FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
India-born Nithya Raman to take charge in LA amid homeless crisis, political division
Nithya Raman, an India-born democratic socialist, has been elected the new mayor of Los Angeles. She faces significant challenges, including homelessness, housing costs, and public safety issues. Raman ran as an outsider without endorsements from her colleagues and against a wounded incumbent. Her leadership will be scrutinized as she assesses city problems and works with a divided City Hall.
Diwali 2026 Lakshmi Puja muhurat: Check auspicious Lagna timings for November 8, puja significance and details
Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, with devotees worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth, happiness and prosperity. Check the auspicious Lakshmi Puja muhurat timings for Kumbha, Vrishabha and Simha Lagna, along with the significance of Vrishchika Lagna. The article also explains why Vrishabha Lagna is considered particularly important, the Amavasya Tithi timings and why Pradosh Kaal is preferred for Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
ED probes $1.5 million foreign funding trail across six countries over alleged meddling in India's domestic affairs
In a significant investigation, the Enforcement Directorate is examining the financial transactions of foreign companies that are tied to India's domestic issues. Investigators have followed $1 million in payments through various jurisdictions before pinpointing a firm in the UK. Of particular interest is the $500,000 that originated from a Canadian source.
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
E30 petrol being sold as E20? Karnataka minister claims oil companies are supplying petrol exceeding the 20% ethanol limit
Karnataka Minister Rizwan Arshad has flagged alleged over-blending of ethanol in petrol after tests found concentrations of up to 31.2% in samples from major oil companies. The state has warned of possible damage to vehicle fuel systems, questioned laboratory disclosures and demanded action, consumer compensation and mandatory display of ethanol percentages at petrol pumps.
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Mehli Mistry challenges removal as Tata Trusts trustee, seeks independent inquiry into governance
Mehli Mistry has filed a challenge against his removal as a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. He has raised concerns about procedural irregularities and trustee eligibility in his case. Mistry also seeks an independent inquiry into financial matters related to the trust's administration. He has claimed conflicts of interest and improper financial benefits received by some trustees.

SBI-led banking alliance comes together to mount a defence to AI threats
Indian Banks' Association, led by State Bank of India, is developing a strategy for cybersecurity in the AI era. The initiative focuses on improving coordination among banks and facilitating timely information sharing. Increasing digitalization has expanded the potential for cyberattacks, urging immediate measures to mitigate risks.

Tesla stocks tumble after Democrats win Congress; Musk's $500 million Republican backing leads to new stress test for Elon’s empire
Elon Musk's substantial political contributions to Republican candidates now face challenges after Democrats gained control of Congress. His significant investments in Texas could complicate relationships due to the recent political shift. Both Tesla and SpaceX might experience increased scrutiny regarding their government contracts and regulatory approvals. Investors are concerned about the potential implications for Musk's businesses amidst changing political dynamics.

America's political house has changed hands: 5 things that could look very different in Washington after Democrats' midterm victory
The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections grants Democrats control of Congress, posing challenges for Presidential initiatives. Legislative proposals, appointments, and spending measures will now face intense scrutiny and negotiation. Congressional investigations into the Trump administration may increase as part of the new agenda. Republicans will reassess their strategies following losses in traditionally conservative states. The shift to a divided government will shape political dynamics moving forward.

US midterm elections: China says it will continue working with America
China has reacted carefully to the Democratic Party's gains in the recent US midterm elections. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it remains committed to cooperation with the US despite political changes. Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have met twice this year to enhance strategic stability. Beijing is also discussing a potential trilateral meeting with the US and Russia at the upcoming APEC summit.

US allies see a chastened Trump but they’re wary of the backlash
US election results are viewed as a potential limit on Donald Trump's power regarding foreign policies. Foreign officials remain cautious, predicting that Trump may continue to act unpredictably despite the political changes. The president's approach toward Iran may signal his handling of Congress's constraints on his authority. European leaders express concern over the implications for international relations amid ongoing conflicts.

Washington's next chapter: A democratic socialist mayor and a looming Trump showdown
Janeese Lewis George won the recent mayoral election and will take office on January 2. She will face significant challenges, including local governance issues and financial difficulties. After a period of job losses, the city anticipates potential revenue drops, prompting tax consideration discussions. Lewis George emphasizes addressing the city's affordability crisis amid Trump's ongoing influence. She has a unique opportunity to reshape policies within the city's limited autonomy.

US Midterms: Exit polls reveal voter dissatisfaction with Trump administration as economic concerns dominate 2026 elections
Dissatisfaction with the country's direction is influencing voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Recent exit polls indicate three-quarters of voters feel unhappy with the current state of affairs. Economic concerns are a major source of voter frustration, especially regarding financial conditions. Democratic voters show particular anger about these issues, reflecting a broader mood of discontent. Overall, this growing economic dissatisfaction is shaping the upcoming electoral landscape.

'Top-level debates held between mature people': Rijiju takes dig at Rahul Gandhi's challenge to PM Modi
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to Rahul Gandhi's comments about Prime Minister Modi receiving foreign assistance. Rijiju compared Gandhi's remarks to those of extremists who misrepresent their beliefs. Gandhi has challenged PM Modi to a public debate regarding these allegations of foreign connections. He invited the Prime Minister to choose any venue and appoint a judge for the debate.

Karnataka seeks Rs 22,400 cr drought relief from Centre, urges early release
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara has requested Rs 22,400.58 crore in drought relief from the Centre. He emphasizes the urgency for the Prime Minister and union ministers to approve the funds. The revised memorandum indicates that 226 taluks suffered from drought, affecting millions of hectares of crops. Parameshwara critiques the insufficient assistance rates and seeks updated data for beneficiaries.

Govt set to tweak MSP norms for periodic price hikes of minor forest products
The Centre is planning to restructure the minimum support price mechanism for minor forest produce. This change aims to provide periodic hikes to benefit tribal communities relying on forest produce. TERI has been tasked to study the current MSP framework and assess potential rationalization. Concerns regarding stagnant MSP rates sparking exploitation among forest-dependent communities have been raised in parliamentary discussions.

IPO-bound StockGro's profit jumps 3-fold to Rs 113 cr in FY26 on strong revenue growth
In FY26, StockGro showcased substantial growth, achieving a profit after tax of Rs 112.96 crore while nearly doubling its revenue to Rs 226.14 crore, largely propelled by rising subscription fees. Operational costs increased, leading to higher total expenses. As the company gears up for an IPO, preliminary papers have been submitted to Sebi, with StockGro currently serving over 35 million users and capitalizing on India’s booming retail investment market.

NCRTC to develop urban centres along the Namo Bharat corridor
NCRTC is working with NCRPB to develop urban centers along new transit corridors including Namo Bharat. Collaboration focuses on planning frameworks to encourage private investment in transit-oriented development zones. Key discussions cover measures that support flexible land use and streamlined clearances for developers. The redevelopment project at Sarai Kale Khan aims to create a multimodal hub for connectivity.

RS bypoll affidavit: Wife wealthier than Hardeep Singh Puri, owns Geneva apartment
Hardeep Singh Puri filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha bypoll scheduled on November 12. His affidavit reveals his wife, Laxmi Puri, possesses greater financial assets and higher annual income compared to him. While Hardeep's wealth includes Rs 6.54 crore in movable assets, Laxmi has Rs 10.66 crore. Additionally, both have substantial bank deposits with no outstanding loans or liabilities.

NCRTC explores transit-oriented development along Namo Bharat, proposed regional corridors
NCRTC is evaluating transit-oriented development to create planned urban centers along major corridors, including the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut route. A recent workshop gathered key stakeholders to discuss policy support for private investment in these developments. Emerging urban centers such as Meerut and Ghaziabad are expected to benefit significantly from improved connectivity. The new framework aims to link transport infrastructure closely with land-use planning for organized urban growth.

EAM Jaishankar urges Quad to focus on freedom of choice
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized freedom of choice and resilient supply chains during the Quad meeting. He highlighted countering non-market practices as a key priority for discussions with partner nations. The Quad aims to enhance cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism measures. Additionally, over USD 85 million will be extended for AI access across the Indo-Pacific region.

Quad to step up cooperation in AI, critical minerals
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta.

IREDA appoints ex-REC executive Jatin Kumar Nayak as CMD
Jatin Kumar Nayak has taken charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency. Before this position, he served as Executive Director of Finance at REC Ltd and has three decades of experience. His previous roles include working with NHPC, Hindustan Copper, and National Aluminium Company Ltd. Nayak holds a Master's degree in Commerce and is a qualified Company Secretary.

'Took stock of our bilateral cooperation': EAM Jaishankar meets US Secy of State Rubio on sidelines of G20
S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Atlanta. The meeting focused on enhancing India-US cooperation and addressing geopolitical issues. Jaishankar emphasized that military solutions are not viable for resolving global challenges. Rubio also highlighted the importance of protecting economic and maritime security during the discussions. The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded with crucial dialogues on international economic stability.

TRAI proposes board-approved AI policies, risk classification and mandatory incident reporting for telecom operators
TRAI has proposed draft guidelines requiring telecom operators using AI to adopt board-approved policies, classify AI systems by risk and report critical incidents to the regulator. The framework also mandates AI governance committees, human oversight, impact assessments and inventories of AI systems, making telecom entities accountable for their AI-driven operations.

'Height of insanity:' Trump ends VA mortgage rescue program; 15,000 veterans face higher payments, 700 see $1,000 hike
After the discontinuation of the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program, many veterans are encountering significantly higher mortgage payments. Over 15,000 veterans have experienced payment increases of at least $150 due to loan modifications. More than 700 veterans have reported payment hikes exceeding $1,000 monthly, creating financial distress. The decision to end the program has left veterans with fewer options to manage their mortgages.

IDBI Bank sale row: Finance Ministry defends valuation process, says reserve price was not changed
The finance ministry has defended the valuation process used in the IDBI Bank stake sale, saying the methodology and bidding procedure were reviewed and approved by the core group of secretaries on disinvestment. It said Fairfax’s Rs 81-a-share bid was above the benchmark and independent fair-value estimates, while safeguards such as a double-blind process and limited tax indemnity helped maximise value for the government and LIC.

Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh seeks enhanced central assistance from Sitharaman
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi recently. They discussed the financial health of Manipur and the state's revenue losses over the last three years. Singh requested enhanced central assistance and additional funding under the SASCI scheme during their meeting. The Chief Minister also highlighted the timely payment of salaries and pensions to employees by the state government.
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