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Hackers target what the world cant do without: Food
India to make tunnel boring machines at home if China curbs exports: Piyush Goyal
India is gearing up to start producing its own tunnel boring machines if China decides to limit its exports. This statement came from Piyush Goyal, India's trade minister, after Beijing made its recent announcement. It highlights Indias plan to not rely on foreign supplies and enhance its domestic manufacturing capabilities in this crucial area.
India wants more factories. But wheres the water?
Gold and silver prices fell 1% and 2.64%, respectively, in Kolkata on 3 November. Check the latest retail rates across gold purities and silver categories in the City of Joy, along with recent price trends, as buyers prepare for Dhanteras and Diwali 2026.
Advait Energy Transitions Q2 profit jumps 89% to Rs 19.18 crore; revenue rises 41%
Advait Energy Transitions has reported an 88.5 percent increase in net profit for the quarter ending September 30, 2026. Revenue for this period rose 40.8 percent, reaching Rs 220.9 crore, driven by strong demand for power transmission solutions. The company also experienced substantial growth in its consolidated revenue for the first half of FY27.
India weighs new oil manoeuvre as old routes get jammed
The West Asia war has forced India to look at energy security through a new, different lens. The oil issue, for India, has now gone from being a procurement issue to being a test of economic resilience. That has compelled the govt to rethink how it sources, transports and stores the fuel that powers its economy.
Kanye West was once the proud owner of the Bighorn Mountain Ranch in Wyoming, acquired for $14.495 million. Spanning an impressive 6,713 acres, this sprawling estate boasts natural beauty with lodges and diverse wildlife. In September 2025, West returned the ranch to its original owners, Greg and Pam Flitner, with sale documents officially notarized on September 17, highlighting a strategic move within his extensive real estate ventures.
No water to sow, no respite at the grocery store: India's prolonged food inflation worry
Indian farmers face challenges in sowing winter crops amid dwindling water supplies from a weak monsoon. Amarsingh Gushinge's village experiences a significant rainfall deficit, impacting crop planting decisions. Food inflation could worsen as key staples see rising prices, aggravating the economic strain on households. The Reserve Bank of India may respond with interest rate hikes to combat rising inflationary pressures.
IndiGo to have 14 A321 XLR planes by end of 2027: CEO Willie Walsh
IndiGo expects to have a total of 14 narrow-body A321 XLR aircraft by the end of December 2027, its CEO Willie Walsh said on Tuesday as the airline seeks to expand international operations. Currently, the airline has 4 A321 XLRs and another one will be added by year-end. These planes have a longer range that will help the carrier connect more overseas destinations. At a conference in the national capital, Walsh also stressed that the airline's focus will remain on short haul operations and that it has a very efficient cost base. The airline, which has discontinued operations with leased wide-body Boeing 787 planes, expects to start getting its A350-900 aircraft from the second quarter of 2028. He mentioned that there is a lot of work that needs to be done before starting operations with A350 planes. We (need) to make sure that we don't get distracted from the excitement of the induction of the A350 and take our eye off the ball in terms of the work that we need to continue to do
Piyush Goyal calls for faster approvals, easier funding to boost India's bioeconomy
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called for faster regulatory approvals, improved access to finance and stronger industry-academia collaboration to accelerate the growth of India's bioeconomy, an official statement said on Tuesday. Chairing a high-level roundtable on 'India's Bioeconomy Opportunity: Role of Startups in Driving Innovation and Growth' here, Goyal stressed the need to leverage the country's scientific capabilities and entrepreneurial talent to position India as a global leader in the sector, according to the Commerce Ministry. The minister also called for time-bound action on recommendations emerging from the discussions, which focused on strengthening the biopharma startup ecosystem through streamlined regulations, faster approvals, improved access to finance and shared infrastructure. Participants in the roundtable that was organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with NITI Aayog and NITI Frontier Tech Hub -- discussed a proposed regulatory sandbox, single-window clearance, global regulatory alignment and simplified patent application processes to facilitate innovation and enable startups to scale up. They also discussed Biopharma SHAKTI -- announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 -- and the need to develop shared laboratories, testing facilities and clinical trial infrastructure to reduce costs for startups. Meanwhile, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog Debjani Ghosh highlighted the importance of collaboration among startups, industry, academia and the government in building a globally competitive bioeconomy. Similarly, NITI Aayog Member Gobardhan Das stressed the need to strengthen research capabilities and translate scientific discoveries into commercially viable products. The roundtable also deliberated on strengthening indigenous life sciences manufacturing, expediting customs clearance for laboratory equipment and reagents, and simplifying access to government schemes and regulatory support. Participants emphasised the need for stronger inter-ministerial coordination to facilitate coherent policy interventions and ensure faster resolution of sector-specific challenges, according to the Commerce Ministry.
MSCARO and ICAI build guardrails for multi-state cooperatives aspiring to become banks
Nobody Will Trust You: SC Warns Centre
The judges questioned the government's position on arbitration, underscoring the contradiction between its resistance to enforcement and its efforts to promote India as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction.
Sachin Tendulkar invests in Hitwicket maker
Bangalore gold and silver prices: Gold and silver prices declined in Bangalore on 3 November 2026, tracking weakness in the domestic bullion market. Check the latest rates for different gold purities and silver categories in India's Silicon Valley.
Mahesh Babu picks up stake in Shortgun Games
India tax hike drives illegal gold imports to highest level since 2023
Informal shipments for July to September jumped more than 1,500% to 50 metric tons from 3 tons a year earlier, according to a report from the World Gold Council
India's 2026 gold demand seen falling to six-year low on price rise: World Gold Council
India's gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low of around 650 tonnes in 2026 as record-high prices, rising living costs and a weak monsoon weigh on jewellery purchases and investment demand, the World Gold Council (WGC) said.
Matcha moment: A Japanese tea brews up a $96 million flavour in India
Matcha tea market India: The country's matcha market is set to expand, with projected revenue growth from $45.7 million in 2025 to $96.4 million by 2033. Caf chains like Tata Starbucks are already seeing increased sales from matcha products, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Instagram and social media have played a significant role in the rising popularity of matcha drinks and recipes.
Russian Strikes Choke Ukraine's Economy, Trigger Deepening Cash Crisis
Attacks on steel plants, energy infrastructure and grain export routes disrupt production and trade as Kyiv faces a funding gap of nearly USD 25 billion in 2026.
Want to give back this Diwali? Here's how to find causes that matter
Diwali is a time for giving, but finding credible organisations can be daunting. Here's how to identify genuine causes, choose how to contribute and plan your donations.
Television actor Anuj Thakur, 33, was planning a comeback just 10 days before his death on October 27. His friend and casting director Rupesh Sonar recalled their last meeting and 17-year association, describing Anuj as generous, cheerful and respectful. The All India Cine Workers Association also paid tribute to the late actor.
Our gaming talent pool is PUBG maker's next big bet
Australia's Glenn Maxwell announces retirement from international cricket after 14-year career
Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from international cricket and domestic competitions for Victoria. After a remarkable career lasting 14 years, he concluded his last match against Oman during the ICC T20 World Cup. Maxwell's international achievements include two ODI World Cups and a T20 World Cup title. He accumulated nearly 4,000 runs in ODIs and 2,900 runs in T20Is, along with 10 centuries.
As HR takes on a larger business role, are organisations recognising the teams driving that change?
The Economic Times HR Excellence Awards 2027 spotlight the transformative nature of HR within organizations, underlining their crucial role in shaping business strategy, fostering talent development, and enhancing employee experiences. With six distinct award categories such as Talent Acquisition and Employee Experience, this initiative serves to honor HR teams that significantly boost organizational performance and drive workforce change.
SBI Research indicates that eliminating the long-term capital gains tax may lead to a modest revenue decline, estimated to be between Rs 40,000-50,000 crore for FY28. The suggested reforms involve raising the exemption limits and introducing lower tax rates based on extended holding durations. Furthermore, an increase in the Securities Transaction Tax is expected to help mitigate some revenue losses, thereby fostering foreign investment and enhancing market confidence.
Why are supermarket fridges connected to the internet, and how are hackers exploiting them?
Recent cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems in Belgium and France have exposed significant vulnerabilities. Around 40 Delhaize supermarkets and several others lost food worth about 100,000 due to the incidents. Researchers found nearly 13,000 vulnerable refrigeration management services accessible online across various countries. Many of these systems have outdated security measures, which increases the risks of unauthorized access.
Centre proposes expanding import gateways for drugs, medical devices
Rule 43A specifies the authorised ports, airports, railway stations, road crossings and other entry points through which drugs can be imported into India
Philipp Navratil, the CEO of Nestle, has an exceptional coffee ritual, enjoying 8 cups daily, favoring cold-brewed black coffee. His morning starts with hydration, drinking water before indulging in his first cup. His day winds down with a final espresso or decaf after dinner, yet he still achieves a full eight hours of rest. Rising at 6:30 am, he prioritises productivity during his morning routine until lunch.
Stock Markets on Nov 3: Sensex, Nifty extend rally on falling crude prices
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty extended their winning streak in early trade, with Sensex jumping 614.66 points and Nifty rallying 149.80 points. This surge is attributed to a sharp correction in crude oil prices, continued foreign fund inflows, and positive Q2 results, creating an ideal environment for the market rally to continue.
Rupee rises 12 paise to 94.72 against US dollar during early trade
The rupee appreciated 12 paise to 94.72 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, buoyed by sliding crude oil prices and inflows of foreign funds into domestic equities. However, a strong US dollar ahead of the crucial midterm election in the US kept investors worldwide cautious, capping gains in the Indian currency, according to forex traders. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 94.68 and strengthened to 94.60 before trading at 94.72 against the greenback, registering a gain of 12 paise from its previous close. The Indian currency fell 8 paise to close at 94.84 against the US dollar on Monday, after appreciating 50 paise in the preceding session on Friday. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, traded at 101.65, up 0.03 per cent. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading lower by 0.01 per cent at USD 104.76 per barrel in futures trade. Analysts attributed the easing of crude
The report estimates that the fiscal deficit could rise to 4.7% of GDP, compared with the budgeted 4.3%
Unknown WhatsApp calls? Android and iOS users can now check these details before answering
WhatsApp has a feature offering details about unknown callers on Android and iOS, including whether they are saved contacts, share groups with you and the country their numbers are registered in. Users can also silence unknown calls through Privacy settings. Silenced calls remain visible in the Calls tab, but the phone will not ring.
Apple Inc's revenue hits all-time India high in September quarter
Apple Inc achieved significant revenue growth in India during the September quarter, driven by rising demand. The company's sales of iPhones, Mac computers, and services reached record levels across various markets. Initial sales of the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro series in India exceeded those of the previous model by nearly 20%.
Decoded: Will AI agents outlast the hype?
Karnataka risks losing auto, EV testing centres as Mandya politics stalls project
Karnataka risks losing proposed automobile and electric vehicle testing centres in Mandya due to political tensions. HD Kumaraswamy advocates for these centres, which could significantly boost the local economy. The central governments investment could develop an auto hub similar to those in other states. However, political rivalries complicate the project's progress, and local leaders are unable to unite.
Mandya's auto hub hits a political roadblock
Sonakshi Sinha's latest movie, Tu Hai Meri Kiran, recently made its debut, featuring her husband Zaheer Iqbal. In a candid interview, the couple revealed insights into their everyday life, including Sonakshis intriguing 2-meal-a-day diet. The actress, who just tried her hand at cooking with her mother's help, shared this on her YouTube channel.
Heather Headley opened DWTS Disney Night with a performance while eight celebrity couples showcased their dancing skills. Julia Stiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, were eliminated from the competition after the episode concluded. This event highlighted Disney-inspired performances, featuring popular songs like 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and 'Be Our Guest'. Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson achieved a perfect score, securing immunity for the upcoming dance-off.
Mothers gift deed saved son from tax notice
Wave of cyber breaches exposes growing risks to S. Korea's digital economy
Digital Desk | Seoul, Nov 3 (IANS) A relentless wave of cyberattacks on South Korean banks, telecom operators, businesses and government agencies has exposed growing risks to the country's digital economy, highlighting the need for stronger cybersecurity. The scale and frequency of the breaches have raised concerns that cyber threats could extend beyond personal data theft to disrupt financial services, business operations and industrial supply chains. The latest series of security breaches has brought those concerns to the highest levels of government, reports Yonhap news agency. Most recently, police have launched a preliminary investigation into the online leak of personal information belonging to 168 individuals who traveled aboard the presidential aircraft during a trip to Europe in June, including President Lee Jae Myung, the first lady and Cabinet ministers. Following the incident, the foreign ministry said it is taking steps to reissue the passports of the president and first lady. The leak has raised fresh questions about how government agencies handle sensitive information, prompting broader scrutiny of cybersecurity practices. On Tuesday, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said it will launch emergency security inspections at some 2,100 government agencies nationwide, including central government ministries and local governments. The spy agency also plans to conduct direct security checks on critical public information and communications infrastructure under its oversight, with the inspections expected to be completed by mid-November. The financial sector has also been hit by a series of breaches, exposing the scale of the problem. On Oct. 14, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said cybersecurity incidents had been confirmed at 16 financial firms, affecting approximately 100,000 customer records. The affected institutions included commercial banks, savings banks and credit finance companies. Concerns deepened on Oct. 28, when Daishin Securities, Mirae Asset Global Investments and cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb reported separate cybersecurity incidents involving customer information. The threat is growing as hackers increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) tools to find security weaknesses and launch attacks against multiple targets. The recent incidents have highlighted the risks facing South Korea's highly digitalized economy, where financial institutions and businesses rely heavily on shared networks and online services. A breach at a telecom operator, for example, could expose customer information used for banking and other online services, while an attack on a major cloud provider could disrupt multiple businesses at once. Experts say the risks also extend to South Korea's key manufacturing industries, including semiconductors, automobiles and shipbuilding, which increasingly rely on connected factories and automated production systems. Against this backdrop, the government has stepped up efforts to strengthen cybersecurity defences. Last month, the Ministry of Science and ICT raised the country's cyber crisis warning level by one notch to caution, the second lowest in its four-tier system, amid global efforts to address two critical security flaws in PHP, a widely used programming language. The ministry also plans to inspect around 170 major private-sector IT infrastructure facilities as part of efforts to identify security weaknesses before further breaches occur. Financial regulators have announced plans to tighten identity checks and access controls, improve information sharing and increase corporate executives' responsibility for cybersecurity. While major banks, companies and government agencies have pledged to increase cybersecurity spending and tighten security measures, concerns remain that AI-powered attacks could exploit vulnerabilities faster than organisations can address them. Industry experts say companies need to focus more on preventing attacks rather than simply responding after breaches occur.
Television actor Anuj Thakur, 33, reportedly died after suffering a seizure in his sleep on October 27. His friend Rupesh Sonar recalled the actors disciplined 4:30 am fitness routine and said his alarm rang that morning, but he never woke up. Anuj was known for shows including Dhoom Machao Dhoom and Mahisagar.
Reflecting Pool vs. the state of the economy: Trump and Democrats clash in closing messages
Democrats and Republicans made their final pitches to voters ahead of Tuesday's US midterm elections, with Democrats focusing on rising living costs and the economic impact of the Iran war, while Republicans portrayed their opponents as radical. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, devoted much of his final public address to renovation plans for Washington DC, while acknowledging that his party could struggle in the elections.
Rimi Tomy has joyfully announced her upcoming marriage to Libin Mathew, happening this November. Following her 2019 divorce from Royce Kizhakoodan, Rimi discovered love anew. She highlights that Libin isn't a celebrity or wealthy but provides her with tranquility. Their connection sparked instantly during their first conversation on March 10. The ceremony will be an intimate gathering at a quaint church in Mumbai.
Renowned economist Jeffrey D Sachs said India could become the worlds largest economy by the end of the century, with a population twice that of China. Speaking at the World Symposium on Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges in Varanasi, he said the world was moving towards a multipolar order where no single country or region would dominate.
Can Better Bookkeeping Improve Real Estate Business Performance
Introduction A real estate business can generate strong sales and manage several profitable properties while still experiencing financial pressure. Delayed client payments, unexpected maintenance costs, commission discrepancies and poorly organised records can make it difficult to understand where the money is going. The difference often comes down to financial management. Accurate bookkeeping helps real estate []
Following the RBI's October 2026 repo rate hike, how do FD interest rates stack up now? Find out which banks are offering the highest returns and how PSU bank rates compare with private lenders.
Ranbir Kapoor is gearing up for the much-anticipated release of Ramayana, where he takes on the role of Lord Rama with Sai Pallavi portraying Sita. In a recent interview, he highlighted his daughter Raha, the true joy of his life, as she celebrates her fourth Diwali. Meanwhile, Sai Pallavi conveyed her appreciation for the dedicated Ramayana team.
Godzilla Minus Zero 2026 Twitter reviews: 5 tweets to read before watching the Japanese kaiju epic
Godzilla Minus Zero has drawn enthusiastic reactions online, with viewers praising its emotional storytelling, kaiju action and IMAX experience. Some have called it one of the greatest sequels ever, while one audience reportedly gave the cast and crew a five-minute standing ovation. The film features Godzilla facing a new threat from King Ghidorah.
The Union Cabinet raised the dearness allowance for central government employees and pensioners by 3%, from 60% to 63% of basic pay, effective 1 July, ahead of Diwali. Here are the other states that have also hiked DA amid the festive season.
The RBI has simplified EDF compliance for resident individual service exporters and introduced a 10 lakh threshold for other exporters. It has also revised IDPMS reporting requirements for service imports. Here's what the new FEMA amendment means for freelancers and other exporters.
Tamil Nadu announces Deepavali bonus for 5,190 sugar mill workers
The festival payout will cover 18 sugar mills, with eligible workers receiving between 10 and 20 per cent in bonus and ex-gratia.
How did Matt Wright die? What we know about the former Ellen Show producers death at 52
Matt Wright, who worked as an executive producer for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, passed away on October 30, 2026. His unexpected death occurred while he was working remotely in Los Angeles. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist his family with funeral and memorial expenses. Ellen DeGeneres and former colleague Andy Lassner shared heartfelt tributes and memories of Wright.
Disney weighs sweeping layoffs of thousands
Floods swamp the arid Southwest, forcing evacuations and altering US Election Day plans
Heavy rainfall resulted in significant flooding across the Southwest, impacting residents and prompting numerous evacuations. Emergency services carried out swift-water rescues due to rising rivers and dangerous conditions. Flooding forced residents to leave their homes in areas like Durango and Pagosa Springs, affecting voting plans. Many regions reported record rainfall and ongoing access issues for disaster relief.
North Korea has rejected the claims of its involvement in the recent Binance cryptocurrency theft exceeding USD 6 billion. The FBI had accused North Korean hackers of orchestrating the heist, linking it to previous cyber incidents. Kim Yo Jong noted that the US has a history of making such accusations against North Korea.
Trump spends the day before midterm Election Day promoting his Reflecting Pool makeover
Democrats are concentrating on economic issues while dealing with conflicts in Michigan before the midterm elections. US President Donald Trump aims to showcase construction projects and shifts focus from voter concerns. In Michigan, Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed seeks to maintain voter support despite an endorsement for his rival. Trump acknowledges challenges ahead for his party in the elections, reflecting concern over possible losses.
Rapidos gross order value quadruples in two years
Govt mulls giving Cert-In enforceable powers
Deep use cases vault India to ChatGPTs top market
AI on the clock as fintechs demand payoff for spends
We will consider the call for review of LTCG tax: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The circumstances have changed and, therefore, the voices of concern are louder,'' she said at a media event, in reference to reports that her administration has received suggestions to review levies on long-term capital gains (LTCG) for overseas investors. I quite appreciate that. So, I'll consider all this... Our growth is very important, where people are putting their very best, we are able to see sustained 7(%)-plus growth.''
Dip in gold puts sparkle back in festive buys
Petronet LNG reports 52.3% growth in net profits, in talks for availing undelivered cargoes
Along with their results, Petronet LNG also declared a dividend of 7 per equity share
Healthcare marketplace: Obamacare premiums are expected to rise in 2027 as enhanced federal subsidies expire and eligibility rules change. With benchmark silver plan premiums projected to increase by 13%, many Americans could face higher costs, switch to cheaper coverage or struggle to keep their health insurance.
Cement companies bet on price hikes to revive profitability in H2
Cementmakers in India are experiencing a weak first half of the fiscal year due to rising costs. They expect price increases and seasonal construction activity to improve profitability. Price stability is noted after recent increases, which may help offset costs. Cement prices have risen and are expected to stay high in the coming months. The market leaders remain optimistic about further price improvements in the near future.
Irdai tightens ESOP norms, share transfer rules for insurers
Irdai has implemented stricter rules regarding employee stock option plans for insurance companies to regulate ownership stakes. Senior executives and directors must seek approval to exceed prescribed shareholding limits under these plans. Insurers are required to monitor direct and indirect share allotments to prevent regulatory breaches.
Zero-sugar drinks hit the sweet spot as sales double for PepsiCo and Coca-Cola in Sept qtr
During the July-September 2026 quarter, consumer demand for zero-sugar and low-sugar beverages significantly increased across India. PepsiCo reported that sales of its low-sugar drinks doubled, while Coca-Cola also experienced similar gains. Higher sugar prices this year prompted many consumers to shift away from sugary drinks. Companies are prioritizing the production of low-sugar beverages to meet the rising market demand.
Govt consults seed, fertiliser firms on easing regulatory hurdles
The Indian government is engaging with agricultural companies to address regulatory challenges that affect the sector. Consultations focus on updating the Seeds Act, 1966, to align with modern agricultural technology. Industry representatives have pointed out delays in approvals and licensing processes that hinder market access.
Aditya Birla Lifestyle bets on festive demand
Manufacturing activity eases in Oct as new order growth drops
Manufacturing activity in India experienced a slowdown in October, decreasing from the previous month's growth. Despite this, the sector remained above its long-run average due to stronger international demand. A survey indicated that nearly 18% of manufacturers anticipated increased output over the next year, supported by fresh client inquiries.
Budget 2027: Customs duty relief on 118 goods under review
The Indian government is currently reviewing customs duty concessions applicable to 118 products set to expire. This review involves input from respective line ministries and industry stakeholders regarding these exemptions. Goods under review include materials for power projects and certain medical devices. A focus is on correcting the inverted duty structure to support local manufacturing initiatives. The outcomes of this review will influence the upcoming budget for 2027-28.
HC restrains NPPA from action against AstraZeneca
A peek inside Indias first Bullet Train
Law firms draft special teams to help GCCs navigate India terrain
According to the NASSCOM-Zinnov report, India's GCC sector now comprises 2,117 active GCCs across 3,728 units, employs approximately 2.36 million professionals and is projected to generate $98.4 billion in market revenue in FY2026.
VB-G RAM G grievance redressal rules set 15-day deadline
The rules establish a multi-tier grievance redressal mechanism at the gram panchayat, block and district levels. Designated grievance redressal officers will be responsible for receiving, registering, inquiring into and disposing of complaints. Inquiries must be completed within seven working days.
Airlines seek govt support to protect Mumbai Airport slots
Airlines at Mumbai airport are urging civil aviation ministry intervention regarding proposed capacity reductions planned for next April. Operator Mumbai International Airport Ltd intends to shift part of its international flight schedule to Navi Mumbai International Airport. While some airlines have consented to the changes, others seek more time to adapt to the new airport's infrastructure.
Maruti Suzuki exports surge 30% in Jan-Oct
Railways orders 9,638 more wagons
False shooting report sparks lockdown at NC school
Clean energy investment helped India weather global energy crisis: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's investments in clean energy have mitigated severe external shocks. He announced an ambitious target of adding 500 GW of new non-fossil energy capacity within the next decade. Modi emphasized the importance of energy security in relation to economic stability.
Institutional investors are now allocating more funds to private credit, significantly from insurance companies and pension funds. Neo Alternative Asset Managers has seen its second fund receive 22-25% contributions from these investors. Ascertis Credit's fourth fund also attracted commitments exceeding $700 million from multiple institutional investors. With increased interest in private credit, annual investment opportunities are now estimated around 1 lakh crore.
Domestic banks are beginning to increase their deposit rates due to shrinking liquidity conditions in the market. Bank of India recently announced a rate hike on deposits for various maturities, including a special 500-day option. This decision reflects the growing cost of deposits in the banking system as demand for credit rises. Banking system liquidity has significantly decreased from its peak in early September.
Govt set to tweak MSP norms for periodic price hikes of minor forest products
The Centre is planning to restructure the minimum support price mechanism for minor forest produce. This change aims to provide periodic hikes to benefit tribal communities relying on forest produce. TERI has been tasked to study the current MSP framework and assess potential rationalization. Concerns regarding stagnant MSP rates sparking exploitation among forest-dependent communities have been raised in parliamentary discussions.
Thomas Markle, father of Meghan Markle, has reportedly entered a dementia care facility in Florida. This move has raised questions about his ability to engage with investigators concerning serious allegations. Claims of suspected child sexual abuse material linked to him have prompted investigations in multiple countries. Philippine authorities and the FBI are continuing inquiries into the accusations involving previously found materials.
The Supreme Court has authorized the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on specific dates. Firecrackers can only be burst within designated time limits on November 7 and 8. Certain areas, including hospitals and educational institutions, will be declared as 'No-Cracker Zones' to ensure safety. Manufacturers must comply with specific certifications to produce authorized firecrackers during this period. A complete ban on all firecrackers will resume after November 8.
Donald Trump's administration asked the US Supreme Court to temporarily block California from counting mail-in ballots from more than 20,000 registered voters who federal officials allege are likely non-US citizens.
Judges hearing appeals related to electoral rolls in West Bengal are expected to utilize digital signatures shortly. This change aims to resolve a prolonged standoff that prevented the processing of appeals. Retired Calcutta High Court judge Indrajit Chatterjee has resumed his work on appeals in Murshidabad. The Election Commission of India is considering relocating some tribunals closer to Kolkata.
Draft of Special Solar Power Ordinance 2026 Receives Final Approval
The draft of the Special Solar Power Ordinance 2026 has received policy and final approval to ensure the rapid expansion of solar power activities in the country. The approval was given at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. In accordance with the requirements of Article 93 of the Constitution, the draft was approved for presentation as a bill at the next session of Parliament, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani disclosed the information at a press briefing held at the conference room of the Department of Information following the meeting. The Cabinet also approved the draft of the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Act, 2026 to ensure transparency, accountability and equal treatment in government procurement. The new law introduces special provisions in procurement to protect domestic industries and provide opportunities for new and small entrepreneurs, women bidders and disadvantaged groups. It also includes provisions to facilitate alternative procurement arrangements and the use of limited tendering procedures in cases of urgent state requirements. An agreement on mutual legal assistance between Bangladesh and Hong Kong was also approved to prevent money laundering and other crimes. The Cabinet further approved the [] The post Draft of Special Solar Power Ordinance 2026 Receives Final Approval appeared first on Energy Bangla .
Rahul Gandhi locks horns with PM Modi over 'foreign help'
Rahul Gandhi said he was ready for a debate on the issue. To Modi's accusation last Saturday that the Opposition had become an obstructionist force using social media as a weapon to spread rumours, Gandhi responded by alleging that foreign social media fully backs the prime minister.
Supreme Court Justice PS Narasimha recused himself from a case regarding the Memorandum of Procedure for judicial appointments. The plea, filed by NGO Lok Prahari, seeks to finalize the MoP as it has been pending since 2015. This procedure governs the appointment and transfer of judges to higher courts in India. The petition also calls for enhanced transparency in the selection process and access to Collegium meeting minutes.
