The Economic Times

The strategic sale of IDBI Bank to Canadas Fairfax Financial Holdings is expected to be completed by the end of FY27, subject to RBI approval, DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla said. Fairfax will acquire a 60.72% stake from the government and LIC for about Rs 53,000 crore, in what the government described as a major step in the banks long-delayed privatisation.

Indian diesel consumption has risen significantly, driven by increased demand from the agriculture and transportation sectors. State-run fuel retailers continue to maintain fuel prices below market rates, which attracts consumers. In contrast, private retailers have increased their prices and are exporting fuels. The ongoing festival season has led to heightened purchases by wholesalers to build inventory. Diesel is also being used to generate electricity due to rising power demand.

Mohammed bin Salman is currently grappling with increasing Houthi attacks that threaten Saudi infrastructure and international stability. The Crown Prince's appeals for support from the United States have not succeeded in securing intervention. Increased tensions have led to major airlines suspending flights to Saudi Arabia, impacting travel plans. Efforts to forge alliances with Pakistan and Turkey have yielded limited results in countering the Houthi threat.

Yes Bank is expected to post a 48% YoY jump in Q2 net profit to Rs 969 crore, driven by robust loan growth and higher NII. However, investor focus remains on the Supreme Court ruling invalidating its Rs 8,415 crore AT-1 bond write-off, which has pressured the stock.

Global index provider MSCI is contemplating downgrading Indonesia's stock market to standalone status. Such a reclassification could notably diminish Indonesia's appeal to global investors and alter its presence in international indexes. This year, Indonesia's share within MSCI's emerging markets index has dwindled. A downgrade would position Indonesia as the largest economy in this standalone category, inciting uncertainty for investment funds linked to MSCI indices.

Nuvama Institutional Equities has initiated coverage on Laurus Labs with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 2,520, implying a 24% upside from the current market price. The brokerage expects the drugmakers shift from its traditional anti-retroviral (ARV) business towards contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) to drive its next phase of growth.

European shares climbed on Friday, with the STOXX 600 heading for its strongest weekly gain since August, supported by robust corporate earnings and stabilising technology stocks. Industrial stocks led advances, while investors monitored eurozone inflation data, elevated oil prices and artificial intelligence spending concerns for clues on monetary policy and growth.

Samyak Chakrabarty, co-founder of Nimaya Foundation with Navya Naveli Nanda, works at the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship and social impact. A Jai Hind College alumnus, he has served as a Senior Fellow at Ashoka University, founded Workverse and The Smart Fellowship, and worked at DDB Mudra Group. He recently met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with Nanda to propose expanding the GenAI Ready Naari programme for young women.

DP World is ready to increase its investment in India between USD 3 billion and USD 5 billion in the coming years. The company urges for faster infrastructure development and quicker project approvals to unlock trade potential. Despite challenges, Narayan believes that India remains attractive due to its growing economic scale. Enhanced logistics capacity is critical for supporting India's manufacturing and export growth.

During a TikTok livestream with her mom, Kim Kardashian, North West talked about her love for piercings and clarified that her facial adornments are fake. While she finds joy in experimenting with style, she looks forward to getting a real bridge piercing someday. North expressed worries about scarring and hopes her fashion doesn't lead to unfair labels like 'demonic'. North shares the spotlight with her siblings: Saint, Chicago, and Psalm.

Economist Nouriel Roubini, known as Dr Doom for predicting the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, sees India emerging as a major growth story over the coming decades. He believes easing US tariffs, deeper trade ties, friendshoring and continued reforms could strengthen India's economic prospects. However, India must accelerate growth towards 9% to create enough jobs for its young workforce as artificial intelligence reshapes employment and global manufacturers diversify beyond China.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj conferred the status of a martyr of the Sikh community to Parvinder Singh Jhota. The development came amid the religious leader's visit to Mansa to meet the bereaved family and express their condolences. Gargajj offered an 'ardas' (Sikh prayer) in memory of Jhota. The leader said young people raising their voices against drugs were being killed.

In September, India's exports of engineering goods soared to US$12.17 billion, indicating an impressive year-on-year growth. For the first half of the fiscal year, cumulative exports reached US$70.87 billion, reflecting a notable 19.7% increase.

A 72-year-old man who booked a Rs 333 retiring room at Chittorgarh railway station found an Indian toilet instead of the western toilet listed on the IRCTC portal. After returning the keys without using the room and failing to get a refund, he approached the consumer commission, which enhanced compensation from Rs 3,000 to Rs 20,000.

Sanjay Raut expressed his willingness to apologize to the Supreme Court for any inappropriate comments he may have made, emphasizing that respect for the judiciary has always been paramount to him and his party. His remarks were in response to ongoing legal disputes involving electoral rolls and his party's identity, highlighting concerns over the lengthy process regarding the Shiv Sena name and symbol.

Police filed a case against R Sreelekha after her controversial remarks about Rahul Gandhi at a BJP event. Sreelekha criticized Gandhi's conduct and compared it to drug influence, which sparked backlash from Congress leaders. A complaint was lodged by Congress leader K S Sabarinadhan, prompting police action in Kollam district. They plan to review video evidence from the event as part of the investigation.

The opposition DMK alleges that the Special Summary Revision is intended to appease parties after voter removals. Senior leader T K S Elangovan expressed concerns over the election process and criticized the Chief Minister's lack of accountability. He called the Election Commission's actions biased towards the ruling party at the Centre. Elangovan supported complaints about MLA poaching and noted neglect of fishermen's issues.

For non-resident Indians, leveraging the basic exemption limit can help mitigate normal slab rate taxes on capital gains. However, it's important to note that this exemption does not apply to capital gains taxed at special rates, such as short-term capital gains derived from listed bonds. This stipulation is clearly defined in the Income Tax law, and tax treaties may additionally offer advantages depending on the NRI's country of residence.

Suvendu Adhikari addressed gatherings during the Durga Puja pandal inauguration in Nandigram, stressing the need for economic assistance. He proposed that financially weaker families receive Rs 12,000-15,000 monthly through welfare schemes. Adhikari expressed his commitment to representing Bhabanipur while maintaining his voter status in Nandigram. He highlighted the government's goal of providing jobs to one lakh educated youth through merit-based examinations.

Five smallcap stocks saw the highest net buying by mutual funds in September, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Cupid led the list, with a 337.7% month-on-month rise in value change, followed by Bharat Coking, Vedanta Power, Godawari Power and Natco Pharma.

China's central bank plans to improve access for global investors and issuers to its financial markets by strengthening cross-border financial connectivity, developing the offshore yuan market and promoting yuan-denominated bonds as globally recognised collateral.

India and Canada are currently negotiating a free trade agreement designed to enhance bilateral trade significantly. Nearly 300 Canadian business delegates are visiting India to advance these discussions. Both countries aim to increase two-way trade to $50 billion by 2030. Key focus areas include energy, critical minerals, and agriculture, alongside demands for improved market access. The negotiations have resumed after a brief pause, with optimism surrounding the outcome before December.

Mary Millben and Abhijeet Dipke recently got engaged in a heated debate on X about foreign funding allegations affecting Indian politics. Millben alleged that CJP's founder receives support from US donors against Prime Minister Modi. Dipke reacted to Millben's perspective and questionined her grasp of India's issues. Read on to know who is Mary Millben.

India is preparing to accommodate increased demand for renewable energy from data centers driven by artificial intelligence. The country's appeal is strengthened by challenges faced by data center operations in other regions. Investments in solar and wind capacity are crucial for supporting this burgeoning sector's needs. Major companies such as Meta, Google, and Apple are entering into supply contracts for renewable energy.

Britains Competition and Markets Authority has proposed designating Microsoft with strategic market status over its business software, potentially enabling interventions in how it bundles products such as Excel, Teams and Copilot. The regulator is examining switching barriers, AI competition, security product bundling and licensing practices, with a final decision expected by February.

ICICI Bank is expected to report 15.8-18% year-on-year growth in net interest income and 15-21% growth in profit after tax in Q2FY27, according to brokerage estimates. Investors will track net interest margins, loan and deposit growth, operating profitability and asset quality, with margin pressure and provisioning trends remaining key monitorables.

BJP president Nitin Nabin targeted the AAP government in Punjab and said the drug crisis has reached an alarming level. He emphasised the need for decisive action against miscreants and said the people of Punjab deserve accountability. Nabin raised recent drug-related murders, alleging that there was a collapse of law and order in the state. He also questioned the safety of anti-drug activists in Punjab.

Mukesh Ambani is mobilising Reliance Industries workforce to boost interest in Jio Platforms record IPO. The conglomerate has encouraged employees to consider investing, released October salaries early and set aside shares for eligible employees and Reliance shareholders.

Indian government bonds remained stable on Friday as traders contemplated the central bank's forthcoming policy moves. A noteworthy auction of 10-year bonds is on the horizon, anticipated to shed light on market demand and interest. Recent shifts in US Treasury yields have bolstered the Indian market. The Reserve Bank of India is fine-tuning financial conditions to cope with capital outflows and escalating shorting costs of the rupee.

Through this partnership, ANSCO will lend its technical expertise while MISI assists with supply and marketing strategies.

India's Digital Public Infrastructure has been recognized as one of the top ten effective reforms globally. This infrastructure, particularly Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface, supports financial inclusion and reduces transaction costs. It facilitates greater integration of micro, small, and medium enterprises into the formal economy. Institutional coordination and interoperability have played crucial roles in its success and development.

BJP Yuva Morcha March to Kerala Assembly Turns Tense as Police Use Tear Gas Over CMRL Case

Delhi Police personnel visited CJP leader Abhijeet Dipkes residence in the national capital and served him a notice barring him from holding a protest march in Connaught Place, officials said. The action comes as the proposed march faces a police restriction, with further details about the notice not immediately available.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned former Keralam chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan for questioning in a case of CMRL-linked money laundering. The summons were issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED alleged that CMRL made fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore to Vijayan's daughter Veena's now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, under the guise of IT consultancy service.

Under Donald Trump's administration, the United States secured USD 11.3 trillion in investments from various countries. Among these, India ranks sixth with investments totaling USD 500 billion, including a major refinery partnership. Manufacturing and industry led investment numbers, while technology and artificial intelligence saw significant value contributions.

Traders in Connaught Place appealed to political parties and protesters to hold demonstrations at designated sites. They reported significant financial losses during recent protests and emphasized the impact on business ahead of the festive season. Additionally, the traders submitted a representation to various authorities requesting intervention against such disruptions. The Supreme Court has accepted a plea regarding these protests and is set to hear it later this month.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is promoting rupee and local-currency trade settlements to help countries facing hard-currency shortages continue importing essential goods. She said geopolitical tensions and economic downturns have pushed several nations into debt and balance-of-payments crises.

In a remarkable move, Google has embarked on extensive AI initiatives in India, primarily focused on boosting sectors like agriculture, education, and small enterprises. The tech giant has allocated $15 million to uplift micro, small, and medium businesses while collaborating with institutions to create AI-enhanced crops that can withstand climate changes, benefitting global researchers. Furthermore, thousands of teachers are being equipped with AI tools to enrich their lesson plans.

In 2009, tennis legend Pete Sampras and his wife purchased a Brentwood estate for $5.9 million. Following extensive renovations, including a lavish swimming pool, they listed the property at a higher price. Ultimately, they sold it for $7.25 million in January 2017, but unexpected renovation costs and market differences reduced their profit, showcasing the challenges of property investments.

Samarthak, the first multi-purpose vessel built by a private shipyard to be commissioned into the Indian Navy, has entered service with more than 75% indigenous content. Built by L&T, it will support weapons and sensor trials, maritime surveillance, unmanned systems, disaster relief and emergency response at sea.

Gold prices at various leading jewellery outlets showed no fluctuation on October 16, 2026, staying steady compared to the previous day. Nevertheless, indicative prices for gold and silver jewellery surged according to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association.

Anxiety cant be controlled before the starting line. Breaking your preparation into small tasks can help you reduce it and prepare you for D-Day.

Ravie Dubey and Sargun Mehtas luxurious Bandra home, named Saubhagya, features crystal chandeliers, pastel sofas, an indoor swing and a sea-facing balcony. The couple reportedly leased the apartment in Pali Hill, with monthly rent expected to reach Rs 13.37 lakh in the final year. The property has also been linked to actor Aamir Khan.

Ramayana Part 1 is set to make a grand entrance on November 5, 2026, and advance ticket sales have kicked off in the US. With a stellar cast featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, excitement is palpable. Fans can secure their tickets in US, choosing from IMAX or 3D options. The film is gearing up for a global audience, with plans for various language adaptations. Read on to know how to book the tickets in US.

In Montana, scientists implemented portable electric fencing to reduce coyote predation on endangered black-footed ferrets. The fencing successfully decreased coyote sightings from 42 percent to 7 percent, protecting ferrets during their vulnerable stages. All ferrets monitored within the protected area survived, highlighting the fence's effectiveness. The project demonstrated that temporary measures can significantly aid conservation efforts while minimizing predator interactions.

The Supreme Court has issued notices regarding a petition aimed at regulating 'talaq' practices among Muslims. This petition challenges the constitutional validity of 'Talaq-e-Hasan', a method for divorce. The court is considering the need for uniform procedural safeguards for women facing arbitrary divorces. Specific requests include striking down certain sections of the Muslim Personal Law Application Act.