The Economic Times

The circumstances have changed and, therefore, the voices of concern are louder,'' she said at a media event, in reference to reports that her administration has received suggestions to review levies on long-term capital gains (LTCG) for overseas investors. I quite appreciate that. So, I'll consider all this... Our growth is very important, where people are putting their very best, we are able to see sustained 7(%)-plus growth.''

Healthcare marketplace: Obamacare premiums are expected to rise in 2027 as enhanced federal subsidies expire and eligibility rules change. With benchmark silver plan premiums projected to increase by 13%, many Americans could face higher costs, switch to cheaper coverage or struggle to keep their health insurance.

Cementmakers in India are experiencing a weak first half of the fiscal year due to rising costs. They expect price increases and seasonal construction activity to improve profitability. Price stability is noted after recent increases, which may help offset costs. Cement prices have risen and are expected to stay high in the coming months. The market leaders remain optimistic about further price improvements in the near future.

Irdai has implemented stricter rules regarding employee stock option plans for insurance companies to regulate ownership stakes. Senior executives and directors must seek approval to exceed prescribed shareholding limits under these plans. Insurers are required to monitor direct and indirect share allotments to prevent regulatory breaches.

During the July-September 2026 quarter, consumer demand for zero-sugar and low-sugar beverages significantly increased across India. PepsiCo reported that sales of its low-sugar drinks doubled, while Coca-Cola also experienced similar gains. Higher sugar prices this year prompted many consumers to shift away from sugary drinks. Companies are prioritizing the production of low-sugar beverages to meet the rising market demand.

The Indian government is engaging with agricultural companies to address regulatory challenges that affect the sector. Consultations focus on updating the Seeds Act, 1966, to align with modern agricultural technology. Industry representatives have pointed out delays in approvals and licensing processes that hinder market access.

Manufacturing activity in India experienced a slowdown in October, decreasing from the previous month's growth. Despite this, the sector remained above its long-run average due to stronger international demand. A survey indicated that nearly 18% of manufacturers anticipated increased output over the next year, supported by fresh client inquiries.

The Indian government is currently reviewing customs duty concessions applicable to 118 products set to expire. This review involves input from respective line ministries and industry stakeholders regarding these exemptions. Goods under review include materials for power projects and certain medical devices. A focus is on correcting the inverted duty structure to support local manufacturing initiatives. The outcomes of this review will influence the upcoming budget for 2027-28.

According to the NASSCOM-Zinnov report, India's GCC sector now comprises 2,117 active GCCs across 3,728 units, employs approximately 2.36 million professionals and is projected to generate $98.4 billion in market revenue in FY2026.

The rules establish a multi-tier grievance redressal mechanism at the gram panchayat, block and district levels. Designated grievance redressal officers will be responsible for receiving, registering, inquiring into and disposing of complaints. Inquiries must be completed within seven working days.

Airlines at Mumbai airport are urging civil aviation ministry intervention regarding proposed capacity reductions planned for next April. Operator Mumbai International Airport Ltd intends to shift part of its international flight schedule to Navi Mumbai International Airport. While some airlines have consented to the changes, others seek more time to adapt to the new airport's infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's investments in clean energy have mitigated severe external shocks. He announced an ambitious target of adding 500 GW of new non-fossil energy capacity within the next decade. Modi emphasized the importance of energy security in relation to economic stability.

Institutional investors are now allocating more funds to private credit, significantly from insurance companies and pension funds. Neo Alternative Asset Managers has seen its second fund receive 22-25% contributions from these investors. Ascertis Credit's fourth fund also attracted commitments exceeding $700 million from multiple institutional investors. With increased interest in private credit, annual investment opportunities are now estimated around 1 lakh crore.

Domestic banks are beginning to increase their deposit rates due to shrinking liquidity conditions in the market. Bank of India recently announced a rate hike on deposits for various maturities, including a special 500-day option. This decision reflects the growing cost of deposits in the banking system as demand for credit rises. Banking system liquidity has significantly decreased from its peak in early September.

The Centre is planning to restructure the minimum support price mechanism for minor forest produce. This change aims to provide periodic hikes to benefit tribal communities relying on forest produce. TERI has been tasked to study the current MSP framework and assess potential rationalization. Concerns regarding stagnant MSP rates sparking exploitation among forest-dependent communities have been raised in parliamentary discussions.

Thomas Markle, father of Meghan Markle, has reportedly entered a dementia care facility in Florida. This move has raised questions about his ability to engage with investigators concerning serious allegations. Claims of suspected child sexual abuse material linked to him have prompted investigations in multiple countries. Philippine authorities and the FBI are continuing inquiries into the accusations involving previously found materials.

The Supreme Court has authorized the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on specific dates. Firecrackers can only be burst within designated time limits on November 7 and 8. Certain areas, including hospitals and educational institutions, will be declared as 'No-Cracker Zones' to ensure safety. Manufacturers must comply with specific certifications to produce authorized firecrackers during this period. A complete ban on all firecrackers will resume after November 8.

Donald Trump's administration asked the US Supreme Court to temporarily block California from counting mail-in ballots from more than 20,000 registered voters who federal officials allege are likely non-US citizens.

Judges hearing appeals related to electoral rolls in West Bengal are expected to utilize digital signatures shortly. This change aims to resolve a prolonged standoff that prevented the processing of appeals. Retired Calcutta High Court judge Indrajit Chatterjee has resumed his work on appeals in Murshidabad. The Election Commission of India is considering relocating some tribunals closer to Kolkata.

Rahul Gandhi said he was ready for a debate on the issue. To Modi's accusation last Saturday that the Opposition had become an obstructionist force using social media as a weapon to spread rumours, Gandhi responded by alleging that foreign social media fully backs the prime minister.

Supreme Court Justice PS Narasimha recused himself from a case regarding the Memorandum of Procedure for judicial appointments. The plea, filed by NGO Lok Prahari, seeks to finalize the MoP as it has been pending since 2015. This procedure governs the appointment and transfer of judges to higher courts in India. The petition also calls for enhanced transparency in the selection process and access to Collegium meeting minutes.

Union home minister Amit Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for his allegations against the government regarding electoral integrity. Shah stated that the government is prepared to hold a special session of Parliament to address these issues. He accused Congress of obstructing efforts related to the SIR exercise that aims to remove illegal infiltrators from electoral rolls. Shah confidently claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would dominate the debate if it occurs.

The Supreme Court concluded the court-monitored investigation on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft case. This decision came after the Uttar Pradesh government submitted a charge sheet regarding the allegations. The case involved claims of cash misappropriation by individuals during the donation counting process. The Supreme Court allowed petitioners to assist in the trial court proceedings. The trial court has been directed to proceed according to legal protocols.

CRPF has marked a significant achievement by completing a year without any operational fatalities. This milestone was last observed almost five decades ago in January 1979. The force attributes this success to enhanced training, contemporary hardware, and strategic planning. Efficient post-incident response is also a key aspect of this accomplishment. CRPF continues to engage actively in major operational areas while maintaining this remarkable record.

The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth 53,866.50 crore for constructing next-generation corvettes with public shipyards. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited will build five corvettes while Goa Shipyard Limited will construct three. The ships are designed for multi-domain warfare, including anti-surface and anti-submarine operations. This project is expected to create significant employment opportunities in shipyards and ancillary industries over the next decade.

Binance has recently reported a major security breach impacting approximately $6.3 billion in digital assets. After the hack, the exchange temporarily suspended withdrawals while assessing their security systems. Hackers allegedly linked to North Korea have raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in cryptocurrency exchanges. Investigators are working to trace the stolen funds and recover as many assets as possible.

A power cut occurred in Washington DC on Monday. It impacted over 1,176 Pepco customers. George Washington University and other government buildings in the area faced the power cut due to a power outage at a substation. Smoke was also reported to come out of manholes. This happened just one day before the US midterm elections 2026.

A 20-year-old co-pilot, Nathalia Gadelha, was among nine people killed in the deadly Learjet Florida crash. Her mother has now recalled her haunting fear that flying would one day take her daughter away, while Nathalia's final text to her boyfriend, sent around 10 minutes before the crash, revealed that she was facing turbulence and ice.

Strategy purchased 811 BTC USD worth more than $65 million, its largest acquisition since late September, while Bitmine added $19 million in ETH USD. The buying came as the crypto industry faced renewed security concerns following the massive Binance hack, with Bitmine chairman Tom Lee arguing that the markets relatively muted reaction was very constructive.

A study involving 2,546 men has found different associations between protein sources and testosterone levels. While higher animal and dairy protein intake was linked to lower testosterone, men consuming more plant protein had higher average levels of the hormone. Researchers explain what the findings mean and why they do not prove that eating meat or drinking milk lowers testosterone.

Norton Motorcycles has announced a new 450 cc urban motorcycle set for launch in 2027. The motorcycle features a liquid-cooled engine and advanced connectivity options. It follows the introduction of four new-generation motorcycles presented at EICMA 2025. Additionally, Norton plans to expand its retail network internationally, including new entries in India and the United States.

India's central government anticipates a fiscal deficit exceeding budget estimates by Rs 1.2 lakh crore in 2026-27. This increase is primarily attributed to rising fertiliser, LPG, and petroleum subsidy expenses. Strong GST growth and disinvestment receipts may not offset the expected higher deficit. In addition, SBI Research recommends a revised long-term capital gains structure to generate additional revenue.

In a recent operation, the Maharashtra FDA suspended licenses of 19 food business operators for violations. They seized food articles worth over Rs 9 crore across multiple divisions in the state. This included significant amounts of Patanjali cow ghee found to be misbranded and adulterated. Further, the FDA registered FIRs, arrested several individuals, and sealed multiple establishments for serious hygiene issues.

Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, fondly remembers how landlord Mrs. Schneider assisted his family after his parents divorced. Struggling with financial hardships, his mother received crucial support from her, an act of kindness that Karp says left a lasting impression on his life. He later reciprocated this generosity by actively supporting the family's jewelry store, illustrating the profound impact of gratitude and help in tough times.

Jessica Alba stirred up a debate by donning a Nancy Kerrigan costume for Halloween, accentuated by a fake bloodied bandage on her knee, referencing a significant moment in sports history. Her friend Kelly Sawyer complemented the theme as Tonya Harding with a baseball bat. Initially uploaded on Instagram, the photos were soon deleted in response to backlash, raising questions about the sensitive portrayal of historical events in popular culture.

Scam 2010, the third instalment of Hansal Mehtas popular crime anthology, will explore the rise and controversies of Sahara Group founder Subrata Roy. Starring Siddharth Bodke in the lead role, the series is based on journalist Tamal Bandyopadhyays book Sahara: The Untold Story. After introducing audiences to Harshad Mehta and Abdul Karim Telgi in its previous seasons, the franchise is now turning to another major financial controversy.

Marico reported a significant expansion in gross margins due to a 35% decrease in copra prices. The company achieved a 27% year-on-year growth in consolidated EBITDA, indicating strong profitability. While Parachute volumes grew, revenue growth was limited primarily due to prior price reductions. Marico cautioned about ongoing inflation in crude-linked derivatives and vegetable oils impacting future margins.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has introduced new rules for telecom operators and internet providers to enhance complaint redressal. These providers will face penalties up to Rs 20 lakh if they fail to resolve consumer complaints quickly. The rules require complaint centres to operate 24 hours with human representatives available for assistance. Consumers will now have a shorter time frame of 15 days to appeal complaint resolutions.