The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Tax officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have visited offices and a manufacturing facility of Radico Khaitan. These actions are part of a broader industry-wide review on bulk Scotch imports. The scrutiny focuses on whether major liquor companies are misclassifying bulk Scotch to reduce tariffs. Radico Khaitan stated that the visits do not affect its financial or operational activities.
The month of September 2026 marked a 6.5% decline in domestic air traffic from the previous year. SpiceJet's market share dwindled from 1.2% to 0.6%, whereas IndiGo and Air India gained traction. IndiGo led in On Time Performance at 91.1%, just ahead of Akasa Air at 90.8%. Sadly, many passengers dealt with a series of flight delays and cancellations across different airlines throughout the month.
The company will pay a monthly rent of Rs 1.08 crore for the space, at a rate of Rs 37 per sq ft per month. The agreement includes a security deposit of Rs 6.48 crore and provides for a 15% escalation in rent every three years.
Addressing the 36th conference of state finance secretaries at the Mint Road, Malhotra appealed the states to onboard onto the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) and utilise Programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (P-CBDC) for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).
Bajaj Auto is currently experiencing significant demand for its electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Despite these constraints, electric vehicles contributed greatly to the company's growth this quarter. The electric portfolio's revenue grew substantially, indicating a shift in consumer preference towards these vehicles. Bajaj plans to enhance its production capacity to meet this rising demand and address supply challenges.
Fahadh Faasil and Nazriya Nazim have crafted a home that embodies their warmth and creativity. Their social media snapshots reveal a cozy balcony that harmonizes with nature and vibrant decor. Featuring an eclectic mix of simple furnishings and colorful accents, the interiors are generously infused with natural light. Through her posts, Nazriya shares their intimate moments, emphasizing their bond while carefully curating a life that stays distinct from the limelight.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reported that Kazakhstans GDP per capita has surpassed $15,000 in recent years. Economic growth has been marked by a 30% increase since 2019, highlighting a strong recovery. The National Fund for Children program has aided over seven million children with a total of $2.5 billion. Significant housing developments have occurred, with more than 20 million square meters commissioned last year.
IndiaMART InterMESH Ltd reported a 9.8% increase in net profit for the second quarter of 2026. The company has integrated artificial intelligence into over 20 operational functions, enhancing various processes. AI models such as ChatGPT and Claude are utilized to optimize operations and improve efficiency. Revenue for the quarter increased by 9.7%, reaching 429 crore, reflecting growth in the standalone business.
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Hyundai BAYON arrives in India: Price, engine, features, safety tech & cabin explained
India is taking steps to encourage the local manufacturing of 100 key items that are currently imported. This initiative aims to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China, to enhance domestic production capabilities. The government has identified these crucial items from a broader import list valued at $51 billion, which includes various sectors. By reducing reliance on imports, India hopes to strengthen its economy and mitigate supply chain risks.
Meghan Markle is excitedly prepping for her guest appearance on Junior MasterChef Australia, scheduled to air in 2027. Teaming up with chef Poh Ling Yeow, she will mentor talented young chefs as they explore their culinary creativity. Filming is expected to unfold in Melbourne over a series of weeks, but specific timelines are still under wraps.
Apple has launched the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M6 chip in India at a starting price of Rs 2,39,900, offering faster graphics, improved on-device AI performance and up to 24 hours of battery life. Pre-orders begin October 28, with sales starting November 6. However, the new model does not have a touchscreen, a feature reportedly planned for redesigned MacBook Pro models expected later this year or in early 2027.
Apple has launched its new 24-inch iMac with the M6 chip in India, with prices starting at Rs 1,74,900. The desktop brings improved performance, faster on-device AI processing, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and a 4.5K Retina display. Available in seven colours, the new iMac supports up to a 12-core CPU and GPU and runs macOS 27 with Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features. Pre-orders begin on October 28, with sales starting November 6.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is set to return to Australia in 2027 to appear on Junior MasterChef Australia. Her upcoming television project comes amid renewed attention on her estranged father, Thomas Markle, following allegations involving child sexual abuse material that he has denied. No date has been set for production, which will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds.
North Carolina has employed sheep for vegetation management in solar farms to reduce mechanical maintenance. This strategy began as an experiment in 2016 and has expanded significantly since then. A study showed higher organic matter and soil health in grazed areas, though longer-term data is needed. Grazing costs can be competitive with mechanical methods over extended periods. The solar energy sector is growing, necessitating sustainable management solutions like sheep grazing.
IIM Calcutta has completed the summer placements for its 63rd MBA batch, attaining incredible success. A remarkable 475 students have secured jobs, with consulting roles leading the way, supported by offers in finance and general management. Furthermore, numerous first-time participating companies expressed their intent to hire. This success is a testament to the institute's esteemed reputation and strong connections in the industry.
Larsen & Toubro reported a 33% profit increase for the second quarter, driven by strong order inflows. Infrastructure spending and reconstruction activities in the Middle East contributed significantly to this growth. The company expressed concerns over inflation, geopolitical tensions, and trade uncertainties impacting the global economic outlook.
The Hiranandani Group and Krisala Developers are set to roll out four new developments in Pune and Nagpur. Their focus is on delivering high-quality homes, including a unique golf lifestyle township. With the first project in Pune expected to attract considerable revenue post-completion, both companies are confident the market will continue to flourish in the year ahead.
Shah Rukh Khan revealed the poster for his upcoming film titled King, set to release on December 24. The poster features him in a rugged look, holding a gun and a rose. Social media reactions were mixed, with some users praising the aesthetic while others made comparisons to Ranveer Singh's film. Critics pointed out similarities with other action movies, suggesting potential influence or imitation.
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel reported similar subscriber gains in September as Reliance Jio added 2.71 million users. Bharti Airtel followed closely by adding 2.69 million subscribers during the same month. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd also grew by 625,633 subscribers while Vodafone Idea recorded an increase of 550,119 users. Overall, India's wireless mobile subscriber base grew by 6.57 million to surpass 1.3 billion for the first time.
Noah Wyle has been named PEOPLE magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2026. Initially skeptical, he mistook the news for a prank. The celebrated actor braced himself for playful jabs from family and friends. Known for his role in the iconic ER as well as his recent work in The Pitt, this accolade comes at an exciting time in his career, showing his enduring appeal.
India is facing challenges in effectively utilising discounted crude oil due to inadequte shipping capabilities. The chairman of Indian Oil Corporation highlighted the increasing freight costs as a significant obstacle to profits. He stressed the importance of investing in shipping and building storage for crude and liquefiedpetroleum gas. Higher freight rates for Russian oil exports have led to difficulties for Indian refirners.
Maruti Suzuki India achieved record quarterly sales in the September quarter despite facing profitability challenges. The company reported a significant decline in operating earnings due to increasing material costs and adverse foreign exchange movements. While domestic sales grew substantially, net profit also experienced a decline compared to the previous year. The firm's efforts to manage costs were not sufficient to offset the impacts of rising expenses.
Shaktikanta Das highlighted the essential role of the BFSI sector in financing infrastructure and new manufacturing. He emphasized the need for funding micro, small and medium enterprises as well as agriculture. Das proposed utilizing digital financial channels for efficient credit underwriting and financial inclusion. The segment must adapt to support next-gen Digital Public Infrastructure and sustainable finance.
Microsoft's voluntary buyout offer to around 60,000 employees has led a technology advisor to flag two risks companies may overlook when experienced workers leave. Rob Zelinka warns that businesses could lose critical institutional knowledge and face cybersecurity gaps if employee access to accounts, data and internal systems is not managed properly. He also raises questions about how technology companies are balancing investments in AI with workforce decisions.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised India's willingness to engage with Chinese suppliers. He highlighted the importance of fair play and judicial processes regarding pricing discrepancies. India aims to enhance exports to China and the ASEAN region over the coming years. Recent trade data shows a significant increase in India-China bilateral trade. The Indian government is also addressing concerns related to China's export controls on key machinery.
IMF to India: Let the Rupee Be Your First Line of Defence | Krishna Srinivasan
Wabtec Corporation has recently announced securing orders valued at approximately Rs 839 crore for Vande Sleeper trains. These agreements aim to enhance service availability and passenger safety for Indian Railways. Additionally, Wabtec will provide essential onboard systems including brake systems and doors. Indian Railways plans to manufacture 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets to expand long-distance overnight travel.
Choosing a budget car involves understanding the hidden costs that can arise post-purchase, which are often overlooked. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection to identify potential issues before finalizing a purchase. It is common for budget vehicles to require consumables and maintenance shortly after acquisition, so planning is essential. Inspections should include checks for paint quality, engine performance, and essential service history in order to avoid future expenses.
Microsofts voluntary buyout offers to around 60,000 employees have raised concerns about job security across the technology sector. Tech veteran Maureen Wiley calls this the Involuntary Entrepreneur Era, warning workers to prepare for career uncertainty. The latest programme follows earlier retirement packages and 4,800 job cuts, as Microsoft increases artificial intelligence spending and manages workforce costs.
Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd has entered into a joint development agreement for a 10.05-acre land parcel in North Bengaluru. The development project will have an estimated gross development value of Rs 1,250 crore. It is expected to provide approximately 1 million square feet of saleable area, focusing on premium residential apartments. This project will enable the company to expand its presence in the growing North Bengaluru market.
LANXESS and Hindustan Colas have signed a memorandum of understanding for future collaboration. They aim to explore advanced road construction technologies specifically for the Indian infrastructure market. The agreement involves evaluating innovative solutions in bitumen and asphalt modification technologies.
Indias OTT audience grew in 2026, with viewers exploring content across languages, genres and formats. In an exclusive conversation with ET Digital, Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, SonyLIV and Zee 5 discuss changing viewing habits, the rise of micro-dramas and reality shows, and why strong stories can succeed regardless of budget or language. Read on to know what are Indians watching on OTT.
SIMCA Advertising reported a profit after tax of Rs 12.14 crore for the first half of FY2026-27. This represents a significant growth of 60.3% compared to the previous period last year. The company's revenue from operations reached Rs 109.24 crore, which is a substantial increase from Rs 48.71 crore. The growth was supported by an expansion in their Digital Out-of-Home advertising network and new client mandates.
The Indian television industry mourns the loss of Brijendra Pal Singh, known as B.P. Singh, who passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 77 due to a sudden heart attack. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the heartbreaking update, noting efforts to transport Singh to a nearby hospital were unsuccessful. His pioneering work in television will resonate for a long time.
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved four link expressway projects that will span approximately 322 kilometers. These projects will be developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority under the EPC mode. The total cost for these projects amounts to Rs 17,542.06 crore and is to be fully borne by the state government. Completion of these expressways is expected within three years from the start of construction.
The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association has appealed to the Prime Minister for assistance with inadequate coal supplies. Escalating coal costs and irregular railway rake availability are significantly impacting paper mill operations across India. The Association stressed that higher fuel costs are straining manufacturing economics while domestic producers face competition from imports. They requested priority coal allocation for the pulp and paper industrys captive power plants.
Jaguar Land Rover has begun producing the Defender 110 at its Pune facility to serve Indian customers. This local production is expected to decrease prices by up to Rs 34 lakh for the top-end model. The company believes this move will lead to a potential 20 percent increase in sales volume. With over 9,000 Defenders sold in India, it has gained popularity and cultural significance.
South Indian OTT releases this week bring a mix of Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu stories across genres. Vijay Sethupathis Baththa and Biju Menons Avaraachan & Sons offer comedy and family drama, while Love Always explores romance. Akka brings crime and rivalry, and Thella Kaagitham focuses on young love. Read on to know when and where to watch these movies on OTT.
In the small town of Bihar, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi polished his cricketing talents with the steadfast backing of his family. His father took the initiative to create a practice area next to their residence, inviting local bowlers to help nurture Vaibhav's skills. They often traveled afar to ensure he could train at the best cricket academy, adapting their schedules to his needs.
Radico Khaitans net revenue rose 16.8% year on year to Rs 1,745.1 crore in Q2 FY27, while net profit jumped 66.1% to Rs 230.9 crore. Premium volumes surged 35.8%, offsetting a decline in Regular & Others volumes, which the company attributed to market-specific factors and a higher base.
Nitin Gadkari urged the industry to focus on developing tunnel machinery indigenously due to recent export controls from China. The Indian government plans to invest over Rs 7 lakh crore in infrastructure projects, including highways and tunnels. Gadkari highlighted the importance of quality in highway construction and stated that poor-performing contractors would face consequences. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to improve logistics costs and connectivity through various projects.
JioHotstar has launched its streaming services in Nepal through a collaboration with the local platform DGO. This partnership allows viewers to access a variety of Indian films, series, and live international sports. Subscriptions are available in two plans, which offer flexible pricing for local audiences. DGO will also continue to add new Nepali films weekly to enhance the viewing experience.
Cipla reported a significant decline in its consolidated net profit for the second quarter of FY27. The company's North American revenue fell by 19% due to increased competition impacting sales of generic Revlimid. However, Cipla anticipates that its upcoming product pipeline will support performance in North America. In India, domestic revenue rose, providing some resilience amidst challenges in the US market.
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GST officers cannot invoke fraud, wilful misstatement or suppression provisions merely because tax has not been paid or a discrepancy is found, the CBIC has clarified. Such provisions can be used only where there is specific evidence of deliberate intent to evade tax, and that evidence must be clearly set out in the show cause notice.
Ticks, especially the lone star variant, are becoming increasingly worrisome for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Studies point out that although deer herds influence tick populations, other factors are at play. A research effort in Connecticut demonstrated that reducing deer numbers led to a decrease in tick populations and Lyme disease instances. Moreover, the emergence of Alpha-gal Syndrome, associated with lone star tick bites, introduces additional health hazards.

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