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Fed's Beth Hammack and Thomas Barkin favour gradual rate hikes as inflation stays high
Two officials from the Federal Reserve have supported modest and steady interest rate increases to combat high inflation. They believe these adjustments should minimize disruptions for households, businesses, and financial markets. The Fed has left interest rates unchanged recently, with discussions ongoing about future hikes in December and early next year. The political landscape has shifted following the midterm elections, potentially changing price pressures in the economy.
Fed's Beth Hammack favors gradual rate-hike path to lower inflation
Cleveland's Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack has emphasized the need for additional rate hikes to achieve the target inflation rate of 2%. She proposes implementing smaller, more frequent adjustments to minimize impacts on households and markets. Dissatisfied with the last Fed meeting's outcome, Hammack argues that the current monetary policy lacks sufficient restrictiveness.
Have third-party insurance for your car or bike but no passenger cover? Here's how to add it without cancelling your policy
Exciting changes are coming to motor insurance in India! Starting December 15, 2026, policyholders can enhance their coverage with legal liability for occupants and pillion riders, in a newly structured four-layer insurance model. Learn about the options available to protect passengers and what new transparency measures will ensure better understanding for consumers.
Google voluntary buyouts: What's the exit package, which teams qualify and how many employees are eligible after Microsoft's similar offer?
Google Voluntary Exit Programme Details: Google has expanded its voluntary buyout programme to selected employees in five countries. The offer comes as Microsoft rolls out a similar voluntary exit scheme covering around 60,000 employees. Here's a look at Google's severance package, eligible teams and the number of employees who could opt for the offer.
Google extends voluntary buyout offers to employees in several countries
The move comes amid mounting AI spending that has unnerved Wall Street and dented Alphabet's stock price. Microsoft last week offered voluntary buyouts to 60,000 employees in an effort to contain costs. Alphabet's workforce has grown steadily in recent quarters, but it has sought to shift resources toward priority areas.
Lindt investors seek board shake-up at chocolate maker after CEO ouster: Report
Influential investors of Lindt & Spruengli are calling for changes in the board following the CEO's ousting. The company faced significant pricing missteps that negatively affected the stock value and market share. Shareholders expressed concerns regarding the current board's effectiveness and the need for fresh perspectives. While the search for a new CEO is underway, governance issues persist that require attention.
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China trade accord with Swiss bucks wider trend towards protectionism
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swiss President Guy Parmelin are set to sign a significant trade deal. The accord offers Switzerland extensive market access to China, enhancing the trade relationship between the two nations. This agreement notably contrasts with increasing trade barriers established by the United States and the European Union. Swiss officials believe this deal will provide stability in a volatile global trade environment.
Swiss AI drug trial startup receives funding from Spotify-backer Creandum
An AI foundation model, trained on about two million human RNA readouts, would replace these and animal testing with 12-week simulations, the company said.
Easier visas draw Indian travellers, but Japan and Europe show experiences still matter
In 2026, visa-free entry and simplified visa processes are shaping the travel preferences of Indian tourists. Popular searches have revealed that travellers are particularly drawn to Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Malaysia is actively working to enhance its appeal for Indian visitors through easier accessibility and budget-friendly options. Meanwhile, Japan persists as a favoured choice, boasting rich cultural experiences despite existing visa challenges.
India's gold import route changing course for a benefit all jewellers want
India is diversifying its gold import sources as expanding domestic refining capacity, tax incentives and the India-UAE trade pact reshape supply chains. Switzerland’s share of India’s bullion imports fell to 21.9% in FY26 from 42.4% five years earlier, while the UAE’s share rose to 16.5% from 10.8%, according to Crisil Intelligence.
Lindt misjudged consumer appetite for price hikes, admits chairman after CEO ouster
Lindt & Sprungli's executive chairman announced that the company misjudged customer reactions to recent price hikes. After increasing prices due to high cocoa costs, sales have reportedly declined in Germany. The company has since begun reducing prices to stimulate sales and plans to maintain growth in the Americas and the Far East. Ernst Tanner, the long-serving chairman, expressed confidence in the firm's future performance despite this setback.
Emirates deploys Airbus A350 on Kolkata-Dubai route, raises weekly flights to 12
Emirates has increased its weekly services between Kolkata and Dubai to 12, reflecting rising demand for air travel. The airline has also introduced the Airbus A350 on this route to enhance passenger experience. A ceremonial water cannon salute welcomed the new aircraft at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. This expansion indicates Emirates' commitment to meet growing international travel needs.
Quote of the day by Marcus Aurelius: 'You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength' - Ancient philosophy behind staying calm in difficult situations explained by the Roman emperor
Marcus Aurelius’ quote of the day, “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength,” explains how focusing on your thoughts and reactions can help you deal with life’s challenges. The Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher explored similar ideas in Meditations, a collection of personal reflections on self-discipline, reason and inner strength. His philosophy encourages people to accept what they cannot control and focus on their own choices.
Accounting for daily weather variability may give more realistic estimation of glacier melt: Study
A recent study emphasises the significance of daily weather in estimating glacier melt rates and ice loss. Researchers enhanced the Global Glacier Evolution Model to analyse over 12,500 glaciers worldwide at a daily resolution. This new model predicts a faster retreat of glaciers and greater contributions to sea-level rise compared to previous monthly averages. The findings highlight the crucial impact of extreme weather events on glacier dynamics moving forward.
Can AI feel human emotions now? Scientists prompted ChatGPT to mimic fear and sadness. A three-minute breathing exercise changed its responses
Researchers at TU Dresden in Germany have found that artificial intelligence models can reproduce patterns associated with human fear, anxiety, sadness and stress, then show measurable changes after psychological exercises designed to regulate those states. The findings raise questions about how AI can be used to study mental health without assuming that machines experience emotions like people do.
At showdown FIFA meeting, Infantino apologizes for World Cup furor but leaves critics unhappy
Gianni Infantino apologized to FIFA Council members for the controversy surrounding his private equity plan. He failed to provide necessary documents related to various pressing issues during the meeting. European officials expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of satisfactory answers and called for more transparency. Infantino's support from African members remains strong despite the ongoing criticism of his leadership.
WEF could appoint Lagarde as early as November, sources say
Christine Lagarde is likely to be appointed as the chair of the World Economic Forum next month. This change would require her to step down from her position as European Central Bank chief. Following Lagarde's exit, there will be a reshuffle within the ECB due to upcoming political changes in France. The WEF board is scheduled to meet on November 2 to discuss her potential role.
IBM executive warns of risk of quantum computing hacks
Organisations are unprepared for the risks posed by quantum computing, IBM's Europe and Africa vice-Wednesday, referring to the high-speed technology that could crack security encryptions and enable large-scale cyberattacks. I would say less than 10 percent today," Curioni said on the sidelines of a London conference organised by the American technology pioneer.
Infantino to chair FIFA Council meeting as critics push to oust him
Gianni Infantino will chair the FIFA Council meeting that is set to address his controversial leadership. Discussions will include financial proposals and disciplinary issues affecting FIFA's operations and reputation. As the presidential election approaches, Infantino faces significant challenges from European and North American critics. FIFA plans to distribute additional funds to member federations to counter opposition claims.
Stocks in news: HCL Tech, RBL Bank, Nazara Tech, Hero Motors, Power Grid and IRCON
Indian stock markets struggled on Monday, as the Nifty 50 saw a considerable drop. The falls were attributed to increasing bond yields, consistent outflows from foreign institutional investors, and pervasive global concerns. Attention now shifts to forthcoming announcements from major players like HCL Technologies and RBL Bank, with quarterly earnings expected to influence investor outlook.
Female AI assistants were paid less money than male ones despite identical skills. What explains this gender pay gap?
Two AI assistants had the same skills, performed identical tasks and used the same technology. Yet, when 189 people were asked to reward them for their work, one received 10.25% less money than the other. The only key difference was how the assistants appeared. This study has raised questions about why gender bias persisted even when people were evaluating machines, and what this could mean as AI assistants become part of everyday working life.
UEFA details qualities of candidate it wants to challenge Infantino and reform FIFA
UEFA convened to explore potential candidates challenging Gianni Infantino in the forthcoming elections. The organization seeks a figure who fosters harmony and mutual respect within the football realm. Aleksander Ceferin has announced his intent to run for re-election while distancing himself from any opposition to Infantino. Recent governance issues within FIFA have intensified UEFA's commitment to finding fresh leadership.
Monkeys and apes may be hiding complex grammar in their calls, challenging what makes human language unique
Recent investigations reveal that primates, such as marmosets, colobus monkeys, and bonobos, possess intricate call patterns. By studying their call sequences, researchers discovered resemblances to the grammatical structures found in human language. This opens the door to understanding how the ability for complex communication might have surfaced even before the advent of modern human language.
RBI rate hike will not stem outflows, leaving central bank in a bind
India’s first RBI rate hike in four years may not stop record capital outflows or ease pressure on the rupee, which has fallen 7% this year. Foreign investors have withdrawn $30 billion from Indian equities, while rising hedging costs and narrowing India-US rate differentials threaten the appeal of Indian stocks and bonds amid higher global yields, oil prices and inflation.
SWISS opens direct Bengaluru-Zurich route, links southern India to Europe with five flights a week
Beginning this October, Swiss International Air Lines will introduce a direct flight service from Bengaluru to Zurich, flying five times weekly. This new route aims to enhance travel options for both business and leisure travelers from southern India, facilitating easy connections to vibrant destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Chicago.
Oxford University leads THE World University Rankings 2027; IISc tops India at 254
In the recently released World University Rankings 2027 by Times Higher Education (THE), Oxford stands unchallenged at the top, followed by MIT in second place. The esteemed institutions Princeton and Stanford share the third ranking, while IISc represents Indian universities at the high mark but remains beyond the global top 250 threshold.
China revamps higher education with three-tier university system amid jobs slowdown, ageing population
China is initiating a significant overhaul of its higher education system to align with national and strategic goals. The new guidelines introduce a three-tier classification for universities to enhance educational efficiency and workforce readiness. Elite institutions will focus on research in breakthrough technologies and innovation. Second-tier universities will concentrate on practical skill development and industry integration.
In 1990, Switzerland crushed an old A13 road and reused 66% to 100% of it in new concrete; 20 years later, every recycled test mix was still rated good or very good
New research highlights the impressive durability of Swiss highways built with recycled concrete over several decades. The A13 motorway took the lead, using up to 100 percent recycled materials while matching the performance of virgin concrete. While American states are beginning to experiment with recycled aggregates, implementation has not yet matched Switzerland's extent. This successful model could reshape future infrastructure investments in the U.S.
From heartbreak to history: Masai Russell completes her Budapest redemption story
Three years after a heartbreaking exit at the Budapest World Championships, Masai Russell returned to the same track and delivered a perfect ending. The Olympic champion won the 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in 12.22 seconds, sealing her 14th straight victory and completing an undefeated 2026.
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