The Economic Times

The Reserve Bank of India issued clarifications on its recent measures to support the rupee. This followed concerns about tighter hedging rules and cash margins on certain derivatives. Several lenders have held back on quoting dollar-rupee forwards due to confusion regarding transaction requirements. The measures included redirecting oil companies' dollar purchases and levying cash reserve requirements. The impact of these measures has raised uncertainties in the financial markets.

Essar Oil & Gas has acquired five coal-blend methane blocks across West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. The company aims to enhance domestic natural gas production while developing approximately 1,281 square kilometers of new acreage. This expansion also includes significant resources of around 6.6 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place. Essar currently produces nearly 50 percent of Indias CBM production, reflecting its strong position in this sector.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav aims to broaden the anti-BJP coalition in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. He says the unison of Muslim-Yadav, backward classes and a growing number of disgruntled Gen Z voters would remove BJP from power. Yadav questions why people in plain clothes who attacked the protestors were not arrested. The SP leader also accuses the Centre of failing to protect Indian citizens during the conflict between the United States and Iran.

Akash Ambani said Reliance Jios partnership with Google on Gemini goes beyond distribution to create new markets, drawing a parallel with Jios approach to data. Speaking at Jios IPO press conference on Thursday, he said the collaboration had resulted in Gemini adding 13 million new subscribers to its paid service.

Government agencies in Haryana have successfully purchased 15.52 lakh tonnes of paddy during the Kharif procurement operations. A total of Rs 1,221 crore has been disbursed to farmers to support their financial needs. The Chief Secretary reviewed the ongoing procurement efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination among various stakeholders. Initiatives like Aadhaar-based biometric verification have been implemented for better oversight.

Current school assemblies are incorporating news segments to educate students on vital global and local happenings. Recently, a tragic school roof collapse in Pakistan resulted in multiple fatalities. Additionally, the IMF's recent pledge to aid Sri Lankas economic recovery stands out in business news. In sports, Kylian Mbappe has made headlines by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 appearances in the Champions League.

India's overall unemployment rate held steady at 5.0% in September 2026, compared to the previous month. The rural unemployment rate improved to 4.2%, while urban unemployment increased slightly to 6.9%. The gender-specific unemployment rates showed stability, although urban female unemployment rose to 9.2%. The Labour Force Participation Rate for September 2026 was reported at 55.5%, reflecting a year-on-year increase. Overall, the Worker Population Ratio also saw an increase, reaching 52.7%.

India's insurance regulator, the IRDAI, plans to implement reforms for insurance sales to improve the market. Proposed changes include capping commissions and tightening expense limits to reduce costs and mis-selling. Ajay Seth stated the intention is to avoid disruption within the industry during this transition period. Insurers and distributors have expressed concerns regarding the potential impacts on business models and job security.

India's banking system deposits hit a record high, reaching approximately 284 trillion rupees by September 2023. The increase was primarily driven by a discounted swap window introduced by the Reserve Bank of India. This scheme attracted around $133 billion in foreign-currency deposits from June until its closure in August. Additionally, banks took measures to bolster their funding buffers leading up to the quarter's end. Overall, deposits rose by 8.

CKK Retail Mart has announced plans to issue bonus shares in a ratio of 5:1 for existing shareholders. The company intends to increase its authorised share capital significantly from Rs 20 crore to Rs 117 crore.

Spending time with friends does not always leave people feeling happier. Sometimes, an enjoyable gathering is followed by loneliness, sadness or an unexpected drop in energy. Psychology points to several possible reasons, including mental exhaustion, overthinking conversations, social anxiety and the pressure to hide parts of yourself to fit in. But why can being surrounded by people still leave someone feeling emotionally disconnected? The answer may lie in the difference between socialising an

PepsiCo India collaborates with over 36,000 farmers to boost agricultural productivity and implement sustainable farming practices. The company's commitment includes investments in innovative technologies and infrastructure enhancements geared toward reinforcing its supply chain for future growth. Initiatives such as the KosiPataudi EV Green Corridor aim to minimize environmental impact while optimizing distribution efficiency.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised the cooperation of local communities in resuming highway movement. He highlighted the negative impact of recent crises on the state's economy and daily lives. Singh emphasized the importance of community unity for resolving differences and achieving development goals. The government plans to establish two medical colleges in the state for equitable growth.

JetSynthesys has introduced JetKreate, an AI-powered platform integrating scripting, visuals, audio, and video production. This platform was revealed at the CII Big Picture Summit 2026 in Mumbai and aims to streamline content creation. JetKreate caters to individual creators, marketers, brands, and agencies by allowing the development of various types of content. The platform offers free credits for new users alongside paid plans for enhanced features.

The Department of Telecommunications in India has amended caller identification regulations for telecom services. Caller IDs will now display the subscriber's registered name from November 1, 2026. This updated definition of Calling Line Identification includes the caller's name in telecom provider records.

Fairfax Financial Holdings plans to bring its interests in Go Digit and IIFL Capital Services under IDBI Bank, creating a financial-services group spanning banking, insurance, investment banking and wealth management. The proposed restructuring follows Fairfax's selection as strategic buyer for a 60.72% stake in the Indian lender for about Rs 52,878 crore.

Nelson Dilipkumar emerged as a prominent director in Tamil cinema following the remarkable triumph of Jailer, his 2023 action-comedy starring Rajinikanth. Nonetheless, prior to reaching this important career milestone, the director faced a considerable setback with Beast, the 2022 action movie featuring superstar Thalapathy Vijay.

Imran Khan made his Bollywood debut in the 2008 romantic comedy Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, where he appeared alongside Genelia DSouza. He went on to star in multiple romantic movies, such as Ek Main Aur Ek Tu and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, gaining acclaim for his appealing on-screen presence and slim build. During a recent discussion with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor discussed his fitness routines and offered insights on how he kept in shape.

As women progress through various life stages, their dietary requirements evolve significantly. Dr. Pal Manickam emphasizes the importance of adding spinach for its iron content, omega-3s from fatty fish, and calcium sources like ragi and paneer to support health. Incorporating beans and chickpeas can enhance gut health, while pumpkin seeds ensure sufficient magnesium intake. Moreover, regular physical activity is essential for maintaining bone strength and holistic well-being.

By the end of September, India's cumulative ethanol receipts reached 987 crore litres in the current supply year. Grain-based feedstocks accounted for over 71 percent of total ethanol receipts during this period. Maize was the largest contributor, supplying 413 crore litres, while surplus rice contributed 222 crore litres. Sugar-based feedstocks also provided significant amounts, fulfilling nearly all of their allocations.

In recent months, foreign investment in Indias financial sector has grown significantly, resulting in major acquisitions. Fairfax Financial Holdings secured a large stake in IDBI Bank, while Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group poured resources into Shriram Finance. Additionally, Emirates NBD established a notable presence in RBL Bank. Such initiatives promise to alter the competitive dynamics and improve service capabilities in the Indian banking sector.

High temperatures continue to impact Indian agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and poor germination rates. Farmers report significant losses in banana production and vegetable crops like okra and gourd. Experts warn about the increasing unpredictability of climate events affecting food security and farming practices. There is a call for greater climate adaptation finance and improved forecasting measures to address these challenges.

Peter Lynch had managed Fidelity's Magellan Fund from 1977 to 1990 with remarkable success. Speaking about what makes a successuful investor, he said that there will always be a worry factor in the stock market but the key is look beyond that and concentrate on a select few promising companies.

Myntra is seeing over 30% growth in orders and customers this year as Gen Z accounts for half its customer base. Business head Sharon Pais says fashion spending is becoming essential for young consumers, while festive average order values rose 1012%. The platform is gaining traction with direct-to-consumer brands and expanding rapid delivery through M Now and a new store-linked pilot.

Gastro doctor Dr Pal has highlighted five food groups women should include regularly to support their health through different life stages. These include green leafy vegetables for iron, fatty fish for omega-3 and vitamin D, calcium-rich foods for bones, legumes for gut health, and nuts and seeds for magnesium and healthy fats. He stresses that nutritional needs change from puberty and pregnancy to menopause, making balanced nutrition important.

Bhumika Realty plans to invest Rs 450 crore in land acquisition in Faridabad by March 2027, taking its cumulative land investment in the city beyond Rs 1,000 crore. The real estate arm of Bhumika Group has invested Rs 550 crore over the past year and is expanding across residential, plotted and mixed-use developments.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the finalization of the first phase of the India-US trade pact. This phase is currently undergoing legal drafting, with hopes for quick finalization and operationalization. He emphasized the need for India to secure a competitive advantage over its peer countries before implementation. Additionally, Goyal stated the free trade agreement with the European Union will be signed in December.

Fairfax Financial Holdings plans to bring its Indian financial investments under IDBI Bank after India's approval of a Rs 52,878 crore ($5.56 billion) deal for a 60.7% stake in the lender. The proposed restructuring would bring together banking, insurance, investment banking and wealth management, subject to regulatory approvals.

In September, India's merchandise trade deficit expanded to $30.21 billion from $26.86 billion in August. Exports experienced a notable boost, increasing by 23.04% year-on-year with total figures at $44.4 billion. The growing trade gap signals a significant difference between imports and exports, surpassing economists' expectations of a $30.4 billion deficit. Nonetheless, these figures suggest strong ongoing momentum in India's export activities.

Nestl India has reported a strong 20.5% increase in sales for the September quarter. Profit after tax rose significantly due to robust volume growth across its product categories. Despite challenges from rising food inflation and volatile commodity prices, the company aims to enhance operational efficiencies. Investment in advertising and marketing increased as brand growth remains a priority for the organization.

Former Bollywood actor Imran Khan traded his luxury car collection, including a Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes and BMW, for a customised Volkswagen Polo GT and a modified Mahindra Thar. He said modifying the Polo over four years has brought him greater satisfaction than driving his Ferrari. Imran is also in the spotlight after Mumbai Police detained him during a protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars resignation, prompting BJP leader Kirit Somaiya to seek his deportation.

The Supreme Court has confirmed the Bombay High Court's verdict that invalidated YES Bank's write-off of AT1 bonds totaling Rs 8,415 crore, part of a March 2020 restructuring plan. Investors, both institutional and retail, took their grievances to the High Court, leading to YES Bank, the RBI, and the Centre appealing this outcome. This ruling now grants bondholders a pathway to recover their investments that were previously at risk.

Maison D'Arome has introduced a collection of premium perfumes in India aimed at discernible consumers. The brand asserts its fragrances are crafted with high-quality ingredients. The Indian perfume market is projected to experience significant growth driven by urbanization and rising incomes. Maison D'Arome plans to expand its portfolio and enhance its presence through retail partnerships. The company's founder emphasizes that luxury should be accessible without compromising quality or experien

In a candid interview, George Michael opened up about his evolving views on happiness and suffering. He admitted that he once believed attaining positive experiences necessitated going through pain. Reflecting on his past, he called this belief misguided and regrettable. The discussion delved into his fame's influence on his self-perception, as well as his early struggles with perfectionism and the need for control.

Prem Watsas Fairfax Financial will acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for Rs 52,878 crore, marking Indias largest cross-border banking deal. The Canadian investor plans to build a financial services powerhouse by combining banking with insurance, wealth management and capital markets. But regulatory approvals, overlapping ownership with CSB Bank and execution risks could test his biggest India bet.

ICICI Life Insurance plans to recruit 20,000 women advisors across India by the end of FY2027 under its Narishakti initiative. Women currently account for around 32% of its advisor base but contribute 45% of agency business. More than 78,000 women advisors were associated with the insurer as of September 30, 2026.

Sumant Sinha, Chairman & CEO of ReNew, indicates that nuclear projects could be a viable alternative to coal. He emphasizes that reducing the high setup costs of nuclear plants is crucial for wider adoption. India aims to increase its nuclear capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047. Current estimates suggest this growth will require substantial investments of Rs 15 lakh crore.

Mark your calendars! Season 4 of Tulsa King is set to premiere on October 16, 2026, exclusively on Paramount+. As Dwight Manfredi attempts to legitimize his criminal dealings, he will encounter a web of corrupt politicians and relentless foes. This season promises to delve deeper into Dwight's personal turmoil and strained relationships.

Pernod Ricard has reported a 19% rise in sales in India, providing some relief against drops in bigger markets like the US and China. Overall, the company witnessed a slight year-on-year decline of 0.9% for the first fiscal quarter, with US sales down 10% and Chinese sales plummeting by 25%.

TREVOC is set to invest between 8001,000 crore in new projects over the next three years. The company aims to generate a gross development value of 3,0003,500 crore through this expansion. Proposed projects include integrated townships in Sonipat and Panipat, consisting of residential and commercial spaces. TREVOC also plans to develop approximately five lakh sq. ft. of commercial property alongside its residential portfolio.

Canara Bank has a corporate loan pipeline totaling Rs 47,000 crore amid rising demand from Indian companies. The bank expects credit growth to remain above 19% year-on-year for the upcoming quarter. It reported significant growth in deposits and loans due to a strategy focused on non-resident Indian customers. Management anticipates maintaining a return on assets above 1% despite future provisioning requirements.

Indias net direct tax collections rose 13.21% year-on-year to Rs 13.38 lakh crore as of October 14 in FY27, while gross collections increased 14.89% to Rs 16.03 lakh crore. Refunds rose 24.22% to Rs 2.65 lakh crore. Net corporate tax, non-corporate tax and Securities Transaction Tax collections also increased.

Railways has warned passengers against playing music, watching videos or making loud phone calls using speaker mode on trains and railway premises. Passengers have been advised to use earphones and keep conversations at a reasonable volume to avoid disturbing fellow travellers. Railway staff have been directed to spread awareness and take action against violators, who could face fines of up to Rs 5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months. The move aims to improve passenger comfort and ensure bet

To tackle rising child safety concerns linked with AI, Google is taking proactive steps as children engage with chatbots. The focus is on ensuring age-appropriate interactions, encouraging parental oversight, and promoting responsible AI use. The upcoming Gemini platform will feature age assurance technology to evaluate users' ages based on their behavior.

Shahid Kapoor is approaching the final stages of filming for the much-anticipated second season of Farzi, a series that has captivated audiences. He has conveyed a deep bond with his character Sunny, indicative of his artistic evolution. Kapoor hinted that the new season will demonstrate a natural narrative progression while elevating the engagement factor.

September 2026 marked a pivotal month for India's automotive sector, with car sales climbing by 22%, reflecting strong consumer interest. Ahead of the festive season, manufacturers stepped up shipments, while two-wheeler sales also surged by 13.5%. This upward trend was bolstered by enhancements in affordability and infrastructure. Despite ongoing global geopolitical tensions, optimism about maintaining this demand growth remains high.

Sonali Sharma has been appointed as managing director and head of legal at Barclays India. She previously served as head of legal and general counsel at Bank of America. Her career began as a trainee at Mulla & Mulla before moving to Juris Corp. Sharma has extensive experience in capital markets and risk management. Several banks are bolstering their legal teams in response to regulatory changes.