The Economic Times

Millions of Americans will change their clocks on November 1, 2026, marking the end of daylight saving time. Lawmakers are considering abandoning this twice-yearly clock adjustment, with a proposal approved by the House. However, the Senate expresses concerns about implications for winter mornings and public safety. Disagreements surfaced between Republican Senator Tom Cotton and the president over permanent daylight saving time.

BJP chief Nitin Nabin criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly acting under foreign influence to create disorder. He emphasized that the Constitution should govern the country rather than the 'Gandhi family's law.' Nabin accused the Congress party of seeking to challenge democratic processes after failing to secure a people's mandate. He also reiterated the BJP's intent to retain power in the upcoming general elections.

Competition Commission of India has approved Prosus' acquisition of a stake in Navi Ltd. This move aims to enhance Prosus' position in India's digital financial services market. MIH Payments Holdings BV, part of Prosus, will acquire certain shareholding in the fintech firm. Navi Ltd provides various financial services, including loans, insurance, and digital payments. This investment marks a significant milestone in Navi's growth after securing USD 100 million from Prosus.

PNB Housing Finance aims to expand its corporate loan book significantly by the end of March 2027. The company intends to maintain a focus on retail housing finance while growing its corporate lending portfolio. Currently, the corporate loan book stands at Rs 689 crore, contributing to 3 percent of overall loans. Loan growth guidance of 18-20 percent for the financial year remains unchanged, despite interest rate increases.

Regulation is vital for protecting consumers and building trust, but unpredictable or poorly calibrated policy changes can disrupt business economics, valuations and investment.

The Ministry of Education has extended the NMMS scholarship application deadline for the 2026-27 academic year to November 15. Students can apply through the National Scholarship Portal, while institute-level and district-level verification must be completed by November 30 and December 15, respectively. The scheme provides eligible students with annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000.

Carlsberg has filed an updated draft red herring prospectus for its potential IPO in India. Pernod Ricard continues to prepare for its proposed listing while awaiting board approval for its Indian business. Coca-Cola is exploring a potential IPO for its Indian bottling operations, emphasizing the value in the domestic market. These developments indicate a growing interest in public listings among multinational beverage companies in India.

Ten actively traded penny stocks have fallen between 34% and 73% over the past three months, highlighting the risks associated with low-priced shares. Cropster Agro recorded the steepest decline at 73%, followed by Bridge Securities and Empower India, which dropped 55% and 50%, respectively.

In the third quarter, spanning July to September, India's three major state-run fuel retailers announced a combined net profit of Rs 30,106 crore, reversing a previous loss of Rs 18,150 crore. This profitability surge defied the ongoing freeze on petrol and diesel prices since May. Indian Oil Corporation achieved its highest standalone quarterly net profit, buoyed by strong refining margins, yet faces ongoing challenges related to fuel under-recoveries.

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended the week higher, gaining up to 0.5%, even as broader markets declined amid rising crude oil prices above $117 a barrel. Investors will track oil price movements, foreign institutional investor (FII) activity, global cues and domestic market trends for direction. FIIs turned net buyers after a 10-week selling streak, lending support to sentiment.

Amidst rising economic fears, foreign portfolio investors withdrew Rs 34,843 crore from Indian equities in October. Although they had made significant contributions in July and August, outflows continued through September. By late October, a turnaround occurred as foreign investors became net buyers, infusing approximately Rs 6,300 crore into the market. Support from domestic institutional investors provided much-needed stability as all eyes turn to potential global impacts on investor sentiment

Indian Bank has set a lending target of Rs 100 crore for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The bank launched IND Green Charge for public, captive, and fleet charging stations under various models. It plans to promote entrepreneurship and support India's transition to sustainable mobility with this initiative. The scheme will provide loans up to Rs 10 crore for a maximum tenure of eight years.

ITC is expected to report a weak Q2, with brokerages forecasting an 8% decline in cigarette volumes and a drop of up to 29% in cigarette operating profit following tax hikes. Nuvama expects consolidated revenue to fall 3% YoY and EBITDA to decline 20%. Growth in FMCG and paper businesses could provide some cushion against the pressure.

Nifty ITs 18% October rally could signal a sustained leadership cycle, supported by improving momentum, a bullish RSI crossover and capital rotation from global AI stocks. Analyst Vatsal Bhuva sees the index targeting 35,000. He remains cautious on Swiggy, bullish on Acutaas Chemicals, and recommends buying Persistent Systems and Eternal based on positive technical setups.

India

More than 40 companies have scheduled record dates for dividends, bonus issues, rights issues and stock splits during November 26, 2026. Major names include Infosys, Asian Paints, Coal India, Power Grid and Info Edge, while Sanofi India will offer the weeks highest announced dividend of Rs 75 per share.

Japanese bodybuilder Toshisuke Kanazawa, 90, travelled to Spain to compete against athletes decades younger at the IFBB World Fitness Championships. Although he did not win a podium place, he hopes to compete again at 93. He credits his fitness to a traditional Japanese diet he adopted at 50.

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is scheduled to visit Pudukkottai on Monday for several inaugurations. He will open a modern bus stand and an indoor sports stadium during his visit. Additionally, he plans to distribute welfare assistance to local residents in the area. Following the official events, he will participate in a roadshow across town to engage with the public.

In India, elderly companionship services face hurdles in building a dependable market, primarily due to the stigma linked to purchasing social connections. Numerous programs have emerged to facilitate interactions among seniors through conversation and activities aimed at enhancing emotional health. Entrepreneurs grapple with the challenge of making companionship a sustainable expense, even as the senior population rises.

Companies are shifting towards offering travel vouchers as a preferred gifting option for employees. This change allows for more personalised experiences with loved ones during holidays. Many firms are also providing flexibility in travel options, catering to individual preferences and interests.

Karnataka's Congress government has approved an increase in Nandini milk prices, raising it from 46 to 54 per litre. The government claims this hike will enhance farmers' income and address financial pressures. However, the Opposition BJP argues that this will add to the cost of living for citizens. The government's five guarantees are estimated to cost 51,000 crore this year, creating further financial strain.

The Indian men's team defeated Sri Lanka 54-20 to clinch the inaugural men's crown, while the women beat Uganda 35-15 earlier in the evening to seal the women's title. The triumphs capped an unbeaten campaign for both Indian teams at the nine-day competition.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of recognizing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions to India. During the 'Run for Unity', he condemned efforts by the Opposition to diminish Patels legacy. Shah highlighted India's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage as a source of strength rather than weakness. He recalled Patel's role in unifying princely states and shaping India's geography.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office apologised after its official X handle posted a sarcastic response to AAP leader Sanjay Singh's allegation of caste bias over a voter's name being mistranslated. The exchange triggered criticism from Opposition leaders, prompting the office to promise more polite and formal communication.

Seismic activity is on the rise around the Pacific Ring of Fire, prompting countries to issue emergency preparedness warnings. Within the last week, close to 200 earthquakes measuring 4.5 or greater have been reported. Authorities are advising households to gather essential supplies in anticipation of potential natural disasters. Although guidance is being updated, no direct correlation has been established between these advisories and recent seismic events.

In a satirical first-person account, a dafli narrates its brief detention at a police station after being confiscated during the Gen Z protests. Separated from its student activist owner, the percussion instrument encounters whistles, placards and bewildered policemen before using its own rhythm to help its owner escape and return to the protest.

Quad foreign ministers meeting in Atlanta reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, focusing on economic security, resilient supply chains and trusted infrastructure. They announced plans to provide over $85 million in technical and financial assistance for access to trusted super intelligence (SI), while pledging action against cyber scams and transnational criminal networks.

Azam Khan, a senior leader of the Samajwadi Party, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate shortly after his bail. His bail was granted by the Allahabad High Court in an alleged dual PAN card case. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating financial irregularities linked to the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Mohammad Ali Jauhar University. Khan's land and buildings were provisionally attached under anti-money laundering laws by the agency.

Binay Kumar Das expressed the crucial importance for students studying abroad to keep their cultural roots and identity alive. At the Open House event held at the Indian Institute of Technology, he motivated students to return to India and make meaningful contributions.

Muthoot Finance reported a 36% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 3,278 crore in Q2, while assets under management grew 42% to Rs 2.09 lakh crore. However, standalone gross NPA ratio rose to 3.87% from 2.28% in the previous quarter, indicating a deterioration in asset quality

Sebi is likely to release a consultation paper on foreign investor compliance requirements within weeks, chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said. The proposed document will explore aligning Indian norms with global standards amid heavy FII outflows. The regulator is also planning a capacity-building network to strengthen independent directors effectiveness.

NTPC has showcased a strong performance in the second quarter of FY27, with a significant 14% increase in standalone net profit year-on-year. The operational revenue saw a notable rise of 16.8% from the same quarter last year, reflecting solid financial health. An interim dividend of Rs 3 per share was announced for shareholders. In a move to bolster growth, NTPC is also increasing its capital expenditure on pumped storage initiatives.

The Nifty gained 2% last week, recovering above the crucial 200-week moving average at 22,700. While easing volatility and buying at lower levels support the rebound, bearish momentum indicators suggest caution. Analysts identify 23,300

Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), a market infrastructure institution, on Saturday reported a 24% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs 173 crore in the second quarter, compared with Rs 140.2 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.Revenue grew 23.7% to Rs 395 crore from Rs 319 crore in the year-ago period. EBITDA increased to Rs 229 crore, while EBITDA margin expanded to 58% from 56% a year earlier.For the quarter under review, CDSL opened around 75 lakh new demat acc

S Naren of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund highlights how only six companies from the 1990 Sensex remain in the benchmark today. At ET Wealth Expo, he explained why beaten-down stocks may never recover and urged investors to distinguish between asset allocation and stock selection, while cautioning against chasing strong past returns.

Protests by sugarcane farmers took place at the Hittinahalli toll gate in Vijayapura district. They demanded a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their sugarcane amidst a statewide bandh. Farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with both state and central governments regarding the support price dispute. Meanwhile, responses to the bandh varied in Belagavi city, where most services remained operational.

Bank lending witnessed a significant surge during April-August FY27, contributing to financial resources for businesses. Non-food bank credit rose to Rs 9.8 lakh crore, indicating strong lending activity across major sectors. In contrast, corporate bond issuances fell sharply amid rising bond yields, highlighting a shift in funding trends. Overall bank credit growth registered an increase of 21.6 percent, supported by strong demand across various industries.

In 1906, Rawhide, Nevada saw a surge in population, swelling to 7,000 residents after gold was discovered. However, by 1910, it faced a steep decline to about 500 inhabitants, driven by disasters like a severe fire in 1908 and flooding. Although the town was rich in gold and silver, scandals marred its image. Today, Rawhide is a sobering reminder of the fleeting glory of boomtowns.

Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the Congress party for organizing a mock Parliament after their recent failures. He emphasized the significant reduction in poverty in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership from 2011 to 2023. Trivedi referenced the World Bank's report claiming only 2.6 percent of the population remains in extreme poverty today. The Gini Index results also showed that India ranks among the most economically equal countries globally.

Elon Musk reacted with a one-word comment, Gross, after the New York Post reported on cockroach milk and its potential as a future superfood. Produced by female Pacific beetle cockroaches to nourish their young, the protein-rich secretion has attracted scientific interest, although its extraction remains complex and its use in food products is still being studied.

A Turnaround Story YoY indicates that a company has moved from reporting a net loss in the corresponding quarter last year to posting a net profit in the latest quarter, signalling a significant improvement in its financial performance. Within the Nifty 500 universe, we have highlighted eight stocks that reported a return to profitability in the September 2026 quarter, compared with losses in the year-ago quarter, based on StockEdge's profitability scan data.

Salesforce has stated no vulnerabilities were found concerning a suspected data leak at AU Small Finance Bank. The bank is investigating claims of a breach by hackers, affecting sensitive customer data. Reportedly compromised information includes KYC records and personal identification documents, while the bank assures its core systems are unaffected. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently warned of increasing cyberattack threats to the economy.

The United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees has opposed the planned sale of IDBI Bank's majority stake. They have requested an immediate suspension of the sale process due to market volatility. The forum argues that the decision lacks adequate justification and transparency. They are calling for a comprehensive review under parliamentary scrutiny, emphasizing the need for caution.

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey emphasized the importance of accessible and efficient capital markets at a recent forum. He highlighted the growth in market capitalisation with significant annual fundraising through equity and debt. The number of investors in West Bengal has dramatically increased, indicating regional market participation. Additionally, various steps have been taken to streamline compliance and fundraising processes for issuers.

In India, investors are increasingly embracing thematic investing as they explore cryptocurrency and other sectors. This innovative investment style allows individuals to focus on specific trends and ideas rather than sticking to conventional categories. To support this, ZebPay has launched CryptoPacks, offering users curated portfolios that resonate with various themes. These packs simplify investment management and signify a shift toward future-focused digital asset strategies.

Over the five trading sessions ended October 30, the Sensex advanced 1.8%, or 1,336 points, to close at 74,459, posting gains in four of the five sessions. Amid the broader market rally, around 18 stocks from the BSE 500 index rose in each of the five consecutive trading sessions between October 26 and 30. Of these, we identified eight stocks that gained on all five days, delivering cumulative returns ranging from 10% to 21% during the period. (Data Source: ACE Equity)