The withdrawal of 14 quality-control orders in India will expand low-cost sourcing options and benefit domestic players in the polymers-to-plastics value chain. This will ease import restrictions and reduce certification delays, aiding manufacturers, especially MSMEs. It will also enhance the country's competitiveness in the man-made fibre apparel market, along with the recent GST cut on MMF.
Marico, a top FMCG company, experienced a slight decline in net profit in the September quarter due to GST challenges. Despite this, revenue rose significantly due to price increases in hair oils. The company expects a rise in consumer sentiment and intends to expand its presence in the food and premium personal care sectors.
The RBI has issued the Trade Relief Measures Directions, 2025 to aid exporters and sustain profitable businesses. It applies to financial institutions and requires eligible borrowers to be involved in export industries and maintain a 'standard' status. Important measures include a pause in term loan payments and reassessment of working capital limits.
Experts advise companies to act promptly in adhering to the recently announced Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, utilizing the 18-month transition period for implementation. This entails revamping consent systems, governance, and international data transfers. Compliance also entails appointing data protection officers, mapping data flows, and enhancing security.
The Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab government for neglecting infrastructure for the judiciary and misusing central funds. Priority was given to building houses for officials instead of courts. The court questioned the state's decision to create new districts without planning for necessary infrastructure.
Passenger vehicle despatches in India saw a 17% increase in October due to festive demand and GST 2.0 reforms. PVs, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers all saw a rise in sales, with the latter also showing growth in the electric segment. SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon credited the festive season and GST rate cuts for the record-breaking numbers.
Gifts from lineal ascendants and descendants are tax-exempt. Your father can gift a property to your 21-year-old son without any tax implications. The possession of a flat after eight years can be claimed for tax benefits, with a maximum deduction of Rs 30,000 per annum. Retirement benefits such as gratuity and provident fund are exempt from tax, but must be reported in the ITR.
Sebi cautions against buying digital gold from unregulated online platforms, advises investors to request third-party vault certificate and avoid non-transparent platforms. Though popular among millennials, digital gold lacks regulation and poses risks such as counterparty and operational risks.
Indian residents receiving foreign income may face double taxation, but can apply for tax relief under Section 90 or 91. The credit is limited to the amount of tax payable in India and penalties and interest cannot be adjusted. Supporting evidence must be provided and the income must be reported in specific sections of the income tax return with consistent disclosures.
Income plus arbitrage funds are a wise option for those with short-to medium-term surplus. They offer a mix of stable accrual and tax efficiency, with 65% in high-quality debt and the rest in equity arbitrage. These funds provide daily liquidity and lower tax rates, but returns are influenced by market conditions and interest rates.
The committee recommends removing most Quality Control Orders to boost industrial competitiveness and address supply shortages, higher costs, and certification delays. The government has already withdrawn QCOs for 20 products, but action is needed for steel and other remaining products. The committee suggests a major overhaul of the QCO system to benefit MSMEs.
Mutual fund houses saw a 29% rise in cash buffer in October, with debt funds receiving the highest inflow of Rs 1.6 lakh crore in six months. Cash holdings increased by Rs 95,971.58 crore to Rs 4.27 lakh crore, mainly in equity schemes. This was due to market volatility, leading fund managers to invest in longer-term and short-term corporate bonds.
96 times
Pine Labs, a fintech company, experienced a 28% rise in its shares from the IPO price of Rs 221, with a 10% premium upon listing. The stock closed at Rs 252 on the NSE, up 14% from the issue price. The company has prominent clients and is poised to capitalize on the digital payments market.
Andhra Pradesh plans to attract $1 trillion investments in various sectors, including a "Quantum Valley" and drone and space cities, over the next 10 years. The state aims to contribute 160 GW to India's non-fossil fuel energy goal and is focusing on green hydrogen and ammonia.
Reliance Industries has signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to set up a 1-gigawatt artificial intelligence data centre in Vizag, along with a 6-GWp solar power project. The company will also develop a greenfield integrated food park in Kurnool, creating thousands of jobs. This is part of RIL's total investment of $25 billion in the state, aligned with its long-term development goals.
Economists predict US tariffs on Indian exports to decrease to 15%-20% by December, potentially resulting in positive macroeconomic effects and a GDP growth of over 7%. However, concerns remain about the impact of trade tensions on employment, consumption, and business confidence. The need for a rate cut is uncertain, given inflation at a record low.
LG India is confident in achieving double-digit revenue and margin growth in the second half of FY26, despite facing challenges from GST transition issues, higher costs, and consumer purchase deferment. The company plans to capitalize on the upcoming winter and wedding season and maintained its market share.
BJP has taken a dig at Congress after sweeping victory in the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, trolling Rahul Gandhi for his allegations of "vote theft". The party's social media machinery is in celebratory mode, asking "What will they blame now?" in a mock question paper. People respond with humour, saying "They will blame Trump" and "They might run out of options in TN and WB elections!"
The Indian government has released the DPDP Rules 2025, to be implemented in three phases, giving companies 18 months to comply. The rules mandate specific consent for data processing, detailed data collection descriptions, and mechanisms to withdraw consent. Children's data will receive extra protection, and significant data fiduciaries will have additional responsibilities.
Flipkart has introduced a zero commission model for products under Rs 1,000 to increase sales and compete with Meesho. This model has also been extended to the platform Shopsy, along with reduced return fees. The company expects a 30% reduction in business costs for sellers and aims to attract more sellers through the use of technology and AI.
In October, India's wholesale price inflation reached a 27-month low of (-)1.21%, driven by decreases in prices of various commodities including food, crude petroleum, and electricity. This was the third time in the past six months that WPI inflation was negative, particularly due to a significant decline in food prices.
Adani Group plans to invest over Rs 1 lakh crore in various projects, including a data centre with Google in Andhra Pradesh. The hub will be Google's largest outside the US and will be powered by renewable energy. The Group also aims to build new transmission lines and generate renewable power in the state. This investment aligns with India's goal of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
This Friday brings a variety of highly anticipated films and series to your favourite platforms, including romantic comedies, courtroom dramas, and more. Don't miss out on the Tamil-language comedy Dude Dude, legal satire Jolly LLB 3, heart warming Freakier Friday sequel, Western drama Eddington, Malayalam black comedy Avihitham, and gritty crime drama Delhi Crime Season 3.
"De De Pyaar De 2 and Kaantha, two highly anticipated films from different genres, have both hit the theatres on Friday, November 14. While Ajay Devgn's romcom is reportedly made on a budget of Rs 25 crore, Dulquer Salmaan's period drama has a reported cost of Rs 35-40 crores.
IHCL acquires 51% stake in Atmantan, a luxury wellness centre near Pune, for Rs 240 crore. This marks their entry into the integrated wellness segment and will not include any existing properties. Expansion plans include a 100-key centre in Hyderabad with IHCL as a partner. Atmantan is recognised as the "best wellness centre" and has seen a 72% increase in Indian guests.
India's trust-based diplomacy is evident in its growing free trade agreements, with ongoing negotiations with multiple nations. The country's commitment to regulatory reforms, digital governance, and honoring commitments has gained global trust. Creating an open and transparent trade environment is vital for global cooperation.
The RBI has resumed buying government bonds after a six-month hiatus, purchasing Rs 124.70 billion worth in the week ending November 7. This comes after market speculation and concerns over demand and a cancelled auction raised bond yields. Experts predict continued buying and possible OMO auctions from December or January, following the RBI's aggressive purchase of Rs 388 billion in January.
American singer Mary Millben praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media as the NDA headed towards a major win in the Bihar Assembly elections. She shared a video of Modi crowning her and defended him against Rahul Gandhi's criticism. The NDA is currently leading in over 200 seats, while the RJD-Congress alliance is leading in 29.
The World Health Organization has released its first global guidelines on managing diabetes during pregnancy, aiming to prevent serious complications for both mother and baby. With diabetes affecting one in six pregnancies and posing short-term risks, proper diet, physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring are key.
The Raghopur assembly constituency in Bihar is witnessing a close fight between Tejashwi Yadav and Satish Kumar. The current CM candidate of the Mahagathbandhan, Tejashwi, is leading by over 10,000 votes after 23 rounds of voting. This seat has been previously held by Tejashwi, who won it in 2015 and 2020. He is currently the face of the INDIA bloc and has served as the deputy chief
Behind NDA’s splendid win in the Bihar Assembly election is BJP’s aggressive strategy and the impact of the Modi–Nitish pair. The big credit for this victory is being given to BJP strategist Dharmendra Pradhan. He played an important role at the ground level in strengthening the organisation and candidate selection.
Dharmendra, the iconic Bollywood actor, has a successful career of over 60 years and 300 movies. He is a recipient of multiple awards and enjoys spending time at his 100-acre farm in Lonavala. Despite being hospitalized for breathlessness, the 89-year-old is now recovering at home.
Tata Motors PV reported a significant loss of Rs 6,368 crore in Q2 FY26, in contrast to a profit of Rs 3,056 crore in the same quarter last year. The company's net profit stood at Rs 76,248 crore, with an exceptional gain of Rs 82,616 crore from the de-merger of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles. The prolonged shutdown of JLR manufacturing facilities led to a 24.3% revenue decline, while Tata Motors
Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty 50 and Sensex, closed higher on Friday, supported by banking and FMCG stocks, as well as the NDA's victory in Bihar state election. The banking sector outperformed, setting record highs. Small-cap and mid-cap stocks also rose. Q2 FY26 results and low inflation are expected to boost H2 FY26 earnings. Technical analysts foresee continued gains.
Muthoot Finance's strong Q2FY26 performance was driven by robust loan growth, higher margins, and improved asset quality. The company's gold loan demand from low-income borrowers is expected to remain strong. AUM grew by 47%, surpassing expectations, and loan yields are expected to stabilize. Margins expanded as yields rose, and the company's profit nearly doubled year-on-year.
Zohran Mamdani supports Starbucks boycott as 1,000+ baristas strike in 40 cities on Red Cup Day, the chain's top sales day. NYC mayor-elect calls for consumer support and end to ties with company. Workers demand fair contract, resolution of 400+ labour violations, and improved future at Starbucks. Negotiations ongoing.
The Indian government has implemented strict data retention rules under the DPDP Act for e-commerce platforms, social media intermediaries, and online gaming companies. The companies must delete inactive user data after 3 years and conduct annual audits and impact assessments.
The 2025 Korea Grand Awards, celebrating the best talents in South Korean music, began with a star-studded red carpet event and the return of Nam Ji Hyun as the main host. The franchise, born on the 55th anniversary of Korean newspaper Ilgan Sports, saw performances from top K-pop acts and announced winners such as BLACKPINK's Jennie and BTS' J-Hope.
A recent report on World Diabetes Day shows that 17% of Indians have diabetes, ranking it as a top five health issue in the country. The disease is on the rise among millennials and corporate employees due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and high stress levels. Major cities have high rates of stress and fatigue, while Gen Z is experiencing a decline in overall wellness.
The ED seized assets worth Rs 59 crore in Mumbai during its probe against Rajendra Narpatmal Lodha and associates for money laundering. Cash, bank balances, fixed deposits, and incriminating documents were recovered. Lodha allegedly diverted and siphoned funds, fabricated MoUs, and inflated land purchases for personal gain, causing wrongful losses to his company.
Bad Bunny was the big winner at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards, taking home Album of the Year for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos and multiple urban category wins. Karol G and Alejandro Sanz also received top honors for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Other notable winners included CA7RIEL and Paco Amoroso, Paloma Morphy, and Ruben Blades.
Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan, makes his theatrical debut in Sriram Raghavan's intense war movie. He plays the role of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of Vir Chakra who fought bravely in the 1971 war. Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra also stars in the film as Nanda's father, Brigadier ML Khetarpal. The real-life Brigadier ML Khetarpal was a major motivator behind
Bollywood veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, who debuted in 1946 and appeared in nearly 100 films, passed away at the age of 98. Her family has requested privacy and the cause of death is unknown. Kaushal was known for her timeless screen presence and won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She was also the first cover girl for Filmfare magazine. She will be remembered by the industry.
Kaantha has finally been released after years in production. Starring Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and Rana Daggupati, the period piece set in the 1950s explores the artistic rivalries and struggles of the era. Though rumored to be based on a real-life superstar, the film has received mixed reviews for its pacing, but praise for the performances of the cast.
Marico, a top FMCG company, saw a 0.7% dip in profits in Q2 FY26, with a net profit of Rs 432 crore. Despite this, their revenue from operations rose by 30.7% to Rs 3,482 crore, driven by growth in domestic and international markets. Inflation caused a decrease in gross margins, but Marico invested in strengthening franchises and expanding their portfolio.
Bicon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw praises Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for his leadership in rescuing Bengaluru's failing infrastructure. She notes visible changes on the city's roads and cleaner footpaths and asphalted roads. Other entrepreneurs, including TV Mohandas Pai, also applaud Shivakumar's efforts. However, netizens remain divided on the progress.
NDA, led by PM Modi and Nitish Kumar, is set to break the 2010 record in Bihar with 197 seats. The BJP-JD(U) alliance's emphasis on welfare and stability has boosted their campaign. The results showcase Bihar's strong rural support and desire for dignity and self-respect. Nitish Kumar's enduring popularity is a result of his developmental and inclusive approach.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with Fox & Friends, claimed that the Trump administration is considering limiting President Donald Trump’s proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend” to families earning less than $100,000 a year.
Tech stocks in India are facing heavy selling pressure due to negative sentiment on Wall Street and hawkish comments by the US Fed. This is reflected in the Nifty IT Index, which has plunged nearly 2% intra-day. The weakness in US markets, waning prospect of a Fed rate cut and RBI's intervention to support the rupee have all contributed to the decline in tech stocks.
Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of misusing Special Intensive Revision to manipulate votes in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He has instructed SP members to monitor the process and protect eligible voters. In Bihar, over 8 crore voters were verified before Assembly elections.