The Economic Times

A North Central Railway employee challenged his transfer from Prayagraj to Fatehpur after claiming his senior officer approved two extra days of leave through a WhatsApp 'OK'. The Allahabad bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal ruled that the message did not conclusively establish official leave sanction and upheld the transfer, accepting the Railways' administrative justification.

In a significant move towards online safety, Greece's parliament has enacted a law banning social media usage for children under 15, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of implementing age verification methods to safeguard minors. This initiative, in collaboration with six other EU countries and the European Commission, aims to assist parents in controlling their children's social media habits.

Piyush Goyal held meetings with Bayer and Fresenius executives to discuss investment opportunities in India's healthcare sector. During these discussions, Goyal explored Bayer's expansion plans and potential collaborations in healthcare. He also examined how Fresenius can leverage India's skilled workforce for the healthcare market. Additionally, Goyal engaged with Knauf Group regarding sustainable construction materials and manufacturing operations in India. These meetings highlight India's gro

Prabhas is celebrating his birthday on October 23 while preparing for the anticipated release of Fauzi in 2027. He owns various luxury properties, including a villa in Hyderabad and a vacation home in Italy. His ancestral property in Mogalthur has historic significance and traditional architecture that reflect his family's roots. Scroll down and take a look.

India's business activity expanded at its fastest pace in four months through a strong services-led pickup. The Composite Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 56.7 in October, exceeding forecasts due to increased orders. Despite this growth, hiring remained stagnant as companies managed workloads with current staff. Price pressures eased, resulting in lower input-cost inflation across both sectors. Overall, business confidence improved but remained below the average for the year.

Prabhas revealed that his father, film producer Uppalapati Surya Narayana Raju, faced regular financial crises despite their film industry connections. Recalling his college days, the actor said travelling by bus taught him to work harder. A BTech graduate who later studied acting, Prabhas rose to fame with Baahubali and went on to headline several blockbusters.

India's longest train journey, the Vivek Express, connects Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, covering around 4,188 km in approximately 75 hours. The journey takes passengers through several states, from Assam's tea gardens and the plains of Bengal to the cities of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, before reaching the greener landscapes of Kerala and the southern coastline. Here is what travellers can see along the route and how to plan the trip.

Senior hospitality executives, particularly general managers, have seen substantial pay increases due to market demand and talent shortages. Compensation for luxury hotel general managers has risen by 40-75% over three years, reflecting a competitive environment. Key roles in operations, sales, and marketing are also witnessing significant pay growth. In tier-II cities, general managers now earn between Rs 75-80 lakh, compared to earlier figures.

Welspun Corp has announced that its US subsidiary, Welspun Tubular LLC, secured a significant order worth 5,500 crore. This order involves supplying coated line pipes for a gas pipeline project in the Permian region. The project will cater to a data centre complex operated by a leading global infrastructure company. Execution of the order will take place at Welspun's US facility in FY29.

Following the death of Presley Gerber at a rehab facility, several employees have resigned from their positions. Reports indicate that staff morale has significantly declined after this tragic incident took place. Many residents have also chosen to leave the facility due to concerns about safety and care. The facility had already been admitting residents needing higher levels of care prior to the incident.

Auditions for the next James Bond actor are nearing completion as final screen tests are scheduled soon. Several actors, including Jack Lowden, Josh OConnor, and Callum Turner, have been chosen for testing. Amazon MGM Studios is producing the next Bond film, with Denis Villeneuve directing after finishing the Dune trilogy. The casting director Nina Gold started the search for the new Bond in May 2026.

At the age of 93, Tom Skerritt has passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of film and television. Best known for his work in 'Picket Fences' and 'Top Gun', Skerritt was not just an extraordinary actor but also a loving father to five children from his three marriages. His family highlighted his humor and wisdom in a moving tribute shared with the media.

Cipla on Friday said a routine US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) inspection at its wholly owned subsidiary InvaGen Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing facility in Hauppauge, Long Island, New York.

Streaming platforms have something for everyone, featuring an array of films and shows that span genres. Highlights include Chaar Yaar and Lupin Part 4, which captivate audiences with their intriguing plots. Dhoomakethu offers a fresh twist with its comedic time-loop premise, while The Paradise enhances the period action genre. Read on to know where to watch them online.

CA Nitin Kaushik explains why two people earning the same salary for 20 years can build vastly different wealth. He says financial security depends on managing money wisely, investing in assets, understanding debt and maintaining emergency savings. Rather than focusing only on income, he urges people to assess their assets and financial resilience.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's direction on the sets of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam created memorable moments. Smita Jayakar recently revealed that Salman Khan was scolded by Bhansali for unexpectedly touching Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's arm. Their off-screen chemistry was evident and contributed to the film's emotional scenes.

The UAE has temporarily closed all beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain after a tanker oil spill affected its shoreline, while authorities said odors reported in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain pose no health risks to residents.The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said its technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected the oil spill.Teams immediately began containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation operations in coordination with local and federal authori

SpaceX has stated that any potential merger with Tesla will require Elon Musk's approval. Despite Musk's recusal from talks due to conflicts of interest, his endorsement raises concerns. Analysts believe a merger is likely, although opinions vary on shareholder compensation. Musk's recent comments have caused issues that may lead to delays in the process. The special committee and board of directors will review and approve any potential combination.

Qatar Energy has signed a significant liquefied natural gas agreement with Cheniere Energy to purchase 4 million metric tons annually. The deal ensures supply flexibility as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could affect exports. Two million metric tons per year will come from Cheniere's Sabine Pass facility, while the remaining will be sourced from Corpus Christi.

German building materials company Knauf Group plans to invest an additional 350 million in India to set up four new manufacturing plants, Managing Partner Murat Akyildiz said after meeting Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

Jailer 2, featuring the legendary Rajinikanth and helmed by director Nelson Dilipkumar, has achieved a remarkable box office milestone, surpassing Rs 600 crore globally. Released on October 15, the film has been captivating audiences in diverse languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. Read on!

Indian investors have several ways to access global markets, from domestic international mutual funds and GIFT City-based funds to direct overseas investing. Each route differs in cost, accessibility, control, and compliance requirements. Understanding these distinctions can help investors evaluate which approach aligns with their existing portfolio, financial goals, and comfort with managing international investments.

Explore how top leaders attend executive masterclasses with global institutions like NTU Singapore and LSE. Partnering with these programs lets enterprise sponsors directly engage CXOs in high-trust, learning-focused environments, driving category authority and high-intent revenue growth.

Uniqlo India's revenue increased by 44% to Rs 1,724 crore in the last financial year. The brand's focus on everyday essentials contrasts with fashion-led competitors like Zara and H&M. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing quality and versatility rather than simply seeking trendy items. A report indicates that many people make fashion purchases based on necessity rather than impulse.

Michael Gray, beloved for his role as Billy Batson in the iconic 1970s series Shazam!, has passed away at the age of 75. His death was attributed to natural causes following a period of declining health. Beginning his television journey in 1972 with NBC's The Little People, Gray left a mark with various memorable roles. Notably, he made a cameo appearance in 2023's Shazam! Fury of the Gods.

Sales of Apple's iPhone Duo began recently, with significant demand leading to delayed delivery dates for customers. Mixed reviews highlight praise for the phone's design but also note shortcomings with its camera and usability. Early adopters in cities like Sydney formed long queues outside Apple stores to purchase the device. The availability of the Duo is limited in several countries, which could disappoint many fans.

The South Korean electronics giant is considering expanding India production, including making fresh investments, to boost exports from here. But if the international market continues to contract due to the high cost of memory chips, it could explore a shift of capacity.

The Union government announced in the 2021-22 budget that, besides IDBI Bank, it would take up two public sector banks and one general insurance company for privatisation.

US bond Yields have dropped in recent days, as concerns about a slowdown in AI spending and its impact on economic growth have overshadowed economic data, which showed persistent inflation pressures.

Ultraviolette has launched the X-47 Venom electric motorcycle at an introductory price of Rs 2.65 lakh. Bookings for the motorcycle began on October 22, with expected deliveries starting in November 2026. The X-47 Venom features advanced battery technology and motor capabilities for enhanced performance and safety. Additionally, it comes with innovative rider safety vests that offer significant protection.

Market participants and economists now expect a 25-bps increase in the December and February reviews. A further 25-bps increase in April isn't ruled out if crude oil prices remain persistently above $100. One basis point is a hundredth of a percentage point. After the minutes were released, we think the probability of a consecutive hike in December has increased. Our terminal rate forecast is now at 6% for this hiking cycle and we expect the cycle to be rather shallow, Barclays said in a note.

Delays in land acquisition and obtaining various environmental clearances have significantly impacted the progress of infrastructure projects. Although central agencies are improving approval times, states are still facing lengthy procedures for necessary permits. Utility shifting is also causing major disruptions, often taking longer than projected. The recent analysis reveals a considerable increase in costs due to pre-construction delays.

SBI may seek a claim under a Rs 1,425-crore cyber insurance policy with Oriental Insurance following a suspected leak of customer data, people familiar with the matter told ET. SBI is in the process of notifying the insurer about the claim, said a person aware of the development.

Saudi state oil company Aramco has told staff to evacuate its headquarters in Dhahran on the Gulf, six people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday, as fighting between the world's largest crude exporter and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis intensifies.The US ordered the departure of some diplomats and their families from Saudi Arabia due to the threat from Houthi militants, after the Iran-backed group carried out deadly strikes from Yemen.Clashes between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalitio

The RBI has asked financial entities to remove management and administrative interfaces from public internet access, enforce multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and restrict access to cloud and backend systems on a least-privilege basis. The measures include auditing source code, repositories, configuration files, client applications and cloud storage for exposed credentials, and immediately rotating and purging compromised credentials.

The Income-Tax Department will send notices to resident Indians regarding undisclosed foreign properties. Information was obtained through spontaneous exchanges and prior investigations into overseas assets. The FAST-DS scheme allows individuals to voluntarily disclose properties without facing penalties or prosecution. This opportunity aims to regularize the foreign assets of small taxpayers effectively. Overall participation in the scheme has been lower than anticipated due to its limitations.

Pirelli has partnered with Balkrishna Industries to manufacture up to 8 lakh tyres annually in Gujarat. This production is expected to commence in the next financial year, according to the company's joint managing director. Initially, Balkrishna Industries will produce tyres under an off-take arrangement for Pirelli at the new facility. There are plans for a 50:50 joint venture to produce passenger car tyres under both brands.

Italian luxury group Prada reported a 1% organic growth in revenue for the third quarter of the year. This performance reflects resilience in a challenging luxury market environment and the acquisition of Versace. Growth was supported by positive trends in the Americas and stable sales in the Asia-Pacific region. However, retail sales from the Miu Miu brand declined by 3% amid these challenges.

Chana, India's most consumed pulse, which is central to making everything from salty snacks to nutritious meals, needs adequate soil moisture and cool weather for a good crop. Sowing has started in some regions, but the progress is slow. State advisories to conserve water and shift to less water-intensive crops have added to concerns over winter sowing.

India-Germany bilateral trade is expected to increase significantly, with aims of reaching 310 billion from 31 billion. Both countries are focused on co-creating and leveraging their complementary strengths for economic growth. The India-EU free trade agreement is anticipated to be signed soon and will facilitate mutual benefits. Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the importance of trust and cooperation between the nations.

Representatives from 196 countries are meeting in Yerevan to evaluate biodiversity progress under the 2030 targets. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to restore ecosystems and phase out harmful subsidies. India's national report highlights progress with key wildlife species, despite challenges in land degradation and protected areas. The report shows India's successful ecosystem restoration and involvement in biodiversity-inclusive planning.

The government is looking to revamp GST return forms to minimise discrepancies between reported sales and tax payments. Draft forms will be available for public feedback starting November 1 and the changes take effect on April 1, 2027.

Even as SEC paused the process, YSRCP alleged that the ruling TDP cadres continued to attack and intimidate its candidates for the second consecutive day. The Opposition party released videos of several places and alleged that the modus operandi had been to not allow senior YSRCP leaders to accompany candidates to nomination centres and then snatch the nomination papers to prevent them from filing.

A 10,000-step daily target may not be necessary to support brain health. Researchers have found that a much lower number of daily steps is linked to slower cognitive decline and changes associated with Alzheimers disease. The findings also reveal why walking more may not always mean greater benefits, offering a fresh perspective on how a simple daily habit could help protect the ageing brain.

By 2029, India's ministry of road transport and highways is looking to enforce the installation of event data recorders in vehicles to enhance safety and decrease road accident rates. Additionally, from 2030, passenger vehicles will be required to feature advanced emergency braking systems.