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The Economic Times

Economy / The Economic Times

Festive season: Pistachio prices nearly double, almonds up 20% on West Asia crisis and US crop shortfall

Pistachio have been the game spoiler this year. The prices of pistachio from all origins including Iran, Afghanistan and California have increased, said Ravindra Mehta, member of central governing council at Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC-I). The current pistachio crop in California is expected to be only about 40% of last year, which has led to an increase of 50% in pista prices in the wholesale markets and even more in retail, he added.

4 Nov 2026 12:16 am
Gold smuggling jumps to 50 tonnes as 15% import duty widens gap for unofficial supply

Gold smuggling in India is estimated to have surged to 50 tonnes in the September quarter from three tonnes a year earlier after import duty rose to 15% from 6%, according to the World Gold Council. Meanwhile, demand remained 29% lower year-on-year as record-high prices weighed on purchases.

4 Nov 2026 12:14 am
Indian oil refiners expect healthy margins amid global supply disruptions

A combination of these factors offer Indian refiners an opportunity to capitalise on stronger diesel, gasoline and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) cracks. Reliance Industries (RIL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) reported record refining performances in the September quarter (Q2) and expect the run to continue.

4 Nov 2026 12:10 am
Rs 9,000 crore land assets monetised so far in FY27

The NLMC, which is working under the aegis of the Department of Public Enterprises under the finance ministry, also has land assets worth another Rs 4,000-5,000 crore belonging to public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the pipeline. These are at various stages of processing, providing an additional pipeline of potential transactions.

4 Nov 2026 12:07 am
IIT graduates father was a sweet seller in Lucknow; he got 48% in class 5, later went on to get top grades in IIT, today earns more than Rs 2 crore per year as AI engineer: I earn in a month

Tejash Vaish was once part of a humble family in Lucknow, where his father made a living by selling sweets. Although he faced academic challenges throughout his school years, he ultimately changed his circumstances through dedication and effort. Currently, he has a computer science degree from IIT Kanpur and is employed in Dubai, earning an impressive yearly salary exceeding Rs 2.5 crore.

3 Nov 2026 11:57 pm
Nicole Taylor was given just 3 months to live after breast cancer returned. How she spent her final days before death?

Country singer Nicole Taylor, a member of Taylor Red, died at 35 after her breast cancer returned as stage four. Doctors gave her around three months to live, but she continued travelling, working and enjoying life for nearly another year. Her sisters, Nika and Natalie, have now shared how she faced her final months with hope, faith and determination.

3 Nov 2026 11:25 pm
Delhi airport working with regulators to further ease security clearance for transfer passengers

Delhi airport is working with security regulators to ease clearance procedures for transfer passengers, who account for 30-35% of its annual traffic, GMR Airports Executive Director S G K Kishore said. He also defended airport charges, saying higher infrastructure investments push up tariffs, which could decline over time.

3 Nov 2026 11:10 pm
NASA astronaut Anil Menon, others vote from space

Three NASA astronauts, including Anil Menon, participated in the US midterm elections from the International Space Station. Menon, along with fellow astronauts Luke Delaney and Jessica Watkins, cast their ballots securely from orbit. The ballots were sent via NASA's encrypted Near Space Network to ensure integrity. Menon filled out his electronic ballot for Harris County in Texas, marking a unique voting experience.

3 Nov 2026 11:08 pm
China tape maker stock debut: Chinese firm that deals with Apple, Tesla, BYD saw stock price surges 787 per cent after IPO, makes former school teacher, sister billionaires

Crown New Materials Technology is provider of adhesive materials to Apple, Tesla, BYD. During the first day's trading, Crown New Materials Technology made an astronomical gains of 787 per cent.

3 Nov 2026 11:08 pm
Construction, demolition activities banned in Gurugram amid pollution; check dates, WFH mandates & more

Gurugram's administration has announced a ban on construction and demolition activities to combat rising air pollution. This ban will be effective from November 5 to 20 and affects various projects. Both government and private offices are allowed 50 percent of staff to work physically. Exemptions include essential services and infrastructure projects related to railways, metro, and hospitals.

3 Nov 2026 11:05 pm
Trump hails Republican breakthrough in Guam, congratulates Tony Ada

Donald Trump congratulated Republican candidate Tony Ada on winning the governor's race in Guam. This win is noteworthy as Guam is traditionally a Democratic territory. Trump asserted that this victory might indicate future Republican successes in upcoming midterm elections. Ada faced Democrat Therese Terlaje in the November 3 election for governor. Additionally, Republicans reportedly secured a majority in Guam's Senate following the same election.

3 Nov 2026 11:02 pm
Bata puts its best foot forward on profits as inventory shrinks, distribution expands

Bata India is banking on distribution expansion and tighter inventory management to drive growth, as adjusted profit before tax surged 31.4% year-on-year in Q2 FY27, outpacing revenue growth of 7.5%. The footwear maker has expanded its key retail outlet network 2.6 times and targets 5,000-plus outlets by Q3 FY27.

3 Nov 2026 11:02 pm
Texas voting results: How to check live updates as James Talarico takes on Ken Paxton in key Senate race as Democrats eye first statewide win since 1994

Texas voting results by county: Texas voters are heading to the polls in a closely watched Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton. With Democrats seeking their first statewide election victory since 1994, heres when Texas voting results are expected and how to check the latest updates.

3 Nov 2026 11:01 pm
Jailer 2 OTT release new update: Rajinikanth's latest blockbuster to stream online with extra scenes. When and where to watch?

Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 is reportedly set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on November 12, following its successful theatrical run. However, the OTT release has sparked fresh interest after reports suggested that the digital version could feature around 30 minutes of additional footage, including deleted scenes featuring Mohanlal, Santhanam and Vijay Sethupathi. The makers have yet to officially confirm the release date or extended cut.

3 Nov 2026 10:55 pm
What do passengers get onboard Vande Bharat Sleeper train? Viral video takes viewers inside Delhi-Varanasi journey, shows meal & bedding

An Instagram reel showing the facilities inside the Vande Bharat Sleeper train has crossed 2 million views. Shared by @vlogwithprateek_, the video offers a glimpse of the onboard meals, bedding arrangements and sleeper coach interiors during a Varanasi-New Delhi journey. The new service connects the two cities via Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, Aligarh and Ghaziabad.

3 Nov 2026 10:52 pm
Michael Douglas did not inherit his father's fortune. Why Kirk Douglas chose philanthropy over family inheritance

Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas reportedly left $50 million of his estimated $61 million fortune to charity instead of passing it on to his son, actor Michael Douglas. The decision reflected a lifelong commitment to philanthropy that Kirk shared with his wife, Anne. From supporting children's education and healthcare to improving public school playgrounds and helping homeless people, the couple spent decades directing their wealth towards charitable causes through the Douglas Foundation, which has

3 Nov 2026 10:46 pm
NPPA updates list of reduced MRP of 1,085 anti-cancer drugs

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority updated the maximum retail price for 1,085 anti-cancer medicines. This revision follows a previous decrease of prices for 543 anti-cancer drugs announced on October 28. The updated list contains prices based on information submitted by pharmaceutical companies up to November 3. The NPPA will continuously update this list as more manufacturers submit revised prices.

3 Nov 2026 10:39 pm
PNB staffer, Pune man arrested in alleged Rs 10.24 crore bank fraud case

An office assistant of Punjab National Bank in Greater Noida and a private individual have been arrested for alleged fraud. The fraudulent activity involved Rs 10.24 crore in unauthorized withdrawals from multiple customer accounts. Punjab National Bank's investigation began after a customer reported suspicious debit transactions in her account. The accused allegedly carried out the transactions over three years using compromised banking credentials.

3 Nov 2026 9:53 pm
36-48 months of salary as Diwali bonus, rumours or true? Micron's bonanza to Indian employees confirmed by techie

Micron employees in India are reportedly receiving massive Diwali bonuses, with some payouts allegedly running into several times their annual salaries. Reddit discussions and posts on X have highlighted claims of employees receiving lakhs in cash and additional stock awards. One recently hired employee reportedly received Rs 12 lakh in cash and Rs 8 lakh worth of RSUs against an annual package of Rs 7-8 lakh.

3 Nov 2026 9:50 pm
India's solar manufacturing industry can generate 32 lakh jobs, attract $89 billion investment by 2047: ISMA

Titled Vision 2047: Solar Manufacturing from Polysilicon to Power Plant, the report presents a pathway for India to move beyond module assembly and set up manufacturing capabilities across the entire solar value chain -- from polysilicon and ingots to wafers, cells and modules, the statement said.

3 Nov 2026 9:47 pm
Johnnie Walker launches first India-inspired Blue Label festive blend in its 200-year history

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Blend, crafted by the brand's Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, draws on the country's rich culinary heritage and flavour traditions, the company said in a statement.

3 Nov 2026 9:45 pm
Rising crude prices could push India's inflation by upto 1 percentage point, diversified imports helping secure oil supplies: EY's Gaurav Moda

Gaurav Moda, Partner and Energy Industry Leader at EY India said the increase in crude oil prices from an average of $60-65 per barrel to $90-95 has significantly raised India's energy import costs, even as the country continues to prioritise securing supplies amid geopolitical uncertainties.

3 Nov 2026 9:22 pm
CCI clears Kotak-Deutsche deal, KKR vehicle's Gentari investment

Kotak Mahindra Bank has received approval for the acquisition of Deutsche Bank's retail and wealth management business. The acquisition will take place on a slump sale basis from Deutsche Bank's branches in India. This business includes services such as deposits, loans, investments, insurance, and foreign exchange products. KKR-backed Sapphire US Holdco will also subscribe to securities of Gentari Renewables India, which specializes in renewable energy.

3 Nov 2026 9:18 pm
Mahabharat star Shafaq Naaz lashes at trolls for insulting her for her Karwa Chauth celebrations: Dont be in India

Actress Shafaq Naaz has hit back at trolls who targeted her and her husabnd Zeeshan Pawekar for celebrating Karwa Chauth and said that she proudly celebrates festivals from different cultures. The Mahabharat star also urged her haters to unfollow her if her celebrating various cultures make them uncomfortable.

3 Nov 2026 9:03 pm
RBI launches 3 surveys to capture inflation expectations, consumer confidence ahead of December policy meeting

Reserve Bank of India has announced the November 2026 round of the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households. This survey aims to capture households' perceptions regarding price movements and inflation based on their consumption patterns. Additionally, the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey seeks to understand household sentiments on the economic situation and employment. The Rural Consumer Confidence Survey collects perceptions from rural areas on economic conditions, income, and spending.

3 Nov 2026 8:40 pm
Google Pay wants to help you pick your next outfit

Google Pay is testing a new fashion and lifestyle shopping feature in India, bringing personalised outfit recommendations, visual product search and virtual try-on to its payments app. The Discover section will allow users to explore clothing trends, find similar products by uploading photographs and get daily outfit suggestions. Powered by Google's Shopping Graph, which has over 60 billion product listings, the feature redirects users to merchants' websites to complete purchases.

3 Nov 2026 8:15 pm
After struggling with sleep, Amitabh Bachchan reveals how his unusual new technique finally worked

Amitabh Bachchan has opened up about his recent struggles with sleep, revealing that several techniques he tried to overcome his sleepless nights failed to work. In his latest blog, the 84-year-old actor also discussed his irregular gym routine, how his demanding work schedule is affecting his physical and mental energy, and his determination to get back to regular exercise.

3 Nov 2026 8:11 pm
Airbus wants more 'Made in India' aircraft parts: From titanium to complex assemblies, here's what company plans to source next

Airbus plans to increase its annual sourcing of components and services from India to USD 2 billion before 2030, up from the current USD 1.6 billion. India head Jurgen Westermeier called the country a very important market and stressed the need to strengthen local manufacturing, MRO infrastructure and aviation training as the country's aircraft fleet expands.

3 Nov 2026 8:09 pm
Road ministry signs MoU with Bihar to use river silt for national highways construction

The ministry of road transport and highways signed an MoU with the Bihar government for river desilting. This initiative aims to use excavated silt in ongoing and future National Highway construction projects. A total of 1,078 lakh cubic metres of silt is planned for utilization in 43 highway projects in Bihar.

3 Nov 2026 8:07 pm
India elected as President of International Solar Alliance for third straight term: Pralhad Joshi

Addressing media at the summit, Joshi said, At the ninth session of the ISA, we reaffirm a fundamental belief: progress becomes truly meaningful when its benefits are shared. He congratulated France on the occasion of being reelected co-President of the ISA.

3 Nov 2026 8:02 pm
SBI targets 14-15 pc credit growth, govt may revisit LTCG tax amid FPI outflows: Chairman CS Setty

Speaking exclusively to following the bank's Q2 FY27 financial results presentation, Setty expressed confidence in sustaining credit growth despite concerns over rising borrowing costs and competition for deposits.

3 Nov 2026 7:41 pm
FLY91 plans to expand fleet to 60 aircraft in five years, targets 350 weekly flights: CEO Manoj Chacko

Regional airline FLY91 plans to expand its fleet from six to around 60 aircraft over five years, backed by an order for 40 planes scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2032. The airline also aims to operate nearly 350 weekly flights this winter, prioritising domestic expansion before exploring international routes.

3 Nov 2026 7:30 pm
Kotak - Deutsche Bank deal gets CCI nod

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday approved Kotak Mahindra Bank Limiteds proposed acquisition of Deutsche Bank AG's retail banking, private banking and wealth management businesses in India.The proposed transaction also includes referral arrangements between the parties through their affiliates, it said in a release.Earlier in June this year, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Deutsche Bank AG entered into a definitive agreement for acquisition, comprising approximately Rs 29,000 crore (E

3 Nov 2026 7:12 pm
US weather: Severe storms, flash floods disrupt midterm poll voting, Florida relocates 18 polling stations

On November 3, midterm elections faced significant disruption due to severe storms and flash floods across the United States. In Florida, polling places were forced to relocate because of flooding, while Oklahoma experienced tornado destruction. Although conditions in Texas improved after a cold front, some regions encountered persistent issues. Colorado also struggled with logistical challenges, raising questions about statewide access to polling.

3 Nov 2026 7:07 pm
Jess de Miguel Alameda cause of death: What happened in the CD Tenerife vs Andorra clash, and could Andorra goalkeeper Jess Owono face criminal charges?

CD Tenerife striker Jess de Miguel dies at 30 after collision with Andorra goalkeeper: CD Tenerife player Jess de Miguel collided with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jess Owono during a match on November 2. This incident occurred in the seventh minute of stoppage time, when both players were trying to play the ball. De Miguel was taken to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, but his condition worsened overnight.

3 Nov 2026 7:07 pm
US midterm elections 2026: Which four early congressional districts could signal a Democratic wave before midnight? Here's what to watch

US midterm elections 2026: These districts are important because their results are expected during the first few hours of election night. Indiana and Kentucky will begin reporting results during the 6 pm Eastern Time hour, followed by several Florida congressional races during the 7 pm Eastern Time hour. These districts could also signal a Democratic wave before midnight.

3 Nov 2026 7:05 pm
US Midterm Elections 2026: Election Day weather forecast warns of flooding, storms and possible tornadoes across several states-here's which states are affected

Millions of Americans are expected to vote on Election Day amid severe weather conditions nationwide. Florida has been hit hard by heavy rains, causing floodwaters and forcing polling relocations. Oklahoma experienced tornado damage, while other states like Texas and Mississippi are also at risk of storms. Research indicates that bad weather can decrease voter turnout, particularly among younger and occasional voters.

3 Nov 2026 7:05 pm
Midterm elections vs presidential elections: Whats the difference and which offices are on the ballot today?

Midterm elections vs presidential elections: Americans will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, but they will not vote for president. The midterm elections will decide control of the House and part of the Senate, along with dozens of governorships and other state and local offices. Heres how midterms differ from presidential elections.

3 Nov 2026 7:04 pm
Tamil Nadu has highest patents and research publication in 2024-25 in NITI Aayogs India S&T Scoreboard

The NITI Aayogs India Science and Technology (S&T) Scoreboard, launched on Tuesday, provides a comprehensive picture of Indias science and technology ecosystem through key indicators, including research and development expenditure, scientific publications, citations, patent applications and technological innovation.

3 Nov 2026 7:04 pm
Bengal CM announces Rs 5,000 aid for 19,524 tea garden workers ahead of Diwali

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for tea garden workers. The government is considering increasing rice allocation from 35 kg to 50 kg for these workers. Adhikari emphasized the commitment to reopen closed tea gardens for better employment opportunities. He also mentioned upcoming employment benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Chaa Shramik Yojana for eligible workers.

3 Nov 2026 6:59 pm
In 1979, John Lennon left his $800 million estate to second wife, Yoko Ono, and his younger son, Sean, leaving out oder son, Julian. He refused to let it be and fought for 16 years and in 1996, obtained a share of the fortune. How much did he inherit?

After the death of his superstar father John Lennon, his eldest son Julian was left with nothing. He had to fight a gruelling legal battle for more than a decade to inherit just $25 million from Lennons immense $800 million estate. He also had to purchase his own letters to his father as well.

3 Nov 2026 6:47 pm
Listed realty firm Phoenix Mills Ltd appoints Parveen Mahtani as group legal head

An alumna of Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai, Mahtani began her career at the law firm Desai & Diwanji as an associate, then joined another firm, Nishith Desai Associates. In 2005, she moved to an in-house role and joined IL&FS Trust Company Ltd. as legal head for the debt recovery division.

3 Nov 2026 6:46 pm