AFRICAN PLANS
South Africa expands Electronic Travel Authorization to Indian travellers
South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorization system now allows online visa applications for 53 countries including India. The new ETA system simplifies the visa process for eligible travellers and their families. Minors can now apply online, enhancing accessibility for younger visitors. The expansion aims to support tourism growth ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. The transition from the eVisa system to ETA will be completed by December 1, 2026.
Airtel profit surges 33% to Rs 9,015 crore in Q2, outpacing Jio in ARPU growth
Bharti Airtel has reported a profit surge to ₹9,015 crore in the September quarter. Average revenue per user increased to ₹271, widening the lead over Reliance Jio. The company missed analyst profit estimates due to high network operating costs impacting margins. Bharti Airtel added 1.2 million postpaid customers during this quarter but faced subscriber growth challenges. Overall revenue rose 16.7% year-on-year, indicating strong performance despite competitive pressures.
Trump cries foul as Democrats' midterm sweep deepens, Republicans face 'extinction-level event'
US President Donald Trump questioned election results in Alaska even as Democrats extended their historic midterm gains, with Mississippi emerging as another potential Senate breakthrough. Republican losses across traditional strongholds have reshaped Congress, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the party's electoral setback as an "extinction-level event".
Who is Hakeem Jeffries? New York Democratic Congressman may become first Black speaker as outgoing House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson likely to start own company
House of Representative Hakeem S. Jeffries has been in the US Congress since 2013. Democratic leader is elected from New York, District 113th-119th. He has served seventh term in the United States Congress.
Sounds of sustainability: Yamaha’s test of whether instrument-making and forest conservation can strike a chord
Yamaha's environmental initiative is dedicated to conserving and cultivating forests used in musical instrument production, with a specific focus on preserving Indian rosewood.
Andreas Almgren: Swedish math master's graduate who quit his data scientist job, watched NYC Marathon last year and returned to win it on debut
Andreas Almgren went from watching the NYC Marathon as a spectator last year to winning it on his debut in 2026. The Swedish distance runner clocked 2:06:01, the third-fastest time in race history. A former financial analyst and data scientist, Almgren quit his job to focus on running full-time. He has studied for a master’s degree in mathematics.
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In 2016, billionaire Jim Ratcliffe came up with the idea of building his own Land Rover rival at a London pub. How his love for African safaris led to a nearly $2 billion SUV project
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder of the chemical giant INEOS, loved the Land Rover Defender for safaris and adventures. After Land Rover ceased production, he sought to create his own off-roader. In 2016, over a beer at the Grenadier pub, he devised a plan for the INEOS Grenadier. This vehicle combines British design with German engineering and features unique safari windows.
Alabama Republicans thought they had drawn a safe US House seat. A Black congressman had other ideas
Alabama Congressman Shomari Figures is fighting to retain his seat after Republicans redrew his district following a US Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act. His campaign is mobilising Black voters while appealing to conservative and independent voters, with the high-stakes contest emerging as a potential test of Republican control of Congress.
India-Brazil bilateral trade set to reach $20 bn with focus on critical minerals, AI, defence: Envoy
Brazil's Ambassador to India highlighted growing trade relations, expecting bilateral trade to reach USD 20 billion soon. The partnership encompasses critical sectors such as defence, energy, and pharmaceuticals, promoting economic engagement. Both nations aim to deepen cultural ties, celebrating the centenary of musician Antonio Carlos Jobim in 2027. Recent political visits strengthened commitments toward technological and economic cooperation in multilateral forums.
Varun Beverages shares fall over 4% as Q3 margin pressure weighs despite a 33% YoY revenue growth
Varun Beverages reported strong Q3 CY2026 revenue, profit and volume growth, but its shares fell as higher packaging costs weighed on margins. EBITDA margin declined 140 basis points year-on-year, while the company announced an interim dividend of Rs 0.50 per share.
Indus Towers starts earning revenue from Africa expansion
Indus Towers has initiated its expansion into Africa by deploying towers in Zambia and Uganda. The company aims to start operations in Nigeria soon while focusing on generating revenue from established markets. Indus Towers plans to build upon its shared-infrastructure model by engaging additional customers for its towers. The company has reported a growth in its overall tower base, reflecting its ongoing success in the Indian market.
India to emerge as major exporter to China, ASEAN, get edge in US trade pact, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India's potential to expand exports to China and ASEAN. Negotiations are underway for a trade pact with the United States that could provide India a comparative advantage. The country is also working towards an Investment Protection Agreement with the European Union. Goyal indicated that discussions for preferential trade agreements are progressing with multiple countries and groups.
Investigators deliver report on why Iranian warships took part in naval drills off South Africa
An investigation into the involvement of Iranian warships in naval exercises near South Africa has concluded. This operation, featuring South African, Chinese, Russian, and Iranian naval forces, unfolded amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions. Following a breach of directives regarding Iranian participation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa initiated the inquiry. While findings have been submitted for presidential review, specific details will remain classified, amid U.S. critiques of South Africa's foreign policy stance.
India plan bowling backups for New Zealand Tests, Arshdeep in contention for red-ball debut
India plans to retain several bowlers as backup for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand. Bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasized the importance of a workload management strategy for players. Arshdeep Singh, a white-ball specialist, is being considered for his potential debut in red-ball cricket. Bowlers will be rotated in one-day internationals to prepare them adequately for Tests. The two-match Test series is scheduled to begin on November 19.
BL Agro heads to Africa with Rs 7,000 crore Tanzania bet; targets edible oil, dairy
BL Agro plans to invest Rs 7000 crore in Tanzania over the next ten years for international expansion. The company will focus on edible oils, dairy, animal husbandry, agriculture, and manufacturing. This investment aims to build an integrated ecosystem, leveraging Tanzania’s agricultural resources with Indian technology.
ArcelorMittal & SA's IDC close in on $610 m deal
South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation has agreed to acquire ArcelorMittal SA's local unit for about $610 million. This anticipated deal marks a significant intervention by the government in the industrial sector. The transaction aims to complete by the end of this year, pending a shareholder vote. Shares in ArcelorMittal SA saw a substantial increase following this announcement.
Wipro GE HealthCare considering fifth India plant, plans to double exports
Wipro GE HealthCare is evaluating options for a new manufacturing facility in India to enhance operations. The company operates four plants and seeks to double global exports while focusing on local sales growth. A significant investment of Rs 8,000 crore is planned over five years to support this initiative. The domestic medical equipment market is projected to grow annually by 10-11%, creating opportunities for Wipro GE HealthCare.
Vedanta doubles South Africa zinc capacity to 500,000 tonnes with $600 million investment
Vedanta Ltd has doubled its zinc production capacity at Gamsberg in South Africa with a significant investment. The expansion was inaugurated by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Vedanta officials, emphasizing the company's commitment to the region. Vedanta aims to achieve a total zinc production of 3 million tonnes annually, contributing to industrial growth and job creation.
Stocks in news: Vedanta, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HFCL, IREDA, Zen Tech and Oil India
Indian equities turned around as information technology stocks attracted sustained buying interest. Strong quarterly earnings reports enhanced investor confidence in the market, with the Nifty 50 index achieving a closing point of 23,146, representing a 0.65% rise. Prominent companies like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank shared their quarterly outcomes, showcasing improved asset quality. Investors are anticipated to keep an eye on upcoming corporate announcements which may guide market trends.
Charting the global economy: Inflationary pressures mount in US
A broad upswing in consumer prices last month helps reinforce expectations for additional Federal Reserve interest-rate increases in the months ahead.
Amitabh Kant backs India to produce world-beating golfers in coming years
Amitabh Kant said India's demographic advantage and rising participation among youngsters would help the country emerge as a global force in golf over the next decade.
Billionaire MacKenzie Scott donated $15 million to African conservation group; How her generous contributions helped 28 organisations sustain ecology in Africa
MacKenzie Scott has made a significant $15 million donation to the conservation organization Maliasili. This gift aims to enhance community-led conservation efforts throughout Africa, fostering sustainable ecological practices. Maliasili plans to strengthen over 100 African organizations and develop 400 leaders by 2030. Scott's funding will assist in mobilizing additional resources for these partner organizations over time.
WTO chief sees lasting impact on trade from Middle East war and geopolitics
The World Trade Organization projects significant declines in both imports and exports due to these challenges. Companies are revising their supply chain strategies and exploring new trade corridors.
At showdown FIFA meeting, Infantino apologizes for World Cup furor but leaves critics unhappy
Gianni Infantino apologized to FIFA Council members for the controversy surrounding his private equity plan. He failed to provide necessary documents related to various pressing issues during the meeting. European officials expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of satisfactory answers and called for more transparency. Infantino's support from African members remains strong despite the ongoing criticism of his leadership.
US teen arrested for mass shooting plot to kill Hindus inside temple; his manifesto expressing hatred towards Indians is being examined
A 19-year-old man from Palatine, Illinois, has been arrested over an alleged mass shooting plot that may have targeted a Hindu temple in Aurora. Police said investigators examined electronic communications and a manifesto containing white supremacist views and hatred towards Indians.
Woman spends all her savings on Antarctica trip instead of cancer surgery, upon return finds tumor has shrunk
A 67-year-old wildlife photographer from China travelled to Antarctica after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013, despite doctors recommending surgery. Following the month-long expedition, a hospital check-up showed that her tumour had shrunk, and doctors said surgery was not immediately necessary. Wang later continued travelling and photographing birds, while remaining under medical observation.
Trump administration cuts refugees' deadline to contest status termination, raising fears
The Trump administration is implementing a new policy that shortens the time refugees have to appeal status termination. This change reduces the contest period from 30 days to just 10 days. Critics argue this policy could endanger numerous refugees who fled violence and persecution. Advocates warn that the policy undermines the principles of permanent protection that refugee resettlement represents.
Cupid’s skyrocketing rally hits a speed bump as shares fall 3%
Cupid shares fell on Monday after hitting a fresh lifetime high, as investors appeared to book profits following a sharp rally. Despite the pullback, the multibagger stock is up around 245% in 2026 so far, with returns of 630% over one year, 7,485% over three years and 15,000% over five years.
In 2019, a South African town opened Africa's first plastic road, the 300-metre stretch contains 700 kg of recycled plastic
The road was constructed using a special process in which waste plastic was converted into pellets before being added to the asphalt mixture. The mixture was then used for the road's top layer. Kouga Executive Mayor Horatio Hendricks officially opened the road by cutting a ribbon at Woltemade Street. He said the new approach was intended to produce a more durable road while being friendlier to the environment.
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