30 C 
India spirits boom has Scotch makers raising a glass
Jio IPO subscribed 3.01 times, draws Rs 66,500 cr bids
Jio Platforms Ltd's Rs 30,213-crore initial public offering was subscribed 3.01 times, attracting approximately Rs 66,500 crore in public bids, with qualified institutional buyers oversubscribing their portion by 9.02 times, while retail investor demand remained under-subscribed at 0.68 times.
Navratri puts the brakes on auto sales, not EVs
DA hike: Why is there delay in announcement?
Rubio tours Jamnagar as US courts Reliance
Jamnagar, Gujarat: Almost the entire Ambani family led by billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani welcomed the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Jamnagar on Wednesday, as he began a tour of the world's largest single-site refinery.Rubio arrived in Jamnagar a day after calling India a crude-refining superpower and urging more processing of Venezuelan crude there.The day also included a visit to Reliance's Vantara animal-rescue centre and giga factories being developed by the conglomerate.— USAmbIndia (@USAmbIndia) The visit puts a private industrial empire at the centre of US-India energy diplomacy, analysts said.Officials have described the Ambani-hosted programme as a private visit. It comes as US diesel prices surge ahead of the mid-term elections.No details of the visit were released by either side.Rubio was welcomed by Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Ltd, his wife Nita and children Isha and Anant, people familar with the visit said.Akash Ambani, Mukesh Ambani's eldest son and managing director of Jio Platforms, was overseeing the opening of the telecom giant's initial public offering (IPO).Reliance's Jamnagar complex can process 1.4 million barrels of crude a day and is the world's largest and most complex single-site refinery. Its fuel exports make it a hub for global supply.Rubio told Reliance-owned Network 18 that Washington wants to work more closely with Reliance on refining energy from the Western Hemisphere, calling that helpful to both countries.Reliance is already a key player in Washington's oil diplomacy. It is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan crude after the US itself, at a time when Washington is urging India to buy more, the people said.Reliance's proposed Texas refinery adds a reciprocal dimension to its energy ties with the US.US President Donald Trump recently announced that Reliance is partnering to build a new 168,000 barrels-a-day refinery project in Brownsville, Texas.While Washington is seeking to encourage more processing of Western Hemisphere crude at Jamnagar, the Indian conglomerate is also positioning itself to handle US oil closer to its source.The plant is designed to process US-produced light shale crude and would be the first major new US refinery in about five decades if completed.Besides the refinery, Rubio also visited Vantara.Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation-run Vantara is a rescue, rehabilitation and conservation programme spread over 3,000 acres in Jamnagar. It sits within the green belt of the refinery complex and was conceived by Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani.The centre houses more than 2,000 animals across 43 species and employs about 2,100 care-givers and conservationists. It says it has rescued more than 200 elephants and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds.The other stop on Rubio's visit was the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex - Reliance's integrated clean-energy manufacturing hub at Jamnagar, covering solar, storage, fuel cells, electrolysers and power electronics. It is being built on a 5,000-acre site at an expected cost of Rs 75,000 crore (about USD 10 billion).The US Secretary of State arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted him for wide-ranging talks on bilateral cooperation.Ahead of the meeting, Rubio described India as a crude oil refining superpower and advocated for processing more Venezuelan crude in India.He also urged India to scale up energy trade with the US and increase purchases of American technologies and defence systems.For Washington, Jamnagar offers a way to turn Western Hemisphere crude into diesel at scale, a pressing concern before the midterms, analysts said.For Reliance, the visit is validation, and a chance to show the US it is an investor as well as a buyer, they said.For New Delhi, it comes as both governments try to settle their differences. Rubio said only a small number of items remain unresolved on a trade deal.
New policy in works to boost agrivoltaics in India; enhance farmers' income via energy generation
India's government is formulating a policy to enhance the adoption of agrivoltaics across the country. This initiative aims to increase farmers' income by combining agricultural production with solar energy generation. States with significant agrivoltaic potential include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, accounting for nearly half of India's cropland suitable for this practice.
Anthropic plans to commit 5% of its shares to a new public benefit fund that could be worth billions of dollars as the AI company grows. The fund may support nonprofits, people affected by AI-driven job disruption and other public interest initiatives. The companys board could approve additional share allocations as its valuation rises.
Higher MSP for rabi crops an opportunity to boost mustard production: SEA
Improved price assurance for mustard can encourage farmers to maintain or expand cultivation and invest in better farm practices, says Association President Angshu Mallick
Prince Harry revealed his reasons for returning to the UK, emphasising children's education and family connections. He expressed importance in raising his children in Britain while also mending strained relationships with his family. The return marks a significant change from earlier tensions within the royal family since stepping back from royal duties. While his relationship with King Charles III seems to improve, issues with Prince William remain unresolved.
Motor third-party insurance premiums exhibited a sluggish growth rate of 9 percent year-on-year in September 2026. Insurers have reportedly reduced focus on this segment due to a Supreme Court ruling on compensation for homemakers. The overall motor insurance premiums saw a rise of 13 percent during the same month. SBI General Insurance demonstrated stronger performance compared to other private insurers in the third-party segment.
Retirement planning requires balancing equity exposure with income security. Freefincal's M. Pattabiraman suggests limiting equity to 30% for typical retirees while accounting for inflation, market volatility and long-term withdrawal needs.
When it comes to Trump's economy, these are the numbers that matter before mid-term elections
United States President Donald Trump attempted to convince voters before the upcoming mid-term elections that the American economy is growing. However, voters have maintained the negative effects of inflation caused by the Iran war. The economy is seeing slowing job growth and widening income inequality, with high interest rates encumbering housing and automobile purchases.
Telugu star Teja Sajja reportedly getting married in December. Who is his bride-to-be?
Teja Sajja is reportedly tying the knot soon this year. As per reports, the HanuMan star is gearing up for a quiet, intimate wedding away from media glare in Udaipur, and he has also kept details about his bride under wraps.
Festival demand lifts black pepper prices by 16/kg in 3 weeks
Traders attributed the increase to inter-State dealers covering their raw material requirements to meet commitments to the industry under time-bound forward contract
Indias infrastructure output jumps 7.9% in September on strong coal, steel growth
The latest numbers from the Indian government show that the country's infrastructure output has jumped by 7.9% compared to last year, as of September. This index measures the activity across nine different sectors, which gives us a good idea of how the economy is doing. It's a positive sign for growth!
Markets Extend Losses for 2nd Day Amid Sell-Off in Banking, Financial Stocks
Indian equity benchmark indices extended losses for a second consecutive session, with the Sensex dropping 143 points, driven by a sell-off in power, banking, and financial stocks, coupled with elevated crude oil prices and persistent FII selling.
Rupee closes at six-week high of 94.43 driven by Jio IPO, RBI intervention
The Indian currency earlier recorded a similar closing level on September 4
SLMG Beverages eyes Rs 20,000 cr turnover in 5 yrs, IPO in 3-4 years
SLMG Beverages, a major Coca-Cola bottler in India, is targeting a turnover of Rs 20,000 crore in five years. The company has plans to list on stock exchanges before reaching its turnover goal. Currently, SLMG Beverages has a gross turnover of approximately Rs 9,000 crore and aims to increase that significantly. Investments in new bottling facilities and chilling equipment are underway to meet rising demand.
Anticipation over upcoming EU FTA more than doubles Ferrari orders in India
The India-EU FTA is set to come into force early next year and significantly slash import duties on luxury cars. This has already boosted demand in India, say Ferrari chiefs
No Eiffel Tower, no Pyramids. 30-year-old man wants 10 days in the mountains instead. Why?
Karun Pal's post on X is resonating with people who prefer slow travel over crowded tourist attractions. Tired of airport queues and packed itineraries, he wants to spend 10 days in the mountains reading, walking and enjoying quiet mornings. Netizens related to his perspective, sharing experiences of extended stays in rural cottages, ancestral villages and month-long cruises, arguing that travel can be about relaxation and self-discovery rather than ticking off famous landmarks.
Market's early rally fizzles out as banking, financial stocks weigh on benchmarks
The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 484.98 points, or 0.66%, to 73,367.92
SRF Ltd has secured board approval for a proposed 600 crore aluminium foil manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh. This plant will cater to aluminium foil needs for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. The facility will have a capacity of approximately 12,000 metric tons per annum and will be built in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by September 30, 2028.
Indias growth story needs jobs to match the numbers, says ex-RBI Governor D Subbarao
Former RBI Governor D Subbarao has said India must make economic growth more employment-intensive, warning that rapid output expansion alone cannot deliver a demographic dividend. He called for greater private investment, labour-intensive manufacturing and improved skills, while urging transparent technical scrutiny of GDP estimates and differences with other economic indicators.
Blinkit expects to cross 3,500 stores by FY27
Tax audit reports for AY 2026-27 are due October 21, 2026, while audited taxpayers income tax returns are due November 21. Here's all you need to know to ensure compliance.
IMF advises India to let rupee move as first defence amid oil shock
Official says exchange rate should absorb shocks; RBI interventions offer limited near-term benefit
Polls in 5 states: Election Commission team in Manipur to review preparedness
The Election Commission has deployed a team of senior officials to Manipur to review preparations for assembly elections expected early next year in five states. Teams have also visited Uttarakhand, with Punjab scheduled for a review on October 28. The commission will conduct further assessments before announcing the election schedule.
Growth and IDCW options handle mutual fund earnings differently, affecting payouts, units held, and NAV. Returns across three equity schemes show similarities, but NAV alone cannot determine which option performs better.
Republicans bet Musk's millions can rescue Texas' Paxton in US Senate race
Texas Senate race has become one of the most expensive in US history, with more than $500 million spent as Republican groups, backed by major donors including Elon Musk, seek to help Ken Paxton defeat Democrat James Talarico. With early voting underway, analysts say the focus has shifted from persuading undecided voters to mobilising supporters, while both parties battle over inflation, the Iran war and culture-war issues.
Maryland has repurposed over 300,000 bushels of used oyster shells since 2010, creating essential habitats for the growth of young oysters into thriving reefs. This project aims to restore the dwindling oyster population in Chesapeake Bay while enhancing critical underwater environments. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, ongoing monitoring and protection of these habitats are paramount within the larger context of regional restoration actions.
Ramayana ticket prices vary across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, with rates ranging from Rs 338.98 plus GST for a 3D show in Delhi to Rs 2,770 for select recliner seats in Mumbai. Noida's 4DX tickets cost up to Rs 820, while Mumbai's IMAX 3D tickets range from Rs 530 to Rs 680. According to Sacnilk, the film has earned Rs 5.44 crore in advance bookings.
Dilip Gavit leads India's gold-silver finish in men's 100m T47 event
Dilip Gavit secured the gold medal in the men's 100m T46/47 event at the Asian Para Games. Mohammed Morssinganakath Basil achieved a silver medal in the same event with a Games record time. Gavit finished with a time of 10.69 seconds while Basil clocked 10.72 seconds. In the men's 100m T64 event, Pranav Desai won a bronze medal, further showcasing India's athletic talent.
HR Team of the Year: Celebrating People strategies that drive business results
The ET HR Excellence Awards 2027 honors exemplary HR teams who significantly contribute to business growth through innovative talent management, robust employee engagement, and retention tactics. By acknowledging their tangible achievements, these awards provide organizations a stage to present their HR efforts and demonstrate their role in fostering improved workplace environments while achieving strategic objectives.
India launches state-level outreach to help MSMEs, farmers tap FTA export opportunities
Initiatives with states aim to boost utilisation of trade pacts covering 38 countries
Could America elect its first Muslim senator? Michigan's high-stakes race may make history
Michigan's Senate race 2026 is drawing national attention as Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed seeks to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. The physician and former Detroit health official is running on healthcare, workers rights, higher taxes on billionaires and changes to immigration policy against Republican Mike Rogers in a closely watched contest.
India must make growth employment-intensive, not just fast: Ex-RBI chief
Sustaining economic growth of 7 per cent or more will require stronger private investment, labour-intensive manufacturing, better human capital and deeper integration into global value chains, former RBI Governor D Subbarao has said. Subbarao also said that the challenge is not merely to grow fast, but to make growth productive, employment-intensive and resilient. India's 7.8 per cent growth in the first quarter suggests that the economy is more resilient than many expected...I am optimistic about India's medium-term prospects, but not complacent, he told PTI. Recently, the World Bank raised India's GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year to 7.1 per cent, up 0.5 percentage points from its April projections, supported by robust domestic demand and strong exports, despite global headwinds. Sustaining growth of 7 per cent or more will require stronger private investment, labour-intensive manufacturing, better human capital and deeper integration into global value chains..
Delhi-NCR invokes GRAP-I as AQI rises to 244, air quality likely to remain poor
The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage-I of GRAP across Delhi-NCR after Delhis AQI rose sharply from 179 on October 20 to 244 by 2 pm on October 21. With forecasts predicting poor air quality over the coming days, agencies have been directed to intensify anti-pollution measures.
Will your take-home salary increase or decrease as EPF wage ceiling rises from 15k to 25k?
Sanofi healthcare receives CDSCO approval for Qftilia therapy for haemophilia patients in India
Sanofi Healthcare has obtained authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for Qfitlia. This therapy is designed to prevent bleeding in haemophilia patients aged 12 years and older. Qfitlia offers unique protection for Haemophilia A and B patients, requiring only six injections annually. The approval follows promising results from the ATLAS phase 3 clinical trials. This advancement aims to enhance access to treatment options for patients in India.
Gujarat asks factories to curb power usage as demand surges
Gujarat state has requested factories to limit their electricity consumption during peak evening hours from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The call comes amid rising power demand driven by increased industrial activity and insufficient coal supplies. Several states are seeking short-term coal power through tenders to address the shortages. India's coal inventories at power plants have decreased significantly, resulting in widened gaps between supply and demand.
In a significant announcement, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal introduced plans designed to optimize the use of free trade agreements (FTAs). These initiatives focus on expanding the global footprint of 'Made in India' products, aiming to bolster support for exporters. By teaming up with state governments, the initiatives will strive to tap into each state's unique export capabilities.
Publishers pay heavily for celebrity memoirs, which attract readers with intimate accounts of public figures lives. Nobody seems interested in reading about someone's happy childhood.
Sanju Samsons Kerala home is the epitome of elegant and serene. Although the home costs crores, the decor is minimalistic and warm, avoiding excess yet looking cosy. The talented cricketers abode is a testament that sometimes, prioritising a subdued, cosy look with warm, muted shades can also make your house appear elegant.
Essar Ports gets nod to develop Rs 2,276.06 crore multipurpose cargo terminal at Kandla
Essar Ports has been approved by Deendayal Port Authority to develop a cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra. The project, costing Rs 2,276.06 crore, will be built under a Build, Operate and Transfer model. It will have an annual capacity of 18.33 million tonnes and accommodate large vessels. Development includes common-user infrastructure, which aims to improve efficiency and connectivity. Essar Ports currently operates around 60 million tonnes capacity across multiple locations.
Tyler Cameron took to the stage with a touching dance dedicated to mothers, honouring the memory of his late mother. In a heartfelt moment, he reflected on how his fiance, Tate Madden, shares qualities with her. This emotional performance was also marked by the joyous announcement of their pregnancy, revealing they are expecting a baby girl.
Microsoft India Head To Talk About 'Building New Economy' At NDTV World Summit
The NDTV World Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi on October 22 and 23. The theme of the summit is A World Between Orders.
Essar Ports wins 2,276-crore project to build cargo terminal at Kandla
The four-berth facility is expected to accommodate larger vessels, ease pressure on existing dry-cargo berths and improve logistics efficiency
India presents a compelling investment proposition for German firms, FICCI says
Indian industry is poised for growth as German companies are encouraged to invest in manufacturing capacities. The upcoming India-European Union free trade agreement aims to strengthen trade ties and foster economic partnerships. Opportunities exist in sectors such as automotive technologies and renewable energy as urbanisation and incomes rise. The bilateral trade has seen an increase, highlighting the growing economic relationship.
Power Rangers Amy Jo Johnson reacts after surviving plane scare with Donnie Wahlberg
Amy Jo Johnson, famed for her role in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, encountered a troubling plane incident in Las Vegas alongside fellow passenger Donnie Wahlberg. Thankfully, all eight individuals aboard the aircraft remained unharmed after it skidded off the runway. Both stars expressed relief for their safety, commending the pilots' adept handling of the situation.
Varmora Granito H1 profit jumps 498% to Rs 53.7 cr; shares rise nearly 6%
Varmora Granito Ltd reported a 498 percent growth in profit after tax for the first half of the fiscal year. They saw a 3.3 percent rise in operational revenue, reaching Rs 714.2 crore. The September quarter brought a 9 percent year-on-year revenue spike alongside a profound 206 percent increase in profit after tax.
Indian Oil to trim West Asian oil imports under annual deals amid Iran war
Indian refiners traditionally relied on the West Asia for more than half of their annual crude supplies, particularly heavier, high-sulphur grades, because of the region's proximity
Celebrity brands can attract attention, but lasting success depends on product quality, fair pricing, repeat purchases and sound management.
Zee Studios appoints Suraj Singh as business head
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. has appointed Suraj Singh to be the business head of Zee Studios. His tenure will commence on November 10, 2026, based in Mumbai. Singh's role will involve overseeing production, distribution, and expanding strategic partnerships for the studio. He brings over twenty years of experience in film production and business strategy from various significant companies.
Bonding with bonds: high yields possible, but be mindful of the risks
Double-digit bond yields can be attractive, but investors should remember that higher returns come with higher credit and default risks.
Bajaj Finance, Piramal Finance flag early signs of stress in gold loans
Indian banks and non-bank lenders have rushed to lend to consumers against their gold holdings as they consider these loans more secure
CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka withdraw Delhi HC plea challenging their judicial custody
Cockroach Janta Party co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka withdrew their Delhi High Court plea challenging the extension of their judicial custody by a Special Executive Magistrate. The court asked them to await the outcome of a hearing before the magistrate and approach the appellate court if their grievance persists.
Indian Oil to trim Middle East oil imports under annual deals amid Iran war
Indian Oil Corporation plans to reduce its crude oil imports from Middle Eastern sources in the next fiscal year due to the ongoing war in Iran, which has led to significant supply chain uncertainties. This anticipated decrease in crude volumes under annual contracts comes as shipping is affected by vessel attacks. Additionally, rising freight costs have prompted Indian refiners to prefer spot purchases.
Elder brother got 5 bigha land not younger brothers
HCLTech Q2: Strong growth, AI boost, but valuation concerns linger
HCLTech, India's third-largest IT services company, reported robust Q2 revenue growth of 2.3 per cent in constant currency, driven by services and ER and D segments, with strong new deal wins of $3.3 billion and significant traction in its AI business. Despite exceeding margin estimates and raising revenue guidance, some brokerages remain cautious due to the stock's premium valuation compared to peers.
How are government securities taxed in India? From interest income and capital gains on G-Secs, SDLs, SGBs and T-bills to the tax exemption available to foreign portfolio investors, here's what resident and foreign investors need to know.
Asia Kate Dillon has opened up on social media about their struggles to secure acting opportunities. Having transitioned from working in the food service industry to a full-time acting career, Dillon has dedicated eleven years to theater, film, and television. However, their current reality shows a downturn in available roles.
Civil Services To Boost AI Skills With OpenAI Partnership
Karmayogi Bharat and OpenAI have signed an MoU to enhance AI capacity development across India's civil services. This partnership aims to equip government personnel with AI skills through the iGOT Karmayogi platform, fostering confident and responsible AI use for improved public outcomes and a future-ready civil service under Mission Karmayogi.
HDFC Bank investigates two senior executives over alleged leak of business secrets
HDFC Bank conducted an internal investigation after concerns about confidential information being leaked surfaced among executives. The probe discovered that two senior executives disclosed sensitive business strategies to outsiders, prompting further examination. This investigation is ongoing, and the involved executives have already been informed of the findings. The bank is committed to upholding ethical standards and will take appropriate action based on the investigation's results.
Content India 2027 to bring 1,000-plus media and entertainment professionals to Mumbai
Taking place in Mumbai from March 10 to 12, Content India 2027 will draw upwards of 1,000 stakeholders from the media and entertainment world. This gathering will spotlight innovative technologies and foster international co-productions, striving to establish India as a premier hub for content creation. Organized by Dish TV India and C21Media, the event serves as a vital marketplace for collaboration and growth within the industry.
Over 100 Japanese companies expand GCCs in India, shift focus to AI and engineering
Japanese firms are increasingly using their Indian centres to develop technology, strengthen global operations and build specialised capabilities beyond traditional outsourcing
Inditex's Bershka turns profitable in first full year in India as Zara growth stalls
Inditex's Bershka turned profitable in its first full financial year in India, reporting Rs 2.92 crore in net profit on revenue of Rs 80.34 crore in FY26. Its direct-subsidiary model contrasts with Zara's Tata Group joint venture, whose revenue and profit declined as competition intensified in India's apparel market.
WCCE 2026 to boost inclusive creative economy collaboration: Minister
Bollywood is slowly embracing intimacy coordinators to enhance on-set safety and actor consent. These specialists are tasked with designing intimate moments while ensuring minimal unwanted contact between cast members.
Gulshan Grover credits Shah Rukh Khan for encouraging him to pursue his first Hollywood role in The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo. While shooting Yes Boss in 1997, Grover hesitated to leave the set for the opportunity, but Khan urged him to take the flight. Despite initially being replaced, Grover eventually landed the role, marking a turning point in his international acting career.
On October 20, 2026, Julia Stiles and the cast of 10 Things I Hate About You came together for a touching reunion. During a performance on Dancing with the Stars, Stiles dedicated her dance to Heath Ledger, performing to the iconic song from the film. She highlighted the lasting influence of Ledger's performance that continues to inspire audiences even today.
Gurgaon, Noida housing demand drops 8-9% as NCR property market cools
Housing demand in the National Capital Region showed a decline in the third quarter of 2026, particularly in Gurgaon and Noida. While demand grew across six major Indian metros, new launches in NCR experienced significant reductions. Bengaluru demonstrated strong demand growth and price appreciation, making it a standout market. Pune and Mumbai Metropolitan Region saw substantial increases in new supply ahead of the festive season.
Reliance Jio Platforms IPO saw 25 domestic mutual funds receive 34.34% of the anchor book allocation through 95 schemes. Here are the top 10 schemes that secured the highest allocations, how Jios listing could affect their returns, and what you should consider before making investment decisions.
Dinner with strangers, 1,500 a ticket: the economics of Indias at-home social clubs
From supper clubs to themed game nights, home-hosted events are becoming a paid social space. Attendees seek meaningful connections, while hosts balance ticket prices, costs and profitability.
SBI probes dark web exposure of nearly 3,900 customer records
A preliminary analysis of around 3.75 lakh records available on the dark web identified 3,897 customer records containing sensitive information
Form 173A notified to claim exemption on G-Sec gains
Vietnam recently signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, expanding its trade network. This agreement comes as India's interaction with EFTA continues to evolve, with potential impacts on competition. Both countries aim to enhance exports to these markets despite different timelines of agreement enactment.
Banerjee says Indias crude sourcing strategy would remain driven by energy diplomacy and commercial considerations
Amitabh planned to be taxi driver if acting failed
Subscribed in 100 minutes! Jio Platforms IPO sets a new record
Jio Platforms Ltd's (JPL) public offer, valued at Rs 30,213 crore, was fully subscribed within 100 minutes of opening, making it the fastest-ever subscribed IPO in India, driven by strong institutional demand.
Indonesia taps voice-over industry to drive creative economy growth
SEBIs SME IPO reforms offer a financing choice as rates rise
Looser listing norms and tougher profitability tests could help established small firms tap equity at a time when the RBI is turning hawkish
Bird Group plans to double the business across all verticals by 2030
Bird Group has signed a lease for developing a hotel on 12 acres in Shillong. The hospitality arm aims to increase its keys from 600 to approximately 1,200 by 2030. The group also plans to introduce a new brand that caters to value for money in service. Additionally, ongoing aviation projects and a growing food services business are key areas of focus.
US visa curbs not aimed at India: Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated that the Trump's administration's ongoing clampdown on legal immigration is not a direct attack on India.In an interview with The Indian Express, Rubio said the changes were part of a broader effort to overhaul the US immigration system and are being applied globally.His comments came in response to a question about concerns among Indians, including students and the large diaspora in the US, over recent visa restrictions, the H-1B debate and a deepening anti-immigrant rhetoric. The question also referred to a recently foiled plot to attack a temple.So the first thing is that every country has to have immigration laws. If they dont, they are not a sovereign country. And this is not about India; this applies globally, Rubio told The Indian Express.Rubio said that the US was dealing with the consequences of years of problems in its immigration system and argued that several immigration programmes had been abused. He also cited birth tourism as an example, saying it involved other countries rather than India.Frankly, we have seen many of these programmes being abused. Again, it is not unique to Indians or India, he said. So we are trying to fix 20 years of neglect of an immigration system and that is not targeted towards India, Rubio added.Why India feels the impactRubio acknowledged that changes to the US visa system can have a significant impact on Indians because of the large number of applicants from the country in some visa categories.Now, obviously, because of the developments, because of the ties between our countries, because of how developed your economy is, there are certain categories of visas that see a large number of Indians applying for, he said.The US, he said, still wants foreign students, workers, visitors and investors, but wants immigration to take place under laws that are followed.We want people to visit the United States. We want people to study in the United States. There are certain people that we want, that want to come work for a time in the United States. We want people to invest in the United States, and we are always going to have people immigrate to the United States, Rubio said.But we want it done through a system of laws that are complied with, he added.'Biggest threat to legal immigration is illegal immigration'Rubio also sought to draw a distinction between legal immigration and illegal immigration, arguing that large-scale unauthorised migration could undermine legal pathways.The biggest threat to legal immigration is illegal immigration. The biggest threat to legal immigration is mass migration, which again is not an Indian phenomenon (but) more unique to other parts of the world, he said.Rubio acknowledged that US policy changes could appear to be directed at India because of their effect on Indian applicants, but rejected that interpretation.And while I know that from your perspective here in India, it may seem targeted at India, (but) its not, he said.There is virtually no country on Earth that I visit where I dont get a complaint about some visa or process, because we are fixing it globally.Rubio said the administration believed the changes would eventually make US immigration programmes more sustainable.Once its fixed, it will be far more sustainable. I actually think it will be better for the people using those programmes, and right and good for the United States, he said.
SBI hit by cyberattack: All you need to know
Paint cos riding price hikes to double-digit growth
Domestic paint companies are poised for a 10-15% revenue growth in the September quarter due to price increases. While volume growth is anticipated to remain low at 5-7%, these price hikes will help counteract rising costs. The fluctuations in crude oil prices have significantly impacted the raw material expenses for these companies. Analysts anticipate a decline in EBITDA margins for many companies despite the price adjustments.
How the U.S. crackdown on skilled migrant workers could hurt its economy
The Trump administrations crackdown on skilled foreign workers ignores the benefits they bring into the U.S. economy
Solar panels and home EV charging can deliver substantial savings but conditions apply.
Eternal, Swiggy expected to report strong Q2 growth
Crystal Crops marigold R&D efforts has global firms coming to India to export the flower
The company developing orchid hybrids from local germplasm that will be cheaper than imported ones
Has India Fallen Out Of Love With Weight-Loss Drugs?
More patients can now afford semaglutide, but the early excitement around the drug is fading.
