The Economic Times

Balrampur Chini Mills plans to start commercial production at its Rs 3,100-crore bio-plastic plant next quarter. The company has invested around Rs 2,400 crore in the project so far, with expectations for significant future revenue. This plant will produce Poly Lactic Acid bioplastics from renewable resources such as sugarcane and corn starch. In addition, the company reported a 90 percent increase in net profit in the last quarter.

The government may announce Budget 2027-28 support measures to boost domestic manufacturing of 100 products, including auto components, chemicals and machinery, to reduce import dependence. DPIIT has identified the products after consultations with ministries and industry.

India's investment outlook is improving as credit growth and corporate revenue increase, pointing towards stronger private capital spending. The report from HSBC highlights that funds to the commercial sector have risen significantly compared to previous years. Additionally, rising services exports have helped maintain a steady current account deficit in the economy. However, challenges such as weak rural demand and inflation continue to impact households and corporate margins.

Protests took place in Kolhapur as dairy farmers opposed the state's decision to grant voting rights to nominated directors. The ruling Mahayuti's strength would increase on the cooperative's 25-member board, shifting the power balance. Dairy farmers marched to the district collectorate carrying cattle to voice their opposition. The Rajarshi Shahu Shetkari Samvichari Aghadi has challenged this ordinance in court, seeking its annulment.

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix could experience greater export compliance challenges due to Nvidia's scrutiny over AI chips. US authorities have not announced new regulations yet, but potential measures might emerge. Chief Executive Jensen Huang's personal matters have spurred investigations into Nvidia's business dealings. A closed-door inquiry is scheduled to review security frameworks and contacts with foreign entities.

The year 2026 is on track to become one of the four hottest years on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.47C above pre-industrial levels during January-September, according to the World Meteorological Organization. An intensifying El Nino could push temperatures higher into 2027, as record ocean heat, rising greenhouse gas concentrations and extreme weather deepen the global climate crisis.

Jindal and Italy's Arvedi Group have submitted binding bids for the troubled Ilva steelworks. The site is currently overseen by government-appointed commissioners due to long-standing financial issues. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government aims to secure the site's steel production and protect jobs. Complications have arisen after a court ruling mandated the shutdown of blast furnaces due to health concerns.

Keralam's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob recently declared a program to collect petrol samples for ethanol testing, aiming to address concerns voiced by Karnataka officials regarding excessive ethanol blending. Jacob underscored the necessity of consumer transparency regarding fuel components, noting that inspections in Kochi have uncovered samples currently being tested, thus igniting pivotal discussions about fuel quality across Indian states.

Bengaluru-Mangaluru Vande Bharat will start within weeks, said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In trials, it took about 7 hours, saving 2 to 9 hours over existing trains. A flight takes about an hour but costs Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,700. The fare and final timetable are awaited.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a bustling corridor for Middle Eastern oil, with exports rising sharply since September. However, the ongoing constraints in demand and refining capacity alongside dwindling global crude inventories mean that producers are slashing prices to lure in buyers within a fiercely competitive arena. Analysts foresee a possible surplus driven by increased output from Gulf nations, and a stable peace could exacerbate market dynamics.

The newly introduced Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to make long-distance overnight journeys more comfortable, but passengers should be aware of a few important booking rules before planning their trips. Indian Railways has kept some features of the regular reservation system out of these premium services. Tatkal bookings will not be permitted, ticket prices will not follow a dynamic fare system, and passengers will be able to book only confirmed berths. Here is a look at the reservati

Global banks are turning more bullish on Indian stocks as the markets sharpest rally in more than four years draws record foreign inflows.HSBC Holdings Plc lifted local equities to overweight from neutral, citing resilient earnings and more reasonable valuations. Citigroup Inc. raised its 12-month target for the NSE Nifty 50 Index by nearly 8% to 28,000, pointing to improving profit growth and lower oil prices.The calls suggest that Indian equities recent rebound may have further to run. The vie

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called for a fundamental shift in society's attitude towards women, saying they are expected to shoulder multiple responsibilities but continue to face discrimination and violence. She said laws have helped deter offences but cannot bring lasting change, flagging domestic violence, workplace harassment and rising cybercrimes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for a critical discussion with G7 foreign ministers, focusing on urgent global matters such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the Iran predicament, and the rise of artificial intelligence. This meeting arises in the wake of midterm elections that changed congressional dynamics, fostering curiosity about Trumps upcoming foreign policy direction.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang acknowledged having an extramarital relationship with a business executive suspected by US intelligence of gathering information for Beijing, as the chipmaker's board launched an independent investigation into reports that its founder was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. While Huang has apologised to his family and company employees saying he was unfaithful to his wife, Nvidia said it has no reason to believe that US national security or the company's secrets

Dave Chappelle faced backlash after he joked about Charlie Kirk's murder during a performance at Madison Square Garden. His comments triggered outrage from Kirks widow, Erika Kirk, who condemned humor related to political assassination. Erika expressed the ongoing tragedy her family endures, emphasizing the severity of political violence. She remarked on the moral decay in society when such violence is treated as entertainment.

US President Donald Trump defended Secretary of War Pete Hegseth against congressional impeachment calls led by House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries. Trump credited Hegseth for US military action against Iran, while Hegseth dismissed the resolution as politically motivated.