyster reef projects. Recycled shells create environments where marine life can thrive and support local ecosystems. The restoration began to reveal positive changes just a few years after implementation.
Delhi govt plans 5-acre 'world-class' Chhath ghat at ITO featuring sculptures, fountains and a plaza
The Delhi government is set to develop a 5-acre Chhath ghat along the Yamuna near ITO. This project aims to create an aesthetically appealing and environmentally sustainable site for Chhath puja. It will include various artistic features, landscaping, and amenities for public comfort. A consultant will prepare a detailed report and plans for construction based on the public works department's guidelines.
Veteran actress Sushmita Mukherjee, who appeared in iconic films such as King Uncle and Golmaal and TV series such as Karamachand, recently opened up on how she coped with bankruptcy, being debt-ridden, and how her attitude and relationship with money changed.
Microsoft outage: What's up and what's still down?
'Sandpapergate' only part of the story behind reverse swing's decline
Reverse swing is a crucial skill for fast bowlers, but its prevalence is declining in test cricket. Factors contributing to this decline include the impact of the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal and changes in match conditions. Some players are now hesitant to work on the ball due to fear of repercussions. Additionally, the rise of wobble-seam bowling has reduced the focus on reverse swing techniques.
Glare falls on booming gold loan business
India's gold loan market is expanding at an extraordinary pace, but the near doubling of delinquencies between March and August 2026 may have just indicated that some major stress could be building beneath the surface.While the proportion of seriously overdue loans remains relatively small, warnings from credit bureau TransUnion Cibil and lenders such as Bajaj Finance and Piramal Finance have given a worrying sign -- that some borrowers may be using fresh loans against gold to manage existing debt rather than finance new needs.Also read | Indians splurge 72,000 crore on their favourite golden obsession to satisfy festive cravingThe development has stoked concerns about the quality and sustainability of growth in one of India's fastest-expanding retail credit segments, a ToI report said on November 13.Gold has long been India's favourite financial cushion -- a store of wealth that households can turn to whenever money is short. But as Indians increasingly pledge their jewellery to get cash, a troubling question may have emerged: is the glittering gold loan boom also hiding a growing debt problem?The numbers behind the glitterThe speed and scale of the expansion in India's gold loan market are striking.Outstanding gold loans reached a record Rs 22.5 lakh crore in August 2026, almost thrice the levels of August 2023. However, even as the expansion continued, the rise in overdue accounts began to draw attention too.135802890Loans overdue for more than 90 days went up from 0.2% of the portfolio in March to 0.3% in August. While the absolute level was low, the near doubling in just five months made policymakers sit up and take notice.The expansion has also changed the character of the market. TransUnion Cibil data showed that lenders sanctioned gold loans worth Rs 8.2 lakh crore in the April-June quarter, a 12% increase year-on-year, even as the number of loans originated fell 15% to 3.7 crore.The number of unique borrowers remained broadly stable at 2.4 crore. The indication may be that growth in lending value is increasingly coming from larger loans rather than a comparable increase in the number of customers.A new debt lifeline?More worrying could be the possibility that gold loans are becoming a means of dealing with distress.Macquarie Capital has warned that some lenders may be extending fresh gold-backed loans to people already badly overdue on other loans. It means that instead of addressing the underlying cash-flow problem, such transactions could simply move outstanding debt from one financial institution to another.Also read | India's gem and jewellery exports jump 34% to $2.92 billion in October on festive demandThe scale of the overlap is significant. According to Piramal Finance managing director and CEO Jairam Sridharan, an estimated 15-23% of gross gold loan disbursements across the industry during FY26 went to borrowers who were already more than 90 days overdue on at least one other loan.135802908Sridharan estimated the value of these disbursements at Rs 4.7 lakh crore.Bajaj Finance reported an increase in early repayment stress in its gold loan portfolio. Its data showed that assets classified under Stage 2 and Stage 3, reflecting loans overdue by more than 30 days, increased 15 basis points quarter-on-quarter in the July-September quarter.A substantial part of this stress was attributed to short-tenure gold loans. The company has since discontinued these offerings, it said, moving instead towards longer repayment periods that give borrowers more flexibility.Piramal Finance flagged the possibility of overlapping gold borrowings too, saying that nearly 35% of its customers had gold loans from another financial institution.Macquarie has cautioned that collections teams at some lenders could be encouraging borrowers with overdue accounts to pledge jewellery elsewhere and use the proceeds to settle existing dues.Such practices could make reported repayment performance look healthier without necessarily improving borrowers' finances, Reuters reported in late October.Misleading comfortThe lure of gold loans is not hard to understand. Unlike unsecured personal loans, they are backed by an asset that lenders can auction to recover their money.Rising gold prices have also boosted the borrowing capacity of people without requiring them to sell family jewellery. For lenders, this makes for a chance to expand credit with tangible security.But collateral does not necessarily mean repayment capacity in all cases.A borrower who pledges jewellery to get money for closing an overdue personal loan may have bought time, not stability. If the underlying income problem continues, the borrower might later default on the gold loan as well. This will put her family assets at risk.There is another vulnerability as well. A sharp fall in gold prices, combined with rising defaults, will weaken the lenders' position substantially, because a fall in collateral value will shrink the cushion.If defaults rise at the same time as gold prices fall, lenders will likely be left staring at having to auction large quantities of gold in an unfavourable market.The real testThere is another new side to this risk: rising competition.As banks and NBFCs seek growth beyond conventional unsecured credit, they are increasingly being drawn to gold-backed lending. Established, specialised gold loan players have years of experience in valuing jewellery, monitoring collateral and carrying out auctions. The new players must develop these strong points while competing for market share at the same time.135802998The RBI's revised lending rules (effective April 1, 2026) have also changed the game. They provide for loan-to-value limits of up to 85% for eligible gold loans of up to Rs 2.5 lakh, 80% for loans above Rs 2.5 lakh and up to Rs 5 lakh, and 75% for larger loans. Consumption-focused bullet-repayment loans are also subject to a maximum tenure of 12 months.While these safeguards are important, the real test is in assessing borrowers' overall financial health rather than relying predominantly on the value of their jewellery, at ET report says.One must note here that a gold loan used for productive investment or a genuine emergency is very different from one taken to postpone default on another obligation.As of now, the bottomline seems to be that while India's gold loan market is shining, the sharp rise in serious delinquencies can be a reminder that trouble could be brewing under all that glitter.
SpiceJet board to meet on November 18 to consider fresh capital raising proposal
The development comes as the budget carrier continues to face significant financial and operational challenges, which have led to a reduction in its flight operations.
Tata Motors' luxe crown readies new breed of Jaguars
Microsoft outage: Is Outlook fixed? US cities hit
China rules out hosting 2028 UN climate talks: Report
China has ruled out hosting the UN climate talks in 2028 after considering the option for months. Another Asian-Pacific nation may now have the opportunity to host COP33 due to this decision. Earlier, India had withdrawed from hosting this event, while South Korea has expressed interest. The upcoming climate talks will assess global progress on climate action and evaluate the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Ola fined Rs 10 lakh for seeking extra payments before rides are confirmed
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has penalized ANI Technologies for its misleading payment practices on Ola. The regulator noted that soliciting add-on payments misleads consumers and constitutes an unfair trade practice. This feature suggested that paying extra could expedite ride allocation, despite evidence depicting the opposite. Ola has been ordered to cease this practice immediately and ensure compliance with consumer protection laws.
An auctioneer named Malo de Lussac discovered a valuable oil painting by Eugne Delacroix in central France. This painting, titled 'Study of Reclining Lions,' had been in one family since the mid-1800s. It depicts seven lions and includes certificates authenticating its provenance, linking it to Delacroix's work. The artwork estimated at 200,000 to 300,000 sold for 455,000 in late March.
Trade pact: US promises India tariff advantage, but final framework yet to emerge
Commerce Secretary says talks are on the right track, with both teams continuing to engage; the first tranche will cover only goods, while the second will include services
Modi says energy security steps taken over last decade helped India weather West Asia crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated various welfare projects worth over Rs 15,600 crore in Bengaluru. These projects include initiatives related to renewable energy and petroleum infrastructure. Modi emphasized the importance of energy security amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The Prime Minister also dedicated the Metro Pink Line to the public for improved connectivity.
Global oil market to return to surplus in Q4 2026, larger supply build expected in 2027: IEA
According to the International Energy Agency, the global oil market is set to rebalance by late 2026. Global oil production is expected to recover faster than demand, resulting in a surplus. The demand for oil is projected to decline by 2.7 million barrels per day in 2026. Despite easing crude prices, tight supplies of refined products continue to challenge energy markets.
Blue Jet weighs Rs 500 cr Andhra Pradesh plan
Blue Jet Healthcare is evaluating the acquisition of around 50 acres of land in Andhra Pradesh for setting up an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility, with a proposed investment of Rs 5 billion (Rs 500 crore).The company has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board for the proposed project. The land acquisition is currently under evaluation, and the facility is expected to strengthen the company's manufacturing capabilities in the API segment.The proposed investment marks Blue Jet Healthcare's planned expansion into Andhra Pradesh.
One 97 Communications Subsidiary Gets RBI In-Principle Nod For Wallets
One 97 Communications' subsidiary, Paytm Payments Services Ltd (PPSL), has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India to operate wallets. This approval comes with conditions, including a mandatory system and cyber security audit, and PPSL can only issue Prepaid Payment Instruments after final authorisation. This development follows a period of significant regulatory challenges for Paytm Payments Bank, including the cancellation of its banking licence. Concurrently, One 97 Communications reported a substantial increase in profit and revenue for the second quarter ended September 2026.
Is Microsoft Outlook outage resolved today? Microsoft has started restoring its services after a major outage disrupted Outlook, Hotmail and Microsoft 365 across several countries. Some users have regained access, but others still face email and login problems. Claude's Microsoft 365 tools have also been affected. Microsoft has yet to confirm full recovery or announce when all services will return to normal. Microsoft 365 has more than 430 million users, according to the company. Downdetector recorded nearly 130,000 Outlook complaints at the peak of the disruption.
India's FX reserves rise $2.49 bn in Nov 6 week
The Centre has made electric vehicles the default choice for official cars used by central government departments, setting a 20 lakh purchase limit for EVs against 10 lakh for petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. Conventional car purchases will require special approval.
Rahul Gandhi files reply in defamation case linked to Hathras gangrape case
Rahul Gandhi has submitted his reply regarding the defamation complaint related to his statements in Hathras. The court previously dismissed the complaint, prompting Gandhi to challenge this decision. Legal representation for three acquitted men claims Gandhi's remarks were defamatory and insulted them. A notice seeking damages was issued to Gandhi after his comments during a village visit. The next hearing is scheduled for December 7, following the judge's leave.
Is Claude code down? Anthropic deploys fix
Rabbit Island, located in southwestern Louisiana, is undergoing an extensive restoration project aimed at reviving habitats for colonial waterbirds. Initiated in 2020, the initiative tackles erosion and habitat loss brought on by various challenges. The first season saw over 11,600 nests discovered, exceeding expectations considerably. To further combat erosion, limestone rock baskets were installed, enhancing the area's viability for wildlife.
COVID-era Wuhan party boss under investigation, says China's anti-graft watchdog
Wang Zhonglin, the former party chief of Hubei and Wuhan, is under investigation for corruption. This follows his earlier prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly appointed as Wuhan's top official in February 2020. He served as governor of Hubei in 2021 and later became the highest-ranking official in the province. Additionally, several other senior officials from pandemic-era Hubei have faced investigations and serious consequences.
Mangaluru Central station redevelopment gets 94-crore estimate; Hassan-Mangaluru line to be doubled
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined key railway infrastructure proposals for the region while flagging off a new Vande Bharat Express
Twelve people killed in bus-truck collision in Assam's Kaziranga
A tragic accident occurred near Kaziranga National Park when a minibus collided with a container truck. At least seven people have died due to the crash, and efforts to retrieve the bodies are ongoing. Local authorities are assessing the situation and managing relief operations for the injured. The minibus was reportedly speeding and lost control before the collision. The critically injured have been transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Staffing third-party logistics
Technology adoption drives third-party logistics growth, but shortage of skilled manpower remains a challenge
