WPI inflation, crude oil prices and FII activity to steer stock markets this week

Cyclone forming over Bay of Bengal to bring heavy rain to some Bengal districts: IMD

A cyclonic storm is forming in the south Bay of Bengal and will intensify by November 17. Heavy rain is predicted for coastal districts like South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur from November 19. In addition, thunderstorms with winds reaching 40 km per hour are likely in Kolkata and nearby areas. There is an expected rise in day and night temperatures by two to three degrees Celsius starting November 18.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq named among world's 500 most influential Muslims for 13th year

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Muslim 500 as a significant figure. He has continuously advocated for dialogue between India and Pakistan to address the Kashmir issue. The publication highlights his non-violent approach and emphasis on peaceful engagement throughout his leadership. His prolonged house detention from August 2019 to September 2023 is also acknowledged in the report.

What a Beijing cafe dispute reveals about China’s struggling bookshops

China’s bricks-and-mortar bookstores are increasingly counting on coffee, merchandise and cultural events rather than books to stay afloat – a survival strategy whose tensions were laid bare after a major chain asked a book buyer to vacate its cafe seating unless she bought a drink. The dispute at a Beijing branch of Sisyphe Bookstore, one of the country’s largest chains, went viral earlier this month, sparking an online debate over the struggles bookshops face in the digital age. The customer,...

Cyclonic storm brewing over Bay of Bengal may intensify into severe storm by November 17

A depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm. Rains are anticipated in northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and nearby areas. The weather report indicates that the depression intensified and is forecasted to continue moving northwestward. Moderate rainfall is also expected in western ghat regions and southern districts starting from Monday.

Government mandates scrutiny of 'abnormally low bids' in procurements, sets threshold

The finance ministry has issued a new directive regarding government procurement processes concerning bid evaluations. Government agencies must now review bids that are priced over 30 percent below estimated costs. This scrutiny is aimed at identifying potential Abnormally Low Bids that could compromise quality and execution. Clarifications and detailed price analyses will be required from bidders in such cases before contracts can be awarded.

PM Modi, President Murmu pay tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda on Jharkhand State Foundation Day

TN CM Vijay to attend Sonia's memoir launch in Delhi on Nov 16

The TN CM's expected visit to the national capital also comes against the background of the Mekedatu issue.

Temperatures plummet in Badrinath as fresh snowfall precedes winter portal closure on Nov 16

Badrinath Dham received fresh snowfall just before its doors close for the winter months. The snowfall changed the weather pattern across Badrinath and its surrounding areas. Despite the cold, devotees continued to arrive at the shrine to seek blessings from Lord Badri Vishal. The portals of Badrinath Dham are set to close on November 16 at 9:37 PM. Preparations for the closure ceremonies are now in their final stages.

Finance firm can't use goons to seize vehicle over loan default: Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a finance company cannot seize vehicles through force or coercive tactics. A borrower reported being threatened and having his vehicle taken unlawfully by agents for the finance firm. The court emphasized that repossession must occur through legal channels like civil courts or arbitration. It ordered the company to return the vehicle and restructure the loan without penal interest.

India’s commodity supply chains: Why market intelligence must translate into smarter logistics

The businesses that do better will be the ones that close the gap between what the market tells them and what their logistics does about it, before ships arrive and the queues build

Could Beijing’s HQ-17 air-defence system defend PLA amphibious forces from Taiwan strikes?

Before mainland Chinese troops could attempt a landing on Taiwan, they would first have to assemble vehicles, weapons and supplies along the coast – potentially exposing them to Taiwanese drone, rocket and missile attacks. A nighttime drill reported by state broadcaster CCTV on June 11 offered a glimpse of how the People’s Liberation Army could shield those amphibious forces as they prepared to cross the Taiwan Strait. As soldiers headed into open water aboard amphibious armoured vehicles, a...

India's oldest building material is finding a new place in modern homes

Indian artists, architects and designers are reviving terracotta beyond traditional uses, incorporating it into contemporary interiors, sculptural lamps, wall installations and architectural features, driven by a shift away from glossy marble-heavy aesthetics toward natural, regional materials.