EMERGENCY IN INDIA
Rajnath Singh calls for stronger defensive capabilities to maintain 'element of surprise' in future warfare; launches UDAAN-developed AI applications
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on the armed forces to strengthen offensive and defensive capabilities in modern warfare. He highlighted the need for improved integration and intelligence mechanisms to counter unexpected threats. The Defence Minister urged the Indian Air Force to develop doctrines for evolving warfare domains, including cyber and space. He launched in-house developed Artificial Intelligence applications to enhance operational capabilities across various domains.
AI can bring productivity gains with job risks; impact on India not yet clearly visible: Moody's
Artificial intelligence is expected to improve productivity in IT services and BPO sectors in emerging markets. Moody's predicts GDP growth for India will rise to 7% in 2027. The lack of digital infrastructure and skills could limit how emerging markets benefit from AI.
Lights, camera... microdrama! Big showmen hooked on new gig in town
India's microdrama industry is experiencing significant growth, attracting investments from major entertainment companies and creators. Aamir Khan Productions and Excel Entertainment are launching a microdrama venture to produce high-quality content. Partnerships with creators and telecom companies will enhance the platform's offerings as the market expands. Despite challenges in monetization and audience retention, viewership for microdramas continues to rise steadily.
80% of demand for tokenised assets come from emerging markets, says Binance’s SB Seker
Tokenised assets are finding their strongest foothold in emerging markets, where high entry costs and limited access have long kept global investment products out of reach for ordinary investors. About 80% of demand for tokenised US equities and other instruments comes from emerging markets, according to SB Seker, head of Asia Pacific at Binance.
CII summit puts spotlight on Naidu's importance as key NDA ally, Centre's show of strength
The CII Partnership Summit is scheduled for November 12-13 in Visakhapatnam, featuring key Union ministers and the Vice-President of India. This event aims to solidify N Chandrababu Naidu's role as a crucial ally of the NDA. Naidu will deliver the keynote address while discussions will focus on various economic issues. Ministerial participation will showcase potential investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.
India's growth gets further votes of confidence as Moody's raises FY27 forecast to 7% from 6.5%
Moody's Ratings has raised India's economic growth forecast for 2026-27 to 7% from 6.5%. This adjustment reflects the nation's strong consumption and improving investment dynamics. Despite potential challenges such as policy interest rate hikes, consumption remains crucial for growth. Additionally, SBI Research predicts a growth of 7.8% for India in the July-September quarter. Improving economic indicators suggest a strong recovery might be underway, supporting a new cycle of private investment.
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HCA Global pre-leases 6.44 lakh sq ft in Mindspace Hyderabad; rental outgo Rs 945 crore
HCA Healthcare’s Indian subsidiary, HCA Global Services, has pre-leased 6.44 lakh sq ft of office space at Mindspace in Hyderabad for 10 years, with a total rental outgo of around Rs 945 crore. The lease, covering seven floors in Building No. 8, will begin on September 1, 2027, at a monthly rent of Rs 7.09 crore, with an annual escalation of 4.5%.
Reverse AI trade drives foreign inflows back to India but rising US inflation poses challenge: Ajay Bagga
Foreign investors are returning to Indian equity markets as global funds shift away from the artificial intelligence infrastructure trade in markets such as the US, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, while India's relatively attractive valuations and falling crude oil prices are improving its investment appeal, banking and market expert Ajay Bagga said.
Sanjay Gandhi was man in a hurry, played significant role in decision-making during Emergency: Sonia
In her insights, Sonia Gandhi discusses Sanjay Gandhi's pivotal role during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977. She highlights the repression of political opposition and the erosions of civil liberties that defined this era. Sanjay’s ambitious strategies, particularly in family planning and urban development, ignited public backlash against the regime.
India, US vow to jointly act against emerging drug threats
India and the US have agreed to strengthen cooperation against emerging narcotics threats, including illicit drug trafficking and the diversion of synthetic drugs and chemical precursors. At a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, both sides discussed intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, precursor control, pharmaceutical supply chains and measures to reduce drug demand.
Emergency a mistake, Indira came to feel the same: Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi reveals her belief that the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi was a significant mistake. She suggests that if Sanjay Gandhi had been kept in check, much of the subsequent damage could have been avoided. Indira Gandhi's decision was influenced by various pressures, including those from her younger son Sanjay and several advisors.
BJP's C R Keshavan accuses Sonia Gandhi of whitewashing Emergency in recently published memoir
C R Kesavan of BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of attempting to justify the Emergency in her new memoir. He suggested that her book should focus on historical wrongs instead of glossing over them. Kesavan raised concerns about her perceived emotional responses to violence during Congress rule, including the 1984 Sikh riots and terrorist attacks. The spokesperson condemned her remarks on the Emergency as an attempt to normalise past injustices.
Don't let fare caps clip airlines' wings
Recently, airline price surges during festival seasons have raised concerns about imposing fare caps. While there is public demand for such measures, they may disrupt airlines' pricing flexibility. Regulations on airfares are more effective when they account for market demand and emergencies like natural disasters. Airlines might resort to add-on charges if their revenue is impacted by fare restrictions.
India's ChatGPT boom faces a reality check as free AI use meets rising costs
India has emerged as ChatGPT's largest market, driven by its vast digitally connected population and widespread access to free AI services. However, as AI infrastructure expands and computing and energy costs rise, companies face the challenge of recovering investments. Convincing price-sensitive Indian users to pay for AI remains difficult.
PM Modi visits L K Advani's residence to wish him as he enters 100th year
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited L K Advani to congratulate him on entering his 100th year of life. Advani, who was born on November 8, 1927, turned 99 on that same day. Modi expressed admiration for Advani's significant contributions to India's political landscape during his visit. The Prime Minister also wrote a newspaper article detailing Advani's impactful journey.
Karnataka, Uber discuss passenger safety, regulatory issues and urban transport
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge recently met with the Uber India Public Policy team to discuss urban mobility. The discussions emphasized passenger safety, regulatory issues, and improvements in urban commuting services. Kharge mentioned that further engagement with ride-hailing platforms will enhance public transportation. Additionally, initiatives like the Bengaluru Urban Mobility Mission are underway to address traffic management and safety.
AI slump revives Asia’s forgotten trades from China to India
Global investors are rethinking their Asia bets as the AI trade loses momentum following the US midterm elections. India and China are emerging as potential beneficiaries of the shift, with funds rotating towards undervalued stocks, domestic growth, healthcare, consumer companies and financials. India's limited AI exposure, easing oil prices and renewed foreign inflows are strengthening its appeal.
Bharat Ratna LK Advani Ji at 100: A life of service, ideology and nation-building
Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji celebrates his hundredth birthday on November 8, coinciding with Diwali festivities. He has played a vital role in shaping modern Indian politics through the Jana Sangh and BJP. Advani Ji faced challenges, such as Partition, and rebuilt his life with determination and resilience. He was influential during critical moments, including the Emergency and the Somnath-to-Ayodhya Rath Yatra.
Jubilant FoodWorks' delivery growth lifts Domino's India; Popeyes emerges as second growth engine
Jubilant FoodWorks experienced significant growth in its delivery business, led by a strong performance from Domino's Pizza. Revenue from Domino's increased by 9.2% year-on-year, driven by a rise in orders and delivery growth. Meanwhile, Popeyes reported a remarkable 122% year-on-year revenue increase and achieved consistent growth above 40%. The company demonstrated effective cost management strategies and enhanced its operational efficiency across its restaurant network.
India's 10-year bond posts best week in 7 years, leads emerging Asia as oil slides
This week, Indian government bonds saw a remarkable performance, outpacing other Asian markets as benchmark yields dropped significantly. Following the Democratic win in the US midterms, crude prices fell sharply, enticing foreign investors back to purchase a significant volume of Indian bonds. This shift alleviates pressure on the Reserve Bank of India to maintain elevated yields, contributing to a positive outlook for Indian debt moving forward.
Indian rupee strengthens past 94/$ as oil slides, foreign inflows return
The Indian rupee strengthened past 94 per dollar after regaining appeal among emerging-market currencies recently. Significant foreign inflows into Indian equities and a sharp fall in oil prices are key factors. Analysts suggest India's equity markets may attract global investments as concerns about AI infrastructure spending grow. The Reserve Bank of India announced measures to support the rupee against maintaining fluctuations.
India bonds emerge as top Asian performers as oil, Treasury yields decline
This week, Indian government bonds saw a positive trend following a Democratic win in the U.S. midterm elections. The reduction in oil prices and Treasury yields eased rupee pressure, boosting investor confidence. The benchmark bond yield improved significantly, declining by approximately 22 basis points. Furthermore, the surge in foreign investments into Indian bonds marked a notable high since July, leading to enhanced overall market sentiment.
JP Morgan to add Philippines and Saudi Arabia to key EM bond index over 10 months
JP Morgan has announced plans to include Saudi Arabia and the Philippines in its emerging market debt index starting in 2027. The Saudi riyal-denominated sukuk and Philippine peso-denominated government bonds will be integrated over a ten-month period. The index is expected to adjust the maximum country weight limit from 10% to 9%. Saudi Arabia's weight will reach 2.71%, while the Philippines will have a weight of 1.64%.
Frustrated by poll defeats, Congress is trying to create anarchy in country: Nitin Gadkari
Addressing the BJP's 'Save Democracy-Remove Anarchy' march in Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari took exception to the language used by Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge when talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Blinkit Ambulance is no longer entirely free! Deepinder Goyal introduces Rs 2,500 charge; check which services remain free
Deepinder Goyal has announced a Rs 2,500 fee for non-emergency Blinkit Ambulance transfers, while emergency services will remain free. The move comes after the service handled around 42,000 cases in two years, including nearly 20,000 emergencies. Goyal also outlined plans to expand the ambulance network to major Indian cities.
Blinkit Ambulance to charge Rs 2,500 for non-emergency trips; emergency service will stay free: Deepinder Goyal
Goyal said Blinkit Ambulance has served about 42,000 cases in the last two years, of which roughly 20,000 were emergencies. None were charged but a growing share of bookings were for routine checkups, hospital visits and hospital-to-home transfers, trips that “an Uber or private transport could have handled just as easily,” he said.
Logistics links, shipping services emerge as key drivers for India's maritime growth: Report
India’s next phase of maritime growth will depend on improving logistics, inland connectivity and shipping services rather than simply expanding port capacity, according to a Ficci-Kearney report. Cargo handled at major and non-major ports rose 38% between FY18 and FY26, outpacing the 22% increase in capacity, while delays in moving goods after export approval account for 84% of measured export time.
Uncertainty is certain: India is resilient and will emerge stronger
Despite global uncertainty, India remains well placed to weather economic and market disruptions, supported by resilient growth, deeper domestic capital markets and rising private investment. Stronger institutions, infrastructure spending and emerging industries could further reinforce the country’s long-term prospects.
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