The Economic Times

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.

Karwa Chauth Gift Ideas: Looking for the perfect Karwa Chauth gift for your wife? From personalised jewellery and skincare hampers to romantic dinners, thoughtful keepsakes and weekend getaways, there are plenty of ways to make the occasion special. Whether you prefer a meaningful handmade present or a practical gift she can use every day, these unique Karwa Chauth gift ideas can help you choose something she will cherish.

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.

Coal India Ltd has reported a capital expenditure increase of 27% to Rs 7,966 crore for the first half. The company surpassed its H1 target of Rs 7,286 crore, achieving 109% of the planned outlay. Significant investments focused on mine infrastructure development, land acquisition, and diversification initiatives. Over Rs 1,000 crore was spent on operational readiness of mining projects during this period.

Karnataka has officially published the final electoral rolls indicating 4.55 crore voters after the SIR process. The voter count decreased from 5,54,32,314 to 4,55,00,011, a decrease of 99.32 lakh voters. Among the final rolls, there are 2,25,40,493 male voters and 2,29,12,355 female voters recorded. Additionally, there are 2,841 third-gender voters included in the statistics. The data also notes that over 6.83 lakh voters belong to the 18-19 age group.

The pass, which will cost Rs 1500 or Rs 3000 depending on the location of the toll plaza, will be effective from November 1, 2026 and will help eligible residents living within 20 km of the plaza and who regularly travel through nearby toll plazas for work, education and other local needs.

Recent elections in the US, Brazil, and Israel may impact India's trade negotiations and economic partnerships. The US is close to finalizing a trade pact, which could affect Indian exports significantly. Brazil's growing economic relationship with India is leading to ambitious trade targets between the two nations. In Israel, the continuation of defense cooperation and negotiations for a free trade agreement are crucial for India.

Under UP State Livestock Mission, farmers buying eligible indigenous cows will receive a subsidy of Rs 40,000 per animal. The government will also pay 85% of the livestock insurance premium, leaving owners to bear the remaining 15%.

The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to raise the repo rate to 6.25% by mid-2027. This increase is driven by persistent inflationary pressures and robust economic growth expectations. Deutsche Bank forecasts an average consumer price index inflation of 6% in late 2026, stabilizing to 4.7% by FY28. India's GDP growth is projected above 7% for both FY27 and FY28.

India plans to implement easing rules related to the goods and services tax for post-sale discounts while speeding up provisional refunds for businesses facing inverted duty structures from November 1, according to a government notification dated October 26.

Northern Railway has planned over 6,200 special train trips for Diwali and Chhath Puja, a 30% increase from last year's 4,666 trips. The additional services aim to ease the festive rush on routes connecting Delhi and other northern cities with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Extra ticket counters, staff and security arrangements have also been introduced at stations.

Public sector banks are experiencing stronger net interest margin growth compared to their private counterparts this quarter. Despite facing margin pressures, private banks continue to show growth in profits and loan portfolios. The rising costs associated with funding and foreign currency deposits are impacting private banks' profitability. Corporate loan advances are increasing faster than retail loans across multiple private institutions.

The Pitt Season 3 is expected to premiere in January 2027, with Noah Wyle returning as Dr Robby. The actor teased a more hopeful version of the doctor after his sabbatical. The upcoming season will also reunite Dr Robby and Dr Langdon in the emergency room. Previous seasons are available on JioHotstar in India.

Scarlet Rose Stallone is among celebrities who have faced scrutiny for nepotism in their careers. Her father, Sylvester Stallone, openly acknowledged the advantages of having famous parents. Other notable nepo babies include Hailey Bieber, Nicolas Cage, Whitney Houston, and Lily Collins. Jack Quaid also recognized his privilege in securing early representation in the industry.

Tata Consumer Products reported a better-than-expected second-quarter net profit of 469 crore, up from 404 crore a year earlier, driven by steady demand for packaged foods and beverages. The company is expanding beyond tea and salt, with its growth businesses now contributing 38% of India revenue, up from 32% last year.

Raghuram Rajan said India should avoid aggressively defending the rupee amid the current depreciation spree, stressing that a weaker rupee could only benefit India. The former RBI Governor cautioned against excessive use of foreign exchange reserves to maintain a specific exchange rate level.

COTRAV BLACK will debut as an exclusive platform for high-profile live events in India. The first notable event is A.R. Rahman's concert scheduled for November 1, 2026. This initiative aims to address concerns of privacy and crowd management faced by elite attendees. COTRAV BLACK will provide personalized hospitality in a private setting. It seeks to become a sought-after privilege for India's influential professionals.

Ravi Kishan will star in the upcoming devotional drama Mera Yaar Bajrangi - Dosti Ho Toh Aisi, scheduled for Diwali 2027. Announced by Mahaveer Jain Films, the film explores a common man's friendship with Bajrang Bali. Kishan will reportedly play a devout man from India's heartland in a ever-before-seen avatar.

The West Asia crisis may impose a fiscal burden of approximately Rs 1.35 lakh crore on India. Government spending has generally remained below budget estimates, providing financial flexibility for these pressures. Higher customs duty collections from gold and silver imports might help offset some costs. ICRA anticipates GDP growth to remain robust, exceeding 7 percent in the second quarter of FY27.

E100 ethanol fuel India: The government has amended vehicle emission rules to allow E100, a fuel containing 100% ethanol, in compatible flex-fuel vehicles alongside E85. The move supports India's push to increase ethanol use and reduce dependence on imported crude oil. However, E100 cannot be used in regular petrol cars unless they are specifically designed for the fuel, and no nationwide rollout date has been announced.

Bandhan Bank has denied reports of acquisition-related discussions with First Abu Dhabi Bank, calling its reference in a news report factually incorrect. The lender said it was not involved in any such discussions or proposal.

Nicki Minaj is currently the talk of social media as she playfully vied for the press secretary role. Despite her husband Kenneth Pettys troubling history of legal issues, including several sexual offense convictions, Minaj stands by him, often defending their bond online. Recently, Petty took a significant step by providing a notarized letter to authorities addressing past accusations. Their relationship continues to captivate the public amidst a web of controversy.

Anirudh Ravichander and Kavya Maran are set to tie the knot on November 10 and 11 in Greece, attended by just their close family. Following the intimate private wedding, a grand reception will take place in Chennai on November 21, where political leaders will also be invited. Scroll down and take a look at the wedding reception invite.

Blackstone has established its second office in India, specifically a global capability centre in Bengaluru. This centre aims to improve the firm's operational capabilities and support its global businesses effectively. Susan Yung, a senior managing director, will manage the new centre, leveraging her extensive experience. The company has been a significant investor in India, expanding across various sectors over the past two decades.

After nearly 26 years at Microsoft, former director Shawn Mrzena retired in July and explored hands-on work, including construction, plumbing and fly fishing. He described the past 90 days as a chance to rediscover life beyond corporate work. Mrzena plans six months of family adventures before deciding whether to pursue a new career, trade or business in 2027.

A petition from the Digital News Publishers Association challenges provisions of India's digital privacy law. The law may restrict journalistic activities by requiring consent from individuals under investigation. News publishers argue that this could hinder the freedom of the press and expose confidential sources. Concerns regarding the potential penalties for non-compliance have also been raised by the petitioners.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the opening of new road projects next month. Travel time from Delhi to Haridwar will be reduced to just one hour. Increased road connectivity has led to a significant rise in tourist traffic at religious destinations. Gadkari highlighted the economic impact of infrastructure investment, promoting job creation in the sector.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers has announced plans to develop a 10.05-acre land parcel in North Bengaluru. The expected gross development value of the project is Rs 1,250 crore, offering around 1 million sq ft of residential apartments. The project, located about 8 km from the airport, is set to launch within the next nine months. With this addition, Mahindra now has three projects in the area, enhancing its market presence.

Keerthy Suresh recently opened up about the hurdles she faced following the success of Mahanati and how to led to a six-month drought in film roles. This break allowed her to concentrate on her health and rethink her career goals, stressing the value of personal wellness. Read on to know what and why it actually happened.

Anup Bagchi has taken charge as the managing director and chief executive officer of HDFC Bank. He succeeds Sashidhar Jagdishan, who completed his tenure on October 26. HDFC Bank acknowledged Jagdishan's contributions in terms of performance and culture during his leadership. The bank expressed optimism for Bagchis leadership moving forward in terms of strategic priorities. They provided details regarding both executives in compliance with regulatory requirements effective from October 1.

Former Microsoft employee Ian Yong Hoe Tan says he feels fortunate to have been retrenched in late 2022, amid growing concerns about AI-driven job losses. Reacting to Microsofts voluntary buyout offers for around 60,000 employees, he said the development left him shaken. Tan now works as a lecturer at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India has faced no US pressure to reduce Russian crude imports. US President Donald Trump waived fresh sanctions and duties on Russian energy exports under a new law, sparing India from potential tariffs of up to 100%.

Pune Metro Line 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to virtually inaugurate Pune Metro Line 3 on November 3, with 17 stations on the 23.3-km Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar corridor set to open to passengers. The launch follows repeated delays, as IT employees await relief from traffic congestion. While 17 stations have received safety clearance, four stations are still awaiting approval.

Chrishell Stause recently revealed her separation from G Flip in an emotional video on social media. Stause previously experienced a marriage breakdown with Justin Hartley, who filed for divorce in 2019. Recently, she expressed feeling like a failure and has shared love for G despite their split. Both of them shared post on Instagram.

Walter Koenig, celebrated for his role as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek, has sadly passed away at the age of 90. He left the world at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by loved ones. His illustrious career kicked off in 1962 when he joined the iconic Star Trek series in its second season.

India imported $44.9 billion of Russian goods during the period, including $36 billion in crude oil. Indian exports to Russia totaled $2.8 billion, with Moscow increasing purchases of chemicals, electrical goods, medical equipment, seafood, tea, and spices.

BIG FM has submitted a request to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for launching six news channels. This expansion aims to create a national news network combining traditional and digital broadcasting. The new channels will focus on timely reporting and hyperlocal content tailored for digital consumption. BIG FM's initiative is part of the broader ONE BIG WORLD media ecosystem.

In light of Cyclone Arnab, Air India has issued a travel warning about anticipated disruptions to flights serving Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Forecasts indicate severe weather, prompting authorities to undertake significant disaster response efforts, including the evacuation of 2,107 units for the safety of at-risk populations. Travelers are encouraged to check flight updates regularly and to plan for additional time when proceeding to the airport.

Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited film King is set to hit theatres on December 24. Directed by Siddharth Anand, this romantic drama features a stellar cast. A new poster has recently been unveiled, featuring SRK in a new look. As it gears up for a box office showdown with other big releases, fans eagerly count down the days to its launch. Read on!

In Maharashtra, the countrys largest sugar-producing state, close to 87 mills have commenced operations. More mills are expected to start in the coming week as cane harvesting gathers pace.

L&T has secured design-and-build orders worth 5,000 crore to 10,000 crore for two systems packages of Bangladeshs Dhaka Metro Line 1, the countrys first underground metro project. The contracts cover track works, electrical systems, signalling, telecommunications and platform screen doors.

Wheat sowing in India has reached 11,000 hectares as of October 23, against 27,000 hectares a year earlier, as a deficient southwest monsoon raises concerns over soil moisture and irrigation availability. Punjab and Rajasthan face particular risks, while overall rabi crop coverage has also fallen, Agriculture Ministry data showed.

India's aviation landscape is set to soar with the introduction of eVTOL aircraft developed by Nalwa Aero, based in Punjab. This cutting-edge electric transport system will facilitate air taxis, streamline medical evacuations, and enhance cargo delivery. Early flight trials have delivered encouraging outcomes, leading to regulatory movements from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Sigma, the Tamil action drama starring Sundeep Kishan, is gearing up for digital release. The film struggled in theatres after its release, initially performing well but declining shortly afterward. Jason Sanjay made his directorial debut with Sigma, aiming to carve his own identity in the industry. Read on to know where to watch the movie on OTT.

Coven Academy has been renewed for Season 2 on Disney+ and Hulu after attracting 20.3 million global viewing hours in its first three weeks. According to Deadline, the supernatural teen drama also garnered over 30 million social media views. Set in New Orleans, the series follows three teenage witches at an elite magic boarding school.

Tamil Nadus state-run TASMAC will make digital payments mandatory for liquor purchases exceeding Rs 1,000 from November 1. Customers can pay through UPI, debit cards or credit cards, while cash payments will remain an option for purchases within the limit. The move aims to improve transaction transparency, address complaints of overcharging above the maximum retail price (MRP) and reduce risks associated with handling cash across the states 4,048 liquor outlets.

Jay-Z has been announced as the performer for the upcoming 2027 Apple Music Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show. The announcement was made during an ESPN broadcast featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also highlighted the excitement of having Jay-Z perform at the event.