The Economic Times

Gilt funds are back in focus among investors with interest rates rising and bond yields across the world moving up sharply. A look at what these developments mean for this debt fund category.WHAT ARE GILT FUNDS? Gilt funds are debt mutual funds that invest in government securities issued by the central and state governments. Long-duration gilt funds typically invest in government bonds with maturities of 10 years or more. Since these securities are backed by the government, the credit risk is ex

Sales of apparel, footwear, and cosnumer durables increased over 20% during the recent Navratri-Dussehra festive period. Car retail sales saw a slight increase of 2% despite last year's GST-driven rush. Appliance sales were particularly strong, with air conditioners experiencing a growth of more than 50%. However, smartphone and television sales faced challenges due to rising prices of memory chips.

The Indian government plans to hold promotional roadshows in international financial hubs to attract airport investors. Twelve airports are expected to be bundled into groups as part of this privatisation effort. The Airports Authority of India aims to explain the new bidding structure to prospective bidders effectively. International investors, including sovereign wealth funds and Indian conglomerates, are anticipated to participate in this bidding process.

In 2026, Indian films have shown significant growth in box office collections and audience turnout. Cumulative box office earnings rose 17% to 11,000 crore compared to the previous year. Successful films from various languages and genres have resonated well due to their authentic storytelling. Changing audience preferences are driving these successes as viewers seek diverse experiences. Industry experts predict further box office boosts from upcoming Hollywood and Hindi releases.

India's OTT market continues to grow with new platforms targeting niche demographics and unique content offerings. Recent launches include Tiger TV and Brew TV, aiming to attract Hindi, Punjabi, and independent filmmakers. These platforms face the challenge of low average revenue per user despite significant audience scale and revenue potential. Industry experts emphasize the need for sustainable revenue models amid fierce competition among over 50 players.

Welspun Corp is focusing on the US market by investing $300-350 million in two manufacturing plants. The company aims to benefit from increased oil and gas pipeline demand due to rising energy costs. One of its US plants has already been commissioned, while the second will be operational by year-end. Welspun also plans to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia and has future projects in Jordan.

Travel bookings are on the rise for the festive season, with significant demand reported by various companies. Average hotel rates are expected to spike substantially during this timeframe, particularly in popular destinations. As a result, Goa is projected to experience the largest increase in accommodation prices. International bookings are also surging, especially to destinations like Maldives and Thailand for the festive period.

Multiple packaged goods companies are increasing their advertising expenditures to maintain consumer demand amid rising inflation. Nestle India reported a significant rise in ad spending during the September quarter to enhance brand trust. Regulatory scrutiny from the FSSAI has prompted brands to emphasize safety and integrity in their advertising. Influencer-led marketing efforts are expected to grow significantly during the upcoming festive season.

The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) is yet to decide on fresh registration applications from BARC and TAM India, a joint venture between Nielsen and Kantar Media. Key concerns include BARC's ownership structure, progress on cross-media measurement and the absence of an updated Broadcast India study, according to people familiar with the matter.

There are forces who have probably been assigned the task of ensuring that Marco Rubio doesn't overhear this during the next few days he's here in India. But India is a big and loud place, and this corner column only mirrors it. So, consider our duty to put on record a new idiomatic phrase in English that has gained traction over the last few months: 'As slow as an India-US trade deal'.Those familiar with formulations such as 'watching paint dry' and 'waiting for Godot' may already know what we'

Drought conditions have caused a significant decrease in maize supply, leading to competition among industries for access. Poultry producers, starch manufacturers, and ethanol plants are all vying for limited maize resources, exacerbating the situation. As maize prices continue to rise, the poultry industry has expressed concerns about potential feed shortages. Industry bodies have urged the government to prioritize maize for food production over fuel use.

State-run banks are preparing to launch three financial products aimed at youth, covering savings, investments, insurance, and loans. These new offerings will be introduced before Diwali, in response to directives from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. A shared portal with interactive features is also being developed to engage young citizens effectively. The initiative aims to promote responsible financial behavior and awareness among the youth.

Socrates quote, The greatest way to live with honour in this world is to be what we pretend to be, highlights the importance of honesty, integrity and character. The ancient Greek philosophers words suggest that people should strive to develop the qualities they want others to see in them, rather than rely on appearances or reputation. The quote also reflects his emphasis on self-examination and living by one's values.

Zach Creggers Resident Evilreboot brings a new story of survival, a deadly virus outbreak, zombies and terrifying creatures to the popular horror franchise based on Capcoms video games. Starring Austin Abrams, the film follows a medical courier whose routine delivery to Raccoon City turns into a fight for survival. With the film having arrived in theatres, horror fans are now waiting to find out when they can watch it at home.

An Alabama farmer quietly donated $100 every month for nearly a decade to help people who could not afford their medicines. Hody Childress, an Air Force veteran, kept his contributions secret and asked the local pharmacist not to reveal his identity or tell him who received the money. After his death at 80, his daughter revealed the story, bringing to light the extent of his generosity and the people his donations had helped.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has introduced new disclosure requirements for taxpayers claiming exemptions. Taxpayers will need to provide detailed information on government securities to qualify for these exemptions. Newly inserted Form 173A will require specific data, including securities value and interest earned. Taxpayers are asked to confirm the accuracy of the information they submit. This change aims to enhance transparency and compliance under the Income-Tax Act.

After spending decades abroad in the Gulf, Rajan Mathew returned to his roots in Kerala and embarked on a new venture: lemon farming. He transformed his family's rubber tree plantation into a vibrant lemon orchard featuring different varieties. As the pandemic fueled local demand, he began selling directly to consumers, illustrating a growing trend among Kerala farmers who are pivoting to alternative crops for improved economic viability.

Accenture has secured over 5.84 lakh square feet of office space in Navi Mumbai. This includes fresh leasing, expansion, and renewal of existing spaces spanning ten years. The new offices are expected to house around 10,000 employees engaged in various functions. Mindspace Airoli is becoming a preferred location for multinational companies due to its connectivity and lower costs.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is encouraging Reliance Industries to process more Venezuelan crude. His visit includes discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and plans for a refinery in Texas. The focus on Venezuelan oil aims at expanding reliance on alternative sources amidst geopolitical tensions. Washington is keen on tapping into Indian refining capacities for its energy strategies.

Tim Cook succeeded Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple, following Jobs' advice to create his own leadership style. Jobs emphasised the importance of independent decision-making in order to continue Apple's legacy. Under Cook's leadership, Apple expanded its services and maintained operational discipline while facing new challenges in technology. Cook's tenure is marked by collaboration and innovation, steering the company toward future growth.

Weather updates, October 21: The IMD has forecast rain across several Indian states and Union Territories from October 20 to 26, with isolated very heavy rainfall likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from October 20 to 22. Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also likely to receive heavy rain. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected in several regions.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. He paid tribute to the 166 victims of the 26/11 terror attacks during a wreath-laying ceremony. Rubio was briefed by the hotel's security head, Sunil Kudyadi, who survived the attack. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the enduring partnership between the US and India in combating terrorism.

On the second day of the Asian Para Games, Indian para athletes won five gold medals among 14 total medals. Nishad Kumar secured two golds, while Deepthi Jeevanji also claimed gold in the women's 400m T20 event. Simran set a new Games record to earn her first gold medal in women's 200m T12. In men's discus throw combined events, Pranav Soorma and Ram Ratan Singh achieved gold and silver respectively.

The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake triggered a massive landslide that blocked China's Tongkou River, creating the unstable Tangjiashan lake and threatening millions downstream. Authorities evacuated residents and airlifted heavy machinery to carve a controlled drainage channel through the natural dam. The operation averted a catastrophic flood and informed landslide-dam management strategies later applied during China's 2018 Baige landslide crisis.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels recently targeted a residential area in Taiz, killing two teenage girls and wounding others. The siege on Taiz has resulted in severe humanitarian risks and soaring prices for basic necessities. A missile strike on a military camp the previous day reportedly led to at least 73 deaths, marking a significant resurgence in conflict. Meanwhile, Britain announced expanded military support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Houthi attacks.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties continues to impact their relationship with the British monarchy. Recent reports suggest they never accepted Queen Elizabeth IIs ruling on their roles. The couple's initial proposal for a half-in, half-out arrangement was ultimately rejected by the Palace. While Harry remains a part of the royal family, he no longer performs official duties.

Michelle Obamas quote, Being President doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are, came during her 2012 Democratic National Convention speech in support of Barack Obamas re-election campaign. She spoke about their early financial struggles, the values they learnt from their families and her husbands approach to success.

India and the US are actively working to expand energy and defence cooperation amidst existing tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized India's potential as a crude oil refining superpower. Discussions included increasing energy trade and promoting the purchase of American technologies for mutual benefit. Rubio also plans to visit Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar Refinery to discuss energy security.

Gregor Corse, a 5-year-old boy from Scotlands Orkney Islands, has raised more than $106,000 for a local charity by completing a 30-day walking challenge despite an undiagnosed neurological condition affecting his balance and motor skills. His efforts earned him the Youngest Fundraiser of the Year award at the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards.

A.P. Moller - Maersk will drydock the Maersk Chattogram at L&T Shipbuilding's Kattupalli Shipyard in October 2026. This marks a significant operational milestone from the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025. The drydocking process will include a special survey and maintenance work for various systems. It is crucial for the vessel's safety and performance for the next five years.

Netflixs All Of Us Are Dead is gearing up for its long-awaited second season after the Korean zombie thriller became a global hit in 2022. The upcoming instalment will bring back familiar faces, introduce new characters and explore unanswered questions from the first season, including the fate of Lee Cheong-san.

IndusInd General Insurance has appointed Sharad Mathur as its new Managing Director and CEO. Mathur brings three decades of experience in the insurance and financial services industry to the company. He previously led Universal Sompo General Insurance for over six years, focusing on transformation and distribution growth. At IndusInd, he will concentrate on customer centricity and digital innovation for future growth.

An Air India Express flight from Bhogapuram to Bengaluru reported a bird strike during its journey. The flight, which was carrying 148 passengers, landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported among any passengers or crew members. Following the incident, technical teams inspected the aircraft as part of standard safety procedures.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh took to social media to unveil the name of their second daughter, Devi Padukone Singh, amid the festivities of Dussehra, a time commemorating the triumph of good over evil. Their first daughter, Dua, named for prayer, pairs beautifully with her sibling's moniker, reflecting their reverence for cultural significance. To mark this occasion, the couple shared a heartwarming family photo exuding warmth and togetherness.

Harsha Gopal Kadam, CEO of Schaeffler India, was taken into custody on October 19 for investigation. This relates to a factory accident that occurred on June 9, resulting in two worker deaths. The deaths happened due to a sudden discharge of carbon dioxide during a cylinder replacement. Schaeffler India stated that it has cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation process.

Jio Platforms is preparing for its IPO while focusing on debt reduction and bolstering the balance sheet. The company plans to enhance customer engagement and revenue through digital service expansion and 5G monetization strategies. Jio is also exploring satellite connectivity opportunities to ensure broad access to digital services in India and beyond. Investment in technology and operational efficiencies remains a priority for sustainable growth.

Indigenous communities play a vital role in forest protection, yet they often face funding challenges. The Ford Foundation exceeded its funding target, committing over $158 million to support these communities. This funding aims to enhance land rights and support local governance while protecting their territories. The foundation has pledged an additional $72 million for the coming years, focusing on diverse ecosystems.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have revealed the name of their second daughter, Devi Padukone Singh, on Dussehra. The Bollywood couple shared a family photograph featuring their younger daughter and elder child, Dua, in a heartwarming moment. The announcement comes after the actors welcomed their second baby girl on September 19.

Sunny Leone has bought a white Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in Texas, calling it mamas beast in an Instagram video. Known for its off-roading capabilities, the SUV features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive system. What made her pick this vehicle and how much would it cost to buy one in India?

Constipation often leads to severe discomfort and bloating, disrupting daily life and overall wellness. Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi recommends incorporating kiwi and prunes into your diet to promote easier bowel movements and reduce bloating. It's important to gradually increase fibre intake and stay hydrated for optimal digestive health. A daily walk can enhance intestinal movement, and proper toilet positioning may facilitate bowel movements.

After years of changing circumstances, Amy Fletcher and her husband finally fulfilled their teenage dream of owning a house they admired. Their journey began with a heartfelt handwritten inquiry about the property, which opened doors to new possibilities. Despite facing financial hurdles to sell their old home, they persevered and, by October 2024, were handed the keys to their new abode, ready to embark on renovation adventures.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations for a trade deal with India are approaching completion. He highlighted discussions with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar about energy security and defense cooperation. While tensions over tariffs and energy continue to challenge negotiations, both countries aim to deepen their economic ties. Rubios visit to India includes a tour of the Reliance Industries refinery and meetings with business leaders.

In a strategic move to streamline hospital cash flow, HealthRail is offering expedited access to accrued revenues. This initiative specifically addresses the payment delays that hospitals experience with insurance providers and public funding programs. By lowering days sales outstanding for qualifying receivables, this system aims to substantially bolster hospitals' liquidity.

Prestige Estates Projects Ltd plans to introduce new residential developments valued at Rs 40,000 crore in the latter half of this fiscal year. The company experienced a remarkable 76 percent rise in sales bookings last year, totaling Rs 30,024 crore. For the current fiscal year, it aims for sales bookings between Rs 35,000 and Rs 36,000 crore.