Ascertis Credit has successfully raised $520 million in the first close of Fund IV, with a target of $1 billion by next year. Head of the group, Kanchan Jain, discusses the growth of India's private credit market and the fund's plans. While the RBI's allowance for banks to do acquisition financing may not impact private credit funds, experienced credit managers are needed for large transactions.
Indian Continent Investment, a promoter entity of Bharti Airtel, sold 0.56% of its shareholding in the telecom company through a block deal on the National Stock Exchange. The transaction was valued at Rs 7,195 crore and was executed by Goldman Sachs India Securities. This is the third block deal by Airtel promoters this year, with the previous two raising a total of Rs 18,868 crore.
Maharashtra's new industrial policy aims to attract $850 billion in investments and achieve a $1-trillion economy by 2030. The policy focuses on region-balanced development and emerging sectors like electric vehicles and semiconductors. The state boasts a $530-billion economy, high FDI share, and a skilled workforce.
Google Cloud's security division is collaborating with government agencies to set up cybersecurity centers and form threat-intel partnerships. They have published a report with Deloitte on state-level cyber defense and are experiencing a rise in demand for compliance with DPDP regulations.
India's economic growth hinges on the rebuilding of global supply chains and redesigning of energy systems. A unified industrial framework, like the proposed NDVAP, is crucial in incentivizing companies to create value within the country. This could lead to an increase in GDP and job opportunities.
India's manufacturing sector has shown growth, but needs more competitiveness. The government must improve policy execution and simplify business rules for a better investment environment. Removing quality control orders and promoting exports can enhance the industry's competitiveness. New labor codes aim to empower women and create safer workplaces.
Indian exporters are facing difficulties in receiving payments from Russia due to sanctions and reluctance from banks. The Engineering Export Promotion Council suggests a direct rupee-ruble exchange mechanism to reduce currency conversion costs. Both governments are urged to establish a reliable system as most transactions are routed through Sberbank and VTB Bank.
The IMF Executive Board directors endorsed India's commitment to fiscal consolidation, but emphasized the need for disciplined spending and strengthened fiscal buffers to maintain stability and achieve the long-term goal of becoming an advanced economy.
Larsen & Toubro's (L&T) upcoming data centre capacity will be mainly used by sovereign and highly regulated sectors, signaling a rise in demand for secure and AI-ready infrastructure. L&T-Vyoma's CEO, Seema Ambastha, stated that this shift is necessary as enterprises adopt AI at scale.
MoSPI introduces new GDP series with 2022-23 as base year, including GVA estimates for unincorporated sector. Annual revisions to address accuracy concerns, using data from surveys and GST. Workshop held to discuss revisions and highlight importance of reliable statistics for policy making.
Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, falls on November 28 this year. Major retailers in Charlotte, including SouthPark Mall, Concord Mills, Northlake Mall, and Charlotte Premium Outlets, will offer extended hours to accommodate eager bargain hunters. Other stores like Bass Pro Shops, Belk, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Lowe's will also adjust their hours for the shopping event.
Reliance Industries, Brookfield, and Digital Realty are investing $11 billion to build a 1-gigawatt AI-native data centre campus in Andhra Pradesh. The state government has promised support for the project, which will support cloud transformation, generative AI, and advanced analytics. The facility is expected to be completed by 2030 and will generate employment and boost allied sectors.
AI is transforming businesses, but success lies in combining human intelligence with AI capabilities. Context-aware business decisions require intentional design, with humans defining the problem and AI executing it. The future belongs to organizations that strike a balance between AI-powered systems and human-led strategy.
Google is using AI models to help Indian farmers overcome challenges like small landholdings and unpredictable weather. These models have been successful in improving crop health monitoring, land record modernization, and climate risk assessment.
The Indian government has approved a ₹7,280 crore scheme to boost the production of rare earth permanent magnets and reduce reliance on China. This will establish a domestic manufacturing ecosystem and has received support from the automobile industry. The Ministry of Heavy Industries will implement the scheme to address India's lack of advanced RE technology and infrastructure.
Blue Star, a leading AC manufacturer in India, foresees a drop in inventory levels this December due to consumers being price-conscious before new energy efficiency norms come into play in January. The company's CMD, Vir S Advani, talks about their goals of improving efficiency without increasing costs and the excess capacity in the industry caused by the PLI scheme.
As Thanksgiving Day 2025 nears, shoppers are curious about store hours. Big retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco will be closed for family time, while grocery stores like Whole Foods and Kroger will have shorter hours. Dollar General and Family Dollar will remain open. It's advised to confirm local store hours and consider online shopping for early Black Friday deals.
On Wednesday, equity indices saw a significant rebound thanks to strong buying by both domestic and foreign investors. The surge was fueled by a combination of factors, including lower crude oil prices, anticipated rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and RBI, and overall positive market sentiment.
Mahindra & Mahindra's electric SUV range, including the XEV 9e and BE 6 models, has sold over 30,000 units in just seven months since its launch in November 2024. The SUVs have exceeded internal projections and secured the number-one revenue market share in the first half of FY26.
Robert Irwin, the son of late conservationist Steve Irwin, has won the finals of 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 34 with his professional partner Witney Carson. The 21-year-old wildlife photographer is a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and has received multiple accolades for his work. Despite a rib injury, Robert competed in the finals.
Bajaj Auto has launched the Riki 3W, priced between Rs 1,90,890 and Rs 2,00,876, and plans to expand it to 100 towns in Phase 1. The e-rickshaw market, with 500 brands and no dominant player, supports last-mile mobility and has grown rapidly, accounting for almost half of the market. Bajaj Auto aims to capture a significant share of the organised space with the Riki, addressing issues
The government's decision to implement data exclusivity in the drug regulatory system could harm the generics market and lead to monopolies in the pharmaceutical industry. This could result in delayed access to affordable medicines and jeopardize India's role as a major supplier of low-cost drugs.
Tata Motors launched the new Tata Sierra SUV at an introductory price of Rs 11.49 lakh, bringing back a nameplate from 1991. The design philosophy focuses on emotional cues of presence, adventure, and confidence while offering a contemporary product. The cabin promotes shared experiences with a panoramic interface and a living room-like feel.
A Booth Level Officer in West Bengal suffered a heart attack while working on the Special Intensive Revision exercise. His daughter believes it was due to stress and his weak physical condition. This incident adds to the ongoing political debate surrounding the SIR exercise, with opposition parties accusing the ruling party of using it to manipulate elections.
Zerodha's Nithin Kamath warns about the dangers of trading on unregulated crypto derivatives exchanges, citing high leverage and lack of proper regulation as potential risks. With no legal tender status and little oversight from regulators, investors are vulnerable to exploitation. Stricter regulations are needed to protect investors in the growing crypto market.
Lee Soon Jae, a beloved South Korean actor, passed away at 91 and was honored with the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit. His funeral will be held at Asan Medical Centre and he will be laid to rest at Eden Paradise. Lee had a successful career in various forms of entertainment and was a mentor to younger actors.
Retail bond market on the rise, but caution urged against unregistered online bond platform providers (OBPPs). SEBI-registered OBPPs see increase in trade volume and retail and HNI participation. Regulatory concerns over unregulated platforms advertising high returns on low-rated bonds without disclosing risks. SEBI's warning to avoid unregistered platforms and verify registration status.
Asian Paints is investing Rs 340 crore to build a new manufacturing plant in the United Arab Emirates, its second in the region. The plant will have an initial capacity of 55,800 kilo liters per annum. The company's international business has shown a strong growth with a 9.9% increase in revenue and a profit of Rs 76 crore in Q2 FY26. They are also expanding production in other regions.
The Reserve Bank of India has fined Union Bank of India for mishandling soiled notes and ATM cash out. However, the bank claims that the penalty will not greatly affect its operations. Amresh Prasad has been appointed as the new Executive Director. The bank's Q2 results showed a decrease in net profit and net interest income.
Karoline Leavitt's relative, Bruna Ferreira from Brazil, was arrested by ICE for overstaying her visa. She has an 11-year-old son and was in a relationship with Leavitt's brother. Her lawyer claims she was eligible for DACA and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with her legal costs. The Leavitt family has not commented on the arrest.
AI investor Michael Burry and chipmaking giant Nvidia are at odds over the sustainability of the AI industry. Burry, famous for predicting the 2008 housing market crash, has accused Nvidia of deflating shareholder value through stock-based compensation, comparing them to Cisco in the dotcom era.
The Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES) will be reintroduced next week, offering a 2.5% to 3% interest subsidy on pre and post shipment credit. The maximum annual benefit will be Rs 50 lakh per exporter, with a focus on sectors with high US duties. Previously offering a 3% subsidy to MSMEs and manufacturers, the scheme ended in 2024. Exporters are seeking a higher limit of Rs 10 crore.
India's LPG market heavily relies on imports, with Middle Eastern countries accounting for most of the supply. A new long-term agreement with the US for 2.2 million tonnes per annum aims to diversify and reduce exposure to traditional suppliers. LPG consumption has increased, driven by household penetration and commercial/industrial use. Refining additions will not bridge the supply gap
The highly anticipated documentary series, titled "Sean Combs: The Reckoning," produced by rapper 50 Cent, will be released on Netflix on Dec 2, 2025. The series will delve into the shocking allegations and lawsuits surrounding hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs, including his recent conviction for transportation for prostitution.
FBI and DOJ collaborating to release more information from Epstein files, including federal investigation records, witness interviews, and autopsy report. Files may expose prominent figures connected to Epstein. Partial release already made, full collection expected by December 19 with potential for some files to be withheld for national security.
The Cabinet has approved two railway projects worth Rs 2,781 crore in Maharashtra and Gujarat. These projects will add 224 kms to the rail network, improve connectivity in Mumbai suburban area and 585 villages, and increase freight carrying capacity by 18 MTPA.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani may receive a 16% pay raise, proposed by the City Council in a new bill. This would also apply to other senior officials and bring Mamdani's salary to nearly $300,000. The bill will be introduced next week and a hearing is expected by the end of the year. Mamdani's stance on the bill, given his focus on affordability, remains to be seen.
India's rooftop solar capacity experienced a remarkable growth of 4.9 GW in the first nine months of 2025, recording a 161% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The third quarter alone saw an addition of 2.1 GW, the highest to date. The PM Suryaghar Muft Bijlee Yojana and industrial demand were major drivers, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat leading in installations.
Mithun Chakraborty, known as the "Mahaguru" of Bollywood, rose to fame in the 70s with his impeccable acting and dancing skills. Despite starring in 180 flops, he has also been a part of over 350 films, with 50 certified hits. His success has led to a Rs 400 crore empire, including luxury properties, hotels, and cars. At 75, he continues to act and is set to appear in multiple movies
The final season of Stranger Things is finally here, and the Hawkins Heroes are up against their toughest foe yet, Vecna. The first five minutes are intense as Will faces a Demogorgon in the Upside Down. The first four episodes of Volume 1 will be released on November 26, with the rest of the season coming in December. Get ready for a thrilling and chilling adventure.
December is set to see a record-breaking number of IPOs in India, with 28 firms aiming to raise Rs 48,000 crore. This could make 2025 the biggest year for fund mobilisation in the country. The rise in IPOs is due to a high number of PE and VC backed firms, growing retail involvement, and foreign investor interest.
A Brazilian student, Luisa Janssen Harger Da Silva, received $82 million from a jury after losing her arm and leg in a train accident in NYC. The lack of safety measures on the subway platform caused the accident, and the MTA is appealing the verdict. Train accidents in NYC are a rising issue, with 1,000 injuries and 30 fatalities reported in 2024.
Every Thanksgiving, the US President "pardons" turkeys from becoming part of the holiday meal and sends them to live on a farm. This year, President Trump pardoned two North Carolina birds, while last year, President Biden pardoned two others. The tradition dates back to the 19th century and became a formal event in 1989 under President George H.W. Bush.
Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor shared insights on the changing business of the industry at a FICCI event, highlighting the importance of gut-based decisions in acting and the increasing role of social media and OTT platforms. He also discussed the shift in revenue sources, with theatrical revenue now being a bonus rather than the main source of income.
The 2025 MAMA Awards will feature a special collaboration between K-pop idol groups, bringing the animated world of KPop Demon Hunters to life. Real-life artists will play the roles of the film's fictional music acts, HUNTR/X and Saja Boys, in a one-of-a-kind crossover. The lineup for these showcases has been announced, with BABYMONSTER and BOYNEXTDOOR members taking on the roles.
Thermax Group secures Rs 580 crore order from Dangote Industries for utility boilers and associated systems for their Nigerian complex. Order includes project management, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, and supervision of construction and commissioning. Thermax's stock price has declined in the past month and six months, but continued partnership with Dangote
RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta assures that the central bank's inflation forecasting is unbiased and uses a variety of models and expert discussions. Concerns over overestimation of inflation numbers and its impact on rate cuts are acknowledged. The RBI is also looking to improve its data on balance of payments by releasing it on a monthly basis.
Taiwan-born influencer Pei-Yun Chung has gained notoriety for repeatedly dining and dashing at lavish NYC restaurants. Despite facing arrests and charges, she shows no remorse and flaunts her extravagant lifestyle on social media. Her immigration status is now being questioned as she may have overstayed her student visa. Her actions have sparked media and restaurant owner attention.
Paras Defence and Space Technologies has signed a Licensing Agreement with DRDO for the Transfer of Technology of the Driver Night Sight for the T-90 tank. The company has also secured a contract from IRDE, a DRDO lab, to supply optronic periscopes for submarine applications. In its Q2FY26, the company reported a revenue of Rs 105.72 crore.
A new DNA study on Adolf Hitler reveals insights into his health and private life, including a gene mutation linked to a disorder affecting testosterone production and a high polygenic score for schizophrenia and autism. The study was conducted by Turi King and Alex J Kay for the documentary "Hitler's DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator."