The Economic Times

Over 7,300 buyers participated in the 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair held from October 13 to 17. Business enquiries at the fair totaled Rs 3,600 crore, demonstrating strong international interest. Buyers from 105 countries, including the US, UK, and Germany, were present. Many brands indicated a significant shift toward sourcing more products from Indian manufacturers. India's handicraft exports reached $3.75 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26.

More US universities could come under investigation for potential J-1 visa fraud, US Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D'Esposito said. He also said that subpoenas had been served and investigations were already underway.Nine universities under investigation for potential J-1 visa fraudmore to come. Companies suspended. Warrants executed. Subpoenas issued. American first. Just getting started, D'Esposito said in a post on X.— USLaborIG (@USLaborIG) Earlier, last Thursday, US Vi

A cargo vessels sinking in the Strait of Hormuz has left questions over maritime safety after Iranian fishermen recovered goods from the surrounding waters. All 21 crew members of the GFS Pride escaped, but competing explanations for the incident, including a mine or a possible missile or drone strike, remain unconfirmed.

Elon Musks Tesla Roadster has showcased stunts that seem to defy the laws of physics, from lifting off the ground to driving upside down. But the technology behind these moves is very different from what powers an ordinary electric car. Heres how its rocket thrusters and suction system work, what makes its performance claims unusual, and whether buyers will be able to get their hands on this futuristic vehicle.

Recently, a captivating tarot reading predicting Anirudh Ravichander's future wife's profile has resurfaced on social media. This intriguing reading hints at her educational and professional journey. Amid rumors of their wedding plans, including a reception invitation and a possible ceremony in Greece, discussions about their relationship have been ongoing since 2025, although Anirudh has previously quashed marriage speculation.

Trained apprentices at Bokaro Steel Plant have blocked all 11 factory gates as part of their protest. This ongoing agitation, which entered its eighth day, includes an indefinite hunger strike. Protesters, mainly from displaced families, demand regularisation of their jobs and a clear recruitment policy. BSL management claims 204 of the 950 apprentices are already engaged as contractual workers.

The waiver of sanctions under the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act provides relief for India's energy security. Experts believe that continued access to Russian crude will support economic growth and ease inflationary pressures. While the waiver offers temporary relief, uncertainty remains regarding future contracts and investments. Trade organizations express hope for improving bilateral trade relations and advancing discussions between India and the US.

Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences in Tumakuru has signed an MoU with Vaxonyx LLC for collaboration. This partnership aims to focus on AI-enabled bioinformatics and genomic research tailored for Indian populations. They will develop personalized cancer therapies by analyzing individual tumor profiles. The collaboration will also explore the creation of genomic datasets to improve genetic models. Moreover, they intend to develop DNA-based vaccine candidates for relevant public health issues.

ixigo has reported substantial growth in its hotel business, surpassing 5,000 room nights booked daily. The company is aiming to become a leading player in the mid-market hotel segment over the next few years. ixigo's revenue from hotel bookings has seen impressive year-on-year growth, primarily from its own user base. International flight bookings also showed significant growth, as domestic fares remained high.

ICICI Bank reported a 20% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to 14,843 crore, supported by an 18% increase in net interest income. However, net interest margin narrowed to 4.18% from 4.36% in the previous quarter, with the bank expecting further pressure in Q3 due to foreign currency non-resident bank (FCNR-B) deposit mobilisation and branch expansion costs.

Axis Bank's digital payments platform Freecharge has received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The approval allows Freecharge to operate under PA-O1 and PA-P1 categories starting in FY27. The bank has reported a 34% year-on-year growth in UPI transaction value for July-September. Digital transactions represented 98% of the total financial transactions during this quarter. Axis Bank continues to expand its digital payments operations, reflecting ongoing investment in technolo

Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, left behind a significant philanthropic legacy. The Imagination Library, launched in 1995, has gifted over 325 million books to young children. This initiative started from her own father's literacy challenges and aimed to improve access to books. Furthermore, Parton contributed to healthcare and disaster relief, reflecting her commitment to service. Her work continues to influence children's literacy and community support.

HDFC Bank CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan, who will step down on October 26 after deciding against seeking a second reappointment, expressed confidence in the lenders resilience and growth prospects. He said the bank had overcome regulatory restrictions, the Covid-19 pandemic, a complex merger and monetary tightening, adding that governance issues had been settled.

Kaizad Bharucha has submitted his resignation as deputy managing director of HDFC Bank, effective December 31, 2026. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of India's approval for Anup Bagchi to become the new managing director. Bharucha has served as a whole-time director since June 2014 and would have exceeded the 15-year tenure limit by June 2029. His departure marks a significant leadership change at Indias largest private-sector lender.

Central Bank of India reported a 21% increase in net profit amounting to Rs 1469 crore for September 2026. Net interest income grew by 26% to Rs 4146 crore, reflecting strong loan growth. Total advances rose by 30% to Rs 3.81 lakh crore, driven by retail, agriculture and MSME sectors. Despite a drop in other income, asset quality improved with net NPA decreasing to 0.31%.

Chief Economic Adviser Anantha Nageswaran raised concerns over the financial risks linked to artificial intelligence. He stated that finance ministries, central banks, and households could face costs from misplaced optimism. Even if AI expectations are met, these entities may still incur expenses. Nageswaran intends to outline five specific risks regarding this issue. He plans to suggest potential government actions to mitigate these risks in future discussions.

Yami Gautam Dhars latest horror comedy brings together family drama, supernatural mysteries and humour in an unusual story set in Meerut. Released in theatres on October 16, 2026, Nayyi Navelli follows a newly married woman whose brother-in-law begins suspecting her of being a witch. As strange incidents unfold, an ancient mystery takes the story in an unexpected direction.

The FSSAI has drafted an amendment to restrict the use of sucrose and fructose in infant food products aimed at infants below six months. This initiative is designed to elevate nutritional standards and minimize sugar intake in early childhood, directly relating to public health concerns like rising childhood obesity. Feedback from stakeholders is welcomed during the consultation period to discuss this impactful proposal.

Yash Fans is investing 152.74 crore to establish the first consumer electronics manufacturing plant in Chhattisgarh. The new facility will create approximately 3,500 jobs for local residents, supporting families across the state. This plant will manufacture products for notable brands like Crompton and Havells, enhancing local industry. The Chief Minister emphasized the government's dedication to job creation and industrial development.

The iconic SS United States is on the verge of transformation as plans to sink her and create an artificial reef in the Gulf advance. With a budget of $10.1 million, this initiative aims to boost marine habitats and draw in diving enthusiasts. Preparatory stages include the careful removal of toxins from the ship, with officials emphasizing compliance with environmental safety protocols.

Apples first foldable iPhone has seen a strong early response in India, with pre-orders selling out within an hour and estimated delivery dates for new orders moving to January 2027. Priced at Rs 2,99,900, the iPhone Duo has also witnessed a surge in demand in the US, where initial stock reportedly sold out in 15 minutes. Heres a look at its pricing, specifications and what the early response suggests about demand for Apples most expensive iPhone yet.

Tesla has started taking reservations for its new Roadster in India, with production set to begin in 2028. The Roadster will feature a design inspired by advanced aircraft and aim to surpass the performance of Plaid models. Additionally, the Model Y L, a six-seater SUV, now includes a complimentary Acceleration Boost upgrade. Tesla continues to expand its charging network, with new Supercharger and Destination Charger installations planned.

IDBI Bank reported a 39% year-on-year decline in Q2 FY27 net profit to Rs 2,205 crore, mainly due to the absence of a one-time Rs 1,699 crore gain from the NSDL stake sale in the year-ago quarter. Excluding that gain, net profit would have risen 14%.

DLF has entered into a collaboration to acquire an additional 7.48 acres of land in Gurugram. This addition will increase its total development potential to 36 acres. The new land is contiguous to a previously acquired 28.5-acre parcel. DLF plans to launch projects in both Gurugram and Mumbai within the upcoming quarters. Their recent sales in Gurugram generated significant revenue, reflecting strong market demand.

Set to premiere on October 30, 2026, Akka explores a fictional matriarchal society. The teaser features women defending their territory against an outsider's threat to their power. Keerthy Suresh plays Bhavani, while Radhika Apte portrays Rudra, whose arrival disrupts their established order. The series is directed by debutant Dharmaraj Shetty and produced by Yash Raj Films. Read on!

DLF Ltd focuses on generating strong pre-sales of luxury homes and increasing rental income from commercial properties. The company expects significant revenue growth as housing projects launched post-COVID complete over the coming years. DLF's recent performance reflects brand strength and disciplined execution, despite a decline in sales bookings. The company has achieved a positive net cash position, even after significant dividend outflows.

CareEdge Chief Economist Raj Sinha said the US decision to waive sanctions provisions that could have led to tariffs of up to 100% on India offers economic relief, but New Delhi must remain cautious and pursue a comprehensive trade deal with Washington.

Nana Patekar passed away at 75. His estranged wife Neelkanthi Patekar attended the funeral and it sparked a discussion online. Their son Malhar Patekar broke the silence and recently opened up about their strong emotional bond despite living separately for decades.

Shah Rukh Khan fans could have two reasons to celebrate in November, with Kings teaser reportedly scheduled for the actors birthday on November 2, 2026. According to Deccan Chronicle, a promotional video for Siddharth Anands action thriller may also play in theatres alongside Ranbir Kapoors Ramayana. King features Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and several other prominent actors.

With a fresh sanctions waiver from the US, India is poised to sustain its current levels of Russian crude imports, having now surpassed China as the leading importer. The country's strategic embrace of discounted Russian oil has transformed its energy cost framework and prompted a rethink of crude sourcing tactics. Analysts anticipate that this trend will have lasting effects on India's import profile and overall economic dynamics.

In a collective effort in 2018, over 6,000 volunteers joined the BashTheBug project, focusing on tuberculosis bacteria images. Utilizing the Zooniverse platform, they gathered crucial data on antibiotic resistance through crowd-sourced analysis. Participants meticulously assessed photographs to evaluate bacterial growth under varying antibiotic conditions. Remarkably, their findings resonated with those of seasoned experts, reinforcing the integrity of the evaluations.

The Centre has declared 18,093 villages Adarsh Grams under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), while 785 student hostels have been completed, the Social Justice Ministry said. The scheme supports infrastructure development, livelihoods and educational access for Scheduled Caste communities, with Rs 1,730 crore released to states between 2021-22 and 2025-26.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau finalized the investigation into the crash of a Learjet in Mumbai. Key factors included crew errors, adverse weather, and a commitment to land before restricted hours. The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during a landing attempt, resulting in an off-runway crash. All eight occupants were injured but evacuated successfully, and a fire was extinguished by emergency crews.

Anirudh Ravichander is set to wed Sun Group heiress Kavya Maran, and preparations are in full swing for the joyous celebrations. A glimpse into his Chennai abode reveals a home filled with cherished memories and family ties, housing a dedicated space for a memory wall and a state-of-the-art home theatre. Read on!

In the beginning it was 500%, then it came down to 100% and then, a waiver. This is how the tariff threat has evolved from an ambitious proposal into a more flexible instrument of policy for Trump and US. For India, the immediate danger has receded. But with US retaining the power to reinstate the measures, the waiver offers relief rather than a lasting resolution.

Apple says demand for its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, has been extraordinary after delivery estimates stretched to late January within minutes of pre-orders opening. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts see scope for sales to exceed earlier forecasts, while the device could raise Apple's average selling price by attracting premium iPhone users.

Anirudh Ravichander has worked on four films with his uncle, superstar Rajinikanth: Petta, Darbar, Jailer and Jailer 2. Speaking to Film Companion, the composer revealed how they keep their family bond separate from professional commitments, saying they have to do their job right regardless of who is involved. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran and Anirudh are reportedly preparing for their wedding reception in Chennai on November 21.

Indias rising temperatures and growing AC adoption: The country's AC market is predicted to grow significantly in the coming years due to rising temperatures and urbanization. A recent survey indicates that air conditioners are an essential part of household electricity consumption. Many consumers are prioritizing energy efficiency when purchasing air conditioning units to reduce their electricity bills. Companies are responding by introducing advanced technology and enhancing energy-saving feat

Several new films and series have been released on streaming platforms this week. The releases include a Marvel Cinematic Universe offering that completes an unlikely trilogy, a sequel to a beloved show from last year, and the story of a forgotten legendary mouintaneer who scripted history decades back. Here are the five best films and shows currently available on streaming services in the US.

Fairfax Financial Holdings $5.6 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in IDBI Bank is significant not just for being the biggest foreign investment in Indias banking sector, but also because the transaction was handled without the involvement of major investment banks. Fairfax and IDBI Bank did not launch a formal process to appoint financial advisers, while KPMG advised the government on the sale and two professional agencies helped determine the governments fair valuation.