21 C 
A higher fitment factor could deliver a bigger initial salary hike under the 8th Pay Commission, but a 7% annual increment could help central government employees earn more over 10 years. Here's how basic pay could change under different salary scenarios.
Miami airport crash: Why UPS jet hit Copa plane
Got tax refund twice? Here is what you should do
While returning the excess income tax refund promptly is important, it is imperative that the amount paid back by you is correctly reflected in the system so that a demand is not once again raised for the same.
US lawmakers seek tighter AI chip export curbs
Delhi AQI dips to 290, but relief may be brief
Following days of toxic, post-Diwali smog blanketing the national capital, Delhi's air quality improved slightly to the 'poor' category on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 290 by 4 pm.Across the city's 58 monitoring stations, 34 registered 'poor' air quality and 23 logged 'very poor', leaving only Delhi Cantonment in the 'moderate' zone. NSIT Dwarka recorded the capital's worst air, with an AQI of 364. Earlier that morning, the Sameer app had placed the city's air in the 'very poor' bracket at 350.Per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) scale, an AQI of 050 is 'good', 51100 is 'satisfactory', 101200 is 'moderate', 201300 is 'poor', 301400 is 'very poor', and 401500 is 'severe'. Delhi had been stuck in the 'very poor' tier continuously since November 11, with hourly readings repeatedly nearing, and once breaching, the 'severe' threshold. Prior to Sunday, the last 'poor' AQI reading was 299 on November 10, preceded by 261 on November 1.Real-time PM2.5 source apportionment data from the Air Quality Early Warning System and the Integrated Decision Support System identified biomass burning, encompassing stubble burning, domestic solid biofuels, wood, and dung cakesas Sunday's primary pollutant source at 37.1 per cent. Secondary organic aerosols, which are fine particulates generated by atmospheric gas reactions, ranked second at 22 per cent, trailed by vehicular emissions (17.2 per cent) and secondary inorganic aerosols (9.6 per cent). Smaller shares came from waste burning, such as municipal, plastic, and rubber waste (5.5 per cent), mixed combustion (4.3 per cent), mineral dust and ash (2 per cent), firecrackers (1.6 per cent), and industrial emissions (0.6 per cent).This relief is expected to be brief. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, Delhi's air will likely stay 'poor' on November 16 before deteriorating back to 'very poor' on November 17 and 18, remaining in that bracket for the following six days.Meteorologists credited Sunday's temporary dip in pollution to light rain and stronger winds helping disperse trapped pollutants. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that parts of Delhi experienced drizzle or very light rain over the preceding 24 hours, accompanied by southwesterly surface winds peaking at 15 kmph. Skies were mostly cloudy before turning partly cloudy by afternoon, with southwesterly winds blowing up to 10 kmph.However, the IMD's forecast bulletin projects the city's ventilation index to drop steadily, from 16,000 square metres per second on November 15 to 15,000 on November 16, 7,500 on November 17, and 6,000 on November 18. The bulletin noted that a ventilation index below 6,000 square metres per second, combined with average wind speeds under 10 kmph, creates poor conditions for dispersing pollutants.
Standard Chartered turns overweight on India; Neutral on global equities and fixed income
The bank has a neutral weight on equities overall, although it has recently turned overweight on India as it sees scope for a re-rating
Commerce, Textiles Ministries make case for long-term continuation of export schemes
Revenue Department focussed on impact analysis as exporters hope for a 3-5 year extension of RoDTEP, RoSCTL schemes
Post Office MIS offers 7.4% annual interest, paid monthly. But what happens if you leave the payout unclaimed? The unwithdrawn interest earns no additional returns. Here's how investors can receive their payouts and what to know about taxation.
Keralam CM Satheesan launches Paadi Pokkali Farm Tourism project
Visitors get to explore salt-tolerant Pokkali paddy fields, backwater village life, traditional farming and fishing practices, and distinctive local culinary traditions
Indian Overseas Bank has increased interest rates on its 444-day fixed deposit scheme by up to 15 basis points, effective November 10, 2026. General customers can now earn 6.75 per cent on callable deposits and 6.85 per cent on non-callable deposits
RBI to review 3 lakh income threshold for microfinance borrowers: Murmu
RBI Deputy Governor Shirish Chandra Murmu says the central bank will assess the need to revise the income threshold, while cautioning lenders against rising household debt risks
Jensen Huang once worked as a dishwasher
Heavy snow in Sierra, flood warning in Texas
Can you claim capital gains tax exemption on two flats bought on different floors? Mumbai ITAT has allowed a 2.51 crore deduction under Section 54F to a taxpayer who sold six commercial units and invested the proceeds in two residential flats.
Binance crypto theft: Step-by-step guide to check if your funds are safe using Proof of Reserves
More than $6 billion was stolen from Binance on October 29 in an attack that the DOJ attributed to actors linked to the North Korean military.
Appaswamy Real Estates eyes 8,000-crore GDV from 5 million sq ft Chennai pipeline
The Chennai pipeline spans homes priced from 7080 lakh to 810 crore and above, group says
Anand Mahindra on Bihar's hidden gems
Bangladesh unrest shuts garment factories
Dhaka: Fresh labour unrest hit Bangladesh's garment industry on Sunday, with 13 factories shut indefinitely and five others declaring a one-day holiday, a day before the wage board is due to meet to continue consultations on recommending a revised pay structure.Protesting workers gathered in Gazipur's Konabari and Mouchak areas, prompting police to use tear gas and sound grenades to disperse them. Factory owners said 50 units in the industrial zone were closed.Also Read: Floppy disks, paper strips and ageing computers: America's aviation system is stuck in the pastThe latest disruption comes amid weeks of protests over workers' demand to raise the minimum monthly wage from 12,500 taka (USD 100) to 30,000 taka (USD 240), with demonstrations and factory shutdowns reported across key industrial belts.Bangladesh is the world's second-largest garment exporter after China. The sector employs more than four million workers and accounts for over 80 per cent of the country's export earnings, making prolonged disruption a concern for international buyers and global supply chains.Also Read: Ebola outbreak remains out of control in Congo 6 months into responseThe government formed a Minimum Wage Board on November 1 to recommend a revised pay structure. The board, chaired by a senior district judge, agreed at its first meeting to finalise its recommendations by the end of November.The revised pay structure is expected to take effect from December 1, with workers set to receive their first salaries under the new scale in January.The fresh unrest on Sunday came a day after garment factory owners warned of indefinite, unpaid closures at factories where workers refused to resume production.Police and factory owners said 13 readymade garment factories were shut for an indefinite period, while five others declared a one-day general holiday in Gazipur and nearby Ashulia.Workers at a garment factory rallied in Gazipur's Konabari area, prompting police to rush to the scene and disperse them using tear gas and sound grenades at around 8.30 am local time.Workers from other factories later took to the streets in the adjacent Mouchak area, forcing management to close their units.Workers made attempts to gather at different locations this morning, but law enforcement personnel prevented them with their prompt actions and remain deployed at every key point in the industrial area, Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Amzad Hossain said.Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said it had deployed 13 platoons of paramilitary personnel to maintain order and protect factories, alongside police in riot gear and the elite Special Response Battalion (SRB), which draws personnel from the army, navy, air force and police.Gazipur district administration officials said several platoons of the Ansar battalion had also been called out to guard the factories. They said 25 executive magistrates had been assigned to lead law enforcement personnel.Factory owners said 50 garment units were closed in the industrial zone, including 13 shut on Sunday amid fresh unrest.Officials said production continued at most factories in Gazipur's industrial belt despite the disruption.The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said its representatives would attend the minimum wage board meeting on Monday to submit their proposal, despite reluctance among some of its members.The BGMEA, however, warned that its participation in subsequent meetings would depend on how the situation on the ground unfolded.The continued protests have centred on demands for a living wage to survive, with workers saying their earnings have not kept pace with rising costs of food, housing, transport and healthcare.Factory owners have warned that prolonged disruption during the peak production season for spring and summer orders could delay shipments, affect overseas buyers' confidence and lead to cancellations.Bangladesh supplies major international fashion brands, including H&M, Zara and Gap. The sector has also faced pressure from rising production costs, inflation and intense competition in global markets.The protests turned violent in the first week of November, with demonstrators setting ablaze police vans and public transport vehicles and blocking two major highways.Ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists also took to the streets in anti-protest campaigns, carrying bamboo sticks to maintain order and resist what they described as infiltrators.BNP leaders have accused Hasina and her supporters of trying to destabilise the government through the protests, while the former prime minister has rejected such allegations in media interviews.Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's information affairs adviser, Zahedur Rahman, earlier accused the deposed premier of fuelling the unrest, saying, Sheikh Hasina will not let the government remain in peace as long as she is alive.A student-led uprising toppled Hasina's government on August 5, 2024, forcing her to flee to India. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus later disbanded the Awami League under anti-terrorism legislation.
Parl Winter Session in Dec; Women's bill on agenda
India beat Kiwis in fifth ODI to clinch series
Poultry farmers in Tamil Nadu's Namakkal are struggling as maize prices have surged nearly 55%, rising from 22 to 34 per kg. Inadequate rainfall and reduced supplies from major cultivation areas have triggered shortages.
Cryptos slow-motion selloff leaves traders weary and hopeless
Bitcoins latest selloff is testing the resolve of some of the cryptocurrency markets most committed investors, as a succession of setbacks pushes prices toward their lowest levels of the year and major sources of demand weaken.The largest digital asset fell toward $62,000 in weekend trading, reaching its weakest level since July, extending a decline that has gathered pace in recent weeks. Unlike the abrupt crashes that have punctuated previous crypto downturns, much of the preceding decline unfolded during relatively subdued trading before liquidations accelerated in recent days.The steady erosion is adding to a sense of exhaustion across a market confronting a growing list of obstacles, from the record hack at Binance and renewed political uncertainty following Democratic gains in the US midterm elections to rising Treasury yields and a stronger dollar. Meanwhile, the artificial-intelligence boom and Anthropics upcoming IPO are competing for money and attention once directed toward digital assets.The near-term direction will largely depend on whether institutional demand stabilizes and macro conditions provide room for risk appetite to recover, said Ayesha Kiani, chief operating officer at Monarq Asset Management. Until then, rallies are likely to remain fragile and volatility elevated.135852805US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, which helped draw Wall Street investors into the market, have become another source of selling pressure. From Oct. 30 the day after the Binance hack through Nov. 13, the ETFs saw almost $3 billion in net outflows.Economic conditions offer little relief. The yield on 10-year US Treasuries has climbed above 5% as persistent inflation fueled expectations of tighter Federal Reserve policy. Higher yields raise the opportunity cost of holding assets that generate no income, while the stronger dollar has added pressure to Bitcoin and gold.Crypto-specific developments have compounded the weakness.The Binance hack has revived questions about the security of trading platforms at a time when the industry is struggling to rebuild investor confidence. The competition for speculative capital is also intensifying. Anthropics planned initial public offering has attracted heavy demand ahead of its expected listing, raising the possibility that investors are freeing up money from other holdings, including cryptocurrencies, to participate. The extent of any direct shift out of digital assets remains unclear.Theories around the market weakness tend to focus on the large outflows of stablecoin balances, nearly $20 billion over the last month, the upcoming IPO of Anthropic and its impact on liquidity, said Joshua Lim, co-head of markets at FalconX.Bitcoins retreat is particularly frustrating for investors who had expected mainstream adoption to provide a more durable foundation for prices. Major financial institutions have expanded their involvement in digital assets, and ETFs have made Bitcoin available to a much broader pool of investors. Those advances have not insulated the market from its latest downturn.Many smaller digital tokens have surrendered years of gains, challenging the returns available to investors who held through successive industry booms and busts.For traders looking for a potential floor, August offers one reference point.After risk appetite improved following the US Treasurys announcement of an increase in long-bond buybacks, Bitcoin rallied from below $65,000 to above $87,000 by late September. The latest decline has erased most of those gains and raised the prospect of a further slide under the roughly $58,000 level that has marked this years low.Were in a risk-off environment across all financial markets. Interest rates keep rising with the war still pressuring inflation, said Ryan Watkins, co-founder of crypto investment fund Syncracy Capital.
Policy support, exporter resilience drive strong Oct trade performance: CII
The government's support and the strong efforts of exporters helped India's exports reach a record high of nearly USD 50 billion in October, CII's Sanjay Budhia said on Sunday. India's goods exports increased 45 per cent to USD 49.47 billion in October, compared to USD 34.11 billion in the same month last year. Imports also rose 16 per cent to USD 89.35 billion from USD 76.69 billion. As a result, trade deficit widened to a year high of USD 39.88 billion. Budhia, Chair - CII National Committee on Exports and Patton International's MD, said strong shipments of petroleum, electronics, engineering products and gems and jewellery pushed the country's shipments last month. India's export performance for October is indeed encouraging and energising. It reflects the resilience, competitiveness and growing global footprint of Indian industry, he said. The growth in non-petroleum exports is encouraging, with exports of electronic goods, engineering products, chemicals, gems and jewellery
RBI's 6-hour reporting rule could help curb cyber threats, frauds
The RBI's recent comprehensive master guidelines mandating non-bank payment system operators to report unusual incidents, including cyberattacks, critical system outages, and settlement delays, within six hours of detection are aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and curbing the growing menace of digital fraud, experts said. The directive requires all non-bank payment system operators (PSOs) to notify the central bank of such incidents in a prescribed format within the stipulated six-hour window, enabling quicker regulatory intervention and better monitoring of potential threats to the payments ecosystem. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also mandates payment firms to report any cybersecurity incident to CERT-In within six hours of fraud detection. Experts said the move assumes significance amid the rapid expansion of digital transactions and the growing sophistication of cyber threats targeting payment infrastructure. The RBI's revised Master Directions on Cyber Resilience and ...
India's aviation safety faces a five-day US test
India A 'Blue Ocean' For Embraer, Says Aerospace Major
Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace company, views India as a lue ocean opportunity for regional aircraft manufacturing, projecting a need for at least 500 aircraft in the 80-146 seat range over the next two decades. The company is collaborating with Adani Group to establish a manufacturing facility and sees significant untapped potential in connecting non-served markets, including those under the UDAN scheme.
Pakistan's political leaders have revived the debate over creating new provinces and administrative units amid rising inflation, unemployment and deteriorating public services. Supporters argue that smaller provinces could improve governance and service delivery in the country, which has a population of over 250 million.
SBI has warned consumers about electricity bill scams involving fake KYC calls, suspicious payment links and impersonation of utility officials. Know how fraudsters operate so that you can protect your personal information and avoid financial losses through simple precautions.
After more than five decades, river otters have made a triumphant comeback in Indianapolis, thanks to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which reintroduced 303 otters from Louisiana. This lively resurgence has seen otters thriving across all counties in Indiana, showcasing effective wildlife management. However, with stability comes regulation, as some areas now permit trapping, prompting discussions on the delicate balance between conservation and resource management.
A Delhi consumer commission ordered a bank to refund 70,084 lost in unauthorised online transactions and pay 25,000 in compensation and costs.
RBI Tightens Cyber Security For Non-Bank Payment Operators
The Reserve Bank of India has issued new master guidelines requiring non-bank payment system operators to report cyberattacks, system outages, and settlement delays within six hours. This directive aims to enhance cybersecurity, combat digital fraud, and ensure a more resilient digital payment ecosystem in India, with experts welcoming the proactive measures.
EPFO has invited members to visit its pavilion at the IIFT in New Delhi from November 1427, 2026, to learn about its services and social security schemes. Here's a look at the latest updates from the retirement fund body
Sebi to issue AI usage guidelines for capital markets, focus on investor protection: Pandey
India's markets regulator, Sebi, is set to issue comprehensive guidelines for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in capital markets, aiming to balance technological innovation with robust investor protection. The guidelines will focus on disclosures, accountability, and human oversight in critical AI-driven decisions.
Alice Huang's Megaspeed exit confirmed
Singapore-based cloud computing company Megaspeed International has clarified that Alice Huang, the Chinese businesswoman at the centre of a controversy involving former Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang, left the company on August 30, 2025, and has no current role there.Ms. Alice Huang officially left Megaspeed effective August 30, 2025 and currently has no role with the Company, Megaspeed said in an emailed statement to CNBC on Sunday.Also Read: The Huawei connection: Alleged Chinese spy Alice Huang in Jensen Huang affair saga linked to Nvidia rivalThe clarification comes as the company faces renewed scrutiny over its business dealings and the movement of advanced Nvidia artificial-intelligence chips, amid allegations that its operations may have helped Chinese customers access processors restricted under US export controls.Megaspeed, in a statement to CNBC on Sunday, said it had retained external legal counsel to examine media reports concerning its business, supply chain and global operations. The company disputed the allegations, saying they were not supported by verifiable evidence, and declined to comment on Huang's personal affairs.The company, which operates cloud-computing infrastructure in Southeast Asia, allows customers to rent computing capacity powered by Nvidia graphics processing units. It has faced questions over whether advanced chips supplied through its operations were diverted to customers in China, potentially circumventing US export restrictions.Also Read: US probes alleged spy Alice Huang over suspected Super Micro chip smuggling to China: ReportSeparately, reports by US media have alleged that Huang was suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence. Beijing has rejected the allegations, while US Attorney General Todd Blanche said on November 12 that the Justice Department had not reached a conclusion on whether she was a Chinese spy. The allegations have not been independently established.The developments have put Megaspeed's Nvidia relationship under greater scrutiny. The company has said it takes compliance with US export-control rules and regulations in the countries where it operates seriously.
NABARD Chairman calls for value addition in farm produce to boost exports
He said such a shift would create employment opportunities, enhance farmers incomes and ensure that more of the value generated remains within the State
Trump-Xi-Putin meet with stakes beyond headlines
Private equity funding provides fresh impetus to Indias aerospace suppliers
The availability of capital comes at a time when global aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus and Boeing, are looking to expand their supplier base in countries such as India to address production and supply-chain constraints
AIIMS performs India's first surgery on unborn baby
India-US agree on market access for goods
Cairo: India and the US have already agreed that Indian goods in the American market will receive preferential market access compared to competitor nations, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday.India and the US finalised the framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement in February.The deal was to be signed earlier, but changes in the US tariff landscape have led to further negotiations on the agreement.This was already agreed between the leaders - President (Donald) Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they announced that we have both come to a broad framework agreement a few months ago and it has been acknowledged that India will get preferential trade access in the US with lower duties than our competitor countries, Goyal told reporters here.He is here on a two-day visit to discuss ways to boost trade and investment between India and Egypt.The minister was replying to a question about the US assurance that Indian goods will get preferential market access.An official has recently stated that the US has assured India of a comparative tariff advantage over competing countries under the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), with both sides working to conclude the first tranche by the end of the current financial year.We will have to see how the tariff framework unfolds. We are working towards closing the first tranche by the end of this financial year. Talks are going for the first tranche and the broader BTA, the official said last week.The extent of the advantage to Indian goods, however, will depend on the tariff framework eventually agreed upon.After the US Supreme Court struck down the Trump's reciprocal tariffs that were the basis of negotiations, the US is using alternate mechanisms to put up a new tariff architecture in place using provisions of the Trade Act.
Consumer spending on ITC-acquired to double
Indian Overseas Bank has raised interest rates on 444-day term deposits by up to 15 basis points, effective 10 November. Rates are now 6.85% for non-callable deposits and 6.75% for callable and NRE deposits.
Can a borrower's missed EMI affect a loan guarantor's credit score? Understand how loan defaults can impact creditworthiness, future loan eligibility and repayment liability, along with essential precautions to take before signing a loan guarantee agreement.
Gurugram's fuel rule: What drivers must know
Novelis takes $265 mn step back from China
Oracle: AI Redefines How Work Gets Done
A senior Oracle executive highlights that successful AI adoption in businesses hinges on measuring tangible improvements rather than the sheer number of AI agents deployed. The focus should shift from merely doing tasks faster to fundamentally redefining business processes, with AI agents now capable of coordinating actions and carrying out authorised steps, while human oversight remains crucial.
Air purifier sales soar on worsening Delhi-NCR AQI
Gold price today in Meerut: The yellow metal fell 6,611 over three days, as global gold prices recorded their steepest weekly drop since June. On 15 November, gold and silver prices varied slightly across major Indian cities check here
Mahanagar Gas hikes CNG prices in Mumbai by 1.5/kg, sixth hike since May
Cumulatively prices of the vehicular gas have increased 9.5 per kg across six tranches since May 14
Vaishnaw's 25-year vision for coastal Karnataka
Glare falls on US's antiquated aviation infra
The major disruption in US air traffic, which affected thousands of passengers and flights, started with a seemingly small incident. A glitch during an upgrade of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) telecommunications infrastructure cascaded into widespread flight cancellations and delays, stopping America in its tracks for hours and hours.Amid a frantic race to contain the fallout from this dramatic embarrassment, something far less dramatic has drawn public attention: ageing wires, outdated routers and technology that belongs to another era running a modern system.Also read | What passengers need to know as flight disruptions continueAs America counts the costs of the disruption, the world's gaze has fallen on how the most advanced of economies was brought to its knees not by natural calamity, a terror attack or an aircraft shortage, but by a weak link in its infra.Old, antiquated systemsThe November 13 happenings exposed one thing more than anything else -- the fragility of America's ageing air traffic control (ATC) communications network.The question being asked now is, how can the country that leads the world in technological innovation still depend on decades-old systems to keep its skies safe?A country that has put astronauts in space should not have to worry about whether its air traffic controllers can communicate with an aircraft because a decades-old router has stopped behaving, yet that is the uncomfortable reality staring in America's face, as the system running the world's largest aviation infra is showing its age more and more, Reuters reported.According to FAA's accounts, the disruptions were triggered by a communications failure involving a router during an upgrade. But the incident is about much more than one faulty tool.Also read | 20,000 flights hit as FAA's ageing technology faces a fresh test after suspected router failureMore than anything, it has shown what the increasing fragility of an ageing system can lead to.It has put the spotlight on the risks of replacing critical infra while it is still in operation, and the possibility that another seemingly minor technical glitch could bring American aviation to a standstill again, with enormous economic and potentially disastrous safety fallouts.The big challengeThe episode has brought to the fore a very difficult test of modernisation.The FAA is trying to replace a network that has evolved over decades without interrupting communications. This is a critical matter, because all aircraft operations depend on these communications.In the November 13 incident, systems contractor L3Harris was changing old copper telephone connections to fibre-optic lines when the trouble began.Newly installed routers reportedly generated more than 1,000 connection attempts every four to five seconds, destabilising communications across 17 of the FAA's 22 en-route air traffic control centres, Reuters reported.The routers being replaced are around 25 years old and were originally due for replacement in 2006.The bill for maintaining the old network comes to around $1 billion a year. More than 70% of the planned conversion has been done. The rest of the work will have to be completed while the system remains in service, which, by FAA's own account, can be quite a challenge.135849512A much deeper problemThis router failure was only the most visible symptom of a much bigger, deeper problem.On November 5, the FAA announced that it had begun replacing floppy disks used to store weather and other essential information at more than 400 air traffic control facilities.Floppy disks are a relic from a time long gone by.The new Enterprise Information Display System is intended to replace four separate systems dating back to the 1980s, with the transition expected to be fully done by the end of 2028.What is more, the agency also continues to rely on decades-old Compaq computers and sources replacement components through eBay.These computers were from another era, and are not made anymore. The company that made them was acquired by HP in 2002.Even a planned end to using paper flight strips, which controllers still use to track aircraft, remains unfinished. In aviation circles, this is often a butt of jokes. A programme was started in 2022 to bring in digital alternatives at 49 major airports, but it remains unfinished, and will likely take until at least 2028.According to various reports, this represents a striking picture of technological neglect in a country that is otherwise at the forefront of digital innovation.Cautionary talesIndications are that the November 13 disruption will hardly be the last such case. The FAA's own accounts tell several cautionary tales.In January 2023, a contractor accidentally deleted files in the agency's Notice to Air Missions system, forcing a nationwide ground stop lasting 90 minutes and disrupting around 11,000 flights.*In September 2026, a circuit failure at a Philadelphia air traffic facility and the accidental cutting of a fibre-optic cable by a construction crew in New Jersey disrupted thousands of flights across the densely populated Northeast.**The takeaway is that aviation systems are only as strong as their weakest links. A minor installation error, damaged cable, malfunctioning component or software problem can quickly escalate and affect many airports, airlines and airspace.When such things happen, the authorities, as an immediate response, restrict traffic or stop departures to maintain safety. But the cascading disruption thereafter stalls planes, strands flyers, cuts off cargo movements and inflicts huge costs on airlines, airports and other businesses.To be fair, these vulnerabilities are not unique to America. In a similar recent case, Greece had an eight-hour radio communications outage (January 4, 2026), forcing authorities to clear the country's airspace and divert dozens of planes. A probe later identified outdated communications infrastructure, including equipment no longer supported by manufacturers, as part of the problem.***But these cases become more eye-catching coming from America, the world leader in everything tech.135849523Financial falloutThe financial fallout of such US aviation shutdowns is usually enormous.The US air transport system is the backbone of passenger & business travel, tourism and time-sensitive freight. A prolonged disruption can cause a chain reaction of missed flights, aircraft/crew displacement, stalling of valuable cargo, cancellations and delays that can continue long after the original fault has been addressed.More importantly, passenger safety cannot be compromised just to keep flights moving.If controllers can't access reliable radar information and communications, cutting traffic or grounding planes becomes unavoidable, causing major damage not just in money but also in the form of hours wasted.The US govt is seized of the enormity of the task. Congress has okayed $12.5 billion for air traffic control modernisation, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is pushing for another $50 billion for aviation infrastructure and airports.However, according to industry people, funding alone is unlikely to solve the problem.Among other things, the FAA must make sure new systems can integrate with old infra without destabilising either of them, while at the same time building enough redundancy into the critical communications system, Reuters reported.*, ** and *** source: Reuters and AP reports
ONGC takes over Cambay; Rs 379cr hit for Vedanta
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas: Modi's address
Borobudur Marathon boosts sports tourism, local economy: Governor
I hope you die: What Huang told Nvidia's Jay Puri
Bicycle crankshafts to satellites: Mittal's journey
Thomas Cook eyes resort biz demerger
Bay of Bengal storm may turn severe by Nov 17
Eternal reassesses 100% EV delivery goal
New Delhi: While remaining committed to green mobility, Zomato and Blinkit parent Eternal is reassessing its 2030 target for a 100 per cent electric delivery fleet due to rapid business expansion and an evolving EV ecosystem.In an interview with PTI, Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Eternal, said the company is working toward a revised timeline, factoring in the availability of electric vehicles, supporting government policies, and the transportation requirements of its various businesses.Also Read: After Zomato, Deepinder Goyal bets on health tech and aerospaceWe are still committed to electrifying the fleet. We are deeply committed to it because it still makes economic sense, she said.However, acknowledging that the earlier deadline may not be achievable, Kumar said the company's operations had expanded considerably since the original target was set.It doesn't look feasible because, beyond the penetration numbers, our business is also growing massively. When we set the target, there were only 1.5 lakh monthly active riders on Zomato. Today, there are 12 lakh riders across Zomato and Blinkit, she said.On whether the company could commit to a revised target, possibly by 2035, Kumar said it was working towards a date, with the pace of EV policy implementation also likely to influence the decision.We are actively working towards a date. Some of it will depend on the government as well, in terms of whether EV policies have rolled out across the country sufficiently for us to commit to 2035. We are very hopeful. But bear in mind that we have other businesses as well.For instance, Hyperpure also uses a lot of delivery vehicles, and those are four-wheeler deliveries involving trucks and smaller commercial vehicles. So, the new EV target for the Eternal Group needs to factor in all kinds of transportation, not just the two-wheeler segment. We can't think about individual businesses anymore. When we set a target, we have to set it for the group. That's our thinking, she said.Despite the challenges, the company said its delivery fleet was already seeing higher EV adoption than the broader Indian two-wheeler market. Kumar said the company's approach was to encourage partners to adopt electric vehicles through financial incentives, greater access to rental options and awareness initiatives, rather than mandate a particular vehicle choice.Also Read: ETtech Explainer: Zomatos platform fee hike aims at profits to fund quick commerce growthIn our previous estimation, which was done around last December, EV penetration in the market was only around 6-7 per cent. Within our own fleet, there were already about 12-13 per cent of partners using EVs. So, we were already at almost double the market penetration, she said.One measure encouraging EV adoption is Zomato's equal-benefit policy, under which delivery partners using electric vehicles are paid as much as those using petrol-powered vehicles, despite the lower operating costs.Kumar said the company also facilitates access to electric vehicles through rental options on its delivery partner app and initiatives such as the EV Bazaar, which familiarises partners with different models available in the market.At the same time, she said, the scale of its delivery operations makes access and affordability important considerations, particularly as the company onboards large numbers of partners across cities.To maintain a base of 12 lakh riders a month, I need to onboard 30 lakh people a year. Now, the question is whether 30 lakh people across 900 cities will all be able to access an EV reliably.That's an important question, and this is just the number for this year. Tomorrow, it could be 35 lakh, right? Can I guarantee that all 30 lakh people joining us will have access to an EV across 900 cities? I'm not in a position to make that guarantee, and I don't know when I will, she said.Kumar also stressed the importance of designing EV policies that account for the livelihoods and financial circumstances of delivery partners, who generally arrange their own vehicles.She added that the company was advocating worker-friendly EV policies to ensure that the transition to cleaner mobility did not restrict employment opportunities for people who may not be in a position to purchase electric vehicles.Beyond electric mobility, Eternal is also working with restaurant partners to encourage the adoption of sustainable packaging through initiatives such as PackSwitch, an interactive website that helps restaurants identify alternatives to plastic packaging based on the dishes they serve.Kumar said the company was working to address three key barriers to the adoption of sustainable packaging -- complexity, convenience and cost -- by helping restaurants discover suitable alternatives, improve access to suppliers and connect with startups developing new solutions.Through its Hyperpure business, the company sold more than 3,000 metric tonnes of sustainable packaging to 50,000 restaurants last year.On the consumer front, more than 10,000 restaurants across over 400 cities have received Zomato's low-plastic packaging tag after the company verified that the packaging used for their main menu was sustainable in nature.
Booking.com plans long-term India push
9 new funds to launch for subscription this week
Can you invest 1 crore in Kisan Vikas Patra? Yes, KVP has no maximum investment limit. Check its 7.5% interest rate, 115-month maturity period, premature withdrawal conditions, eligibility and tax rules before investing in October-December 2026.
PNB sees 200 cr boost in profit from credit cards
Beyond farm production: How global supply chains shape Indias agricultural trade?
It would take better coordination in the areas of transportation, logistics and financing to give exporters more time to build buyer contacts rather than getting caught up in logistical problems
Indian student in UK jailed for grooming 70 girls
CNG gets costlier by Rs 1.50/kg in Mumbai
MP officer raided, Rs 7.6 crore assets found
Can innovation help India feed more people with fewer resources?
Indias Nutrient Revolution requires collaboration between multiple domestic and international stakeholders
Agricultures next productivity gain may come from better input efficiency, not higher input use
The farms that thrive in the years ahead will not necessarily be the ones that apply the most, but they will be the ones that apply with the most care
Hegseth hails Elon Musk as 'great American'
5 money lessons from The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nassim Nicholas Talebs Black Swan theory warns that rare, unpredictable events can cause enormous damage. For investors, the lesson is to distrust conventional risk models.
AI retreat fuels India stock comeback in great rotation trade
Indian stocks suffered bruising losses in the first nine months of the year as the artificial intelligence trade hoovered up global investor capital. The unwinding of that strategy has turned the Asian nations equities into world beaters.The MSCI India gauge has rebounded 11% from a six-month low set in October, adding more than $400 billion in value and almost erasing this years losses, as the countrys relative lack of AI exposure has become a prime advantage. Global funds are also turning more positive on Indias $5.4 trillion equity market as oil prices retreat and earnings growth accelerates.Weve become more positive on India and have added back to our exposure in recent weeks, said Tan Altundag, an investment manager for emerging equities at Pictet Asset Management in Hong Kong. We see an improving balance between macro headwinds, portfolio flows and valuations, while diversification away from the increasingly volatile AI trade also appears likely to benefit India, he said.The bounceback in Indian shares over the past month illustrates a broader rotation by global funds away from crowded tech bets toward markets backed by strong earnings. The shift signals a potential turning point for emerging markets as a whole, testing whether the worlds fastest-growing major economy can reclaim its status as a premier alternative to US tech giants after months of trailing its global peers.135847076A return of overseas investors has underpinned the rebound in Indian stocks, and the process may still have room to run as global funds remain largely underweight.Overseas buyers have snapped up a net $8.5 billion of Indian shares in November, heading for the biggest monthly inflow in six years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That has reduced this years total outflow to about $22 billion.Active long-only funds globally remain $74 billion underweight on Indian shares relative to the benchmark, Bank of America data show, close to their lightest positioning since the bank began compiling the figures in 2015.Earnings for Nifty 50 Index companies may rise around 18% year-on-year in the September quarter, accelerating from 13% growth in the prior three months, Bank of America data also show.US-based Calamos Investments is among those boosting its holdings.The money managers emerging-market strategy has lifted its India allocation to more than 10% over the past three to four months from as little as 1% to 2% about a year ago, co-chief investment officer Nick Niziolek said.Were adding to India because were seeing an inflection in earnings, he said. Were seeing an improvement in fundamentals, and we see really attractive valuations.135847085Kabouter Management LLC is another overseas investor that is growing more positive.As long-term investors, we remain constructive on the outlook for India, said Nikhil Rastogi, portfolio manager at the Chicago-based money manager.Indian shares have faced many challenges in the past two years, but these headwinds dont change the long-term picture, and some of the global shifts behind them are working in Indias favor, he said. Valuations that looked stretched two years ago have become more attractive, particularly in pockets of the market.The MSCI India gauge trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of about 20 times one-year-ahead profits, a discount to its five-year average, data compiled by Bloomberg show.The recent decline in oil prices is also helping shares in India, which imports nearly 90% of its energy needs.Global benchmark Brent crude has dropped over 18% from a high set on Oct. 30 as investors wager that the Democratic Partys sweep of the US Congress in Novembers midterm elections has increased the likelihood of an end to the Middle East conflict.Im comfortable on India while Brent sits around $100 a barrel or below, said Lauren Hyslop, an investment manager at UK-based Mattioli Woods.Despite the recent rally in Indian stocks, the market remains a relative laggard for 2026. MSCIs India gauge has still dropped 2.2% this year, whereas the index providers regional benchmark has jumped about 12%. The Indian measure is on track for back-to-back years of underperformance against its regional peer for the first time since 2020, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.Fidelity Investment Management is broadly positive on India, but it isnt rushing back in.We have reduced some underweight on India over the past few weeks by trimming some AI-related stocks, said Nick Price, an emerging-market portfolio manager at Fidelity in Hong Kong. Theres no rush and it remains underweight, but India exposure may rise in a slow and deliberate manner from my side, especially through financial stocks, he said.Others are content to hold on to stocks that they see as offering value for the long term.With the unwinding of AI trades, weve seen buying interest coming back for India, said Simon Sidmalm, a fund manager at Tundra Fonder AB in Stockholm. Were holding on to the value names we see upside in from a fundamental perspective longer term.
Advanta to complete Misr Hytech Seed acquisition by Jan 2027
It will buy from Helios Investment Partners and the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund (EAEF) which is advised by Lorax Capital Partners
Market rally: Whats fuelling gains and what are the risks?
Markets go through both good and difficult phases, and the best way to tide over market vagaries is through asset allocation.
AI tools Huang championed now feature his memes
11 penny stocks plunge up to 84% in 6 months. Did you exit?
Stock splits & dividends: MRF among 31 firms to turn ex-record date
As many as 31 companies including Cochin Shipyard, Oil India, MRF, Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Manappuram Finance and others, have scheduled record dates for dividends and stock splits during the week between November 16 (Monday) to November 20 (Friday).To be eligible for these corporate actions, investors must hold the shares in their demat accounts as of the respective record dates. The list is tentative, as more companies may announce record dates for dividends, bonus issues, stock splits and rights issues during the week.Here is the day-wise list of corporate actions to watch out for this week:November 16 (Monday)Shipping Corporation of India will turn ex-record date on Monday for an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share, while Cochin Shipyard will pay Rs 6 per share. ASM Technologies will pay an interim dividend of Rs 6 per share.Other companies which have fixed Monday as the record date for their respective dividends include Australian Premium Solar (Rs 0.15 per share) and Indag Rubber (Rs 0.9 per share).Also read | Jefferies' Chris Wood sees fresh US-Iran tensions as biggest risk to India, sees this sector as the best hedgeBN Agrochem meanwhile will turn ex-record date for a 1:10 stock split.November 17 (Tuesday)Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has fixed Tuesday as the record date for its interim dividend of Rs 4.1 per share, while MRF will pay an interim dividend of Rs 3 per share. Nile will also pay an interim dividend of Rs 3 per share, while EAAA India Alternatives will pay Rs 7 per share.Oriental Infra Trust and Power Grid Infrastructure Investment Trust will turn ex-record date for their respective payouts.November 18 (Wednesday)Page Industries has fixed Wednesday as the record date for its interim dividend of Rs 150 per share, while AK Capital Services will pay an interim dividend of Rs 18 per share. Manappuram Finance and ARCL Organics will each pay an interim dividend of Rs 1 per share.Other companies which have fixed Wednesday as the record date for their respective interim dividends include TD Power Systems (Rs 0.65 per share), Connplex Cinemases (Rs 0.5 per share), and Royal Arc Electrodes (Rs 0.5 per share).Meanwhile, Praxis Home Retail and Ironwood Education will turn ex-record date for their respective rights issues.Also read | Dalal Street Week Ahead: Can Nifty bulls overcome key resistance levels?November 19 (Thursday)Ingersoll Rand (India) has fixed Thursday as the record date for its interim dividend of Rs 20 per share.November 20 (Friday)Oil India has fixed Friday as the record date for its interim dividend of Rs 7 per share, while Prevest Denpro will pay an interim dividend of Rs 1 per share. Venus Pipes & Tubes and Rama Phosphates will each pay an interim dividend of Rs 0.5 per share.Other companies which have fixed Friday as the record date for their respective interim dividends include Steelcast (Rs 0.45 per share), Talbros Automotive Components (Rs 0.3 per share), and Shanmuga Hospital (Rs 0.1 per share). Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland and PDP Shipping & Projects will also turn ex-record date on Friday for their respective dividends. Also read | Tenbaggers on Dalal Street! These 17 stocks delivered over 1,000% returns in 5 years. What Peter Lynchs rules say to find the next?Disclaimer: This article has been written by Debaroti Adhikary, who is not a SEBI-registered Research Analyst or an Investment Adviser. Debaroti Adhikary and his/her relative(s) (as defined under Section 2(77) of the Companies Act, 2013) do not hold any financial interest in the companies mentioned in this article as of the date of publication. The views/recommendations mentioned in this article, wherever applicable, are those of the respective SEBI-registered Research Analyst/brokerage and have been reproduced/reported with due attribution. They should not be construed as the views or recommendations of The Economic Times Digital or the journalist. Readers are advised to consider the original research report and make their investment decisions based on their own assessment. Brokerage disclaimershere.
Indias ethanol drive has created a feed market no ministry is tracking
The weakness of this is that ethanol feedstock decisions are judged against sugar stocks, rice stocks and fuel supply
Iran war drives US motorists towards hybrid cars
Kushner brokers Russia-Europe talks on peace
The 8th Pay Commission may bring changes to central government salaries, allowances and pensions. Check how existing basic pensions of 25,000 to 75,000 could change under 2.1, 2.57 and 2.75 fitment factors, with illustrative calculations and key pensioners' demands.
Gold, silver prices today, 15 November: Check retail prices of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver in your cities Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Mud becomes the new luxury in Indian homes
Life insurance sector outlook positive
New Delhi: India's life insurance sector is expected to sustain healthy growth over the next three years, supported by rising demand for protection products, increasing traction in annuity and non-participating savings policies, and improving profitability, according to a research report by Centrum Broking.The brokerage expects private life insurers to deliver an annualised premium equivalent (APE) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13-18 per cent during FY26-29, reflecting continued demand for life insurance products and a gradual improvement in business mix.We continue to remain optimistic on life insurance industry with a healthy Q2, the report said, highlighting improving product composition and expanding value of new business (VNB) margins as key factors supporting the sector's growth outlook.During the second quarter of FY27, APE growth across insurers ranged between 7 per cent and 16 per cent, while gross premium growth among private insurers remained healthy at 8-16 per cent year-on-year. New business premium growth also remained encouraging, with insurers reporting increased traction in both individual and group insurance segments.A significant trend emerging across the industry is the shift towards protection, non-participating savings and annuity products. Insurers are increasingly reducing their dependence on unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs), amid market volatility, and focusing on products that offer more stable margins and profitability.Overall, annuity is emerging as a key growth driver, supported by demand for guaranteed returns and retirement solutions, while insurers increasingly shift towards protection and higher-margin products, the report said.The changing product mix also supported an improvement in VNB margins, a key measure of profitability from new insurance business. During H1FY27, VNB margins expanded by 10-170 basis points year-on-year across private insurers, driven by stronger protection business, favourable product mix and operating leverage. LIC also reported a 470-basis-point expansion in its VNB margin to 22.3 per cent.However, the sector continues to face certain operational challenges. Expense ratios increased across several private insurers during Q2FY27, primarily due to higher operating costs. Persistency trends, which indicate the continuation of insurance policies over time, also remained mixed, with 13-month persistency declining across most insurers.On the regulatory front, insurers expressed confidence in their ability to comply with proposed norms, although further clarity is expected following the release of final regulations.The brokerage said sustained growth in protection products, annuity offerings and distribution expansion would remain important drivers of the industry's profitability and business growth over the coming years.
Book-Ending the year: Check 10 best books of 2026
'Feels like Sci-Fi': Google's Pichai hails Starship
Bank holidays next week: SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Canara Bank and Punjab National Bank branches will be closed on 16 days this month, including regional holidays and weekend offs, as per the RBI calendar.
Congress wants 181 seats in UP polls: Akhilesh
IND vs NZ: Kiwis opt to bowl, Thakur makes debut
When overseas investing goes wrong, who answers?
Every extra layer between you and your investments is a place for responsibility to be avoided
Check out 5 expert-backed ways to reduce risk in your mutual fund portfolio, including asset allocation, diversification, continuing SIPs and periodic rebalancing. Paisabazaar's Tushar Gupta explains how investors can manage market volatility and stay focused on long-term financial goals.
