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'Modi's visit to Canada in December will be another building block': Jaishankar meets Anita Anand
S Jaishankar met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to discuss diplomatic relations between India and Canada. They agreed that Prime Minister Modi's visit in December will strengthen their ties further. Previous tensions arose after allegations against India regarding a separatist's killing earlier this year. Relations have improved since Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's election and visit to India.
Delhi Police arrest Hashim Baba gang member in Dabri murder case
Delhi Police have arrested Shivam, a member of the Hashim Baba gang, for a murder that occurred recently. A 30-year-old man was fatally stabbed in northeast Delhi on October 24 and later died at a hospital. In a separate incident, Seema Rishi was killed while trying to protect her son from attackers on October 15. The woman's husband described how they were attacked during a confrontation.
Pacer Auqib Nabi included to India's squad for first three ODIs against New Zealand
Auqib Nabi has been added to India's ODI squad for the first three matches against New Zealand. This change comes after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. The ODI series is scheduled to begin on November 4, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland. India will also have several key players in their updated lineup for the matches.
'Use Claude, ChatGPT To Understand IPOs'
'Retail investors should study IPO prospectuses, business models, financial performance and valuations instead of relying on listing-day hype.'
Nagpur Metro's 257-metre engineering feat
SGB: Rs 1 lakh investment turns into Rs 3 lakh
Elon Musk revealed that he starts his day with steak, eggs and coffee, contrasting his diet with vegetarian tech leaders Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai and Dario Amodei. While Altman prefers fasting and espresso, Pichai sticks to eggs, toast and chai. Dario became vegetarian after following his sister Daniela's example.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Boost Tourism and Economy Between Delhi and Kashi
Uttar Pradeshs CM announces the launch of Vande Bharat sleeper train to enhance tourism and economic activities between Delhi and Kashi. Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Boost Tourism and Economy Between Delhi and Kashi
PFRDA has introduced the UPS Jeewan Setu - Digital Life Certificate facility to simplify annual life certificate submission for pensioners under the Unified Pension Scheme. Heres how the new Aadhaar-based facility works, where pensioners can access it, and what deadline they need to keep in mind.
Jordon Hudson and Bill Belichick reportedly ended their relationship in late 2025, according to reports. Following their breakup, Hudson's relationship status has become uncertain but fans are speculating about her new boyfriend. Some social media users have humorously suggested that her new companion could be football legend Lee Corso. Despite their breakup, Hudson and Belichick maintain a professional connection and remain friends.
Govt extends cotton import duty relief
The government has extended the customs duty exemption on cotton imports by two months till December 31, 2026, to improve supplies and ease input costs for the domestic textile and apparel industry, PTI reported on Saturday.The extension follows the five-month exemption announced in May, which was due to expire on October 31.The move is expected to improve cotton availability in the domestic market and provide relief to textile manufacturers, particularly small and medium enterprises.The Finance Ministry said the extension was expected to reduce input costs across the textile and apparel sector, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers while keeping the interests of domestic farmers in mind, as per the report.It also expected the measure to support the performance of the domestic textile industry.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has launched a cutting-edge real-time display showing coach occupancy on its Pink Line. This innovative system allows passengers to view crowd levels through screens installed on platform stations before boarding. By utilizing load sensors to monitor occupancy, it helps mitigate overcrowding during peak travel periods, thereby enhancing comfort and ensuring a more enjoyable journey for all commuters.
In a viral video, the actor, boxer, and TikTok star was seen being pummelled by several assailants. The scuffle comes a month after Hall was arrested on felony domestic violence charges following an alleged July incident in Las Vegas with ex-Mika Lafuente. He flaunted his injuries on social media a day after the scuffle.
Sunny Deol was 'worried' about doing Ikka, reveals producer. What changed his mind?
Sunny Deol was initially apprehensive about doing Ikka because the courtroom drama had no action, recalls Netflix India's Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh. Known for his action-hero image, the actor was eventually convinced to experiment with the genre. Ikka, which also stars Akshaye Khanna, marked Sunny's OTT debut and premiered on Netflix on July 10.
PNB credit card charges will change from November 1, 2026, for Visa and RuPay users. Check revised ATM withdrawal fees, late payment charges, utility bill transaction fees, reward point redemption costs and other important changes affecting cardholders.
Halloween rallies: Gen Z protests reach Germany
EAM Jaishankar slams sanctions, chokepoints disrupting global energy trade, holding prices hostage
S Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by disruptions in global oil supplies during the G20 meeting. He pointed out that the current energy crisis results from unpredictability and significant disruptions. Jaishankar emphasized the need for the G20 to ensure that energy markets remain open and predictable. He also mentioned India's efforts in critical minerals and the necessity for reliable energy supplies.
This art festival reveals why the creative economy is as much about audiences as creators
In this photo essay, we showcase more highlights from the Contemporary Now arts festival in Chennai, along with director insights.
India-Brazil bilateral trade set to reach $20 bn with focus on critical minerals, AI, defence: Envoy
Brazil's Ambassador to India highlighted growing trade relations, expecting bilateral trade to reach USD 20 billion soon. The partnership encompasses critical sectors such as defence, energy, and pharmaceuticals, promoting economic engagement. Both nations aim to deepen cultural ties, celebrating the centenary of musician Antonio Carlos Jobim in 2027. Recent political visits strengthened commitments toward technological and economic cooperation in multilateral forums.
US oil companies aim to squeeze more out of refineries as war supply crunch weighs
US oil companies are enhancing refinery capacities and reopening closed plants due to global supply disruptions. ExxonMobil and Chevron reported record profits, attributed to soaring commodity prices and refinery margins. Additionally, ongoing conflicts have severely impacted refining output, particularly in Russia and Iran. Analysts suggest that it may take until next year for supply chains to stabilize.
Jordon Hudson and Bill Belichick have parted ways after their engagement ended late last year. However, they are committed to keeping their business dealings intact while nurturing their friendship. Jordon has been seen venturing into new relationships lately, though her current romantic status is somewhat ambiguous. Despite swirling rumors, Belichick has shown unwavering support for Hudson's efforts in managing his brand during this significant transition in their lives.
Russia, US peacekeeping mission in limbo
ISRO launches GSLV-F18 with NVS-03, boosts NavIC & make-in-india navigation capabilities
What to know about the $6.3B hack on Binance, likely the biggest-ever crypto theft
Binance says hackers stole more than $6 billion in what is being described as the largest cryptocurrency heist on record, with blockchain intelligence firms linking the attack to North Koreas TraderTraitor hacking unit. The exchange has set aside $6.34 billion to cover losses, frozen about $3 billion in affected assets with partners and says it will reimburse users while investigators trace the stolen funds.
4 killed, 2 hurt in Delhi's Mangolpuri factory fire
Startup bug bites fewer IIT, IIM alumni
New Delhi: Fewer graduates from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are taking the entrepreneurial path in 2026 compared to last year, although India's appetite for startups remains strong.Only 79 IIT alumni and 20 IIM alumni launched new tech startups between January and August this year, compared to 307 IIT graduates and 71 IIM graduates who founded startups in the entire 2025, according to Tracxn data collated for ET. The platform tracks only the year of incorporation for tech startups, so it does not have comparable January-August 2025 data.Also Read: Not Just AI - How soft skills are becoming key to getting hiredFurther, according to Tracxn data, 6,353 tech startups were founded until August this year, compared with 3,969 in the whole of 2025.The increase in the number of startups being founded is a positive sign, but the real question is who is making that transition. The fact that we are not seeing a meaningful increase in founders from the IITs and IIMs suggests there is still a large, untapped pool of talent, said Vikram Gupta, founder and managing partner, IvyCap Ventures.Also Read: Centre to tap IITs, NITs for nuclear tech courses to power India's 100 GW dream135376542AI & Layoffs as Decisive FactorsIf India wants to build the next generation of enduring companies, entrepreneurship must become a more viable career choice for a much wider talent pool, Gupta said.According to Saakshi Gera, managing director at Kedaara Capital, startups are increasing largely because artificial intelligence (AI) and no-code tools have dramatically reduced the cost of launching a venture, while layoffs have made entrepreneurship a more viable fallback option.But volume isn't quality. Investors continue to prioritise sustainable unit economics, and India's most credentialed talent is increasingly choosing safer, AI-adjacent jobs instead, Gera said.More IIT graduates take the entrepreneurial route than IIM alumni. India had 196,704 tech startups as of August 2026, according to Tracxn. Of these, 6,147 had at least one IIT founder, while 2,102 had at least one IIM founder.IIT alumni continue to account for a substantially larger share of startup founders than IIM alumni, which is consistent with the larger IIT alumni base and the strong engineering and deep-tech orientation of many technology startups, said Neha Singh, cofounder of Tracxn. The technical founders have the tendency to initiate ventures early, often complemented by business expertise from IIM graduates or other professionals as companies scale.For the study, the market intelligence platform considered alumni from IITs including Bombay, Delhi, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Madras, Roorkee, Jodhpur, Hyderabad, Guwahati, BHU (Varanasi), Mandi, Bhubaneswar and ISM Dhanbad, as well as IIMs at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Indore, Lucknow, Udaipur, Nagpur, Kashipur, Sirmaur and Sambalpur. According to Tracxn, it takes time to fully incorporate a company formally. The full incorporation figures as well as the final share for startups founded in 2026 will only be known later. This may rise to some extent, said Singh.
Reliance Industries Ltd has set a new benchmark with a record net profit of 29,550 crore for the September quarter, fueled by significant advancements in the oil-to-chemicals and digital segments. With a yearly revenue surge of 28.5% to 3.38 lakh crore, the O2C division's Ebitda skyrocketed 68%, reflecting the advantages of elevated energy prices and the firms adaptability in challenging market scenarios.
New-age beauty brands enjoy revenue glow-up
New-age beauty and personal care brands in India demonstrated impressive revenue growth in fiscal year 2026. Companies like Foxtale and Innovist achieved significant increases, doubling and tripling their sales figures. In contrast, older brands such as Sugar Cosmetics experienced revenue declines due to intensified competition and a lack of product innovation. Many newer brands focus on niche market segments and specific consumer problems to attract customers.
Mark Carney Rejects Trumps Tariff Deal On Cam; Pumps $1.6 Billion In Canada Economy Amid EU Pivot
Mark Carney is doubling down on Canadas push for greater economic independence as Ottawa resists U.S. trade demands and deepens ties with Europe.Canada suspended earlier negotiations with Washington after concluding that proposed U.S. terms went too far and were not in Canadas national interest. The Canadian government said it would not accept a deal that undermined workers, businesses, strategic industries or sovereignty.At his latest press conference, Carney revealed that sovereignty itself had become a sticking point in talks with the United States.
J&K constitutes four-tier mechanism to implement Circular Economy Policy 2026
Srinagar, Oct 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a four-tier institutional mechanism comprising a UT-level Circular Economy Mission, Steering Committee, District Circular Economy Cells and Urban Local Body (ULB)-level committees for the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Circular Economy Policy, 2026. According to an order, the mechanism has been established to ensure coordinated implementation of the policy, strengthen waste management systems, promote resource recovery and facilitate the development of circular economy-based enterprises and livelihoods across the Union Territory. The Jammu and Kashmir Circular Economy Mission will function as the apex body, providing overall supervision and reviewing the progress of policy implementation. It will meet at least once every six months and review inter-departmental coordination, employment and livelihood targets, financial and administrative bottlenecks, and implementation-related issues. The Mission will also guide the implementation of the Circular, Circular+ and Circular++ frameworks and issue directions to departments and agencies to ensure convergence in the execution of the policy. A Steering Committee has also been constituted to oversee the operational implementation of the policy. It will meet at least once every quarter and review progress, finalise implementation guidelines, standard operating procedures, model bylaws and reporting formats. The committee will also examine the classification of Urban Local Bodies under different circular economy frameworks, review detailed project reports and convergence of schemes, and assess proposals related to public-private partnerships, viability gap funding, extended producer responsibility and user charges. It will further monitor circular public procurement, digital reporting, job creation, livelihood integration and enterprise development, besides reviewing the performance of districts and ULBs. At the district level, Circular Economy Cells will be established to prepare district-specific project proposals, coordinate land identification and local clearances, and facilitate convergence between urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions. These cells will identify district-level material flows and circular economy clusters and coordinate waste streams related to tourism, horticulture, rural and urban sectors. Their responsibilities will also include monitoring source segregation, dry-waste aggregation and wet-waste processing, besides facilitating the participation of self-help groups, registration of workers and livelihood integration. The district cells will meet at least once every quarter and submit quarterly progress reports. At the grassroots level, ULB-level Circular Economy Committees will be responsible for implementing source segregation and collection systems, identifying bulk waste generators and ensuring the proper aggregation and channelisation of dry waste through authorised channels. The committees will also oversee wet-waste processing through decentralised or centralised models, implementation of user charges, maintenance of waste management and worker-related data, and promotion of circular procurement and local offtake. They will coordinate awareness and behaviour-change activities, address grievances related to service delivery and submit monthly reports to the Housing and Urban Development Department. The order further states that all departments and agencies will implement the policy within their existing statutory and administrative mandates. It clarifies that no expenditure will be incurred without the sanction of the competent authority and that all projects must comply with applicable laws, environmental standards, financial rules, procurement procedures and statutory clearance requirements. The constitution of the institutional mechanism will not, by itself, create any new post, financial liability or contractual obligation. The Housing and Urban Development Department has been authorised to issue further clarifications, guidelines and amendments required for operationalising the order and will also submit an annual implementation report to the government.
Ex-Supreme Court judge to mediate row between government & RIL consortium over K-G gas
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi referred the matter for mediation after attorney general R Venkataramani informed that the parties were unable to arrive at a viable solution.
AU Small Finance Bank hit by a likely breach of 'limited' data
The lender is investigating a potential breach of limited data pertaining to its vehicle-loan customers. The data was hosted on a third-party software platform operated by Salesforce.
United Spirits is facing subdued demand in its mass-market liquor portfolio as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, while regulatory changes in Maharashtra and Karnataka further weigh on sales. The Diageo-controlled company is relying on premium brands for growth, even as higher input costs linked to the West Asia conflict and weaker monsoons add pressure.
SC asks poll panel to probe bulk Form 7 filings in UP
FCNR bounty in Q2 masks bank issues in growing deposits
An analysis of 10 banks shows that reported deposit growth averaged 21.1% year-on-year during July-September. However, excluding the special foreign currency inflows, domestic deposit growth was estimated at just 12.2%-a massive gap of nearly nine percentage points.
Shah lays out UP poll agenda: UCC & Hindutva
Durga Puja dhakis preserve Bengal's rich heritage
Watching mesmerised as the purohit at a friend's Durga Puja rhythmically waved the silver oil lamp with multiple wicks before the goddess, and then in succession, a silver camphor lamp, incense sticks, red cloth, conch shell, flowers and a silver-handled fly-whisk while incessantly ringing a bell with his other hand, I noticed that the dhak-drum beats changed subtly at every phase of the arati. For the first time I figured the dhaki (drummer) was doing a duet with the priest.A few days later, an old friend recounted that she was sitting in a puja pandal in the longish, quiet interregnum between the end of bhog (community lunch to partake of what was also offered to the Goddess) and the beginning of preparation for the evening arati, when the dhaki suddenly struck up a beat with his drum. The pandal was empty, with even the priest and helpers probably catching forty winks before the evening's prayers. So, who was this serenade for?Also Read: India lifted 496 million people out of poverty between 2011 and 2023, says World BankFor Her, of course, the drummer told her with a smile. I have respectfully reminded her that it is time to awaken. I have also drummed out the message that evening arati will soon commence. He then proceeded to tell her that dhakis have many different beats, each for a specific aspect of the puja. To uninitiated ears, they may sound like just any set of percussive tunes, but their 'bols' (sounds) are like mantras, perfectly complementing the priest's incantations.Like most, if not all, Bengalis, my friend and I love the heart-thumping sound of West Bengal's traditional large dhak drums. They not only joyfully herald the advent of the Goddess long before she can actually be seen arriving at her maternal home, they also devotedly accompany every ritual of Her worship for four days and dolefully sound her inevitable retreat: the long journey back to her husband Shiva in the Himalayas. They are her faithful minstrels.Also Read: India to conduct population census from January 25 to February 28, 2027; March 1 set as reference dateTherefore, the men (and now also women) whose strong hands and arms provide the rhythmic vocabulary through skilled use of two bamboo canes, are very crucial to Durga Puja celebrations. Yet very few of the thousands who flock to the pandals to admire and seek Her blessings pay much attention to the dhakis and what their drums are actually saying. Few note the change in beat and cadence. For many, they are just background music, a kind of white noise.Women dhakis, of late, have got a lot of publicity in many Indian cities, with many puja committees specifically seeking them out - often to enhance their inclusive credentials. Not many go further and ask those women (and men) the significance of the beats they play when, and why. My perceptive friend is an exception. And the answers she got were eye-openers. Their's is a labour of love, time they take out annually from their life as farmers to play for Her.The semiotic language they serenade Her with has been passed down generations, and even the youngest dhakis are hopefully conversant with it too. It is not enough for them to simply know all the rhythmic beats; they must also remember what to play when and why. Before the advent of modern telecommunications made so many traditional ways of sending messages over long distances redundant, drums were the equivalent of the town crier if not the telegraph and radio too.Every aspect of religio-cultural events like Durga Puja has relevance, even if most of us scarcely notice most of them. The semiotic language of the dhakis and drums are one such. Their profession is seeing a revival so younger people are taking it up, but many other puja-associated arts and crafts are down to their last practitioners. Those who appreciate and understand these facets of intangible heritage are even fewer. It's never too late to listen, ask and learn....
Suzlon Energy cuts operating margin guidance to 15%
Suzlon Energy reported a 1.3% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 394 crore for the September quarter of FY27. Net profit in the year-ago quarter stood at Rs 389 crore, excluding a deferred tax benefit of Rs 891 crore that had taken reported profit to Rs 1,279 crore.
Mondelez International upbeat on India despite cost pressures
The maker of Cadbury chocolates and Oreo biscuits added about 130,000 outlets in India during the third quarter ended September, as it pushes deeper into the country's fragmented retail market. It sees considerable headroom for further distribution expansion, alongside opportunities to increase the number of products stocked by existing retailers.
Spooky vibes at White House as First Lady Melania & Trump greet trick-or-treaters on Halloween
Manipur SoO Pact faces uncertainty ahead of polls
In Manipur, ethnic violence has led to significant casualties and displacement since May 2023. The Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups has faced opposition by the Meitei and Naga communities. Several SoO cadres are accused of involvement in recent conflicts and violence. The future of the SoO agreement remains uncertain, raising concerns among local communities. Assembly elections will soon bring these issues to the forefront of political debate.
FTAs to open $85 trillion market; traders need to expand footprint: Goyal
With India's trade pacts set to provide preferential access to its goods and services in countries with a combined GDP of USD 85 trillion in the coming years, the industry should look beyond the huge domestic market and step out of its comfort zone to expand globally, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. He said that before 2014, India had implemented free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries having an aggregate GDP of USD 10 trillion. In the last four and a half years, the government has entered into nine trade pacts which covered 38 developed countries, having a GDP of USD 60 trillion. India is now negotiating seven to eight more agreements, which will add another USD 15 trillion, where India will get preferential access for its goods and services, the commerce and industry minister said at the 4th Edition Festival of Ideas here. Together, all these trade agreements cover markets accounting for about 76 per cent of global GDP, or USD 85 trillion out of the world's total
ISRO launches GSLV-F18 carrying NVS-03 satellite to strengthen Indias NavIC navigation system
Isro successfully launched its GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the 2,250-kg NVS-03 satellite from Sriharikota at 11:51 pm on Friday. The mission aims to strengthen India's indigenous NavIC navigation system through upgraded satellite capabilities, including an indigenous atomic clock and the addition of the L1 frequency signal alongside existing L5 and S-band signals.
36 Bangladeshis held for entering Assam without valid documents
Thirty-six Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in Dhubri for allegedly entering India without valid documents. Authorities received a tip-off regarding a potential mass transit of infiltrators through the area. The arrests took place early in the morning at the Jogamaya ferry ghat of the Brahmaputra river. The individuals all came from Chapai Nawabganj in Rajshahi division of Bangladesh. Investigations are ongoing as police conduct document scrutiny and questioning.
UP CEO seeks explanation from Pilibhit poll officer over approval of erroneous forms
Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa is demanding answers regarding the validation of questionable voter registration forms. An investigation disclosed that 13,779 forms were wrongly included on the voter list, with 10,470 of these receiving improper approval. This situation has prompted scrutiny of both past and present district election officers, with clarifications anticipated from those overseeing the registration procedures.
Halloweens biggest treat? These 3 zodiac signs could find a reason to believe in the universe again
Threes zodiac signs are expected to get positive vibes from the universe. The festival may be spooky but it will turn to joy for them if they focus on the right things.
J&K Police busts terror financing module, arrests 10 associates
Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested ten individuals in Shopian district for their involvement in a terror financing network. The accused were connected to various online financial transactions suspected of funding terrorist activities. Investigations indicated these individuals were raising money from the public to support terrorists like Lashkar-e-Taiba. Additionally, the funds were allegedly used for logistical support, including providing smartphones for terrorist operations.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri to prepare ground for Nepal PM's India trip
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Kathmandu to prepare for Balendra Shah's visit to India. Shah's visit will mark his first trip abroad as Prime Minister of Nepal, occurring in late November. Several India-funded projects are expected to be inaugurated, and new projects will be launched during this visit. Nepal is likely to request additional Indian investments in various sectors, including hydropower and hospitality.
Amazon steps up creator investments as it looks to convert social media influence into sales
Between January and September, creator content influenced 42 million customers on Amazon, of whom 28 million made a purchase. A total of 133 million products were purchased through creators during the period, said Nidhi Thakkar, head of social commerce for emerging marketplaces at Amazon. Influenced customers grew 50% year-on-year, while purchasing customers increased 92%. The figures were recorded before the Diwali shopping season.
ETs roundup of the wackiest whispers in corporate corridors
India lifted 496 million people out of poverty between 2011 and 2023, says World Bank
Between 2011 and 2023, India successfully elevated about 496 million people from poverty, showcasing a significant reduction in those living below the poverty threshold. A steep decline in extreme poverty reflects improved living conditions. However, income inequality lingers across different job sectors and regions. The World Bank forecasts ongoing reductions in poverty levels, but at a more gradual rate than before.
Sitharaman says NDA revived IDBI Bank after UPA-era bad loan crisis
In response to Rahul Gandhi's opposition to IDBI Bank's privatisation, Nirmala Sitharaman stressed the successful recovery of the bank thanks to the NDA government's strategies. She pointed to the previous UPA government's fiscal mismanagement, which caused notable losses. Sitharaman also discussed the reviewed valuation process for the stake sale, criticising Gandhi for his attempts to politicize banking matters and the undue stress placed on bank staff during earlier administrations.
Diwali celebrations can increase the risk of fires from diyas, candles, firecrackers and electrical faults. Here's how to financially protect yourself from such incidents.
Fiscal deficit in H1 rises to 42.1% of FY27 target on higher capex, subsidies
By September 2026, the Centre's fiscal deficit had escalated to 7.14 lakh crore, exceeding last year's figures. This increase is fueled by a 10.7% rise in total expenditure, largely a result of heightened capital spending and food subsidies, while petroleum subsidies sharply declined. Gross tax revenue, however, saw a modest growth of 6.1%, even with lower excise duty collections attributed to tax reforms.
India railway unions seek 69,000 minimum pay under 8th Pay Commission
In a bid for enhanced worker welfare, the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen has approached the 8th Central Pay Commission with key demands. They seek to establish a minimum salary of 69,000, which includes a fitment factor of 3.833. The federation requests an adjustment in the annual increment from 3% to 6% and proposes five promotional opportunities during an employee's tenure.
TRAI has proposed draft guidelines requiring telecom operators using AI to adopt board-approved policies, classify AI systems by risk and report critical incidents to the regulator. The framework also mandates AI governance committees, human oversight, impact assessments and inventories of AI systems, making telecom entities accountable for their AI-driven operations.
India extends cotton import duty exemption
The Centre has extended the customs duty exemption on cotton imports until December 31, 2026, from the earlier deadline of October 31, 2026, to augment cotton availability for India's textile sector.The extension is expected to help reduce input costs across the textile and apparel industry, providing relief to manufacturers and consumers while taking into account the interests of domestic farmers, the government said.The measure is also expected to have a positive impact on the domestic textile industry, particularly small and medium enterprises, by improving the availability of cotton in the market.The Finance Ministry amended its May 30, 2026, customs notification to extend the exemption by two months. The amendment replaces the October 31, 2026, deadline specified in the earlier notification with December 31, 2026.The amendment was issued under Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962, read with Section 124 of the Finance Act, 2021.
Toronto CEO, family attacked at $2.1M mansion
India's Forex Reserves Drop by $1.27 Bn to $719.75 Bn
India's foreign exchange reserves have decreased by USD 1.269 billion to USD 719.748 billion for the week ended October 30, with experts attributing the decline to the deployment of FCNR(B) resources and the Reserve Bank of India's currency defence measures.
Odisha eyes semiconductor push with five projects worth over $4 billion
The state aims to build a semiconductor and advanced electronics ecosystem, with projects spanning chip fabrication and 3D packaging, alongside investments in AI infrastructure
Sitharaman slams Cong on IDBI Bank divestment, cites UPA 'misuse'
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly criticised the Congress party and the previous UPA government amidst the row over IDBI Bank's divestment, alleging they used banks and financial institutions as personal entities and pressured employees to extend loans bypassing prudent norms. She defended the current government's decision to sell a stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax, stating it was revived through professionalism and recapitalisation.
IBBI tightens real estate insolvency rules to prioritise home delivery
India's insolvency regulator has implemented new rules to prioritize project completion and better homebuyer oversight. Independent assessments of construction progress and funding needs are now mandatory for real estate projects. Creditors with at least 66% voting share can recommend excluding projects from insolvency proceedings. Homebuyers will now have representation on monitoring committees to oversee implementation. These measures aim to improve transparency and protect the interests of homebuyers during insolvency.
French billionaire Xavier Niel gets CCI approval to acquire 16.2% stake in Vodafone
Xavier Niel's investment vehicle, Vega SAS, has obtained approval from the Competition Commission of India to purchase a 16.2 percent stake in Vodafone Group for approximately 4.4 billion pounds. Post-acquisition, Vega SAS will become Vodafone's primary shareholder, a pivotal step as Vodafone continues to concentrate on its core markets following earlier restructuring efforts. This decision also complies with India's fair competition regulations, promoting healthy market dynamics.
Tata Motors takes 89.42% stake in Iveco, gains control of Italian CV maker
Tata Motors has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Iveco Group, which now becomes an indirect subsidiary. The transaction involved purchasing shares for 14.4 each, resulting in a total of 238 million shares. This acquisition is expected to enhance Tata Motors' global presence and create a more diversified entity. Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran has been appointed as the chairperson of the Iveco board.
India's domestic air traffic fell 8.3% in September as demand remained under pressure: IATA
In September, India's domestic air traffic declined by 8.3% year-on-year, marking a significant drop. This decrease was the steepest observed in 2026 so far, according to IATA. The demand for air travel faced pressure due to rising fuel prices and weaker economic conditions. Capacity contracted by 7.9% during the same period, leading to a slight dip in Passenger Load Factor. Overall, domestic traffic fell by 2.
During festivals like Karwa Chauth and Diwali, indulgent desserts are a must, and mithai plays a crucial role. Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana introduces a delightful twist: a protein-rich milk cake bar. By blending toned milk, high-protein paneer, and a zero-calorie sweetener, this recipe provides a guilt-free way to enjoy festive flavours. Once cooked, simply slice the mixture for a delectable treat that won't derail your health goals.
Thomas Markle Sr. is under scrutiny in the Philippines due to alleged child sexual abuse material discovered in his residence. Meghan Markle has shared her profound distress regarding these allegations and has distanced herself from her father. Authorities received a letter in 2019 detailing these concerning allegations, which raised alarms about child safety. Following these revelations, Thomas Markle Jr.
Reliance posts record quarterly profit as O2C, Jio power Q2
Reliance Industries Ltd reported a record quarterly profit of Rs 29,550 crore for July-September, a 33.8 per cent increase year-on-year, primarily fuelled by a surge in global fuel margins for its oil-to-chemicals business and robust growth in its telecom arm, Jio, which recently completed India's largest IPO.
S Jaishankar attends G20 meet in US
K'taka CM asks Kannada groups to stay off IT cos
Not Just AI: How soft skills are becoming key to getting hired
As artificial intelligence transforms workplaces, the significance of soft skills is on the rise. Key skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential for job seekers. Universities must adapt by creating experiential learning experiences that foster these abilities. Students can enhance their employability through group projects and internships, ensuring a well-rounded skill set that combines technical acumen with interpersonal strengths.
SC Appoints Ranjana Prakash Desai as Mediator in KG Basin Gas Dispute
The Supreme Court has appointed former top court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai as the sole mediator in the Krishna-Godavari basin gas migration dispute involving Reliance Industries and others, after parties failed to find a solution.
16th Naredco Telangana Property Show Kicks Off at Hitex with Over 500 Real Estate Projects
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka inaugurates the three-day property exhibition at Hitex, featuring over 500 projects and home loan options.
UPI Goes Global: Book Dubai, Singapore Attractions Online
Indian tourists can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to book tickets online for Dubai's Burj Khalifa and major attractions in Singapore, including Universal Studios. This initiative, facilitated by NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) through strategic partnerships, aims to simplify international travel payments for Indians and strengthen digital and economic links with these countries.
Diageo's India unit searched as state tax officials review Scotch imports
United Spirits, the Indian subsidiary of Diageo, was searched by Maharashtra tax authorities due to an investigation. The authorities are probing the misclassification of Scotch imports to determine if companies paid lower tariffs. United Spirits previously faced scrutiny from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in an industry-wide inquiry. Despite the searches, the company stated there was no impact on its financial and operational activities.
The 8th Pay Commission has completed its scheduled Mumbai meetings. Several organisations have proposed annual increments above the current 3%. Here's what a 7% annual increment means for level 9, 10 and 11 employees?
Niti Aayog's Lahiri flags growth risks in case of further monetary policy tightening
In India, it's essential for policymakers to harmonize growth output with inflation expectations. Niti Aayogs Ashok Lahiri pointed out the importance of addressing inflation alongside job creation. He urged banks to play a pivotal role in linking enterprises with financial support and investment options. To capitalize on its natural resources, West Bengal must focus on industry attraction, while effective land acquisition and good infrastructure remain key for business development.
Intel stock crashes 29%, worst day since 1974
Intel shares (NASDAQ: INTC) fell about 29 per cent on Friday, October 30, one of the steepest single-day drops in the companys history. The fall is set to wipe out roughly $137 billion to $140 billion of its market value, depending on the report. It came a day after Intel gave a revenue forecast that was well below what Wall Street expected.Why Intel stock is falling todayOn Thursday, Intel said its revenue for the December quarter would be between $15 billion and $16 billion. Analysts had expected around $17 billion, and some estimates were above $18 billion.BREAKING: Intel stock, $INTC, extends losses to -27% on the day, now on track for its biggest daily loss since 1974.This puts the stock down -53% from its June 30th record high.Thats -$400 billion of lost market cap. https://t.co/HpQbJzNQiu The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) October 30, 2026 The profit outlook was weaker too. Intel expects adjusted earnings of 25 cents a share, against the 43 cents analysts were looking for. Finance chief David Zinsner also said the company does not expect positive cash flow this year.ALSO READ: US stock market crash today: Why are Dow Jones, Nasdaq and S&P 500 falling? Intel, Amazon, Nvidia and AMD stocks slideIntel blamed the weak PC market. Bloomberg reported that supply problems with its data centre chips also hurt the outlook. Corporate IT teams have less money to spend on laptops, which adds to the pressure.How costlier memory chips are hurting PC demandMemory makers are shifting production towards high-bandwidth memory chips used in AI systems. This has pushed up the price of regular memory, which makes PCs more expensive. Buyers were already cautious, so demand has weakened further.This matters because PC chips made up about half of Intels third-quarter revenue. The company expects PC chip sales to fall more than 20 per cent this quarter compared with the previous one. They had already dropped 5 per cent in the September quarter.Brian Mulberry of Zacks Investment Management said Intel needs to increase supply of its highly profitable Xeon server chips to offset the PC weakness. He added that lower sales volumes, higher manufacturing costs and an unfavourable product mix could keep earnings under pressure in the near term.AMD, Nvidia and other chip stocks also fallThe selloff did not stop at Intel. According to MarketWatch, AMD fell 9.39 per cent and Nvidia fell 3.43 per cent. Reuters reported that Arm, Qualcomm, Broadcom and Micron also fell between 2 and 10 per cent. Server makers Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Super Micro Computer dropped 6 to 10 per cent.The impact was visible in Europe as well. The STOXX Europe 600 Technology Index fell 2 per cent, with ASML down 4.6 per cent. US-listed shares of TSMC slipped 3.3 per cent.Matt Britzman of Hargreaves Lansdown said investors are currently selling first and asking questions later. In his view, Intels warning gave them an easy reason to book profits across the sector.The fall also adds to the challenge for CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Intel is trying to turn the company around while spending heavily on AI and manufacturing, and a long PC slump is making that harder.
FM cites World Bank poverty gains, says govt committed to inclusive growth
Citing World Bank data, Sitharaman said 496 million people moved above the $4.20-a-day poverty line between 2011-12 and 2023-24, reaffirming the government's focus on inclusive growth.
Tom Brady is reportedly in a new relationship with model Candice Swanepoel following his retirement from the NFL. Reports indicate that this romance may have created tension between Swanepoel and fellow model Joan Smalls. Brady, who had a highly publicised marriage with Gisele Bndchen, continues to navigate his personal life post-divorce. Despite the speculation, neither Brady nor Swanepoel has confirmed their relationship publicly.
Healthcare, BFSI supported IT growth in Q2 as technology and retail remained mixed
Q2 FY27 performance across verticals was mixed for Indias leading IT services companies, with growth varying significantly by segment
Middle East war helps lift Reliances oil-to-chemicals earnings to an all-time high
Reliance Industries' oil-to-chemicals sector reported record earnings due to soaring global fuel prices. The firm credited this success to the rise in energy costs and improved refining margins for the second quarter. While rising crude oil and transport fuel prices bolstered revenue, increased procurement and transportation expenses served as a constraint on overall earnings.
JioStar Q2 profit drops 13.2% to Rs 1,147 crore as margins contract
JioStar's net profit declined 13.2% year-on-year to Rs 1,147 crore in Q2 FY27, despite a 10.1% rise in operating revenue to Rs 6,806 crore. Operating EBITDA fell 10.5%, with margins contracting 600 basis points. JioHotstar averaged 440 million monthly active users, supported by growth in viewership and subscriptions.
Uttar Pradesh targets to buy more paddy, procurement to start from November 1
Stating that already 4,195 centres have been opened as of Friday, the government said that it will begin in eastern Uttar Pradesh from November 1 and continue until February 28, 2027
A passenger booked a train ticket for a journey on August 20. He cancelled the ticket more than 48 hours before the journey. Here's what happened next.
Indian millers bid higher rates to get FCIs wheat, offtake 100% in many States
The government had reduced the overall wheat allocation for sales in the weekly auction held on October 28, by 5,000 tonnes to 1.01 lakh tonnes (lt) from the previous tender
ICAI to issue guidance note for auditing multi-state cooperatives
ICAI will issue a guidance note for auditors of multi-state cooperative societies following the government's notification of the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor's Report) Order, 2026. The guidance will standardise audit practices, strengthen regulatory compliance and help identify financial irregularities and governance risks. The new framework will be implemented in phases.
Railway worker body seeks Rs 69,000 minimum wage from 8th pay commission
The National Federation of Indian Railwaymen has presented demands to the 8th Central Pay Commission. They have requested a minimum salary of Rs 69,000 for employees, along with a fitment factor of 3.833. Additionally, they seek an increase in annual increments from 3% to 6% and at least five promotions during service. The federation also wants the merger of dearness allowance with basic pay when it reaches 25%.
DC Studios' Clayface, starring Tom Rhys Harries, brings a darker take on one of Batman's most disturbing villains. Directed by James Watkins, the body horror film follows actor Matt Hagen, whose life changes after a brutal attack leaves him disfigured. Desperate to regain his appearance and career, he turns to an experimental treatment that gradually transforms his body into living clay and threatens his grip on reality.
Adani Energy Solutions gets CCI approval for Rs 3,050-crore IntelliSmart acquisition
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Adani Energy Solutions' Rs 3,050-crore acquisition of IntelliSmart Infrastructure. The transaction involves acquiring 100% of IntelliSmart's equity from NIIF and EESL, along with the redemption of optionally convertible debentures held by NIIF, expanding AESL's presence in the smart metering business.
