KARNATAKA BUDGET
India’s election calendar needs a reset. Is 'One Nation, One Election' the answer?
India frequently holds elections, affecting the government’s ability to implement long-term reforms effectively. Competitive populism emerges as states pursue similar welfare programs to match opponents’ promises. The proposal for 'One Nation, One Election' aims to increase political efficiency and reduce costs associated with separate elections. Challenges remain regarding early dissolution of assemblies and maintaining state-specific issues. Achieving synchronization by 2034 requires careful planning, political consensus, and public trust.
Milk & money: What’s making India’s daily dose of doodh more expensive?
Amul and Mother Dairy have recently raised milk prices by Rs 2-4 per litre to address higher production costs. Karnataka's Nandini also increased prices in early November to enhance farmer earnings. Rising expenditures for fodder, cattle feed, and operational costs have pressured dairy companies. Although India remains the largest milk producer, growth rates have slowed, affecting supply dynamics.
Diwali shopping gets costlier this year: From milk, ghee, butter to dry fruits, here's why festive buying is burning a hole in your pocket
Milk and ghee prices: Rising costs of key ingredients are affecting both consumers and manufacturers during this Diwali season. Dairy prices have seen significant increases, with major brands raising their rates amid high demand. Additionally, dry fruit prices have surged, reaching record highs over the past year. Corporate gifting has also become more expensive, forcing companies to reduce their gift quantities or opt for smaller packages.
Centre releases Rs 1.09 lakh crore to states five days early, UP gets biggest share
The Centre has released Rs 1.09 lakh crore to state governments as tax devolution, advancing the November instalment by five days to support capital expenditure and welfare commitments. Uttar Pradesh received the largest allocation at Rs 19,208 crore, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. November's total transfer stands at Rs 2.18 lakh crore.
GST collections jump 22.9% to Rs 2.31 lakh crore in October as festive demand beats high inflation and interest rates
India's GST collections in October reached ₹2.31 lakh crore, reflecting a 22.9% year-on-year increase. Strong consumption trends are indicated by rising passenger car sales and record digital payments. Power consumption also surged nearly 22% compared to last year, further emphasizing economic strength. Despite a high inflation rate of 5.5%, demand has remained robust, supporting growth forecasts. Analysts suggest this growth aligns with leading indicators of a consumption-driven economy.
Mass brands give liquor companies a hangover
"It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the slowdown, even in states such as Uttar Pradesh which had recorded strong growth earlier," said Amar Sinha, managing director of Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), maker of Officer's Choice whisky. There are "no clear factors explaining the weakness," he said.

Karnataka govt's five promises come at a price
Karnataka's Congress government has approved an increase in Nandini milk prices, raising it from ₹46 to ₹54 per litre. The government claims this hike will enhance farmers' income and address financial pressures. However, the Opposition BJP argues that this will add to the cost of living for citizens. The government's five guarantees are estimated to cost ₹51,000 crore this year, creating further financial strain.

MLC results are out, but how does the election work? Who votes, how are members chosen?
In the recent Legislative Council elections, the BJP secured 13 seats across multiple states including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Samajwadi Party and NCP followed with five and two seats respectively, while other parties earned one seat each. MLC elections differ significantly from Assembly elections, as they are not decided by a direct vote from the general public. Members are chosen through various categories, including local authorities and graduates’ constituencies.

What are Indians watching on OTT? Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Zee 5, SonyLIV reveal the shows, languages and formats winning viewers
India’s OTT audience continued to grow in 2026, with viewers watching content in different languages and exploring new genres and formats. In an exclusive conversation with ET Digital, Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, SonyLIV and ZEE5 discuss changing viewing habits, the growing popularity of micro-dramas and reality shows, and how good stories can find an audience regardless of language or budget. Here’s a look at what Indians are watching on OTT.

Brands need to shift to ‘Bharat-first’ strategy as digital usage grows
To effectively connect with rural customers, brands should embrace a 'Bharat-first' advertising philosophy. Digital channels are increasingly shaping the shopping behaviors of younger rural populations, with influencer marketing playing a pivotal role, particularly among female consumers. The integration of AI features alongside social media enhances the flow of product knowledge in these areas.

High-voltage reality: ‘Data hubs need stable grids more than sops’
As states roll out the red carpet to attract private investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure, delivering uninterrupted power to project sites from day one would be crucial for their success, they said.

It’s unity in diversity to draw data centres
States play on their uniquestrengths with RE-relatedincentives, powered sites & easier energy procurement.

How India's agricultural damage flags gap between climate warnings and adaptation finance ahead of COP31
High temperatures continue to impact Indian agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and poor germination rates. Farmers report significant losses in banana production and vegetable crops like okra and gourd. Experts warn about the increasing unpredictability of climate events affecting food security and farming practices. There is a call for greater climate adaptation finance and improved forecasting measures to address these challenges.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay asks Centre to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending education funds without conditions; complete list of his demands to PM Modi
TN CM VIjay's list of demands to PM Modi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds without conditions. He also sought approval for Chennai Metro Phase III, reconsideration of Metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, new high-speed rail corridors, highway upgrades, the Godavari-Cauvery river link and the use of Tamil in Madras High Court proceedings.

No big stars, Rs 2.5 crore budget: How Premada Oorali's director almost sold his mother’s mangalsutra before beating Yash’s Toxic to become the most profitable Kannada movie
Kannada film Premada Oorali emerged as a box-office success after a modest opening and positive word of mouth. Directed by Manoj Kumar, the film showcases family relationships and was made on a budget of Rs 2.5 crore. The film's initial collections grew significantly over time, fetching nearly Rs 40 crore. Read on to know more about the film's journey.

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar OTT release date confirmed: When and where to watch Parvathy Thiruvothu’s hit Malayalam investigative thriller movie
Parvathy Thiruvothu's Malayalam film, Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar, is set to premiere on OTT following its successful run in theatres. In her first role as a police officer, Parvathy figures out a gripping narrative that mixes investigation with psychological depth. The film will be available to stream in multiple languages. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.

Weakest monsoon since 2015 prompts ICRA to cut FY27 farm growth forecast
In 2026, the Southwest monsoon recorded rainfall at 87 percent of the long-period average, the lowest since 2015. ICRA has lowered its agriculture growth forecast for FY27 to approximately 1 percent from 1.3 percent due to inadequate rains. Kharif sowing has decreased by 1.2 percent compared to last year, with rice and cotton crops showing notable reductions. Reservoir storage levels have significantly declined, raising concerns for the upcoming rabi season.

Panel proposes raising RBI's ways and means advances corpus by 11.2% to Rs 67,839 crore
The panel has also recommended an annual review of the WMA corpus capping annual upward revision at 4%. The extent of upward revision could be based on the last three years of accounts while there would be no reduction in the existing limit.

Shivakumar seeks Centre’s push to fast-track Mekedatu, Upper Bhadra projects
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sought the Centre’s intervention to fast-track clearances and funding for major water projects, including the Rs 16,745-crore Mekedatu project and the Upper Bhadra Project. He also pressed for early action on the KWDT-II award, irrigation proposals under PMKSY and FBMAP, and interlinking projects involving the Godavari-Cauvery and Bedti-Varada rivers.
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