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New labour codes, effective November 21, are projected to inject Rs 75,000 crore into consumption and boost the formal workforce by 15%. Social security coverage is expected to reach 85% within three years, potentially reducing unemployment by 1.3%. This reform aims to create a protected and productive labour market for both workers and businesses.

Seven states have imposed penalties totaling around Rs 129 crore against contractors and officials for irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme, following Prime Minister Modi's directive for zero tolerance. Gujarat leads with Rs 120 crore in penalties, with Rs 13 crore recovered so far. The government has taken action in 607 cases across 20 states and UTs.

Over 200 Vande Bharat sleeper trains are expected to be rolled out in the coming years as Indian Railways looks to revamp long-distance train travel. What trains can passengers look forward to in the coming years? What will be the features of these trains and rollout timelines? We explore:

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned China's detention of an Arunachal Pradesh woman in Shanghai, calling it a violation of international norms and Indian sovereignty. Beijing's refusal to accept her Indian passport, citing its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, has sparked outrage.

US consumer confidence fell in November to its second-lowest reading since April, driven by concerns over elevated prices, sluggish job gains, and the prolonged government shutdown. The Conference Board reported a drop in its index, with independents showing a particularly sharp decline.

India's merchandise exports have rebounded into positive territory by November 21, following a sharp decline in October. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted steady improvement in the export trajectory, with sectors like seafood showing healthy growth. Discussions are also underway to enhance the competitiveness of Special Economic Zones.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed full confidence in India's security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both nations working to reschedule Netanyahu's postponed visit. The statement follows a car blast in Delhi, prompting Netanyahu to emphasize the shared spirit of both countries in confronting terrorism.

US stocks saw a mixed performance Tuesday, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones edging higher while the Nasdaq dipped. Softer retail sales and producer price data fueled hopes for a December Fed rate cut. Strong retail earnings from Abercrombie & Fitch and Kohl's boosted consumer stocks, though chipmakers faced pressure.

American shoppers spent less in September. Retail sales saw a small increase. Consumers faced higher prices. Businesses also dealt with rising costs. Producer prices went up, especially for energy and food. This comes as tariffs impact the economy. Government data was delayed by a shutdown. Full October reports were cancelled.

China denied harassing an Indian woman at Shanghai airport, stating border checks were lawful. The woman's passport was flagged due to Arunachal Pradesh being listed as her birthplace. India lodged a strong protest, asserting Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral part of India.

India's Left faces an introspective period marked by declining vote shares and ideological confusion, evident in West Bengal and Tripura. While Kerala remains a stronghold, it too faces challenges, prompting questions about the party's ability to adapt and reinvent itself amidst shifting political landscapes and strategic alliances.

Twenty-eight Naxalites, including 19 women and 22 cadres with rewards totaling Rs 89 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district. Driven by development initiatives and rehabilitation policies, the surrender reflects a shift away from Maoist ideology. This follows over 512 cadres joining the mainstream in Bastar over the last 50 days.

India is close to signing defense deals worth $450 million for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. These advanced weapons impressed friendly nations after their precise strikes during a recent conflict. The missiles are also being integrated into the Indian Navy and Air Force. This development highlights India's growing defense capabilities and interest from global buyers.

Bitcoin's recent steep fall, marked by a $1 trillion market wipeout, is attributed to five key factors identified by Deutsche Bank. These include a broader risk-off sentiment mirroring tech stocks, hawkish Fed signals, stalled regulatory clarity, institutional pullback after liquidations, and long-term holders cashing in, creating a liquidity shock.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar described the CM change issue as a secret deal among a few party leaders, stating he wouldn't discuss it publicly to avoid embarrassing the organization. He emphasized the importance of party unity and conscience. Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also stressed that leadership changes are not for public discussion.

AI-created deceptions behind financial, political and personal scams are escalating in India. Experts explain how we need to stay ahead of the curve on detection, and why govt should implement effective laws

Alibaba's September quarter saw a revenue surge, exceeding expectations, driven by its popular new AI app, Qwen, which garnered over 10 million downloads in its first week. Despite a dip in net profit due to heavy AI investments, the company's cloud computing revenue also jumped significantly, highlighting its strong push into artificial intelligence and infrastructure.

A senior IAS officer in Madhya Pradesh faces backlash after a viral video showed him linking reservation continuation to inter-caste marriage. The All India Brahmin Society condemned the remarks as indecent and casteist, demanding an FIR and disciplinary action. The officer later clarified his statement was taken out of context, expressing regret if sentiments were hurt.

The commerce ministry is mapping global non-tariff measures to boost export quality and technical compliance. The DGFT is compiling a database of regulatory requirements, urging exporters to submit information within seven days. This initiative aims to support the Export Promotion Mission and address challenges posed by NTMs, which can increase costs and cause shipment delays.

Air India is undertaking a significant fleet and cabin refresh, aiming to restore passenger confidence following a tragic June crash. Visible improvements across aircraft, including upgraded seats and interiors, will begin rolling out from 2026, with a focus on international flights. New lounges are also planned in key global cities.

India faces tighter finances as tax cuts reduce revenue. Moody's Ratings notes this limits government economic support. Lower tax collections are impacting fiscal goals. Easing inflation and monetary policy are expected to boost household spending. Domestic demand and infrastructure spending remain key growth drivers for India's economy.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expressed affection for Bangladesh due to shared language and criticized the BJP-led central government and Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She warned against rushing the process before the 2026 polls and accused the EC of losing impartiality, calling it a 'BJP Commission'.

Gold prices surged on Tuesday, driven by increasing expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut in December following dovish comments from officials. This optimism pushed bullion higher for the third consecutive session, with traders increasing bets on easier monetary policy. City-wise prices also saw an uptick across major Indian cities.

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya saw its Dharma Dhwaj flag hoisted. Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar called it a significant civilizational symbol. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the ceremony. The flag represents ancient traditions and Lord Ram's lineage. This event marks the culmination of a 500-year resolve. India aims for developed nation status by 2047.

The Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of a Christian Army soldier for refusing to enter a gurdwara during a regimental activity, deeming his actions gross indiscipline. Justices labelled him an absolute misfit, emphasizing the paramount importance of discipline in the Army. The soldier's appeal was rejected, confirming his termination for placing personal beliefs above lawful commands.

India's gold loan market is poised for significant expansion as non-bank lenders plan to open approximately 3,000 new branches. This surge is driven by increasing demand from borrowers seeking secured loans due to tighter microfinance lending and rising gold prices, boosting loan sizes for farmers and small traders.

India is aggressively clearing a significant backlog of delayed national highway projects, aiming to resolve 60% of stalled projects by March. This initiative seeks to curb cost overruns and boost construction momentum, with authorities accelerating clearances and fund releases. The move is expected to improve developer cash flows and increase daily construction rates, vital for meeting ambitious targets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially hoisted a saffron Dharma Dhwaj atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking its formal construction completion. He stated that the 'pain of centuries finds rest today' and the resolve of centuries is attaining fulfillment. The flag symbolizes the renaissance of Indian civilisation and the ideals of Ram Rajya.