The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
A post about a former manager who reached out to a former employee has become viral on the subreddit Indian Workplace. The manager, though he had criticised the employees decision to quit, later messaged him and let him know he hoped he wouldnt have to return to the company ad wished him all the success in life.
Tesla India Motors and Energy achieved revenue of 247.3 crore and a net profit of 5.2 crore in FY26. Vehicle sales constituted nearly 87% of total sales after launching retail operations in India. The company reported a significant increase in registrations, reaching 650 units in the first half of FY27. Furthermore, Tesla invested approximately 86 crore into its Indian operations, highlighting its commitment to the local market.
Tata Group's Trent has entered into a licensing agreement with Caffe Nero to establish cafes in their retail stores. This decision follows unsuccessful negotiations with Tata Starbucks over a similar partnership. The differences included store formats, locations, and the desired prominence of the Starbucks brand. The terms of the Caffe Nero deal remain undisclosed, with potential for significant expansion in India.
The banks, using the easy rupee liquidity created after the inflow of deposits from the diaspora, bought dollars and invested the funds in US Treasury bills to earn higher returns. The transaction involved a buy-sell swap, where banks purchased dollars in the spot market and sold dollars in the forward market. The dollars generated through the swaps were deployed in US government papers, whose yields have risen in the past three months.
India's mining sector remains underdeveloped due to high import dependence and severe execution bottlenecks. Challenges include land acquisition difficulties, uncoordinated state-level regulations, and environmental concerns related to mining activities. The Centre has urged states to improve the operationalisation of mines, with only a fraction currently active. Various stages of clearances have delayed the progress of numerous mining projects in different regions.
Apple has unveiled a new iPad mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, A20 Pro chip, thinner 5.4mm design and IP67 water and dust resistance. The tablet features upgraded cameras, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and support for Apple Pencil Pro. It runs iPadOS 27 with Apple Intelligence features, including enhanced Siri capabilities and updated photo editing tools. The new iPad mini starts at Rs 82,900 for the Wi-Fi model and Rs 1,00,900 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, with storage options of up to 512GB. Pre-orders open
The impact of El Nino weather conditions could further hurt domestic production, expected to fall by 3.4% to a new low in the 2026-27 crop year ended September. Cotton imports hit a record high in 2025-26 to an estimated 7.1 million bales of 170 kilograms compared to last year's imports of 5.74 million bales. Prices have also risen more than 7% in the past month.
In Arunachal Pradesh, opposition to the 1,605 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project is growing fierce. A bandh organized by student groups has brought normal activities to a halt, impacting transportation services. Protesters are pushing for the cancellation of the project, raising alarms over potential environmental damage and safety hazards. Incidents of property damage and clashes with law enforcement have been documented.
Saudi Arabia was represented by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Pakistan by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir; and Turkey by intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Saudi and Iranian officials said. Iranian state media published pictures of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, attending the meetings.
India and the United States have nearly finalized discussions regarding a proposed bilateral trade agreement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal mentioned that fine-tuning of the agreement is currently underway. This follows remarks from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about a few remaining details. Initially, the US removed a penalty on Indian goods related to Russian oil purchases.
Harsh Roshan and debutante Nakshatras Telugu romantic drama Thella Kaagitham follows two school students whose love story takes a life-changing turn after one mistake. The film received mixed reviews but reportedly collected around Rs 8.5 crore at the box office, while Nakshatra earned praise for her debut performance. The story explores young love, difficult choices and the lasting consequences of a decision made during adolescence.
By FY27, Hyundai Motor India plans to roll out two mass-market SUVs, with one being an electric model. The firm anticipates selling 250,000 units of the Creta and Bayon in 2027, with SUV sales comprising 75% of total sales by FY28, up from 68-69% now. Production of the Bayon will occur at the Chennai facility, as part of Hyundai's $15.5 billion investment in India set for 2032.
Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr are making waves in California by alleviating medical debt for over 261,000 residents. By supporting Undue Medical Debt, they've successfully wiped out more than $550 million of unpaid bills. This initiative allows individuals to shift their attention from financial burdens to healing. Their philanthropic endeavours also include aiding student loan repayment and wildfire recovery, aiming to enhance access to healthcare and bolster financial security.
'CyRIS' will focus on emerging digital safety and capability areas, including threat intelligence, cyber defence, digital forensics, malware analysis, ethical hacking, fraud analytics, AI security, and quantum-safe technologies, as per an official statement.
In 1891, the US government funded an unusual experiment to make rain by bombarding the sky with dynamite, balloons and other explosives. Led by Robert G. Dyrenforth, the team tested the theory in drought-hit Texas after a Civil War veteran suggested that the sound of explosions could force clouds to release rain. Although showers followed some tests, the expedition's own meteorologist questioned the results, noting the lack of scientific evidence.
Mizoram is set to receive piped natural gas connections for cooking by early 2028. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is constructing a 119.45-km pipeline connecting Panisagar in Tripura to Aizawl. The project aims to ensure a reliable supply of cooking fuel, addressing current shortages of liquefied petroleum gas. Initial coverage will include Mamit and Aizawl districts with an investment of approximately Rs 491 crore.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the need for ambitious and universal maritime standards during the World Maritime Day roundtable. He stressed the importance of partnerships that facilitate the implementation of these standards among countries. Sonowal's discussions with the Korea Marine Equipment Association outlined collaborative opportunities in India's shipbuilding sector. Korea's involvement will focus on technology transfer and local manufacturing of marine equipment.
The Korea Marine Equipment Association has announced its first office in Mumbai, facilitating collaboration with Indian shipyards. This partnership will focus on modernization, technology transfer, and local manufacturing of marine equipment. Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlights the opportunity for Korean suppliers in India's growing maritime sector. The Indian government has approved significant investments, boosting shipbuilding output and vessel orders.
In the Philippines, Thomas Markle Sr. is currently under scrutiny following allegations related to child sexual abuse material. Reports indicate his son stumbled upon alarming items while cleaning out their Cebu residence, leading to Meghan Markle voicing her concerns about child safety. As Philippine officials embark on forensic examinations, questions loom about the adequacy of UK law enforcement's response to Thomas Markle's history.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will conduct the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises from April 2027. New questions will address gender-specific constraints faced by female entrepreneurs for the first time. Additionally, the survey will capture the investment in fixed assets over an extended period. The survey period has shifted to align with the financial year for better data utility.
Officials said all Vande Bharat Chair Cars currently in operation have been manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, and that this will be the first Vande Bharat chair car manufactured by RCF, Kapurthala, with an Alstom propulsion system.
Around 43 percent of two-wheeler buyers are considering electric vehicles, showing a notable increase since 2024. The outright rejection of electric options has decreased from 38 percent to 29 percent among potential buyers. Electric two-wheelers now represent 9.9 percent of overall sales, a growth from 5.5 percent in previous years. As consumer ratings improve, major concerns remain regarding longevity and rough-road capabilities of these vehicles.
Raveena Tandon was one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood in the 90s. She had hit pairings with Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sunny Deol, Anil Kapoor, etc. However, despite being the daughter of a filmmaker, she did not start her career as a heroine. In an interview, she recalled her days as an intern to an ad filmmaker.
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandannas team has filed a complaint with Hyderabad Cyber Crime authorities over alleged fake posts, manipulated screenshots, impersonation and online harassment following backlash over their Koffee With Karan 9 appearance. The team has sought an investigation into the circulation of misleading content, while Rashmika defended her marriage and Vijay hit back at critics on social media.
The One About Matthew Perry is a documentary set to stream on Netflix. It will feature intimate accounts from family and friends about the actor's life and struggles. Matthew Perry's sister and friends will share their memories, providing insight into his journey and relationships. The documentary aims to present a comprehensive portrait of Perry beyond his television fame.
Nearly 110 sugar mills have begun operations for the 2026-27 sugar marketing year in several states. The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association stated that the industry is prepared for sugarcane crushing. This readiness helps meet the expected domestic sugar demand of 280-285 lakh tonne annually. The government has also extended duty-free import windows to maintain sugar availability during the festive period.
Infrastructure projects worth over Rs 150 crore have seen a cumulative cost overrun of approximately Rs 3,21,976 crore. About 1,853 infrastructure projects across 17 ministries were monitored, showing total costs revised to Rs 37,55,803 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways leads with the most ongoing projects and costs. Approximately 47.21 percent of the total project cost has been spent so far, indicating steady progress.
In the second quarter, Mumbai's luxury housing market showcased significant expansion, especially in homes priced above Rs 5 crore. July emerged as a standout month with 618 luxury homes being sold for a total of Rs 6,669 crore. Worli topped the charts in terms of transactions, while ultra-luxury sales remarkably surged, doubling their previously reported figures.
Since the launch of the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme, approximately 1,100 taxpayers have submitted applications. The scheme provides an opportunity to disclose unreported foreign assets and income at a 60 percent tax rate. Taxpayers can access information about their assets reported by foreign jurisdictions through the e-filing portal. Outreach programs have been initiated to raise awareness among various groups regarding this scheme.
Introducing its first hotel in Shimla, Kerten Hospitality, an innovative Irish lifestyle brand, has officially launched in India. The company's ambitious expansion plan aims for management of 5000 to 7000 hotel keys over the next five years. Operating in 12 countries, Kerten is devoted to lifestyle-driven hospitality and engaging with local communities.
School holiday news: Schools across India are generally set to operate as usual on October 27, 2026. Local authorities may declare holidays based on weather conditions, especially in southern coastal states. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are particularly monitoring forecasts due to cyclone concerns and heavy rain alerts. Parents and students should check with schools for specific instructions or changes related to closures.
Anthropic filed for an initial public offering, reflecting rapid revenue growth amid significant financial losses. The company reported a 1,300% revenue increase, reaching $16.3 billion in the first half of 2026. However, it also encountered a net loss exceeding $80 billion due to high costs in AI development. Risks associated with AI technology are increasingly becoming a concern for potential investors.
Verizon now expects to add between 1.1 million and 1.2 million postpaid phone subscribers this year compared with earlier projections of 750,000 to 1 million.
Outward foreign direct investment from India reached $4.34 billion in September, which is a 14% increase from last year. However, this figure reflects a 37% decrease from the previous month. Equity commitments decreased by 20% compared to August, totaling $3.26 billion. Loans to overseas subsidiaries rose slightly, reaching $549 million in September. Several companies, including Sun Pharma, led the equity outflows with significant investments.
Manohar International Airport in Mopa welcomed its inaugural charter flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Monday. This flight carried 177 tourists arriving for the winter 2026-27 season in Goa. Goa's tourism officials express optimism about enhancing international travel, particularly from Central Asian markets. The state aims to present a range of tourism experiences beyond its popular beach destinations.
Sometimes, good service is all it takes to earn generous tips, even from patrons who have left the world. In 2015, two waitresses at a Manhattan restaurant were stunned when they learned how they both were left $50,000 each by a late patron, an art collector and dealer.
Maharashtra announced a waiver for the 25 per cent transfer fee on land for renewable energy projects. This decision aims to alleviate financial pressure on companies and reduce project costs. Companies must use the land exclusively for renewable energy to qualify for this exemption. If the land is used for other purposes, the exemption will be revoked, and fees will be charged.
Mumbai's Central Railway suburban services encountered notable disruption on Monday following a signalling failure at Kanjurmarg. Although the signalling system was restored later, train operations between Vikhroli and Bhandup were severely affected. Adding to the turmoil, an overhead wire was discovered dangling between Mulund and Thane, forcing operators to follow special protocols for safety while managing the delayed services throughout the region.
An Indian aviation enthusiast from Kochi has transformed his Dubai apartment by installing the restored living room of Etihad Airways luxury Airbus A380 Residence suite. Arun Rajagopal initially wanted to buy only the suites leather sofa but ended up acquiring the entire section. The restoration took nearly a year, with engineers repairing damaged components and adapting the cabin for home use.
Cara Wood, a waitress from Chagrin Falls, inherited $500,000 from a regular customer named Bill Cruxton. After his passing, she faced legal challenges from Cruxton's family members contesting the will. Despite these difficulties, Wood invested the money wisely and continued her education at Ohio University. With her mothers guidance, she focused on building a career in financial services rather than spending lavishly.
Raymond Realty has announced that it has secured Rs 210 crore from ICICI Prudential Real Estate Development Fund. This financial investment will be used for a redevelopment project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The investment will be made through Ten X Realty West Ltd, a subsidiary of Raymond Realty. The collaboration aims to enhance capital efficiency and expedite project timelines.

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