India Inc's cash reserves have surged to a record Rs 14.19 lakh crore, with top companies holding 83% of it. The boost is due to better financial performance and higher other income. Firms have also used their cash to pay off loans and reduce debt, resulting in a strong September quarter with a 12.7% rise in net sales and expanded operating profit margins.
The 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, presented its report to President Droupadi Murmu, addressing tax devolution, grants-in-aid, and fiscal transfers for the next five years. It conducted thorough reviews and consultations with stakeholders, visiting all 28 states to assess their fiscal capacities and development needs.
India's state-owned oil companies have signed a one-year contract to import 2.2 million tonnes of LPG from the US, accounting for 10% of the country's annual imports. This shows India's commitment to increase energy imports from the US, despite facing high tariffs on other goods.
India's merchandise exports dropped by 11.8% in October, mainly due to a decrease in shipments to the US caused by additional tariffs. The trade deficit hit a record high of $41.68 billion due to a spike in gold imports during the festive season. However, there was a rise in electronic exports and services exports surpassed goods exports.
The government has extended the ceiling prices on orthopaedic knee implants for another year till November 2026. The decision was made by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to ensure affordable prices for patients. NPPA had previously fixed the prices in 2017 due to high trade margins.
Democrats are pressuring Trump to not sell the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio, arguing it would harm 45 million borrowers by removing protections. Critics warn of potential harm to taxpayers and prioritization of investor profits over struggling borrowers. Advocacy groups are calling for the sale to be halted to protect borrowers' legal rights.
Trai updates its proposal on consent-based sharing of mobile subscribers’ KYC data, citing new cybersecurity rules and a mobile number validation mechanism. It suggests creating a framework similar to DEPA for KYC data sharing during number portability and aligning telecom data portability with India’s Account Aggregator network.
The US Department of Homeland Security has launched 'Operation Charlotte' in North Carolina, resulting in 81 arrests on the first day. Immigrant rights groups have protested the operation, with one man attempting to use a vehicle against federal agents. The DHS defends the operation, citing the need to enforce immigration laws and remove violators.
The government's decision to withdraw quality control orders on textile raw materials such as polyester has left out a key input, viscose, causing concern among industry executives. The move is expected to lower production costs and make raw materials more competitive, but some argue it favors domestic manufacturers.
National Stock Exchange Chief Executive Ashish Chauhan is urging regulators to standardize derivatives volume counting and ease intrusive FPI rules. He points out that India is not the largest market in derivatives, with the US doing five times more in stock options alone.
Adani Defence and Aerospace will invest Rs 10,000 crore in defence and aerospace, aiming for complete indigenous production. The Kanpur facility already manufactures ammunition and plans to produce all components by 2028.
Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey has agreed to review the proposal to decrease brokerage costs for AMCs after objections from institutional brokers. While the move aims to benefit investors, it has faced backlash from the industry.
A California state judge has ruled in favor of Tesla, stating that 6,000 Black workers cannot sue as a class over racial harassment due to lack of willing class members. This decision comes amidst other race discrimination claims against the company and their pledge to combat workplace harassment.
Urban unemployment rate rose slightly to 7% in October, while overall unemployment remained steady at 5.2%. Rural areas saw a decrease in unemployment for both males and females, contributing to the overall decline.
Indian exporters in the agriculture sector are set to gain from the Trump administration's decision to remove reciprocal tariffs on various commodities such as fruits, nuts, spices, and more. This move is expected to enhance India's export opportunities, with a value of over $1 billion being exempted from tariffs.
President Trump and Mayor-elect Mamdani, who had a contentious relationship during the mayoral election, are set to meet. Despite Trump's previous criticism of Mamdani, he now hopes for the city's success. Mamdani, who previously spoke about 'Trump-proofing' the city, is now open to working with anyone to benefit New Yorkers.
The RBI has extended the moratorium period for export credit, targeting outstanding loans as of August 31. This move is not comparable to the COVID-era moratorium and is expected to have a negligible impact on banks' profitability. The scheme offers a 4-month moratorium on repayments, providing a liquidity cushion for exporters.
Indian officials in UK to discuss Double Contribution Convention (DCC) and operationalisation of CETA. DCC will exempt Indian professionals in UK from social security payments and allow employees to contribute to social security in their home country.
A bankruptcy filing has revealed that missing funds from Byju's Alpha were funneled back to the founder, contradicting previous statements. Think & Learn denies the allegations and a sworn declaration details the transfer of funds to Byju's Global. Byju's denies wrongdoing and plans to provide evidence against the claims. The company's downfall began after raising a $1.2 billion investment.
Indian-origin professor Ronil Hira explains why US companies prefer hiring H-1B visa workers despite their ordinary skills. He believes it is due to economic advantages, as these workers can be paid less than American workers. Hira criticizes the H-1B program for its weak labour protections and US President Trump has recently softened his stance on the issue.
IIM Ahmedabad's class of 2025 has achieved a record-breaking summer placement with 410 offers from top firms across multiple domains. Consulting and BFSI firms were the top recruiters, with a notable rise in roles offered by long-standing recruiters. Over 50 new companies, including Apple and Hero MotoCorp, participated.
An Indian man, Thirumurugan Sivalingam, traveled to Argentina for a cryptocurrency conference and faced racist comments on social media. However, the local community showed overwhelming support and welcomed him to their country. The incident sheds light on the surge of anti-Indian racism on social media.
SEBI is focused on increasing the number of investors in the Indian equity market by targeting households. The market is not in a bubble and a US correction will not greatly affect it. Reforms for transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation are being implemented.
India's wedding season, projected to raise $74 billion in just 45 days, showcases the country's wealth, networks, and social capital. This "family IPO" has evolved into a powerful economic engine, injecting over Rs 6 lakh crore into the economy and supporting millions of jobs.
The PhysicsWallah IPO is set to launch on November 18, with experts predicting a small increase in stock value. However, concerns about the business model, valuation, and offline expansion are causing hesitation among investors. Market experts warn of close monitoring of profitability and performance after listing.
India and the US are finalizing the first part of a Bilateral Trade Agreement, focusing on tariffs and market access. The US has imposed high tariffs on Indian imports and crude oil from Russia. President Trump is hopeful for a fair deal and plans to lower tariffs. The overall goal is to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Negotiations on other issues will continue.
Reliance Retail has partnered with Cosnova Beauty to launch the 'essence' brand of cosmetics in India, expanding its beauty portfolio. The brand will be available through Reliance Retail's omnichannel network, including online platforms and standalone beauty stores.
Successful people know how to prioritize and make the most of each day. EyeBuyDirect's CEO Sunny Jiang shares her well-structured routine, which includes a mindful morning, family time, guided meditation, and breaks throughout the day.
Ford CEO Jim Farley and other industry leaders, such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk, are worried about the US job market due to a shortage of skilled workers and lack of investment in education and training. This has led to a deficit of 5,000 mechanic jobs with high pay. Despite a high unemployment rate, there are still over 400,000 manufacturing jobs available in the US.
India's new Digital Personal Data Protection Rules bring clarity and strict standards for companies collecting and using personal data. Compliance is mandatory and can benefit businesses. Data minimization, review of practices and contracts, and an incident-response plan are now essential. The government's move marks a significant change in data handling.
Delhi HC rejects Christian Michel's plea challenging India-UAE extradition treaty. Michel was allegedly hired by AgustaWestland to influence Indian officials for a helicopter deal. He was extradited in 2018 and faces charges of corruption. The court questions the maintainability of his plea and allows him to withdraw it. Michel's counsel has the option to re-file with proper reliefs.
The ECI has released the SIR schedule for Assam, which will take place from Nov 22 to Feb 10, 2026. Unlike other states, voters in Assam will not have to fill enumeration forms and can be verified through a pre-filled register. The final roll will be published on Feb 10, 2026, due to ongoing citizenship checks.
JSW Infrastructure is acquiring a 51% stake in South Minerals Port Company SAOC, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that will develop a 27-million-tonnes-per-annum port in Oman's Dhofar Governorate. The project, estimated to cost $419 million, is expected to begin operations in 2029.
The Union government is aiming to achieve a 21.4% growth in gross tax revenues in the second half of the current financial year to meet the budget estimate. Despite a potential shortfall, the Centre may still meet its fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP with the help of dividends from RBI and expenditure savings. However, challenges such as increased demand for subsidies remain.
The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is facing a loneliness epidemic in today's highly connected world. To combat this, communal dining, a centuries-old trend, is making a comeback. Strangers come together to share a meal, forming new connections and offering a cost-effective solution to combat loneliness.
Air India announced the resumption of non-stop flights to China after a six-year hiatus, with plans to operate four flights a week from Delhi to Shanghai using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The airline also plans to introduce non-stop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai. This move is expected to boost exchanges in various fields and marks a thaw in India-China ties.
India has signed a one-year deal with the US to import 2.2 million tonnes of LPG, accounting for 10% of its annual imports, as part of its efforts to diversify energy sources and secure affordable supplies. The country is seeking trade arrangements with the US in the energy sector, despite high tariffs on Indian goods.
A 24-year-old Indian employee working at a small private company in the UAE has shared his experience of feeling “isolated, underutilised, and overlooked” in a post on Reddit. Despite being hired directly by the founder, his daily reality has been full of exclusion, unequal treatment, and a lack of meaningful work.
Azam Khan and his son, Abdullah Azam Khan, have been sentenced to seven years in jail for obtaining two PAN cards with different dates of birth. The prosecution found evidence of forgery and conspiracy, with Azam Khan's son using the same date of birth in his school records and bank account. The court has ordered for both father and son to be taken into custody.
Indian government approves 17 new projects worth Rs 7,172 crore under ECMS, expected to generate Rs 65,000 crore in production and 11,808 jobs. Projects span 9 states and focus on high-precision components like optical transceivers and quartz crystal oscillators. This signals a move towards wider distribution and qualitative capability-building. Government also announces launch of ECMS.
10.82 lakh crore for corporate tax and Rs. 14.38 lakh crore for personal income tax. The government is confident of meeting the budgeted direct tax collection target for 2025-26, with a focus on corporate and personal income tax. Despite slower refunds, direct tax collections have already surpassed the target, reaching over Rs 12.92 lakh crore.
The Supreme Court has accepted a PIL requesting a court-supervised investigation into a Rs 20,000 crore banking and corporate fraud involving Reliance Communications and Anil Ambani. The plea claims that the current probe by CBI and ED is inadequate and does not include the involvement of bank officials, auditors, and regulators.
KEC International, a global infrastructure EPC company, received new orders worth Rs 1,016 crore on Nov 17. The orders were received in various segments, including Buildings & Factories, Oil & Gas, Transmission & Distribution, and Cables and Conductors. The company's YTD order intake has surpassed Rs 17,000 crore, indicating strong growth and a diverse portfolio.
Motilal Oswal recommends buying Hero MotoCorp, LG Electronics, and Vishal Mega Mart for potential 30%, 17%, and 30% upside, respectively. Hero MotoCorp is expected to see growth from new launches and rural recovery, while LG Electronics may see improved margins in FY27. Vishal Mega Mart's unique business model provides strong moats against competition.
India's trade deficit reached a record high of $41.68 billion in October, driven by a surge in gold imports and a decrease in exports to the US. This was higher than economists' predicted deficit of $28.8 billion. The ongoing trade tensions between India and the US have led to an increase in US imports and a significant rise in gold imports.
SS Rajamouli is back with a time-travel adventure, Varanasi, featuring a star-studded cast of Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra. The Rs 1100-crore spectacle, rooted in Hindu mythology, offers a glimpse of various time periods and locations.
The Supreme Court has shifted responsibility to the Centre to devise a long-term plan to tackle Delhi's air pollution. CJI stressed on involving all stakeholders and warned against year-round GRAP restrictions. Air quality remains "very poor" in Delhi on Monday, with AQI crossing the 400 mark at several stations. 6 out of 38 monitoring stations record "severe" air quality.
US President Donald Trump may impose tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries trading with Russia, if a Republican bill is passed. Trump, who has long been seen as a global "peacemaker," recently spoke about the potential for sanctions on any country that continues to do business with Russia. He also suggested that Iran may be added to the list.
IRB Infrastructure Development's stock price rose 7% on the National Stock Exchange after being awarded a project worth Rs 9,270 crore by NHAI. The project, TOT-17, covers 366 km of the Lucknow-Ayodhya-Gorakhpur and Lucknow-Varanasi corridors. The company also reported a 41% increase in net profit for Q2 FY26 and declared a 7% interim dividend.
Capillary Technologies' IPO experienced a change in market sentiment on its second day, with a significant decrease in grey market premium (GMP) from its peak. Despite this, subscription numbers continue to rise and the estimated GMP suggests a potential listing gain of 5%. However, GMP is not the actual listing price and may vary. The IPO is priced at Rs 877.5 crore with a price band.