GEOPOLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Japan, Bangladesh widen BIG-B ambitions, bring India into focus
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on the BIG-B initiative. The initiative aims to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region. Japan is particularly interested in developing the Matarbari deep-sea port with Bangladesh's support. Both countries plan to expand supply chain networks linking India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Indonesia looks to India & China for fuel supplies
Indonesia is exploring gasoline imports from India and China to combat rising global crude oil prices. The country's energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia will visit India this week for discussions. Indonesia has faced significant fuel supply disruptions in various provinces due to increased demand and distribution challenges. President Prabowo has directed the exploration of alternative energy sources amidst geopolitical tensions. The situation underscores Indonesia's urgent need for reliable energy supply solutions.
Finmin pegs Q2 expansion at 7.35%,flags capital pressure over US yield
India’s economy is estimated to have grown 7.35% in the September quarter, supported by strong industrial output, GST collections, energy use, port traffic and auto sales, the finance ministry said. It expects domestic demand and investment to sustain momentum, while warning that high crude prices, food inflation, rupee pressure and elevated US bond yields could pose risks in the second half.
Bulls return as Fed rate pause, dip in US yields lift sentiment
Indian equities experienced a broad recovery as Sensex rose significantly and Nifty surpassed 22,900. This increase followed the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, encouraging investor buying across sectors. While many indices gained, oil prices remained a concern for India's economy due to their elevated levels. Foreign portfolio investors continued to net sell shares, contrasting with the strong buying from domestic institutions.
US economy grows faster than expected at 3.4% in Q3 on consumer spending, AI boom
The US economy grew at a faster-than-expected 3.4% annualised rate in the third quarter, driven by resilient consumer spending and AI-related business investment despite higher oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict. The robust growth contrasts with weak consumer sentiment and comes as the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged.
Indian gold buyers get 'breathing room' from Fed before Diwali, but conditions apply
The US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged at 3.75%-4.00% could give Indian gold buyers some breathing room, but prices may remain range-bound in the coming weeks as expectations of a December rate hike weigh on bullion. Festive demand in India has picked up, narrowing domestic gold discounts to around $2 an ounce, while geopolitical uncertainty continues to add volatility.
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AI can perform the work of 10 people, says Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu, warns of headcount impact
Sridhar Vembu, the visionary behind Zoho, raises alarms regarding the transformative role of AI on computer-related jobs. He posits that one AI-empowered individual might outperform several workers. While acknowledging impending job cuts, he is optimistic about fresh opportunities opening across different sectors. Vembu also points out the soaring costs tied to AI technologies, urging companies to pivot swiftly.
India's deeptech dream remains import dependent for critical components
The founder of a spacetech startup developing rockets said geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, disrupted the supply of critical components. “Parts that were earlier available within weeks are now taking months to arrive, making it harder for startups to plan development and testing schedules,” the founder said, requesting anonymity.
Union Minister Hardeep Puri nominated for third Rajya Sabha term
Party leaders said Puri's diplomatic experience has proved valuable in handling the petroleum portfolio at a time when global conflicts and geopolitical tensions have put pressure on energy supplies. His continuation also ensures senior Sikh representation in the Union government ahead of the Punjab assembly elections.
Global Market: Japan’s Nikkei jumps over 1% as tech rally on Wall Street lifts sentiment
Japan’s Nikkei rose 1.34%, tracking Wall Street’s technology-led rally, as semiconductor stocks gained. Investors remain cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision, corporate earnings and geopolitical developments.
Gold, silver prices crash up to 53% from January peak. Time to buy before Dhanteras, festive season?
Gold and silver prices have corrected sharply from their January peaks, raising questions about whether the fall offers a buying opportunity ahead of Dhanteras and the wedding season. Experts recommend staggered purchases over lump-sum investments, while highlighting interest rates, the US dollar, inflation and industrial demand as key drivers of prices.
L&T flags inflation, geopolitical risks, leans on its capabilities to navigate global uncertainty
Larsen & Toubro reported a 33% profit increase for the second quarter, driven by strong order inflows. Infrastructure spending and reconstruction activities in the Middle East contributed significantly to this growth. The company expressed concerns over inflation, geopolitical tensions, and trade uncertainties impacting the global economic outlook.
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.
BRICS parliamentary forum condemns Pahalgam attack, calls for UN reforms
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum took place in New Delhi, gathering legislative leaders from various member nations. Delegates emphasized the need to reform the United Nations for more effective global governance while condemning terrorism and unilateral sanctions. The forum expressed concern over regional conflicts, urging resolutions based on human rights and humanitarian law.
Anthropic IPO: Firm uses ‘catastrophic’ word 10 times in document to highlight ‘humanitarian’ AI risks
Anthropic’s IPO filing highlights an unusual risk for investors, warning that its AI technology could pose “catastrophic or existential risks to humanity” if developed or deployed without adequate safeguards. According to Axios, more than 90 pages of the prospectus are devoted to risk factors, including concerns about AI misuse, weaponisation and autonomous systems.
‘America’s Nostradamus’ warns of Iran nuclear threat, MBS prophecy, 27-year war, US collapse by 2028 and more chilling predictions
John Hogue, dubbed “America’s Nostradamus,” predicts a possible nuclear conflict involving Iran, a 27-year global war and the collapse of US economic power by 2028. Here’s what he claims about Nostradamus’ Mabus prophecy and rising global tensions.
ITC Hotels reports revenues of Rs 1054 cr for Q2, PAT at Rs 203 cr
ITC Hotels reported strong second-quarter growth, with revenue rising 26% and net profit increasing 52% year on year, supported by higher room rates, occupancy and demand from business events. The company also expanded its portfolio through new hotel signings, the Welcomhotel Ahmedabad acquisition and a land allotment in Lucknow.
Global Market: European shares flat as investors assess earnings, France turmoil
European shares traded flat as investors weighed corporate earnings and political uncertainty in France. Falling oil prices, driven by hopes of easing US-Iran tensions, supported travel and leisure stocks, while energy shares declined.
FCNR(B) scheme has bought India 3-5 years, but $170 billion repayment cliff looms: Uday Kotak
Uday Kotak has described India’s $130-billion-plus FCNR(B) mobilisation as a “strong insurance policy” against global shocks, but warned that repayments including interest could reach $160-170 billion over the next three to five years. He said the buffer gives India time to strengthen its economy, but should not substitute for structural reforms, investment in technology and efforts to improve domestic competitiveness.
India must bolster tech, economic resilience: Dean Grandy, KPMG's global head for government and public sector
India is encouraged to boost its domestic technology capabilities and economic resilience to face geopolitical tensions. Strengthening self-sufficiency in artificial intelligence and infrastructure is essential for national interests and security. Collaborative partnerships with like-minded governments are important for shared insights and investment opportunities. Developing independent AI regulations will safeguard India's data and business environment effectively. Addressing the emerging challenges in AI will be crucial as India's capabilities expand.
Closely monitoring developments in Indo-Pacific; focusing on extended-range operational reach: IAF Chief AP Singh
The Indian Air Force is focusing on enhancing operational capabilities to protect national security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized the importance of extended distance operations and strategic partnerships to achieve this goal. Collaborations with friendly air forces are being strengthened through complex exercises and regional engagements. Aerial refueling and surveillance capabilities are also being prioritized to improve readiness.
FIIs dump Indian stocks for 10th straight week as markets slide: Is the worst over or more pain ahead?
The Nifty 50 declined in all four sessions of the holiday-shortened week, hitting an intraweek low of 22,372 on Friday before closing 2.4% lower at 22,600. The Bank Nifty fell 2.8%, while the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 plunged 5.6% and 7.3%, respectively, as selling pressure intensified beyond frontline stocks.
FSDC stresses on vigilance, reforms amid global uncertainty & AI boom
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman led an important session of the Financial Stability and Development Council, focusing on maintaining financial stability amidst looming geopolitical tensions and fluctuating global bond yields. Key topics included fostering a robust domestic investment climate, ensuring effective capital movement for reform, and addressing cybersecurity needs within the financial sector.
China's DeepSeek, MiniMax win approval for AI global use, state media-affiliated entity says
In a separate social media post on Friday, the social media account, Yuyuan Tantian, said overseas internet users had also urged other Chinese open-source large language models to follow suit.
Nuvoco Vistas Corp Q2 profit jumps 78% to Rs 65 crore on strong revenue
Nuvoco Vistas Corp achieved a consolidated profit growth of 78% year-on-year to Rs 65 crore. Revenue also increased by over 13% to Rs 2,790 crore during the September quarter. The company sold 4.7 million tonnes of cement, which was up 9% from the previous year. Nuvoco expects cement demand to rise after the monsoon season with upcoming government-led capex.
Global Market: Japanese bond yields fall to multiweek lows ahead of BOJ meeting
Japanese government bond yields fell to multiweek lows on Thursday as geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns boosted safe-haven demand. The 10-year yield dropped to 2.88%, while investors awaited the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, with markets weighing potential rate hikes and global economic uncertainties.
Cheaper air tickets may remain a distant dream for Indian flyers
Indian flyers may have to wait longer for airfare relief after the festive season as elevated aviation turbine fuel prices, rupee depreciation and West Asian conflict-related disruptions keep costs high. ICRA expects fares to remain elevated in the near term, with sustained relief depending on lower fuel prices and improved capacity availability.
‘We don’t come enough’ to India, says Rubio on return visit; flags region’s role in shaping 21st-century history
At US's 250th-anniversary celebration in Mumbai, Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the importance of more regular engagements with India. Pointing to the country's status as a crucial geopolitical partner, he discussed mutual interests in technology, trade, and Indo-Pacific security. Rubio asserted that strategic collaboration in these areas would be instrumental in defining the future relationship between the United States and India.
Gold may hit $5,000 an ounce as central banks, Asian buyers drive demand
Gold prices are predicted to stay elevated between USD 4,200 and USD 5,000 per ounce over the next two years. Central bank purchases and strong demand from Asian markets are driving these prices. While US interest rate movements traditionally influence gold, their impact is diminishing. Increased global gold production is forecasted, but supply limitations may sustain price levels. Geopolitical developments could influence gold's future price trajectory significantly.
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