The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), a market infrastructure institution, on Saturday reported a 24% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs 173 crore in the second quarter, compared with Rs 140.2 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.Revenue grew 23.7% to Rs 395 crore from Rs 319 crore in the year-ago period. EBITDA increased to Rs 229 crore, while EBITDA margin expanded to 58% from 56% a year earlier.For the quarter under review, CDSL opened around 75 lakh new demat acc
New York: US electricity prices had flown under the radar in past national elections, but they have become a major political issue in this year's midterms as Americans grow angry over rising utility bills and deals for power-hungry data centers.Nationwide, according to Energy Information Administration data, electricity prices for homes have risen more than 10% since 2024 when President Donald Trump was elected along with Republican majorities in both houses of the US Congress. Higher electricit
The commerce ministry has established a six-member committee to enhance the RELIEF initiative for exporters. This initiative aims to mitigate challenges posed by rising freight costs and insurance premiums. The committee includes officials from various government departments working to improve fund utilization. It will assess the implementation of the initiative and recommend measures for better uptake. The overall goal is to support exporters during trade disruptions in crucial regions.
The Competition Commission of India has granted approval for the merger of Sapphire Foods India Limited with Devyani International Limited, consolidating two prominent quick-service restaurant operators. The merger aims to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the presence of KFC and Pizza Hut in India, with the combined entity projected to operate over 3,000 stores globally.
Protests by sugarcane farmers took place at the Hittinahalli toll gate in Vijayapura district. They demanded a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their sugarcane amidst a statewide bandh. Farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with both state and central governments regarding the support price dispute. Meanwhile, responses to the bandh varied in Belagavi city, where most services remained operational.
Bank lending witnessed a significant surge during April-August FY27, contributing to financial resources for businesses. Non-food bank credit rose to Rs 9.8 lakh crore, indicating strong lending activity across major sectors. In contrast, corporate bond issuances fell sharply amid rising bond yields, highlighting a shift in funding trends. Overall bank credit growth registered an increase of 21.6 percent, supported by strong demand across various industries.
In 1906, Rawhide, Nevada saw a surge in population, swelling to 7,000 residents after gold was discovered. However, by 1910, it faced a steep decline to about 500 inhabitants, driven by disasters like a severe fire in 1908 and flooding. Although the town was rich in gold and silver, scandals marred its image. Today, Rawhide is a sobering reminder of the fleeting glory of boomtowns.
Michael Douglas has shared a rare update on Jack Nicholson, revealing that the 89-year-old Oscar-winning actor is doing well but is no longer working. Nicholson has not appeared in a film since 2010's How Do You Know and has largely stayed away from the public eye. Douglas, who produced Nicholson's Oscar-winning film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in 1975, said he still sees his longtime friend and understands his decision to step away from Hollywood.
Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the Congress party for organizing a mock Parliament after their recent failures. He emphasized the significant reduction in poverty in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership from 2011 to 2023. Trivedi referenced the World Bank's report claiming only 2.6 percent of the population remains in extreme poverty today. The Gini Index results also showed that India ranks among the most economically equal countries globally.
Elon Musk reacted with a one-word comment, Gross, after the New York Post reported on cockroach milk and its potential as a future superfood. Produced by female Pacific beetle cockroaches to nourish their young, the protein-rich secretion has attracted scientific interest, although its extraction remains complex and its use in food products is still being studied.
India's government is holding talks with liquor companies regarding tariff reductions on bulk Scotch imports. Major firms, including Diageo and Pernod, are expressing alarm about the investigation. Approximately 80% of Scotch imports from Britain arrive in bulk for local manufacturing. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies has warned of adverse effects on domestic production. Companies seek urgent intervention from the government to avoid disruption caused by the tariff issue.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke responded after Diljit Dosanjh appeared to revisit his I'm an artist, bro remark at his Aura India Tour concert in Delhi. Recalling his earlier disappointment, Dipke said his admiration for the singer remained unchanged despite their disagreement. Diljit also performed several hits, including G.O.A.T., Morni and Naina, with Saanson Ki Mala emerging as one of the evening's highlights.
Air India Express flight crew failed to follow air traffic controller instructions during an incident at Dabolim airport. A Navy fighter jet was taking off when the Air India plane misinterpreted communication, leading to a runway incursion. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau highlighted the need for improved communication procedures among air traffic controllers. Recommendations include crew counseling and better training for personnel involved in the incident.
The Indian government has abolished the special additional excise duty on petrol exports as of now. Diesel export levies have been raised to Rs 11.50 per litre from Rs 8.50 per litre. The export duty on aviation turbine fuel has also increased by 50 paise per litre. These adjustments reflect ongoing pressures from international energy market disruptions linked to geopolitical events.
Work can sometimes kill you. Literally. This is the theme of the new Netflix Korean supernatural drama Dead End Job, where an out-of-his-luck man, Hyuk-jun, thinks he has found the solution to his financial woes after he lands a high-paying part-time job. However, as the story progresses, he finds out that not all that glitters is gold.
Salesforce has stated no vulnerabilities were found concerning a suspected data leak at AU Small Finance Bank. The bank is investigating claims of a breach by hackers, affecting sensitive customer data. Reportedly compromised information includes KYC records and personal identification documents, while the bank assures its core systems are unaffected. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently warned of increasing cyberattack threats to the economy.
The United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees has opposed the planned sale of IDBI Bank's majority stake. They have requested an immediate suspension of the sale process due to market volatility. The forum argues that the decision lacks adequate justification and transparency. They are calling for a comprehensive review under parliamentary scrutiny, emphasizing the need for caution.
Following filmmaker Sanjay Gupta's death, revisit his 2002 cult thriller Kaante, which earned praise from Quentin Tarantino despite comparisons with Reservoir Dogs. The Hollywood filmmaker particularly admired the film's character backstories and tense warehouse climax, calling it fabulous. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Lucky Ali and others.
Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) has partnered with Northern Railway's Delhi Division to replace LPG and diesel with piped natural gas (PNG) at 22 railway establishments across Delhi-NCR. The initial supply of 3,000 SCMD is expected to replace around 500 kg of LPG and 2,500 litres of diesel daily. The agreement is part of the government's PNG Drive 3.0.
Signature Global awarded a construction contract worth Rs 496 crore to B L Kashyap & Sons for a luxury project. This project, named 'Tonino Lamborghini Residences', will be located in Gurugram's Sector 71 and spans 12.40 acres. It consists of 812 premium flats and aims for completion in 5 to 6 years. Earlier, Signature Global partnered with Tonino Lamborghini to invest nearly Rs 2,900 crore for this housing project.
Bhopal: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday filed his nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election from Madhya Pradesh.Earlier, Puri visited the Karunadham Ashram in Bhopal.The BJP Central Election Committee on Wednesday announced the nomination of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as the party's candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election from Madhya Pradesh.According to an official press release issued from the BJP central office at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, the Central
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, known for films such as Kaante and Shootout at Lokhandwala, died at 59 after reportedly suffering a head injury in a bathroom fall. Ashoke Pandit confirmed his death, while Kamaal R. Khan paid tribute to him. Gupta began his career with Aatish: Feel the Fire in 1994 and last directed The Miranda Brothers.
In India, investors are increasingly embracing thematic investing as they explore cryptocurrency and other sectors. This innovative investment style allows individuals to focus on specific trends and ideas rather than sticking to conventional categories. To support this, ZebPay has launched CryptoPacks, offering users curated portfolios that resonate with various themes. These packs simplify investment management and signify a shift toward future-focused digital asset strategies.
With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to delve into a chilling selection of horror films that promise spine-tingling thrills. Classics like 'The Exorcist', 'Psycho', and 'The Shining' create an eerie atmosphere, while newer releases such as 'Resident Evil' and the 'Paranormal Activity' series keep the terror alive. However, for families looking for a scare that's suitable for all ages, 'Coraline' offers a whimsical yet spooky experience.
Bengaluru entrepreneur RS Shanbhag had just Rs 10,000 in is pocket but a vision and a relentless can-do attitude. The firm he established in 1991, went on to generate a revenue between Rs 500- Rs 1000 crore annually by 2025. He focused on IT services and rural employment, which helped him survive three recessions.
Farmers in North Karnataka are intensifying their protest over the procurement price of sugarcane and other related issues. They staged blockades and sit-ins across several locations including Belagavi and Dharwad. The farmers are demanding a fair price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for sugarcane and other reforms. Local administrations have imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further protests on highways.
Vande Bharat is the fastest train from Chennai to Madurai, but it runs 17 minutes late on average. Vaigai is eight minutes late. Tejas Express arrives 12 minutes early. A six month check shows speed is not everything, and the viral Vaigai claim does not tell the full story.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has followed almost the same breakfast routine for 15 years, eating eggs, toast and drinking chai. A vegetarian, he enjoys dosa in Bengaluru, chole bhature in Delhi and pav bhaji in Mumbai. According to Mint, Pichai is a night owl who works best after 10 pm. He also makes time for weekend workouts, walking, hiking and occasional Peloton sessions.
Local train services on the Harbour line were disrupted during the morning rush hour due to an incident. A piece of cloth got entangled in the overhead equipment at Sewri station at 9.45 am. This caused a halt of services from Wadala and a temporary shutdown of power. Commuters experienced delays of 15 to 20 minutes during peak travel times. Train services were fully restored by 10.
Global corporations are increasingly considering diverse locations, particularly India, for talent acquisition and growth. Bengaluru is projected to be the fastest-growing major city by 2035, according to Savills analysis. Other Indian cities like Chennai and Hyderabad are also showing strong potential in terms of GDP growth and population increase. The demand for global capability centers in India is expected to continue rising in the future.
Jatin Kumar Nayak has taken charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency. Before this position, he served as Executive Director of Finance at REC Ltd and has three decades of experience. His previous roles include working with NHPC, Hindustan Copper, and National Aluminium Company Ltd. Nayak holds a Master's degree in Commerce and is a qualified Company Secretary.
S Jaishankar met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to discuss diplomatic relations between India and Canada. They agreed that Prime Minister Modi's visit in December will strengthen their ties further. Previous tensions arose after allegations against India regarding a separatist's killing earlier this year. Relations have improved since Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's election and visit to India.
Delhi Police have arrested Shivam, a member of the Hashim Baba gang, for a murder that occurred recently. A 30-year-old man was fatally stabbed in northeast Delhi on October 24 and later died at a hospital. In a separate incident, Seema Rishi was killed while trying to protect her son from attackers on October 15. The woman's husband described how they were attacked during a confrontation.
Vaigai Express service has been running since 1977. The Vande Bharat on the same corridor started only in 2023. On October 24, running late and through two delays, the Vaigai still matched the Vande Bharats Chennai-Madurai time of 5 hours and 35 minutes. Some things just do not get old.
Auqib Nabi has been added to India's ODI squad for the first three matches against New Zealand. This change comes after Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury. The ODI series is scheduled to begin on November 4, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland. India will also have several key players in their updated lineup for the matches.
Setbacks are inevitable. The best thing you can do for yourself is not giving up. Taking to Instagram, Acquisition.com CEO and managing partner Sharran Srivatsaa shared his incredible journey from being a janitor to making it as a tennis coach and later as an entrepreneur through a viral video.
Rajinikanth's Jailer 2 continues its box office run, earning Rs 435.66 crore India net by Day 17. His daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth praised the film, calling it a sensational blockbuster and celebrating his 51 years in cinema. She also lauded director Nelson Dilipkumar, composer Anirudh Ravichander and the cast and crew.
Diljit Dosanjh commenced his India leg of the Aura tour at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, attracting numerous fans. The concert faced initial uncertainty due to security concerns but proceeded with enhanced measures in place. During the performance, Dosanjh expressed gratitude to fans, while also addressing his critics. He performed popular songs and engaged actively with the audience throughout the evening.
Jordon Hudson's relationship with Bill Belichick came to an end in late 2025, marking a discreet breakup while ensuring their business ties and friendship remain intact. At just 25, Hudson previously dated 64-year-old businessman Joshua L. Zuckerman, who had defended her reputation amid claims of being a gold digger during her time with Belichick. Their conversations often revolved around business strategies, psychological insights, and a mutual appreciation for nature.
S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Atlanta. The meeting focused on enhancing India-US cooperation and addressing geopolitical issues. Jaishankar emphasized that military solutions are not viable for resolving global challenges. Rubio also highlighted the importance of protecting economic and maritime security during the discussions. The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded with crucial dialogues on international economic stability.
Wealthy Indian investors are holding liquidity and planning phased investments across diverse market segments. The focus is on both domestic and international markets, including the US, China, and South Korea. Private markets and credit opportunities are also gaining traction among ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Real estate investments are evolving with increased interest in Alternative Investment Funds, which have doubled over the last year.

27 C