The Economic Times

The Centre will collaborate with states to create standard procedures for handling arrest cases. Starting April 1, 2027, an invoice management system will be mandatory, minimizing human errors during digital matching. A quarterly review of GST refund risk assessment will also be implemented to maintain consistency across jurisdictions. The proposed changes aim to decriminalize several GST offences and decrease litigation for businesses.

The Railway Board has mandated the removal of restrictive conditions in procurement tenders for railway zones. This includes avoiding brand-specific references and adhering to Bureau of Indian Standards marked products. Previous procurement issues had been raised regarding certain items which pointed out flawed practices. The national transporter is expected to spend significant amounts as detailed in the latest budgetary report.

The plan to deploy more capital comes as developers increasingly turn to institutional investors for structured capital amid regulatory changes, sector consolidation and stronger balance sheets among leading players.

The company approached the HC against the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) order asking manufacturers of high-caffeine beverages to stop using the energy drink descriptor on their products, terming it a misleading claim.

Tejas Networks and C-DoT have confirmed that their equipment meets the quality benchmarks set by Trai. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd recently sought relaxed compliance timelines for new quality-of-service norms. The state-owned telecom operator cited challenges related to indigenous sourcing obligations in its request to Trai. Both Tejas Networks and C-DoT emphasized compliance with 3GPP standards in their responses.

The observation comes as the retailer plans to quadruple its revenue in India by 2030, expand its store network to 30 from the current eight and double its investments to Rs 21,000 crore. IKEA, which is recording double-digit sales growth in India, expects to become profitable by 2027-28 if global conditions stabilise, IKEA India CEO Patrik Antoni said.

Speaking to ET, Nikolaus Lang, managing director & senior partner at BCG highlighted the Indian market as the biggest draw for investors amid a sweeping global realignment. He, however, stressed on sustained focus on infrastructure development, skilling and cost competitiveness for India to further enhance its manufacturing footprint on a global scale.

The Indian Primary Copper Producers Association has urged the government to raise customs duties on solar copper products. They recommend increasing the duty on solar PV ribbon and busbars from 5% to 10%. The association also requests maintaining existing duties on refined copper and copper pipes. Domestic production is underutilized due to imports from China affecting the market.

Farmers in India are likely to reduce wheat planting this winter due to water scarcity and low minimum support prices. Regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh may see the most significant impact from these conditions. The state governments are encouraging farmers to consider crops that require less water, which may lead to a shift in crop choices.

The regulator has also started inspections of dark stores of quick commerce firms and cloud kitchens, he said. While platforms often mention a product's shelf life, consumers may not know the actual expiry date or batch number of products before placing an order. The government has been examining complaints accusing quick commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart of failing to display product information, including expiry, best-before and use-by dates.

Protests in Delhi are causing significant disruptions, leading to a notable decline in hotel occupancies across the city. Companies have chosen to cancel events and meetings to avoid travel difficulties amid ongoing unrest. Many hotels report F&B sales dropping significantly because of reduced guest activity and restricted access. Some firms have advised their employees to work from home due to traffic curbs and security measures.

With gold jewellery turning increasingly pricier, consumers are looking at diamond-studded pieces in the Rs 10,000-Rs 1 lakh price bracket. Jewellers are using 18-carat, 14-carat and 9-carat gold to make diamond jewellery more accessible, allowing shoppers to buy lighter pieces without compromising on design.

Sitharaman said India raised crude steel output by 10% in 2025 to 165 million tonnes and by 6% in January-August 2026, even as world output declined. India's share of world steel production has risen to about 9% from 5.2% in 2014, she added.

Assocham has suggested that the ministry improve technical qualification requirements for companies involved in transmission projects. This proposal aims to ensure that only experienced developers participate in the bidding process. The current framework allows companies to qualify based on broad infrastructure experience, which may delay project execution. The association recommends that qualifications be tailored to project value, voltage class, and complexity.

GE Aerospace intends to increase its supply chain investments in India to $400 million annually by 2030. The company aims to expand its procurement from existing suppliers and add new components to its sourcing network. GE Aerospace operates in India for over four decades with key facilities in Pune and Bengaluru. Indian airlines have placed significant orders for aircraft, increasing demand for engines in the coming years.

The two sides also agreed to exchange data annually on the use of CETA, which came into effect on July 15. The data will cover businesses' claims for lower tariffs and feedback on implementation, beginning a year after the pact comes into force. Communities across the UK and India are set to benefit from over 1 billion in new deals.

IRDAI Chairman Ajay Seth said the regulator is examining industry feedback on a consultation paper that is open until October 25, while maintaining that distribution costs must be aligned with the value delivered to the policyholder, and selling incentives must reward persistency rather than first-year sales.

Warren Buffetts famous quote about someone enjoying the shade of a tree planted long ago explains why patience and long-term thinking matter. Widely associated with his investment philosophy, the statement highlights how decisions made today can create benefits years later. From building wealth to supporting future generations, the quote offers a simple lesson in planning ahead and allowing consistent efforts to deliver results over time.

Global Japanese sportswear brand ASICS has opened its 150th store at Pacific Mall in Mansarovar, Jaipur. This store marks the third Company-Owned, Company-Operated store launched by ASICS in India. With a retail space of 1,508 square feet, the store offers products across various categories. Consumers can engage with the brand through Foot ID and explore suitable running and training products.

In a community initiative, Friends of Big Bear Valley have successfully secured over $10 million to acquire the Moon Camp property, ensuring its preservation for nature. This campaign thrived on countless small contributions from local nature lovers, with pivotal support from Greg Brockman and Anna. By safeguarding this area, vital habitats for bald eagles and numerous wildlife species will continue unspoiled, highlighting the strength of united efforts in environmental conservation.

Four concerts on the Usher and Chris Brown tour have been cancelled shortly before their scheduled dates. The cancellations affect shows in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbia, and Indianapolis, raising speculation about Chris Brown's upcoming court appearance. Legal proceedings may relate to these cancellations, although promoters cited the health and well-being of the touring party and crew. Refunds will be issued to ticket holders for the affected events, according to the organisers.

New regulations will allow GST officers to halt vehicles carrying high-value goods only at their origin and destination. Prior authorization from a senior officer will be required for these inspections. The new provisions aim to prevent arbitrary vehicle stoppages in transit states, which have been a concern for businesses. E-way bills and required documents will still be necessary for verifying goods information.

During World War II, American spies came up with an unusual plan to scare Japan using radioactive foxes. The scheme involved secret experiments, glowing animals and an attempt to exploit Japanese folklore. But when one test produced an unexpected result, the bizarre strategy ran into a problem its creators had not anticipated.

During the 57th GST Council meeting, significant recommendations were made to address concerns from stakeholders. The government plans to implement these reforms collectively with state administrations to ensure uniformity. A working group will review issues related to input tax credit eligibility and supplier tax payments, aiming to relieve genuine taxpayers. The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce shared proposals to simplify GST compliance and policies.

Reducing taxes on aviation could make air travel more affordable for average Indians. Air India officials believe this will drive significant growth in passenger traffic. Currently, annual domestic passenger numbers are projected to rise from 340 million to 1.1 billion by 2040. Long-haul flights present a huge market opportunity for Indian carriers, contributing significantly to revenue. Focus on regional connectivity is essential for utilizing airports outside major cities more effectively.

Bonds Cay, a stunning private island in the Bahamas, is now available for sale at $30 million. Initially acquired by stars like Shakira and Roger Waters in 2006, the vision for an exclusive artists' retreat never came to fruition. With its natural charm largely intact, the island presents an exciting opportunity for the next owner to either safeguard its untouched landscape or transform it into a high-end getaway.

Nushrratt Bharuccha has shared a health update after undergoing spine surgery following an accident in Bali. The actress revealed how Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol brought a smile to her face during her hospital stay, sharing a video of herself watching their song Gerua from Dilwale. She also posted a message about finding hope during difficult times as she continues her recovery.

The quantity of 5,841 MT of sugar to be exported to the EU from India under TRQ (tariff rate quota) for the year 2026-27 (October 2026 to September 2027) has been notified, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said in a public notice dated October 9.

Around 40 pilots of SpiceJet's Q400 fleet have delayed their flights until unpaid salary dues are settled. This decision has received support from the Airline Pilots' Association of India, which stands with the affected pilots. The pilots claim they have faced ongoing financial and operational challenges, creating a challenging work environment. SpiceJet's operational fleet is dwindling, with most aircraft currently parked.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Food Minister Pralhad Joshi held detailed discussions at the Pusa campus with a delegation of farmers from the two major sugarcane-growing states. About 80-90 farmers from different organisations attended, along with state ministers.

India is set to explore a collaboration with the Czech Republic to manufacture various regional aircraft. The partnership aims to fulfill regional connectivity needs under the UDAN scheme and cater to global markets. Discussions between Indian and Czech officials highlighted combining India's demand for air travel with Czech manufacturing expertise. The focus is on producing 19-seater, 40-seater, and 90-seater aircraft in India.

Stellantis has formed a partnership with Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles for vehicle production in India. This collaboration will leverage Tata's advanced technology and Stellantis' engineering expertise for competitive vehicle development. A new Jeep SUV will be produced based on Tata's Argos platform, further enhancing export potential. The vehicles will be manufactured at the Ranjangaon facility under a joint venture.

The numbers, first reported by the New York Times ahead of this week's federal filing deadline, were confirmed by Andrew Romeo, a spokesperson for Musk's super PAC. The money includes $158 million given to the Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC supporting Republican Senate candidates, one of the largest known political donations in American history.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph confirmed the removal of an individual responsible for an offensive social media post. This decision followed a lack of consent from the KPCC leadership regarding the controversial remarks against CJI Surya Kant. The KPCC reaffirmed its support for the judiciary's impartiality and clarified that opposing views do not reflect its stance.

Kannada romantic family drama Premada Oorali, starring Sriram, Rangayana Raghu and Tapaswini Poonachha, is in its third week in theatres, with reports putting its box-office collection above Rs 50 crore. As more viewers look for details about its digital premiere, Sriram has addressed the buzz surrounding the films OTT release.

Tyler Perry has made a generous $750,000 contribution to help low-income seniors in Atlanta tackle overdue property taxes. This effort is part of Atlantas Anti-Displacement Tax Relief Fund, which aims to support seniors burdened by escalating tax fees. Since its introduction, this initiative has positively impacted numerous elderly homeowners while ensuring they can retain their residences amidst mounting property values.

India's telecom sector reported an adjusted gross revenue of Rs 88,796 crore in the April-June quarter. Reliance Jio dominated the market, accounting for about 44.62% of the revenue share. Overall sector revenues grew by 10.50% year-on-year, reflecting a rise in subscriptions and data usage. The average monthly mobile data usage increased to 28.39 GB per subscriber during this period. Furthermore, the average revenue per wireless user reached Rs 187.

The Tata Group-owned airline has been taking longer routes for its European and North American flights since early last year following the Pakistan airspace closure for Indian carriers. Now, in addition, the airline is grappling with airspace curbs in various Gulf countries amid the continuing Middle East conflict.

Adani Navbharat Developers Pvt Ltd has initiated construction of rehabilitation homes at the 22-acre Matunga railway site. This project will include 10,432 apartments along with commercial and industrial units for eligible Dharavi residents. The first five towers are projected for handover by March 2029, followed by additional towers in 2029 and 2030. A portion of commercial space will be reserved for revenue generation to maintain infrastructure.

The Delhi High Court declined to interfere with a ruling preventing PepsiCo from producing beverages labeled as 'energy drink'. PepsiCo had appealed against a previous order affecting its product line, citing comparable relief granted to another brand. The court required the single judge to provide specific reasons for their decision within a week. Currently, PepsiCo can sell existing stocks but cannot manufacture new products with the contested label.

IndiGo plans to expand its fleet by acquiring 9 to 10 A321 XLR aircraft by March 2027. This move aims to cater to the increasing demand for medium-haul flights, especially from growing Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. With four A321 XLRs already in operation, IndiGo is poised for significant expansion. The Indian aviation sector is anticipated to reach staggering heights, projected to handle 1.

Piyush Goyal reveals how India negotiates FTAs: 'We are a $16 trillion economy in PPP terms'

Volvo Cars India is facing significant challenges from rising input and logistics costs, which may lead to price increases. The company's Managing Director Jyoti Malhotra highlighted that shipping and turnaround times are particularly problematic. Volvo intends to roll out a new electric vehicle every year to enhance its market presence. Currently, Volvo offers four vehicles in India, with two being electric cars.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has issued a warning about the risks of trusting advanced AI systems without strong safeguards. His concerns come after an earlier series of incidents involving ChatGPT, Claude and other AI models, from attempts to evade shutdown to unauthorised actions on real websites. Here are five cases that reveal why AI safety is becoming an urgent concern.