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In 1954, Bell Labs scientists Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson unveiled a solar battery that helped advance solar-powered technology
On April 25, 1954, Bell Telephone Laboratories made a significant breakthrough by introducing a solar battery designed to power telephone systems. The focus was on enhancing efficiency, enabling solar cells to transform 6% of sunlight into usable electricity. While it started as a specialized technology, solar energy has seen remarkable adoption, with projections suggesting that by 2026, it will represent a major share of new energy production.
Firecrackers, vehicle emissions, aerosols among top sources of Delhi pollution, IITM estimates show
IITM's source-apportionment models identified firecrackers as the largest contributor to Delhi's pollution on the two days after Diwali, though the estimates showed substantial variability. Meanwhile, CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal cited the firecracker trade's economic impact, questioned the focus on crackers and called for equal treatment of Hindu festivals under environmental restrictions.
IIFL Finance shares rally 5% as Blackstone leads Rs 6,414 crore capital infusion
IIFL Finance shares surged on Wednesday after the company announced a Rs 6,414 crore capital infusion led by Blackstone, which will invest Rs 5,000 crore. The fundraise, also involving promoter investments and Anchorage Capital, aims to strengthen capital adequacy, lower funding costs and accelerate growth in secured lending.
The great Indian money hunt: Why India's shadow banks are pulling in billions of dollars
Blackstone is negotiating a significant investment in IIFL Finance, indicating rising global interest in non-bank lenders. Recent deals include investments by Carlyle and Advent International in housing finance firms. The demand for credit in India is growing, with NBFCs playing a crucial role in accessing underserved markets. Foreign investments in the financial sector have exceeded $20 billion since 2025, reflecting confidence in stability.
IRS raises 2027 capital gains tax limits: Could selling stocks become tax-free for more Americans as the 0% threshold jumps to $51,050?
The IRS has raised the 2027 long-term capital gains tax limits, allowing investors to earn more from stock sales before paying federal tax. The 0% tax threshold will rise to $51,050 for single filers from $49,450, while married couples filing jointly will get a $102,100 limit, up $3,200. The benefit depends on taxable income and holding periods.
Nvidia's clubby board faces a sticky 'honey pot' test
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang is under investigation after allegations of an affair with a suspected Chinese spy. The company's board of directors is facing scrutiny regarding its independence to investigate the CEO's conduct. American national security concerns are heightened due to Huang's close ties with political figures, including Donald Trump. Nvidia's advanced semiconductor technology is critical in the competitive AI landscape.
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IIFL Finance to raise Rs 6,414 crore through preferential issue; Blackstone to invest Rs 5,000 crore
IIFL Finance approved a Rs 6,414 crore capital raise led by Blackstone, which will invest Rs 5,000 crore for an approximately 16% stake. Promoters Nirmal Jain and R Venkataraman will collectively invest Rs 1,264 crore through warrants.
In Logan, Utah, Dale’s 1955 Sinclair Service Station underwent a $565,000 restoration and became a flower and gift shop
After undergoing extensive renovations, Dale's Sinclair Service Station has successfully transitioned into a lively floral shop, thanks in part to valuable tax credits. The National Park Service highlights the economic benefits that arise from investing in historic preservation—creating jobs and boosting GDP. Restoring these historic buildings not only curtails carbon emissions but also plays a vital role in revitalizing communities by preserving informal gathering spaces for residents.
Advocates can't be directed not to ply non-Delhi registered pre-BS-VI vehicles: HC
The Delhi High Court has granted a reprieve to advocates and judicial staff from the vehicle restrictions imposed over pollution concerns. Justice Amit Mahajan highlighted the lack of substantiated evidence connecting vehicle emissions to air quality issues since October. He acknowledged the critical need for legal representatives to attend court to maintain justice administration. The Delhi government's restrictions targeted non-BS-VI vehicles amid rising pollution levels.
Delhi pollution: Supreme Court flags rising vehicle emissions, seeks crackdown plan from 4 states
The Supreme Court has flagged rising vehicular emissions as an urgent concern in the Delhi-NCR pollution crisis, seeking action plans from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. It has sought details of enforcement against over-age and non-compliant vehicles, inter-state coordination and a time-bound roadmap to strengthen emission checks.
Delhi wakes up to post-Diwali smog as AQI crosses 440, several areas record 'severe' pollution levels; Burari worst hit
Delhi experienced a sharp decline in air quality on Monday morning following Diwali celebrations. Multiple monitoring stations reported Air Quality Index levels exceeding 400, indicating severe pollution. Burari Crossing recorded the highest AQI at 441, and visibility was heavily affected by smog. In response to deteriorating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan.
Front-of-pack labelling: Food CEOs rush taste tweaks as new rules loom
Packaged food companies in India are responding to regulatory pressures by introducing no-added-sugar and low-salt alternatives. Executives recognize the challenge of maintaining taste while making these healthier options. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India plans a major change in food packaging regulations. These changes could significantly impact the sale of everyday packaged products. Companies will likely expand their product variants to meet health demands.
India's net-zero transition aim by 2070 offers $22.7 tn investment opportunity for global capital
India's push to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 could unlock a $22.7 trillion investment opportunity across renewable energy, power grids, battery storage, green hydrogen and clean technologies, according to a report by Australian economist Nicki Hutley. The report estimates a $6.5 trillion funding gap, which will require international capital to bridge.
150 Chinese vloggers on mission to defame India? Concerns raised after allegations of passing off Bangladesh slums as Delhi
Chinese vloggers are reportedly filming in poor neighbourhoods of Dhaka and passing off the footage as scenes from New Delhi while making disparaging remarks about India's living conditions. A Prothom Alo investigation identified livestreamers in Uttara and Tekpara, but their wider motive remains unclear, with one streamer describing the activity as product promotion.
Gas hunt: RIL, ONGC, BP may share $1-billion infra facility
The shared infrastructure, under the $1-billion plan, model aims to reduce development costs, eliminate standalone facilities for smaller discoveries and improve operational efficiency and commercial viability.
Digital lenders clock 40-50% revenue growth as credit demand surges
Digital lender Kissht's revenue from operations rose 44.7% year-on-year to Rs 732 crore, while Moneyview reported 41% growth to Rs 1,120 crore. MobiKwik's financial services revenue increased 41.8% to Rs 87 crore, while Paytm's financial services distribution revenue grew 49.3% to Rs 912 crore.
PSBs, pharma and defence: HDFC Securities CEO names Samvat 2083’s dark horses
HDFC Securities MD and CEO Dhiraj Relli identifies public sector banks, pharmaceuticals and defence as potential outperformers in Samvat 2083. He favours largecaps for valuation comfort, highlights selective stock opportunities and urges investors to prioritise earnings visibility and disciplined asset allocation.
Nov-Jan ban on non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI standards to be in force every year
Delhi government plans to ban non-Delhi-registered vehicles below BS-VI emission standards beginning November 1. This ban will continue annually until January 31 to improve air quality. Vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas or electric power are exempted from these restrictions. The transport department is enforcing rules with 250 personnel at key entry points across the city. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented emergency measures due to severe pollution levels.
Wall Street grapples with $5.7 trillion rout as AI bets unwind
Wall Street is undergoing notable shifts as worries about the AI investment frenzy and political developments arise. This sharp sell-off brings forth doubts about the viability of AI infrastructure investments, scrutinizing valuations and corporate expenditures. The Democratic majority in Congress poses regulatory challenges, amplifying economic tensions. Investors are leaning towards more conservative sectors, yearning for assurance that AI investments will deliver anticipated results amidst these turbulent times.
Lenskart block deal: SVF II Lightbulb sells 1.6% stake worth Rs 1,896 crore; Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas among buyers
SVF II Lightbulb (Cayman) Limited executed a block deal selling 2.72 crore shares of Lenskart Solutions valued at approximately Rs 1,896 crore. The sale represented around 1.56% of Lenskart's equity capital and was executed at Rs 697.15 per share. The deal comes after Lenskart reported strong financial results for Q2FY27, with significant year-on-year growth in net profit and revenue.
IRS releases 2027 tax brackets: How new income tax rates and standard deductions for single, married and senior filers could affect your tax bill
Tax brackets 2027: The IRS has raised all seven federal income tax bracket thresholds for 2027 and increased the standard deduction for single, married and head-of-household filers. The changes also include higher capital gains limits, a larger Child Tax Credit and additional tax breaks for eligible seniors.
Investors in other markets would be envious of India multiples: Rich Handler, chief executive of Jefferies
Jefferies CEO Rich Handler believes Indian equities remain reasonably valued despite the market correction and says easing long-term capital gains taxes could attract foreign investors. He sees opportunities in India's AI and data centre sectors, argues that global capital outflows reflect external pressures, and believes concerns about an AI bubble warrant a healthy pause rather than alarm.
Japan’s SuMiTB makes first Indian realty fund investment with HDFC Capital
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank has made its first investment in an Indian real estate fund. This investment is in HDFC Capital Development of Real Estate Affordable and Mid-Income Fund. The H-DREAM Fund has raised over $400 million in secured investor commitments. This fund targets residential projects within affordable housing while promoting green building standards. The investment reflects the strengthening economic relationship between India and Japan in the real estate sector.
Punjab government 'misleading' people on issue of stubble burning: Manjinder Singh Sirsa
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticized the Punjab government for misleading the public regarding stubble burning, linking a rise in farm fires to deteriorating air quality in the capital. He called out Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's false claims and highlighted the failure to provide solutions for farmers, while asserting that pollution was exacerbated by smoke from Punjab.
Crazy economics gets a stop button
After the US midterm elections, stock futures show a positive reaction despite ongoing economic uncertainties. Trump's legislative agenda faces gridlock, impacting his trade and immigration policies significantly. The focus will shift to regulating AI, potentially stalling infrastructure growth in the US economy. India's position in trade negotiations may improve due to Trump's need for success overseas.
Indian airlines seek to boost domestic MRO capabilities as aircraft fleets expand
Indian airlines are focusing on building in-house capabilities for maintenance and repair as the aircraft fleet grows. Air India plans to establish an MRO facility in Bengaluru by 2027, while IndiGo emphasizes the need for self-reliance. Akasa Air's maintenance facility at Noida airport is expected to be operational by 2028. The commercial aircraft fleet in India, currently around 800, is predicted to double in coming years as air traffic increases.
Diwali 2026: Will Sensex, Nifty reclaim their peaks or scale new highs? Analysts map the road ahead
Market analysts are tentatively optimistic about Indian equity markets seeing a resurgence in the next financial year. Expectations suggest that both the Sensex and Nifty may rise to their past peak levels by Diwali 2027, driven by improving corporate profitability. While favorable valuations and steady domestic investments bolster this outlook, global uncertainties like inflation, interest rates, and oil prices could pose challenges.
Nitin Nabin set to lead BJP's 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' marches in Bihar and West Bengal
BJP national president Nitin Nabin will lead major marches in Bihar and West Bengal on Monday. This is part of the party's ongoing 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' campaign against the opposition's claims. Nabin's marches aim to counter alleged misinformation and anarchy disseminated by the opposition bloc. The BJP believes that every party worker will help clarify the opposition's false narratives.
Sebi to release FII compliance consultation paper within weeks, says chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Sebi is likely to release a consultation paper on foreign investor compliance requirements within weeks, chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said. The proposed document will explore aligning Indian norms with global standards amid heavy FII outflows. The regulator is also planning a capacity-building network to strengthen independent directors’ effectiveness.
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