Spanish clothing giant Inditex is increasing its presence in India by acquiring more stake in its joint venture with Trent for its Zara brand. The company already has an 80% stake in another JV with Trent for its Massimo Dutti brand. Trent has approved the buyback of its shares in the JV, while Inditex has launched new brands and expanded its online and offline presence in the country.
Zohran Mamdani's triumph as the first Indian-American and Muslim mayor of New York City has captured worldwide interest. Avan Jogia, a fellow Indian-origin celebrity, celebrated with Mamdani, bringing attention to their shared Gujarati and Ugandan heritage. The conversation also revived interest in the lesser-known history of Indians in Uganda.
The private equity market in India is undergoing consolidation as fewer but bigger funds are being raised. This is due to investors giving larger amounts to established fund managers. The presence of billion-dollar funds like ChrysCapital and Kedaara Capital shows the growth of India's PE industry.
Mid-sized IT services firms, such as Tech Mahindra and Mphasis, are not heavily impacted by the recent surge in H-1B visa fees. This is due to their low dependence on these visas, with less than 1% of their global workforce on them. The rise of global capability centres in India has also lessened the need for visa-enabled travel for US enterprises.
India experienced a rise in FDI through government approval in the first quarter of the fiscal year, mainly from Cyprus. However, there was a decrease in FDI for acquiring existing shares. Overall, FDI equity flows increased by 15% compared to last year. Sectors such as banking, insurance, and telecom require government approval for foreign investment.
IBBI has proposed stricter disclosure rules for bidders in corporate insolvency process, including revealing beneficial owners and eligibility for immunity. This is to prevent delinquent promoters from regaining control through proxies. However, experts caution that this may deter foreign entities due to conflicting confidentiality laws.
The battleground for Generative AI has shifted to the browser, with new AI-native browsers like Opera's Aria and Microsoft's Edge Copilot. The winners will be those who combine strong models, privacy compliance, and deep integration into user workflows. India is well-positioned to deliver a differentiated browsing experience as the browser evolves into an intelligent, connected workspace.
The Winter session of Parliament, beginning on December 1, will focus on passing economic Bills related to insurance reforms and insolvency resolution. The government aims to increase the FDI limit to 100%, introduce composite licensing, and ease restrictions for foreign-owned insurance companies. The Bill will also introduce new mechanisms to expedite insolvency cases.
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have joined the government's scheme to provide unique IDs for farmers linked to their land records. 16 states have already provided over 74 million IDs, with a target of 90 million by FY26. This is part of the digital agriculture mission to help farmers access benefits from various schemes, including a new platform called VISTAAR.
Retail inflation estimated to hit record low in October due to fall in food prices, high-base, and GST rate cuts. Economists predict a drop to 0.5% from 1.54% in September, staying below the RBI's target of 4% for the ninth consecutive month. Base year of CPI to change to 2024, with October CPI projected at 6.21%.
Reese Witherspoon, the accomplished child star who rose to fame in Hollywood, has amassed a fortune of $440 million. From her memorable role in 'Legally Blonde' to her thriving production company and lifestyle brand, Witherspoon has established herself as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry and a successful businesswoman and influencer.
A doctor from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district, Dr K Jagadeeswaran, was detained in Russia under unclear circumstances, PTI reported. His wife, Yamini, has appealed to both the Central and state governments for urgent intervention to ensure his safe return to India. According to the reports, Jagadeeswaran was detained by Russian authorities at Sochi airport in September this year.
Haryana DGP's comments on Thar and Bullet owners have sparked a controversy. He said that those who own these vehicles are "rogue elements" before asking, “How can we let them go?” He also emphasised the need for measures to prevent drunk driving and hold establishments accountable for drunk drivers. He also ordered bars and restaurants to display warnings about the consequences.
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck near the Andaman Sea at a depth of 90 km on Sunday, according to the National Center for Seismology. Last week, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake hit Leh, Ladakh at a depth of 10 km. Shallow earthquakes, like the recent ones, are more dangerous due to stronger ground shaking and potential damage to structures. Download the BhooKamp App for more information.
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are gaining popularity for managing diabetes and obesity, but face opposition from fitness experts who believe in traditional methods. Factors like genetics, food environment, sleep, and mental health can affect weight management. Dr. Valter Longo's longevity diet focuses on plant-based food, time-restricted eating, and moderate protein intake.
Parth Pawar, son of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, allegedly bought government land in Pune at a lower price than its market value. The land cannot be transferred as it belongs to the state, but a Pune official sent an eviction notice to the Botanical Survey of India. The official who sent the eviction notice has been suspended.
It’s very rare for a K-Drama that tops Netflix charts, especially one with a cast familiar to viewers, to face criticism. However, the popular weekend drama Typhoon Family, starring Lee Jun Ho, Kim Min Ha, and Kim Min Seok, which once dominated ratings, is now receiving unexpected backlash online.
Gujarat ATS arrests three suspects for planning terrorist attacks in India after a year of surveillance. Weapons were seized during their arrest. Earlier this year, five Al Qaeda operatives, including a woman from Bengaluru, were also arrested. Four more suspects with links to AQIS were apprehended based on intelligence inputs.
Toll collection has finally started at the Bijwasan Plaza on the Delhi Gurugram Dwarka Expressway. From Sunday onward, all vehicles crossing the Delhi-Haryana border via this expressway will have to pay the toll. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released the full list of toll rates.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is set to become the world's first trillionaire despite a challenging year. In a resurfaced interview, he recommends working 80-100 hours per week to achieve success, sparking a debate on work-life balance. Other successful CEOs, such as Bill Gates and Jack Ma, have also followed this approach.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released a new set of rules that explain exactly when temporary visas and permits can be cancelled. This includes visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and even eTAs.
Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan wrapped up in Istanbul without reaching any agreement on Saturday, AP reported. Officials from both sides blamed each other after two days of talks aimed at easing border tensions and keeping the ceasefire in place.
A software developer shared his journey of struggling and losing motivation in the job market before finally landing a 50 LPA job. He emphasised the importance of tailoring resumes, staying open to different tech stacks, and prioritising mental well-being. He shared his post on Reddit's "Developers India" community and many found his journey inspiring.
Dr Anjani K. Sinha, a Delhi University alumnus and renowned orthopaedic surgeon, has started his role as the US Ambassador to Singapore. He aims to enhance collaboration in technology, energy, and security, in line with President Trump's request. This appointment highlights the US's dedication to strengthening the longstanding relationship with Singapore.
Three of America’s biggest airlines have begun cancelling hundreds of flights because the country’s aviation system is struggling under the government shutdown. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explained that even before the shutdown, the country was short about 2,000 air traffic controllers.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the NDA government in Bihar for failing to improve women's safety and address the issue of migration for jobs. She accused NDA leaders of making false promises and trying to bribe voters with schemes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. The second phase of assembly polls will be held on November 11, with counting of votes on November 14.
A man fired shots at US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Chicago’s Little Village neighbourhood on Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed. According to CBS, the agents were carrying out immigration enforcement near 26th Street and Kedzie Avenue when a person driving a black Jeep opened fire.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has ordered a probe into the controversial land deal involving his son, Parth Pawar, which has been accused of undervaluing the land and evading stamp duty. Pawar denies involvement and has warned against misuse of his name. The opposition is calling for a judicial inquiry and an FIR has been filed against three people for alleged conspiracy.
Russia's targeted attacks on Ukrainian power plants using drones and missiles caused widespread damage and power outages, resulting in seven deaths. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of endangering nuclear safety and called for international pressure to stop the attacks. The conflict between the two countries has escalated, with both sides making gains on the battlefield.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu visited Delhi's ANS Centre to review the situation after a technical glitch caused flight delays and cancellations. He directed manpower boost and deployment of additional ATC staff to support manual operations. Teams from AAI, ANS, and ECIL worked to rectify the issue and the system was fully restored. Naidu hailed the ATC team for their efforts.
US airlines have cancelled over 1,000 flights on the second day of the FAA's mandate to reduce air traffic due to the government shutdown. The impact is being felt at major airports, with concerns about tourism and holiday shipping. Air traffic controllers, working without pay, have caused staffing shortages leading to cancellations and delays.
Tata Motors' Nexon and Punch remain top sellers in the sub-4 metre compact SUV segment, outperforming four rivals from Hyundai and Kia. This trend has been ongoing, with Nexon being one of the country's best-selling cars. Tata's emphasis on safety and various powertrain options has contributed to its success, while Hyundai and Kia's feature-rich models have had varying levels of success.
Think Investments bought a 0.41% stake in edtech company PhysicsWallah for Rs 136 crore. The IPO price band was set at Rs 103-109, but Think Investments paid Rs 127 per share, showing high demand. The company aims to raise Rs 3,100 crore through the IPO, with a focus on expanding offline and marketing efforts. Co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Mah will benefit from the investment.
SEBI warns investors against unregulated digital gold products offered by online platforms, citing potential risks and lack of regulatory oversight. Instead, the market regulator recommends opting for SEBI-regulated gold investments like ETFs and EGRs, which offer greater protection and can be accessed through registered intermediaries.
Nykaa Beauty's executive director and CEO, Anchit Nayar, shares insights on the company's growth and future plans. Nykaaland, the largest beauty festival in India, has moved to Delhi-NCR due to the region's strong market and cultural influence. Education and skill-sharing are crucial to Nykaa's engagement strategy, with masterclasses by top artists being live-streamed on their platform.
"Taral Antaral" by Shankarrao Kharat is a significant Marathi novel that exposes the plight of Dalits. Kharat, a Dalit Mahar writer, was among the first to speak out about caste and class issues. The book's popularity has sparked a need for translated works on marginalized communities, which is being addressed by the Centre for Translation at Ashoka University.
Arterial calcification, often overlooked, is a serious concern as it hardens plaque and reduces artery elasticity, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels in the blood, can affect the heart's rhythm and function, as well as other organs like the kidneys, digestive system, and brain.
Lucknow, the city known for its nawabi culture, tehzeeb, and delicious food, has been recognized by UNESCO as a top destination for gastronomy. This year, Lucknow has been named alongside nine other cities for its rich and diverse culinary offerings. From mouth-watering biryani and kebabs to a variety of street food,
Smart shoes have revolutionized the footwear industry, with top brands like Nike and Adidas incorporating sensors, processors, and AI. These shoes not only enhance performance but also offer features like motorized lacing and medical monitoring. However, the challenge lies in integrating technology into design seamlessly.
The UAE has announced plans to formalise yoga as a sport, making it the first Gulf nation to do so. This initiative strengthens cultural ties between India and the Emirates and carries diplomatic and cultural resonance. While yoga competitions have been around for decades, its inclusion in major international events and the Asian Games in 2026 marks a significant milestone.
Menopause, a natural process in middle-aged women, marks the end of their menstrual cycle. It brings about difficult symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and joint pains, and can lead to health problems like osteoporosis and heart disease. Despite being a common experience, it is stigmatized and misunderstood. Women can improve their quality of life by managing symptoms.
The Eleventh Hour by Salman Rushdie is a collection of five stories that touch upon life, death, legacy, and identity. One story, Mumbai: A Million Islands, delves into the ever-changing city and its effects on its people. Another, Island On Edge, explores the impact of a large project on the environment and indigenous communities. Unmechanical pays tribute to ingenuity and brilliance.
Phanishwar Nath Renu's novel Maila Aanchal is a powerful depiction of rural India's struggle with democracy. Set in Maryganj, it exposes the conflicting forces of the state and the countryside, revealing the complexities of democracy. Renu's use of language and realism make it a landmark in Hindi fiction, with its relevance still felt in Bihar's political landscape.
In "Alice Sees Ghosts," Daisy Rockwell follows protagonist Alice Ramsey as she faces her own ghosts while chasing them from America to India and back. She also discovers love with her Indian husband and explores taboo relationships and the dysfunction of high society. The novel uses clever translation to tell its story.
Parsis from Persia faced rejection in Gujarat, but sent a silver urn filled with milk to show their peaceful intentions. They added sugar to the milk and returned it, symbolizing their desire to coexist. Author Nandita da Cunha's book "The Dog With Two Names" is part of a new trend in Indian children's literature, addressing empathy, resilience, queerness, and illness.
A large number of international students in the US are running into the same painful line during their job hunt: “No international candidates.” Ever since Trump imposed the hefty $100 K fee on the new H-1B visa holders, recruiters across industries, especially in tech and biotech, have become hesitant to sponsor work visas.
SEBI warns investors against unregulated online platforms offering 'Digital Gold' or 'E-Gold' products, as they are not under its regulatory framework and may pose significant risks. SEBI-regulated options for investing in gold include gold ETFs and EGRs, which are governed by its regulatory framework and accessed through SEBI-registered intermediaries.
Liang Wenfeng, China's leading tech billionaire, made a comeback in 2023 with his AI model DeepSeek, surpassing US tech stocks and securing a spot on China's 100 richest list. With a degree in engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering, he co-founded High-Flyer Capital Management in 2015 and revolutionized investing with AI.
American media company Condé Nast has laid off four employees after a confrontation with HR head Stan Duncan over recent layoffs. A video of the confrontation has gone viral, showing employees questioning Duncan and urging him to speak with them about the layoffs. The company has since fired the employees involved, citing "extreme misconduct".
A few days after Zohran Mamdani’s won New York City’s mayoral election, an Illinois Department of Transportation worker found himself being stopped and questioned by ICE agents, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The agents allegedly asked him about his immigration status and even about the new NYC mayor. The worker, who is Indian and a US citizen, was later released.