The Economic Times

ONGC has utilized funds from its Russian dividends to meet its obligations for the Sakhalin-1 abandonment fund. The company is negotiating with Venezuela's PDVSA to take operational control of the San Cristobal and PetroCarabobo projects. This move is expected to enhance ONGC's ability to recover historical dividends and improve cash flow management. Discussions with relevant parties have progressed, and new agreements are anticipated soon.

States' capital expenditure is projected to rise 10-12% to around Rs 8.5 lakh crore in FY27, driven by higher central assistance and greater fiscal flexibility, according to a Crisil Ratings report. Increased allocation under the SASCI scheme is expected to support infrastructure spending, particularly urban development, roads and bridges.

The government is addressing issues related to Trai's authority to penalise telecom operators for violating rules. Complaints about pesky calls and SMS have surged, reaching over 20.75 lakh in just the first half of this year. Although complaints have increased significantly, disconnections of telecom resources misused for such communications have decreased. Meanwhile, the number of blacklisted entities involved in this issue has risen continuously over the last few years.

Electric vehicle sales in India experienced significant growth in October, reaching 354,625 units. E-two-wheeler sales contributed most, totaling 224,064 units this year. There was also a notable increase in e-passenger vehicles, with volumes rising to 37,049 units. Electric three-wheelers grew to 88,570 units, continuing the overall upward trend in the EV market. The report indicates that demand continues to exceed supply due to rising fuel prices.

Sugar production during the current season has reached 12.85 lakh tonnes, against 3.20 lakh tonnes produced by the corresponding date last year.

Vijay Sethupathi's Pocket Novel, directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja and starring Malavika Mohanan, Raj B. Shetty and Kishore, will release in theatres on January 14, 2027. Malavika shared an emotional note about her experience working on the film, thanking Vijay for being a caring co-star and praising the director's kindness and creative vision.

Dolly Parton's long-time manager Danny Nozell has dropped a lawsuit against her nephew, Bryan Seaver, over alleged threats and a dispute involving the singer's estate. Seaver had denied threatening anyone and claimed the disagreement stemmed from unpaid bills over $250,000. A Tennessee court filing indicated both sides had reached an agreement.

Daksham Growth Ventures has completed the first close of its consumer-focused fund, raising approximately Rs 125 crore. The fund is registered as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund and targets a total corpus of Rs 150 crore. It aims to invest between Rs 5-20 crore in early-growth businesses including direct-to-consumer and B2B2C companies. The fund will support companies with governance, brand positioning, and distribution expansion.

Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the Semicon 2.0 Web Application Portal. The initiative aims to strengthen India's semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem while enabling the acceptance of applications under specific pillars. Fifty percent of the approved units under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme belong to SMEs or MSMEs. India is progressing from assembly to the manufacturing of critical electronic components and materials.

Gold prices in India could rise to 1.60-1.68 lakh per 10 grams over the next 6-12 months, according to Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL), which sees price corrections as buying opportunities amid sustained investment demand and central-bank purchases..

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah emphasised party unity following a meeting with disgruntled MLAs. The meeting aimed to address concerns regarding the recent cabinet expansion and party organization. Abdullah stated that the concerns of the legislators were genuine and would be taken into consideration. Assurance was given to address some issues immediately while others would be resolved gradually.

The Indian government is preparing an asset monetisation plan to address the liabilities of MTNL and BSNL. This plan is expected to generate Rs 9,000 crore in the next financial year. Government officials report that the liabilities of these telecom public sector undertakings are nearly Rs 50,000 crore. Additionally, several properties among the departments have been sorted for ownership clarity.

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh announced that seven missing Tamil Nadu fishermen have died after a boat accident. This incident occurred due to severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Murasu. Search operations have been ongoing to find two other fishermen who are still missing. Officials are coordinating with Tamil Nadu authorities to handle the identification and repatriation of the deceased.

India's consumer inflation is projected to rise in October, mainly driven by significant increases in food prices. Economists expect food inflation to reach 8.20%, reflecting ongoing market pressures. Rising global food prices and higher input costs contribute to the inflationary environment. The Reserve Bank of India anticipates inflation to average 5.2% for the current financial year. A rate hike is likely to occur in the central bank's upcoming policy meeting.

Varanasis ropeway is nearly 95% complete, and trial runs have started. It will take passengers from Cantt railway station to Godowlia, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in 16 minutes for Rs 50, against more than 45 minutes by road. It is expected to open around Dev Deepawali on November 24.

Surveys indicate that 80% of petrol stations in Karnataka are breaching the 20% ethanol limit in petrol sales. To address this, officials gathered 63 samples for testing after oil companies neglected to reveal ethanol percentages. The introduction of E20 petrol aligns with India's objectives to cut crude imports while boosting ethanol production.

Dr. Sachidanand Upadhyay has gained recognition from TIME Magazine for his remarkable contributions to technology and innovation. Lords Mark Industries Limited is spearheading key projects in healthcare, defence, and sustainability. With critical product registrations achieved, the company is poised for international growth. Upadhyay envisions transforming India into a prominent technology and manufacturing hub, emphasizing the importance of homegrown innovation in the global marketplace.

Reliance Industries' Independence biscuits are entering India's competitive biscuit market with packs starting at Rs 5, but Britannia CEO Rakshit Hargave says disrupting the category will be harder than its Campa cola play. With biscuits already priced at Rs 5 and Rs 10, aggressive discounts could hurt margins. Britannia is also raising prices and shrinking pack sizes amid rising input costs.

Calcutta High Court recently granted an interim injunction in favor of NOCIL Limited against Finorchem Ltd. The injunction relates to a suit concerning patent infringement of a chemical process developed by NOCIL. Justice Ravi Krishan Kapur observed that the balance of convenience favored NOCIL and that irreparable injury would result without the injunction. NOCIL holds process patents for manufacturing 4-Aminodiphenylamine, a chemical used in rubber applications.

Russell Brand faced conviction for the rape of one woman and for sexually assaulting three others in a recent court ruling. While he was acquitted on two other rape counts and an attempted indecent assault charge, he has been remanded in custody without bail due to concerns of him fleeing the jurisdiction.

Diwali 2026: Anis Sajan's business journey began with a small Diwali lights stall below his Mumbai chawl home. He later sold electrical goods, worked as a water purifier salesman and even sold an Aquaguard to Sanjay Dutt. After moving to Dubai in 1992, he joined Danube Group, which has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate employing 5,000 people.

Paris Jackson has filed a request for $600 million to be transferred into a family trust. She has allege that executor John Branca has mismanaged the funds of Michael Jackson's estate significantly. Paris reportedly claims that her payments, along with those of her siblings, were reduced after she questioned the estate's management. The estate's representatives state that Paris has already received about $65 million from the estate.

President Donald Trump is set to participate in a Diwali celebration at the White House this Friday. The event will take place in the Oval Office, continuing a tradition that began with President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama was the first to light a lamp during a White House ceremony in 2009. Last year, India's Ambassador Vinay Kwatra joined Trump to celebrate Diwali by lighting a lamp.