AGR dues: Vodafone Idea to pay ₹124 crore a year over next 6 years

Vodafone Idea said DoT has frozen its AGR dues at ₹87,695 crore. It will pay ₹124 cr annually in FY25–31 and ₹100 cr in FY32–35; a DoT panel will reassess dues, with the balance paid equally in FY36–41. Shares rose 3.3%. The move aids funding; govt owns 49%; SC allowed reassessment to FY16–17.

India’s blue-water navy is strong in the Indian Ocean but trails China in fleet size and build pace. It plans 50+ ships, carriers and subs, but progress is slowed by limited yards, approvals and supply chains. Budgets are up; China’s IOR reach has limits. India must speed indigenous build.

Rupee hit a record 91.96/$, the worst in Asia, on FPI outflows and importer dollar demand; exporters hold back amid stalled trade talks. RBI intervenes lightly; risk seen toward 93 despite steady DXY. REER fell to 95.3. Rupee viewed 3–4% undervalued; FY depreciation 7.05% so far.

Founder Nivedita Jagadeesh recounts evolving Chennai’s Sobè Décor—born from her family’s Noritake legacy—into a multi-brand luxury tableware hub. To reach younger buyers without diluting the brand, she launched Kukoo, a curated platform giving indie entrepreneurs retail exposure and trend insight.

As power shifts to the Indo-Pacific, US-China rivalry replaces Atlantic primacy, reshaping trade, tech, and security. India seeks strategic autonomy—partnering with the US yet avoiding bandwagoning—while building capacity and hedging against US pullback and China’s uncertain model.

At Davos, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged calm over the US push to take over Greenland and related EU tariff threats, predicting a negotiated solution. He downplayed trade-war and bond-selloff risks as EU leaders weigh retaliation, and warned allies against overreacting.

RBI names Assam India’s fastest-growing state in FY20–25, with GSDP up from ₹2.4T to ₹3.5T. Infra capex, prudent debt (24–25% of GSDP) and central/MDB funding, plus agri upgrades, welfare, rising CD ratio and a ₹27,000 cr Tata OSAT plant lift per capita income to ₹1.59 lakh.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launched ERSS 2.0, unifying emergency services under 112. It integrates calls, app/SMS/web alerts and panic buttons, auto-detects location, and simultaneously dispatches police, fire, ambulance and disaster teams. Phased rollout adds upgrades, training and awareness.

Silver surged over 5% to Rs 3 lakh/kg on MCX and above $93.5/oz globally, up ~28% YTD after a stellar 2025. Analysts stay bullish on tight supply, rate-cut hopes and geopolitics; some see $200/oz in 2026. Expect volatility and buy-the-dip; industrial/jewelry demand soft, bars/ETFs strong.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z TriFold at CES 2026: a tri-fold phone with a 10-inch AMOLED inner and 6.5-inch cover, dual-rail Armor FlexHinge, titanium/aluminum build, 5600mAh/45W, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16GB RAM, up to 1TB, standalone DeX and Galaxy AI. 12.9mm thick, 309g, IP48. No India launch yet.

After protests, India’s Supreme Court stayed its Nov 20 order endorsing a narrow definition of the Aravallis that could strip protection from most of the range. It halted new mining licences, will form a high-powered panel on “sustainable mining,” amid evidence decades of mining have caused severe harm.

India’s innovation output is rising despite low GERD (~0.7%; est. 1.25%). R&D skews to govt labs and few big firms. New ANRF, ₹1T RDI scheme aim to spur private, strategic R&D. Budget 2026-27 should revive 200% weighted deductions and add petty patents to boost MSME-led incremental innovation.

Value funds held up in 2025, returning ~8.6% vs large-caps’ 9.7%. They buy undervalued stocks and could benefit if 2026 earnings broaden and sector rotation persists. Suited to SIP investors; keep a 15–25% allocation, avoid value traps, check quality, and consider low-cost index funds.

India’s government sought Dec 1–15 fare data from IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa after IndiGo canceled ~4,500 flights amid stricter pilot rest rules, pushing fares up. CCI is probing IndiGo’s dominance. ICRA now sees FY26 industry losses at ₹17k–18k cr and traffic growth at 0–3%.

Among top UN peacekeeping contributors, India (4th) has the lowest share of women at 3.4% (Nepal 9.83%, Bangladesh 7.7%, Pakistan 5.6%; China 3.57%). Women are 10.05% of 60,566 peacekeepers. UN targets 15% military/25% police by 2028. India fields 5,206 staff, including 177 women.

Gold and silver fell from record highs on profit-taking and easing safe-haven demand; by 1321 GMT gold -1.7% to $4,455/oz, silver -5.1% to $75. Platinum and palladium also slid. Despite big YTD gains, focus shifts to Fed minutes and rate cuts. UBS raised its gold target to $5,000/oz by 2026.

Gold rose over 1% to a near two-week high as soft U.S. data and dovish Fed signals boosted bets on a December rate cut (83% odds). UBS sees $4,200 by year-end, $4,500 mid next year; Deutsche Bank raised its 2026 view to $4,450. Silver, platinum and palladium also gained; jobless claims in focus.

UP grants a one-time 3-year upper-age relaxation for 2025 police recruitment, aiding aspirants delayed by the pandemic. Applies to all categories across 32,679 posts (constables incl. PAC/armed, SSF, women battalion, mounted, jail warders). Applications open till Jan 30, 2026; OTR required.

Bihar polls Phase I today (Nov 6): voting in 121 of 243 seats, 37.5m voters (1.07m new) at 45,341 booths (36,733 rural). 1,314 candidates incl Maithili Thakur, Khesari Lal Yadav. Key fights: Raghopur, Tarapur, Mahua, Mokama (Anant Singh vs Veena Devi). Digha 458k; Barbigha 232k.

As 2025 ends, India rolled out wallet-shaping reforms: Aadhaar went fully digital with online updates, QR verification and NRI-friendly rules; UPI added balance-check caps, biometric/MFA, AI fraud alerts and fees on high top-ups; taxes were simplified—0% to ₹12L, lower slabs, plus an extra ₹50k sta

RBI’s OMO purchase auction drew ₹1.39 trillion in bids versus ₹50,000 crore on offer, with cut-offs as expected. The RBI has infused ₹1.45 trillion in December via OMOs and FX swaps. Analysts see scope for more OMOs to aid transmission, flatten the steep yield curve, and ease bond supply.

India is rolling out major financial reforms—100% foreign ownership in insurance and pensions, looser bank/M&A rules, and lower market fees—to deepen capital markets and fund growth toward 2047. Japanese-led deals and FDI are climbing, though stocks lag amid outflows, tariffs, and a weak rupee.

With Diwali festivities back in full swing, gifting takes center stage. L’Opéra and Comfort by Cafe Delhi Heights unveil festive hampers, inviting patrons to visit outlets and savor fresh breads, buttery croissants, and creamy cakes—spreading joy, lights, and hopeful celebration this season.

The rupee has fallen about 2.5% in a month to record lows near 91/USD, diverging from broader Asian FX gains. Weakness reflects dollar flow imbalances, no US‑India trade deal, importer hedging, and cautious FPIs. With bearish momentum building, banks expect firmer RBI support signaled by spot/NDF.

DRDO handed over seven TDF-developed technologies to the armed forces, including a seawater battery, waterjet propulsion, VLF systems, and high‑voltage jammer power supplies, boosting indigenisation. An empowered committee cleared 12 projects under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

At counterterror talks in New Delhi, India and the U.S. urged tougher UN steps—asset freezes, travel bans, arms embargoes—against LeT, JeM and ISIS/al‑Qaida affiliates, seeking more 1267 listings. They condemned attacks, warned of drone/AI misuse, and vowed cooperation via the UN, Quad and FATF.

Trump’s National Security Strategy seeks a free, open Indo-Pacific by deepening US‑India commercial ties and Quad cooperation to counter China, protect sea lanes, and expand naval power. It revives a Monroe Doctrine focus in the Western Hemisphere, enlisting India and allies to sustain US primacy.

India urged its nationals to exercise discretion when traveling or transiting through China after a Nov 21 case where an Arunachal Pradesh woman was detained at Shanghai airport over her Indian passport. New Delhi seeks assurances against selective targeting and for respect of travel rules.

India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said “democracy and Pakistan don’t go together,” adding India is monitoring developments. He condemned civilian deaths in Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes and backed Afghanistan’s sovereignty amid Pakistan’s unrest, Imran Khan’s jailing, and PTI protests.

Timeless wardrobe staples that blend elegance and versatility: the Little Black Dress for instant sophistication; a crisp white shirt for effortless polish; classic blue jeans as a style foundation; and a tailored blazer to elevate any look. Mix, match, and stay chic anytime.

India’s geography is bounded by northern mountain arcs and seas; the Himalaya are diverse. Borders mark sovereignty, frontiers are fluid. India faces militarised disputes with China (LAC) and Pakistan (LoC, terrorism), and a porous Myanmar border under FMR fueling insurgency and trafficking.

Eeksha unveils Regia, a couture collection for modern brides and grooms blending regal tradition with trend. Opulent zardozi and threadwork on silk and satin elevate sherwanis, lehengas, saris and gowns—think corset tops, capes, detachable wings—in burgundy, royal blue and ivory.

East Coast Jazz Movement: Session II returns, presented by The MK Network with The Palomar. Featuring Moa Guevara, Gaby Echevarría, Maarten Visser, Aravind Murali and Manukrishnan in a cross-cultural, improvisational set. Nov 22, 7:30 pm, The Spotted Deer, Akkarai. Rs 400+

World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will miss the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna due to swelling in his right hamstring/sciatic area, announced days after beating Jannik Sinner to win the ATP Finals. With Sinner already withdrawn to rest, the event and Spain lose star power and a potential rivalry clash.

On Oct 31, Kolkata came alive for Halloween as Cal-On, the rocking lounge at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge, hosted a spirited bash with themed food, drinks, and a live DJ. The city celebrated the undead in style—here are glimpses from the night. Coverage by Anindita.

Star-studded glimpses from the cityplex premiere of Pratim D Gupta’s new culinary drama, Ranna Baati. Cast, crew, and industry friends—including Sohini—joined to celebrate, serving up a flavorful first look with red-carpet moments and behind-the-scenes camaraderie.

Model and fashion influencer Nicola Gomes celebrated her birthday with a boho-chic themed party, surrounded by friends and family. The evening featured stylish decor, candid moments, and special guests, including Nysa, offering warm, festive glimpses from the celebration.

SEBI penalized 11 entities a total of Rs 55 lakh (Rs 5 lakh each) for non-genuine reversal trades in BSE’s illiquid stock options. The trades inflated volumes and misled the market, breaching PFUTP norms against fraudulent and unfair practices.

House hushing is a decluttering reset: clear a room of non-essentials into boxes, live in the pared-back space for 1–2 weeks, then only return what you truly use or love. The pause quiets visual noise, eases decisions, curbs impulse buys, and often leads to selling or donating the rest.

The MIND diet merges Mediterranean and DASH patterns, focused on 10 brain-healthy foods: leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine. Emphasizing greens and berries, it’s linked to slower cognitive decline, better memory.

A visual glimpse of the Bijoya Sammelani hosted by the Honorary Consul General of Kenya in Kolkata, highlighting festive moments, warmth, and camaraderie. Featured snapshots include attendees Rina and Roshni.

At a cityplex premiere, Anilava Chatterjee’s film Bela, starring Rituparna Sengupta as revered writer and radio icon Bela Dey, debuted to fanfare with cast and crew in attendance. They also met legend Anupam Kher and his Tanvi The Great co-star Shubhangi Dutt. Here are highlights from the evening.

Festive jewellery picks: Senco’s Shagun and men’s Aham; B.C. Sen’s Dhanalakshmi in 22K; Auram’s nature-inspired pieces; Caratly’s dainty 18K edit; Nemichand Bamalwa’s Diwali Edit; Kulthiaa’s Shubh Nivesh; M.B. Sons’ Dhanteras curation—gold, diamonds, polki and gemstones, heirloom-ready.

PVR INOX will open Cinemagic, a luxury six-screen multiplex at NSP’s Elegante Unity One Mall in Delhi, featuring a gaming zone, nail bar, perfumery corner and curated gourmet menu. After India’s first dine-in cinema in Bengaluru, it targets post-pandemic Gen Z/millennial.

Glimpses from the intimate premiere of actor-turned-filmmaker Rupsha Guha’s directorial debut, How Are You Feroz? Friends and family gathered to celebrate, offering a warm first look at the film and its team, marking a proud milestone for Guha. Photos by Ratasree.

Designer Amit Sachdeva’s Meera ke Dupatte honors the dupatta as a statement piece, inspired by Meera’s devotion and reimagined for today. Tissues, organzas, nets and silks span ivories to kokum/peacock, with hand embroidery—zari, gota, and resham. For mix‑and‑match minimalists and collectors.

Produced by Pankaj Tripathi (producer debut) and Ajay Rai’s JAR Pictures, Perfect Family’s trailer unveils a quirky Punjabi clan in an 8-episode dramedy about therapy and mental health. Premiering Nov 27 on JAR’s YouTube, it’s India’s first long-format pay debut: 2 episodes free, rest for INR 59.

India's military is rapidly integrating drones, driven by global trends and regional security needs. The market's projected $10.29 billion expansion (2024-2029) reflects this growing importance. Drones' use in operations like Operation Sindoor showcases their value in intelligence gathering, precision strikes, and minimizing casualties, even in challenging terrains. To maintain a competitive edge, India needs to prioritize superior drone capabilities across all forces, ensuring resilience against electronic warfare and adopting modular, AI-enabled systems. Boosting indigenous production, reducing reliance on foreign components, and creating sustained demand through government

Yaahvi’s Lagori Collection by Nikita Bansal turns the childhood game into lighting—chandeliers, floor, table (oval/spherical), hanging, and wall lamps. Diamond-cut double-cast glass meets repoussé aluminium in black-white with gold/orange accents. Modular, customizable 

Titan Smart launches Evoke 2.0, a premium 43mm smartwatch blending analog-inspired design with modern tech: 1.32-inch Super AMOLED (466×466, 1000 nits), slim 11mm case, magnetic dual-tone straps, 3D faces, 24/7 health tracking, syncs with Android/iOS. In three colors, priced at ₹8,499.