National / The Times of India
The NDA is set to unveil its election manifesto, prioritizing job creation in IT, semiconductors, and MSMEs, offering a distinct alternative to the opposition's focus on government jobs. This strategy aims to leverage local talent and address migration concerns by fostering private sector growth, acknowledging Bihar's current limitations in attracting large manufacturing units.
Bihar's political landscape was shaken as Dularchand Yadav, a former associate of Lalu Prasad, was fatally shot during an election clash in Mokama Tal. The incident, involving supporters of rival strongmen Anant Singh and Jan Suraaj candidate Priyadarshi Piyush, marks a grim turn in the otherwise peaceful campaign. Authorities are investigating the violent confrontation.
Attacks Cong, RJD for skipping ayodhya event
The National Highways Authority of India has simplified the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for FASTags, removing the need for side vehicle photographs. Users can now upload only a front picture of their number plate and FASTag.
A Mohali court acquitted Amandeep Kaur of murder charges after nearly five years in jail, stating the prosecution failed to establish motive or prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The court suggested the seven-year-old boy may have died accidentally, emphasizing that suspicion alone cannot replace concrete proof.
A Gujarat High Court has granted extended parole to a couple convicted of murder, allowing them to undergo IVF treatment. Jayendra Damor and Sejal Bariya, serving life sentences for a 2010 killing, received a rare judicial allowance to pursue parenthood while incarcerated. The court emphasized their surrender after the parole period concludes.
Tech firms and AI platforms are significantly increasing hiring, with AI-focused roles now leading new job openings. Companies are prioritizing professionals skilled in data architecture, machine learning, and generative AI as they accelerate AI adoption. India's vast technical talent pool and adaptability make it a crucial hub for global AI development and innovation.
India's statistics ministry is set to overhaul the housing index compilation for the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Rent data will now be collected monthly, and the index will cover both rural and urban areas. The move aims to create a more accurate reflection of housing costs by excluding government accommodations and focusing on actual rental market transactions.
The government is nearing a bilateral trade deal with the US and plans to announce the Export Promotion Mission soon. Exporters sought relief from US tariffs and liquidity issues, with discussions planned with RBI and banks. Concerns were also raised about Quality Control Orders, which the minister defended.
Investment and research advisors can now share past performance data with clients, verified by chartered accountants, until a new agency is fully operational. This interim relief allows them to attract new business by showcasing historical results. However, this data will be shared one-on-one and not publicly.
TCS is investing $6.5 billion in AI data centers, aiming to become the world's largest AI-led services company. This move, funded by equity and debt, signals a push for capability building and preventing tech colonization. India's data center capacity is set to surge, attracting significant private capital as demand for digital infrastructure intensifies.
A taxpayer successfully challenged the tax department's decision to treat a large cash deposit as presumptive business income. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled that the Assessing Officer exceeded his jurisdiction by expanding a limited scrutiny case without proper approval, reinforcing taxpayer rights.
US mortgage rates have reached their lowest point in over a year, with the 30-year fixed rate dropping to 6.17%. This offers some relief to the housing market, which has been sluggish since rates rose above 6% in September 2022. While the Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark rate, future reductions remain uncertain, potentially impacting borrowing costs.
A tense hostage situation in Mumbai's Powai concluded with police shooting Rohit Arya, who held 17 children and two adults captive. Arya, claiming he only wanted a conversation, was shot after allegedly attempting to harm the children with an air gun. He later died in hospital. Police successfully rescued all hostages.
Sebi has issued new guidelines for stock exchanges to revise eligibility and composition criteria for derivatives on non-benchmark indices like Bankex, FinNifty, and BankNifty. These adjustments, aimed at enhancing market efficiency and investor opportunities, will be implemented in phases by December 2025 and March 2026, with new rules on constituent stock numbers and weightings.
Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others allegedly conspired for a egime change operation during the 2020 riots. The police claimed evidence shows a deep-rooted plan to destabilize the nation, aiming for armed rebellion and international attention during Donald Trump's visit, warranting jail, not bail.
The rupee depreciated by 47 paise to 88.69 against the US dollar on Thursday, influenced by a stronger greenback, weak domestic equities, and hawkish US Federal Reserve commentary. Month-end dollar demand from oil companies and foreign fund outflows further pressured the local unit, though falling crude prices may offer some support.
US sanctions on Russia's Rosneft and Lukoil are unlikely to halt Indian and Chinese crude purchases, though short-term disruptions are anticipated. While buyers reassess risk, direct purchases by non-US entities remain legally permissible, suggesting major export disruptions are improbable.
US markets saw mixed results as Big Tech earnings presented both positive and negative signals, while renewed optimism around US-China trade ties emerged. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained, but the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite experienced slight declines. Investors are also reacting to Federal Reserve caution on interest rates.
The Supreme Court has ruled that only a registered sale deed can transfer property ownership, not an unproven Will or GPA. This decision settled a decades-old family dispute, clarifying that informal documents cannot confer title. The court emphasized that a sale is valid only for the seller's lawful share, protecting other heirs' rights.
The European Central Bank has maintained its interest rates at 2%, citing an uncertain economic outlook due to global trade disputes and geopolitical tensions. While inflation is near its target, policymakers are divided on future rate cuts. Concerns about a strong euro and slowing wage growth are also present, with some economists predicting a return to rate cuts in 2026.
Online brokerage Groww is poised for a significant IPO in 2025, with a potential valuation of $8 billion. The issue, opening November 4, includes a fresh equity sale and an offer for sale by early investors. Strong earnings recovery and a diversified portfolio beyond broking position Groww for success, potentially boosting investor sentiment for Indian fintechs.
IIT-Kanpur director Manindra Agrawal clarified that cloud seeding is a short-term emergency tool for severe pollution, posing no threat to humans or the environment. The process uses minute, safe quantities of chemicals like common salt and silver iodide. While recent Delhi trials yielded no rain, they provided crucial data for future improvements, with operations paused due to unfavorable cloud moisture.
Uddhav Thackeray faces a show cause notice from the Koregaon Bhima inquiry commission for not responding to a plea seeking documents. Prakash Ambedkar's application requested Thackeray to produce papers submitted by Sharad Pawar, which reportedly blamed right-wing groups for the 2018 violence. The commission warned of further action if Thackeray fails to appear.
Red Chillies Entertainment argues that IRS officer Sameer Wankhede's defamation suit against its Netflix series The Bads of Bollywood is misconceived. The production house stated the show is situational satire, does not name Wankhede, and that his reputation was already damaged by a CBI FIR prior to its release.
Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. He will formally take oath on November 24, succeeding Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai, and will become the first top justice from Haryana.
Indian companies have secured licenses to import rare earth magnets from China, following US-China trade talks. The agreement aims to de-escalate the trade war, with Washington reducing tariffs and Beijing ensuring critical rare earth supplies. This development is being closely monitored for its impact on India's domain.
New banking regulations starting November 1, 2025, will allow up to four nominees for bank accounts and safety lockers. SBI Card is also updating its fee structure for education payments and wallet reloads. Additionally, PNB is reducing locker rent, and government pensioners have extended deadlines for life certificate submissions and NPS transitions.
India's gold demand saw a 16% dip in Q3 2025, with record prices curbing jewellery sales despite a 20% surge in investment buying. Jewellery demand fell 31% by volume, yet its value held steady. This shift highlights a growing preference for gold as a long-term asset, with early signs of recovery expected for the festive season.
China will temporarily suspend its rare earth export restrictions for one year, easing trade tensions with the US. This reciprocal move follows trade discussions and includes the US suspending its Entity List restrictions and cutting tariffs on certain Chinese goods. Both nations also agreed to pause countermeasures on each other's vessels and work towards resolving outstanding issues like TikTok.
Adani Power reported a 12% year-on-year decline in net profit to Rs 2,906 crore for the September quarter, primarily due to higher expenses. Despite this, total income saw a slight increase, supported by higher power sales. The company is actively pursuing capacity expansion, aiming for 42 GW by FY 2031-32, and has secured new long-term power purchase agreements.
Banks across India will observe multiple holidays in November 2025, impacting physical operations due to various national, regional, and cultural festivals. While digital services remain active, customers are advised to consult the RBI's state-specific holiday list for in-person banking plans. Key observances include Kannada Rajyothsava, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and Meghalaya's Wangala Festival.
India and the US are continuing discussions to finalize a trade deal, with US President Trump hinting at an imminent agreement. The proposed deal reportedly includes reducing US tariffs on Indian exports and India decreasing Russian oil imports while increasing energy purchases from the US.
The US has granted India a six-month exemption from sanctions on the Chabahar port, a significant diplomatic achievement amidst ongoing trade deal negotiations. This development allows India to continue its investments and strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. India is also analysing the implications of US sanctions on Russian oil companies, prioritising energy security for its population.

 22    C
 
						22    C