India's retail sales have experienced a major increase, with double-digit growth for the first time in three years. This was due to GST cuts and high demand during the festive season. The implementation of GST 2.0 in September also contributed to the rise in sales, particularly in food, apparel, and furniture categories.
Taxpayers are receiving intimations for discrepancies in filed returns and annual information statements. They must respond by December 31 to avoid penalties. Sandeep Sehgal of AKM Global attributes this to increased compliance efforts. TDS credits should be reconciled and errors reported on the AIS portal.
The writer explains the process of transferring a property under a home loan to their sister's name, emphasizing the need to pay off the loan first. They suggest creating a registered agreement for the writer to pay the EMI on their sister's behalf. They also address inquiries about education loans, gold loans, and loans against shares.
Investment-grade bonds offer up to 13% yields, providing higher inflation-adjusted returns compared to bank fixed deposits. The minimum face value for corporate bonds has been reduced to Rs 10,000, making them more accessible to retail investors. Bonds also offer capital safety and potential gains through interest rate changes and credit rating upgrades.
The removal of GST on life insurance premiums has resulted in a rise in the use of riders, such as critical illness and waiver of premium, for added protection. This is a more cost-effective approach compared to increasing the base cover of term insurance. Women are specifically choosing critical illness riders with cancer screening benefits.
This Friday, OTT platforms offer a diverse range of entertainment options. From real-life adaptations and sports dramas to political conspiracies and an intimate look at the lives of Bollywood celebrities, there's something for everyone. Notable releases include Homebound, The Family Man Season 3, One Shot With Ed Sheeran and others.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has decided to split its stocks in a 5-for-1 ratio to make them more accessible and boost market participation. The approval process involves the bank's members, RBI, and other regulatory authorities and is expected to be completed in two months.
India's forex reserves rose to $692.576 billion in November, with gold reserves increasing by $5.327 billion. This led to a jump of $5.543 billion from the previous week. Foreign currency assets also saw a slight increase, while the SDRs and reserve position with the IMF also grew. PMI data showed a decline in manufacturing and private sector growth in November.
Tata Power to invest Rs 1,572 crore in 1.1 GW hydropower project in Bhutan, with a total cost of Rs 13,000 crore. Company holds 60% stake, Druk Green Power owns 40%. 80% of power to be supplied to India. Project commissioned in Sept. 2031, supported by Bhutan govt. and World Bank.
Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned the new Miss Universe, overcoming controversy and mistreatment during the competition. She beat over 100 contestants to secure Mexico's fourth win at the pageant. Despite scandals and rigging allegations, her victory stands as a triumph over adversity and a bright spot in a tumultuous event.
HG Infra Engineering and Kalpataru Projects International have won a Rs 1,415 crore contract from Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation to build an elevated metro viaduct for the Thane Integral Ring Metro Project. The project will be completed in 36 months and the JV has placed a bid of Rs 1,415 crore, adding to the company's recent contract win of Rs 274 crore from DLF.
Pune's IT sector is struggling with layoffs amidst the global economic downturn. The Labour Commissioner has been receiving multiple complaints against wrongful termination, with five of them against TCS. The IT employee union has also stepped in and is urging others to speak up and fight for their rights.
A 16-year-old boy in Delhi took his own life after being scolded by his teacher. He left a note apologising to his family and requesting that his organs be donated. His father claims that constant humiliation from teachers led to the boy's decision. An FIR has been filed, and four teachers have been temporarily suspended.
AR Rahman, an acclaimed Indian musician, has achieved great success with multiple awards, including two Oscars and two Grammys. In a heartfelt interview, he revealed his childhood in Chennai, his father's musical influence, and the impact of losing both parents at a young age.
Donald Trump Jr, son of US president, visited a wildlife rescue center in Gujarat and attended a wedding in Rajasthan during his second trip to India. He was hosted by Anant Ambani and participated in garba-dandiya festivities. His visit coincides with ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US.
India to resume air cargo services with Afghanistan as Joint Secretary at MEA confirms completion of groundwork. Afghan Trade Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi's visit to New Delhi aims to strengthen trade ties, particularly in the agricultural sector. Bilateral trade currently stands at 1 billion with potential for further growth.
Indian equity benchmarks closed the week with a 0.47% decline, as the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex were affected by a global decline and weak INR-USD. Investor sentiments were also impacted by the lack of progress on the India-US trade deal and potential delays. Mid- and small-cap stocks saw sharper corrections, while Maruti Suzuki was the top performer.
India's private sector growth slowed in November, with manufacturing PMI dropping to a nine-month low of 57.4. However, the country's composite PMI remained in expansionary territory at 59.9. Analysts warn of emerging sectoral softness and global headwinds, with issuer-specific fundamentals playing a larger role in credit rating actions.
Crisil Ratings predicts that city gas operators will see a recovery in operating profit this fiscal, thanks to a shift towards contracted supplies and reduced reliance on spot markets. The report also highlights the impact of increased gas procurement costs and steady realisations on margins, as well as the potential for healthy volume growth and risks to watch out for in the future.
Maruti Suzuki India has invested Rs 2 crore in Ravity Software Solutions, marking its third investment under the Maruti Suzuki Innovation Fund. The company's MD and CEO believes in the potential of startups and Ravity's expertise in AI, analytics, and mobility will enhance customer experience. The fund focuses on innovative startups with high potential.
Nuvama Institutional Equities maintains a 'Buy' rating on Vedanta with a target price of Rs 686, expecting a 34% upside. The company's focus on demerger, delivery, and deleveraging (3Ds) is expected to pay off with support from commodity prices. The completion of the demerger process, along with other positive triggers, could enhance the fair value by Rs 84 per share.
Frida Kahlo's 'El sueño (La cama)' sold for $54.7 million, setting a new record for the most expensive artwork by a female artist. The painting, featuring Kahlo in a vulnerable self-portrait, was in a private collection for 45 years and is a rare find due to Mexican laws. Its sale marks a significant moment in art history.
The Supreme Court has asked for the ECI's response on the revision of electoral rolls in several states, including Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. Chaos erupted in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala as leaders claim pressure on workers. The court has set November 26 for a hearing case on Kerala. Protests have been held in Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the deaths of officials due to alleged work pressure.
Hindalco's subsidiary Novelis' plant in New York caught fire for the second time in two months. All employees were safely evacuated and the fire is now under control. The previous fire on September 16 caused significant damage and resulted in an estimated negative free cash flow impact of $550-650 million. The company is still assessing the financial cost of the latest fire.
Nalin Haley, son of Nikki Haley, has sparked controversy with his strong stance on immigration in the US. In a Tucker Carlson interview, he discussed limiting foreign students and questioning naturalized citizens in public office. While some criticize him, others see him as the potential face of the male Gen Z right-wing.
Tanay Kothari, CEO of AI startup Wispr Flow, turned his childhood passion into a thriving $81 million company. He started coding AI at the age of 10, inspired by Iron Man, and has since built over 50 apps. Despite a cease and desist from Google, he never truly gave up and has now raised $81 million for his AI company, Wispr Flow.
After Indian man Ashish Bagade listed himself as CEO of several startups on LinkedIn, PitchBook fell for it. Venture capitalist Zach DeWitt raised the issue on X, revealing that Bagade listed himself as co-CEO of Cursor, and PitchBook also listed him as co-CEO. He also listed himself as the co-founder of Matiks, a firm co-founded by Sudhanshu Bhatia.
Bengaluru's traffic issues have resurfaced after astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla revealed his lengthy commute to a tech summit. The state government has promised to tackle the city's infrastructure problems, following discussions with top business leaders. Shukla's comment, based on his experience on the International Space Station, has sparked renewed debate on the state of Bengaluru's traffic.
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan adds to his impressive real estate portfolio with the purchase of two premium commercial units in Mumbai worth Rs 30.75 crore. These units, located in Kanakia Wallstreet, come with six designated car parkings. Saif also owns luxurious properties in Bandra West, Fortune Heights, and Pataudi Palace, along with a private chalet.
Ariana Grande has tested positive for Covid-19 in the middle of promoting her upcoming film Wicked: For Good, forcing her to halt all scheduled media appearances. The pop star revealed the diagnosis on Instagram with a behind-the-scenes photo captioned “Moments before Covid.” The news arrives just after co-star Cynthia Erivo was reported to be unwell.
The NIA has arrested a suspect in the Red Fort blast case, who received 42 bomb-making videos from a foreign handler. This handler may have coordinated with terror modules in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Delhi terror attack on November 10 has killed at least 15 people and left many injured.
US Treasury official confirms Indian and Chinese firms following US sanctions on Russian imports. Sanctions have reduced Russian oil prices, hindering funding for war in Ukraine. Top buyers from India and China are avoiding Russian oil purchases. Trump plans to impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries still doing business with Russia.
Billionbrains Garage Ventures, parent company of Groww, saw a rebound in shares as investors awaited the announcement of their September quarter earnings. The company also scheduled a board meeting and earnings call to discuss unaudited financial results. Despite a strong listing, Groww's stock had a volatile week, hitting upper circuit on Monday but correcting on Tuesday and Thursday.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised a US panel report that supported Pakistan's claims of military success over India in May, which was also acknowledged by US President Donald Trump. However, China dismissed the report as misinformation and accused the commission of being biased against them.
The US has imposed sanctions on Iran's shadow oil network and entities supporting its nuclear program and terrorist groups. This includes an India-based shipping firm and a petroleum products trader. The US Treasury has also targeted shipping networks and an airline involved in Iran's illicit oil activities. These measures aim to hinder Iran's revenue and halt its nuclear aspirations.
Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has received a bullish call from three major brokerages - Motilal Oswal, Nuvama, and Jefferies, with target prices of Rs 4,275, Rs 4,200, and Rs 4,500 respectively. These reports highlight the company's strong growth potential in the SUV, LCV, and farm segments, with expected revenue growth of 8x and 3x in the next decade.
Nancy Pelosi, the US Speaker Emerita, has condemned President Trump, labeling him as the "biggest con job" and the "worst president" in American history. She also criticized his handling of climate change, stating that he is jeopardizing the health, education, and future of American children. Pelosi's remarks were made at a press conference with other Democratic officials.
Fatima Bosch of Mexico beat over 100 contestants to win the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. She faced tough competition from Miss India, Thailand, Venezuela, Philippines, and Ivory Coast. Despite her struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, Bosch is a role model and volunteer for children with cancer.
Capillary Technologies entered the National Stock Exchange at Rs 571.90, the same as its issue price of Rs 577. The IPO garnered Rs 877.70 crores through a mix of new shares and offer for sale. The lot size for investors was 25 shares, with a minimum bid of Rs 14,425. The company focuses on providing customer loyalty and engagement solutions through a wide range of products.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches in Jharkhand and West Bengal against the coal mafia, targeting over 40 premises under the PMLA. The investigation is linked to coal theft and smuggling by entities such as Anil Goyal, Sanjay Udhyog, L B Singh, and Amar Mandal. The case involves large-scale pilferage and theft of coal, resulting in losses of hundreds of crores to the government.
TCS and TPG have joined forces to invest Rs 18,000 crore in HyperVault, a new AI data centre unit. TCS will hold a majority stake while TPG will hold a significant portion. This investment is one of the largest in India's data centre infrastructure sector and will help TCS establish a strong presence in the AI and cloud infrastructure market.
Owen Gunden, the Bitcoin wizard, has sold his entire BTC holdings worth $1.3bn, bought when the coin was under $1. This comes as institutions invest in Bitcoin, while everyday investors are cautious. Gunden started selling in October, and his wallet is now empty, possibly signalling the end of the cycle. Analysts see it as a calculated profit-taking move in the current volatile market.
Indian indices open lower after reaching near record highs. Nifty 50, Sensex, and Bank Nifty all open lower. Market volatility increases, with the Nasdaq closing down 2.15%. Experts predict more volatility to come. Retail investors are advised to avoid speculative trades and buy high-quality stocks on declines. Early gainers include Mahindra & Mahindra, Asian Paints.
Miss Universe 2025 was recently held in Thailand, with contestants from around the world vying for the crown. India's representative, Manika Vishwakarma, made it to the top 15 but failed to advance further. The pageant was also in the news for a controversy involving the Mexican delegate and the host. The winner was chosen through rounds including swimsuit, evening gown, and QnA.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised President Trump for agreeing to meet with "communist" New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, despite their opposing views. Trump's announcement on social media and his feud with Mamdani were mentioned.
Torrential rain, floods, and landslides in central Vietnam have killed 41 people, damaged the region known for coffee and beaches, and left over half a million households without power. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with photos showing stranded residents and a girl rescued from a collapsed home. More disasters are expected, and nine people are still missing.
A 19-year-old student in Maharashtra, Arnav Khaire, committed suicide after being harassed for speaking Hindi instead of Marathi on a local train. His father blames the incident for causing immense mental stress and an investigation has been launched. The incident has sparked a debate on language issues in the region, with his father demanding justice for his son.
Judge blocks Trump's deployment of National Guard to DC, citing concerns over violating local leaders' objections. White House defends Trump's actions as lawful and necessary to combat violent crime. DC Attorney General warns of dangerous precedent if Trump is allowed to use troops for domestic law enforcement. Trump faces similar legal battles in other cities.
Major companies have made significant updates that may impact trading, such as government action, stake sales, new deals, investments, and project orders. Indian equity benchmarks closed higher on November 20. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating Anil Ambani group stocks for money laundering. Max Financial plans to sell a stake, while JSW Energy acquires Raigarh Champa Rail Infrastructure.
Wall Street stocks fell due to a decline in technology gains, resulting in the Nasdaq and S&P 500 hitting their lowest closes since September. The Cboe Volatility index also reached its highest close since April. Nvidia's earnings initially boosted the market, but concerns over AI spending and the U.S. labor market caused a sharp reversal.