The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Jio Platforms became the 3,138th company to list on the NSE after a significant public offering. The listing resulted in a notable 21.36% increase, making Jio the second most valuable Indian company. Mukesh Ambani expressed strong emotions as he witnessed his children outline their vision for the future. Following the listing ceremony, the family visited a temple and celebrated with a drone show.
The Union Cabinet has approved significant schemes to enhance India's manufacturing infrastructure and capacity. The 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme aims to increase container production substantially by 2040. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana will be implemented from 2026-27 to 2030-31, providing crucial funding. The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme will also support sports equipment production from 2026 to 2034.
The government has announced an extension of the Production Linked Incentive scheme for the textiles sector until 2034. This change aims to encourage more companies to participate by relaxing eligibility norms for investment. The textiles ministry has reduced the minimum turnover requirement for certain manufacturers from 200 crore to 100 crore. A reopened application portal will accept submissions for manufacturing various textiles from November 1 to December 31.
On Wednesday, the Union cabinet approved a 3% increase in dearness allowance for employees and pensioners. This increase is expected to benefit over 11.6 million individuals ahead of the festive season. The change will take effect retrospectively from July 1, costing the exchequer 10,016 crore. Additionally, the government revised dearness allowance rates for employees under the Fifth and Sixth Pay Commissions.
A meeting on Wednesday between Adani Airports that controls both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports and foreign carriers ended without an agreement after around 90 minutes of discussions. About 50 executives representing almost all the 45 airlines in Mumbai's Airline Operators' Committee attended the meeting, people familiar with the matter said. Airlines sought further details before committing to the move.
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh said on Wednesday that the US economy is not running too hot despite some demand pressures from the boom in AI investment, adding
The revised pay structure will take effect January 1, 2027, with fixed monthly salaries increasing across all eight pilot grades, from first officers to designated examiners.
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises minister Jitan Ram Manjhi announced the release of 1,000 crore in subsidy. This funding aims to support 11,333 new micro enterprises while facilitating bank credit of 3,260 crore. The initiative is anticipated to create over 1.02 lakh sustainable employment opportunities, primarily in rural areas. The subsidy is part of the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme, designed to boost grassroots entrepreneurship.
The Landscape of Green Finance in India, now in its fourth edition, maps actual finance flows or disbursements across sources, instruments, sectors, and subsectors for financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24. According to the report, while green finance has increased substantially between 2016-17 and 2023-24, financial flows remain concentrated in established sectors and technologies.
The report, which was released on Wednesday, said the annual average heat-related deaths rose by nearly 36% globally after the Paris Agreement was introduced. In 2023 alone, heat was linked to a record 710,000 deaths with more than 70% of that toll attributable to human-caused climate change, it said.
Starting November 1, small online sellers will have a new option for GST registration. They can use ecommerce warehouses as local bases in other states, promoting nationwide sales. This initiative is part of a broader effort to simplify regulations and reduce expansion costs for small traders. Eligible sellers must meet specific conditions, including tax liability limits and operator consent.
The Bramayugam actor was previously a stakeholder in Motherhood, a maternal health venture run by his daughter, Surumy, and her spouse, Dr Mohammed Rehan Sayeed. Sanil stated that the business was sold for a favorable price approximately 15 years ago, having established itself as a successful enterprise.
India's banking sector exhibits confidence in achieving sustained double-digit credit growth across various segments. Demand for retail and SME lending is primarily driving this credit growth, according to the FICCI-IBA Bankers' Survey. Respondents show optimism about the emerging revival in private-sector capital expenditure and improved asset quality. A significant majority anticipates that both retail loans and SME credit will continue to grow robustly.
Facing an anticipated Rs 200 crore dip in income from proposed cuts to insurance commissions, Bandhan Bank's managing director, Partha Pratim Sengupta, warns of potential ripple effects across the banking industry. To counter these challenges, the bank is set to reshape its business model and focus on enhancing mutual fund distribution. Moreover, its limited exposure to drought-impacted regions in Karnataka and Maharashtra helps mitigate overall financial risks.
Power Grid anticipates its capital expenditures will exceed 40,000 crore, focusing on transmission infrastructure. This increase is necessary due to growing electricity demand across the country. The company emphasized the importance of cable and wire manufacturers preparing for this demand surge. Additionally, the Green Energy Corridor-III program presents further opportunities for these manufacturers. Efficient transmission planning is crucial as India expands its renewable energy capacity.
The apparel industry in Noida is experiencing significant upheaval, with a reduction of operational units from 2,400 to 1,800 in just six months, all due to a decline in orders. The unpredictable US tariffs have caused confusion in negotiations and production timelines. In a related trend, Surat's diamond manufacturers have extended their Diwali shutdowns, resulting in the closure of roughly 300 small businesses.
India faces a significant challenge in attaining its renewable energy targets, necessitating an investment of about $220 billion between 2027 and 2030. This capital will aid in expanding energy storage solutions, transmission infrastructure, and manufacturing strength. Ahead of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo, secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi emphasized the urgency of these investments, which will foster public-private partnerships for sustainable energy solutions.
Amid predictions of drought in India this financial year, food and agricultural imports are anticipated to rise sharply. With serious reductions in kharif soybean and groundnut production, import requests are growing. The sugar and poultry industries are grappling with soaring feed costs, prompting an extension for raw sugar imports to be granted. The looming threat of El Nino raises alarms about the stability of staple food supplies nationwide.
With freight rates reaching unprecedented levels, Indian refiners are facing escalating crude oil expenses that are eroding their margins. Notably, oil in the physical market is trading at a considerable premium over Brent futures, making Middle Eastern imports more desirable. The Iran conflict has led to congestion and trade shifts, aggravating delivery challenges. As a result, Indian refiners are increasingly turning to Gulf crude to meet their needs.
During the Cold War, the US Army exposed around 5,000 soldiers to LSD, nerve agents and other dangerous chemicals at a secret Maryland facility. Researchers wanted to find out whether mind-altering drugs could incapacitate enemy troops without killing them. One chemical, BZ, could trigger vivid hallucinations and leave subjects delirious for up to three days. But many soldiers were reportedly unaware of what they were being given, and some later suffered lasting physical and psychological proble
September witnessed a decline in India's factory output growth, falling to 6.7%, the lowest rate observed in four months. The drop is largely linked to a high base effect and decreased mining activity. Despite this, manufacturing output surged by 7.6% compared to the previous year, while electricity generation also grew, spurred by robust demand even with insufficient rainfall. Economists anticipate GDP growth to surpass 7% for the July-September period.
Apple has launched new MacBook Pro models with touchscreen OLED displays, Dynamic Island and M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, marking a major change for its professional laptops. Starting at Rs 3,49,900 in India, the 14-inch and 16-inch models offer touch gestures, up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness and claimed battery life of up to 24 hours.
107-year-old Dorothy Creighton has shared her simple formula for a long and happy life, and it includes bacon and eggs every morning, a good family and one more thing. The great-grandmother from England, who recently celebrated her birthday surrounded by loved ones, also enjoys jelly babies and staying sociable. From her childhood in Bristol to meeting her future husband during World War II, her life has spanned more than a century.
Galanis also had connections to Hunter Biden, as the two collaborated with their partner, Devon Archer. In March 2024, Galanis provided testimony during the congressional impeachment investigation involving then-President Joe Biden, despite being in prison. In March 2025, a year later, US President Donald Trump reduced Galanis prison term.
United Spirits reported a 22.7% decline in its popular liquor segment sales during Q2 FY2027. The decline was attributed to increased taxes on non-local brands in Maharashtra and excise duty changes in Karnataka. While the overall net sales value rose 2.8% year-on-year, the popular segment's issues highlight regulatory pressure. The premium and luxury liquor segments continued to drive growth amid these challenges.
To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.
Representatives from over 35 airlines met with Mumbai airport officials to discuss shifting international flights. The Mumbai International Airport Ltd requested airlines to submit their transition plans by November 3. Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air will begin transitioning operations to Navi Mumbai International Airport in December. The partial relocation aims to allow renovation work at Terminal 1 in Mumbai airport to progress.
The ministry said it has released funds under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), for the financial year 2026-27.
On October 30, a workshop will be organized by the DGFT, Karnataka government, and FIEO in Bengaluru. The event aims to enhance Karnataka's export competitiveness and awareness of Free Trade Agreements. Nearly 200 participants, including exporters and industry officials, are expected to attend. Technical sessions will cover opportunities in various sectors and policy interventions under new FTAs. Senior officials and the state minister will address attendees at this important event.
On October 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the 24th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme in Gujarat, aiming to support over 9.34 crore farmer families across the country with more than Rs 18,680 crore. In Gujarat alone, financial assistance surpassing Rs 1,051 crore will be granted to over 52.33 lakh farmer families.
Biju Menon starrer Avaraachan & Sons is set to premiere online less than a month after its theatrical release. The Malayalam family entertainer movie follows a father whose drinking and irresponsible decisions strain his relationship with his two sons, eventually leading to a series of conflicts at home and outside.
Former Google engineer Nate Soares believes there is more than a 50% chance that AI could wipe out humanity within the next decade. His prediction is so grim that he has stopped contributing to his retirement savings. Now leading the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, Soares has spent years studying AI safety and warns that increasingly powerful systems could eventually escape human control.
Akasa Air plans to raise pilots' salaries by up to 20 percent from January 1, 2027. The airline will also increase the minimum protected flying hours to 50 per month for pilots. Additionally, pilots will receive more annual leave and flexible work patterns to improve work-life balance. The airline currently operates 45 Boeing 737 MAX planes and employs over 800 pilots.
Actress Katrina Kaif recently opened up about her equation with director Ali Abbas Zafar, who helmed many of her hit movies, such as Mere Brother Ki Dulhaan, Tiger Zinda Hai, New York, etc. She also broke silence on the trolling she had faced from people online.
India is projected to be the only emerging market economy among nine economies with gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding USD 1 trillion to reduce its government debt-to-GDP ratio between 2025 and 2031, Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta said, highlighting the country's stronger fiscal position amid rising global debt and borrowing costs.
The multiplex operator aims to open 90-100 screens in FY27, followed by 150-175 in FY28. It has identified around 300 cities for SMART Cinemas, an affordable, capital-light format designed for smaller markets.
Union Cabinet has allocated Rs 7,395 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana. This scheme will promote local-level capacity building and resource management for panchayats across India. Elected representatives will receive training to enhance their governance capabilities and local planning efforts. The initiative aims to financially empower panchayats through better utilization of available resources. Implementation will occur from 2026-27 to 2030-31, aligning with the Sixteenth
The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026, to be held from November 2- 5 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, will serve as a key forum for seeking the USD 220 billion investment, the official said.
The demand for flexible workspaces in India is witnessing a remarkable transformation, as corporates are expected to represent 23.4% of this market by 2026, making them the second-largest segment. Since 2023, the average need for these spaces has significantly increased, particularly in the BFSI sector. MNCs continue their stable demand, but local corporates are increasingly embracing flexible offices to improve business responsiveness.
The Season 1 finale of The Drop: A Snowfall Saga leaves Wanda and Leon facing the fallout of their choices after a violent showdown with DG. As Wanda fights to take control of Lamar and Artillerys music, her relationship with Leon falls apart, leaving her to pursue success alone. With Leon seemingly drawn back into violence and several storylines unresolved, will FX renew the series for Season 2?
Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava highlighted the ongoing demand for small cars in India. He noted sales figures of 398,000 small cars and 162,000 SUVs in the first half of FY27. First-time buyers now account for 54% of Maruti's sales, marking a significant increase. The recent GST cuts have improved affordability for entry-level vehicles.
Police said the bank management had suspended several employees, including the branch manager, and a case was registered at the Beta-2 police station, which has jurisdiction over the branch. The bank has assured authorities that it will address the customers complaints, officials said.
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has expressed support for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed food labelling requirements. These requirements aim to enhance transparency for consumers regarding nutrition information. Managing Director Priya Nair emphasised that HUL is well prepared to comply with these regulations. The planned front-of-pack nutrition labelling will alert consumers about high levels of sugar, salt, or fat.
Reckitt's India operations showed strong growth momentum in the July-September quarter compared to the previous year. The prior year was affected by GST-related stock depletion, leading to a more favorable comparison now. Specifically, the company reported double-digit growth for brands like Dettol, Durex and Harpic. Reckitt is also focusing on enhancing execution through AI-enabled sales transformation in India.
In a strategic move to enhance risk management, Piramal Pharma has drastically cut its reliance on Chinese raw materials to under 10%. The company is actively diversifying its supply chains to provide greater flexibility against geopolitical challenges while broadening its manufacturing footprint to locations like India, the UK, and the US.
With a remarkable sales figure of Rs 2,000 crore from Phase 1, Signature Global's Tonino Lamborghini Residences is setting new benchmarks in luxury living. Situated on 12.40 acres in Gurugram, the project offers 812 exclusive units and is preparing for a similar Phase 2 launch. Designed to introduce an authentic Italian lifestyle, this initiative underscores the increasing appetite for opulent residences among homeowners in India.
ER star Noah Wyle was recently crowned Sexiest Man Alive by the People's Magazine. In many interviews, the handsome actor said he didnt really sweat it out at the gym. Biking, a healthy diet, chasing his kids at his farm and Pilates kept him at peak fitness. According to studies, NEAT activities such as standing, walking your dog, walking during calls, etc., can help you burn calories effectively too.
Quentin Tarantino has revealed why he vowed never to give his mother a penny from his success after she made a remark about his writing ambitions when he was 12. The filmmaker says he has stuck to that promise even after winning two Oscars and making some of Hollywoods most successful films. He has, however, made one exception over the years.

20 C