INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 11:34PM IST
Ahmedabad is set to get a Rs 307 crore Vande Bharat train maintenance hub at Sabarmati, enabling major repairs and scheduled overhauls to be carried out locally. Being developed under Phase II of the Sabarmati Integrated Coaching Depot, the facility will handle heavy repairs, wheel and axle maintenance, and electrical equipment overhauls. It is designed to service 24-coach trainsets, with an annual capacity of 12 trainsets for SS-I maintenance or eight for SS-II maintenance.
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Big Four battle for Indias $2-billion and growing GCC work
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 11:15PM IST
Big Four professional services firms in India have emerged as major players in the Global Capability Centre sector. These firms are generating substantial revenue as multinational companies shift focus to higher-value work. Competition in the sector is intensifying due to the involvement of various specialist operators and new technologies. Firms are increasingly seeking long-term partnerships with multinationals while adapting their services to meet evolving demands.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 10:56PM IST
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced technology-driven on-board services in five superfast trains to improve cleanliness, hygiene and passenger comfort. The initiative covers the KamakhyaSMVT Bengaluru Express, GuwahatiKolkata Garib Rath Express, DibrugarhMumbai LTT Express and two Vande Bharat Express services. The upgrades include improved coach cleaning, washroom maintenance, digital monitoring, AI-based cleaning assessments and a two-hour target for resolving passenger complaints.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Europe refused China, India oil sanctions
INDIA NEWS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 10:16PM IST
Washington, Amid intense criticism, the US on Sunday said the waiver of sanctions on Russia and tariffs on other countries, including India, was a 60-day pause to analyse the global impact of the measure.Trump's cabinet colleagues Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent said the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act granted the President the flexibility to assess the situation."No sanctions were lifted on Friday," Bessent told NBC's Meet the Press, referring to the Executive Order signed by Trump granting a waiver from sanctions under the Graham Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last month.Bessent revealed that the US had asked its European allies to impose secondary sanctions on China and India for buying Russian oil, but they refused."So why should the US bear the burden? President Trump, perhaps we will be in contact with our European partners. Why should the US go it alone," Bessent said, adding that European countries had waived an embargo on purchase of Russian diesel and jet fuel in May.On Saturday evening, Secretary of State Rubio said waivers were included in the Graham Act to study the different things going around the world, such as the pressure on global energy supplies due to the Iran war, the attack of Houthis in Saudi Arabia and the Ukraine-Russia war."I think the president wants to take the 60-day period of time to sort of analyse what imposing both sanctions and tariffs will mean to the global economy, and even to the US economy," Rubio told reporters before leaving on a six-day visit to Uzbekistan and India.The executive order signed by Trump on Friday states that the waivers shall remain in effect until such time as the President or the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Trade Representative, as appropriate, determine that further action is appropriate.Speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago resort near Miami on Saturday, Trump said his decision to waive sanctions under the Graham Act would benefit the US."A lot of you don't know what my decision is yet, but we'll figure it out, and you'll figure it out," he said."It's a very good decision, and it's going to be a decision that's good for the country, and I think good for the world because we're really at a world stage," Trump said.Bessent also accused the European nations of fuelling Russia's war on Ukraine by buying oil and gas from Moscow."The Europeans have given Russia and Vladimir Putin more money than they've given the Ukrainians. They continue to gorge on Russian energy," Bessent said."The Europeans are financing the Russian war machine. The US imports USD four billion of Russian products. USD 1.8 billion of that is fertiliser. The Europeans import more than 10 times that," Bessent said.Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia came under fire from the Republicans and Democrats, who last month came together to overwhelmingly pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.Senator Darline Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, also criticised Trump for exempting Russia from a sanctions law that was championed by and named after her late brother Lindsey.Indian-American lawmakers, most of whom had voted against the Graham Act, were sharply critical of Trump's decision."Trump's decision to waive new sanctions on Russia should leave no doubt: that is exactly what is happening," Congressman Ami Bera said on X."My Republican colleagues pushed hard to pass the Lindsey Graham Russia sanctions bill before we left town. They ought to be standing up and screaming at the top of their lungs that we don't side with Russia," he said."Trump is doing exactly what we warned: undermining Congress' authority, abandoning Ukraine, and letting Putin off the hook," Congressman Suhas Subramanyam said on X."Republicans refused to let us vote on stronger Russia sanctions. Now we - and our allies - are paying the price," Subramanyam said.
Continue reading at Economic Times
1h
Tiger Shroff Assassination Attempt: Fadnavis Seeks Swift Probe; 15 Teams To Investigate
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:33PM IST
Fadnavis told the police commisioner to take strict action against the assailants.
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2h
Airtel launches voice-only prepaid plans
INDIA NEWS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:31PM IST
New Delhi, Bharti Airtel has become the first telecom operator to roll out voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans, in line with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) new norms, according to sources.The three plans are priced at Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206. Each offers unlimited local, STD and roaming calls and 300 SMS, but no bundled mobile data. The plans are now listed on the Airtel app and website.The Rs 185 plan, the cheapest of the new offerings, is valid for 28 days. The Rs 203 plan runs for 30 days, giving two extra days for Rs 18 more. The Rs 206 plan is valid for one month, which differs from a fixed 30-day cycle as it renews on the same date each month. All three include free HelloTunes, allowing a new tune to be set every 30 days at no extra cost.Airtel could not be reached for comments on the new voice-only plans.Sources said the offerings are aimed at users who mainly need calling and messaging. These could include feature phone users, people holding a secondary connection for calls and those who depend largely on Wi-Fi for internet access. The logic is that bundled data may add little value for such customers.Sources said shorter-validity packs also let customers make smaller recharge commitments rather than paying upfront for a longer-duration plan. The new offerings give calling-focused users more flexibility within Airtel's prepaid portfolio, according to sources.The launch follows TRAI's direction that operators expand their voice-and-SMS-only options with a corresponding reduction in tariffs.In September, the regulator mandated operators to issue special tariff vouchers for voice calls and SMS at a lower cost as they will not come bundled with data services.Under TRAI's Telecom Consumers Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, telecom operators were asked to issue special tariff vouchers (STVs) for voice calls and SMS only, similar to the existing ones that come bundled with data, voice calls and SMS carrying validity of 30 days or less."Provided also that the service provided shall offer special tariff vouchers (STVs) with appropriate reduction in tariff, exclusively for voice and SMS," TRAI had said. PTI
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2h
Bharti Airtel launches voice-only prepaid plans starting at Rs 185 after TRAI's mandate
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:31PM IST
Bharti Airtel is the first telecom company to introduce voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans without mobile data. These new offerings align with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's recent regulations aimed at reducing tariffs. The plans, priced at Rs 185, Rs 203, and Rs 206, provide unlimited calls and SMS with varying validity. This initiative targets customers who primarily utilize voice and messaging services, particularly feature phone users.
Continue reading at Economic Times
2h
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:30PM IST
Real Madrid have collected 18 points from eight matches and sit fourth in the standings. Sevilla are fifth with 14 points from the same number of games.
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2h
Tiger Shroff Assassination Attempt: Bishnoi Gang Claim, Salman Khan Threat What We Know
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:22PM IST
Tiger Shroff escaped unharmed after an assasination attempt by the Bishnoi Gang.
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2h
Elizabeth Holmes Film Opens to Over 2,000 Sold-Out Shows
GLOBAL NEWS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:15PM IST
You Can See Everything, a documentary about the Theranos founder, made a big splash for a movie not yet in wide release. And Netflix had a box office milestone.
Continue reading at The New York Times
2h
Elizabeth Holmes Documentary You Can See Everything Opens to Over 2,000 Sold-Out Shows
GLOBAL NEWS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:15PM IST
You Can See Everything, a documentary about the Theranos founder, made a big splash for a movie not yet in wide release. And Netflix had a box office milestone.
Continue reading at The New York Times
2h
Oil Rally Lifts Saudi Stocks, While Qatar And Egypt Markets Tumble
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:03PM IST
Saudi stocks advanced as higher oil prices lifted energy shares, but regional markets came under pressure.
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2h
Reliance Retail faces FDA crackdown again; action also on Blinkit-linked facility
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:02PM IST
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the licenses of Reliance Retail warehouses after inspections showed safety violations. The inspections revealed issues such as rodent infestation, improper storage, and expired products. In another facility linked to Blinkit, cold-room temperatures exceeded safe limits, and employees lacked necessary food safety training. The FDA registered FIRs and seized a significant quantity of expired products.
Continue reading at Economic Times
2h
Reliance Retail faces fresh FDA action
INDIA NEWS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 9:02PM IST
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against Reliance Retail for the second consecutive day on Sunday, suspending the licences of its warehouse in Chakan along with that of a Blinkit-linked facility in Nighoje, both in Pune district, officials said.In a statement, the FDA said it found food safety violations, including rodent infestation, improper storage and failure to maintain records of disposal of expired food products.Also Read: Reliance and Blinkit executives face FIR in food safety caseThe FDA inspected Reliance Retail Ltd's warehouse at Chakan in Khed taluka on October 14 and found that the establishment failed to produce satisfactory records regarding the disposal or destruction of expired and spoiled food products, it said."Rodent infestation was found across the warehouse, while expired and spoiled products were stored together without segregation. Cockroaches were also found in floor crevices and employees were seen spitting within the premises," the statement said.Also Read: FSSAI asks food business operators to ensure temperature-controlled transport for all perishablesAlthough the company produced an agreement with a waste disposal agency, it failed to submit verifiable evidence of the actual disposal of the expired products, the FDA pointed out.The designated officer in Pune's Circle 5 suspended the warehouse's licence on October 15, and an FIR was registered at North Mahaluge MIDC police station in connection with the matter, the FDA said.The FDA also inspected the warehouse of M/s Linkit Commerce Pvt Ltd, linked to Blinkit, at Nighoje in Khed taluka on October 14.The inspection found that the cold-room temperature exceeded 5 degrees Celsius and records to establish maintenance of the cold chain were unavailable, the FDA said."Raw and non-raw food items were stored together, while 50 kg of Tata Salt and 60 kg of semolina were kept directly on the floor. Leaking packets and cockroach infestation were also observed. Of around 600 employees, only five had FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification)," the statement said.The company produced an agreement with M/s Y K Traders but failed to provide verifiable evidence showing where, when and in what quantities expired food products had been disposed of, it said.The FDA suspended its licence on October 15 and an FIR was also registered at the South Mahaluge MIDC police station, it said.On October 17, the FDA took action against multiple warehouses in Pune and Thane districts over suspected diversion of expired, damaged and rejected food products meant for destruction back into the market.The action included facilities associated with Reliance Consumer Products and Reliance Retail at Wadpe in Bhiwandi, and Zomato Hyperpure at Usatane in Ambernath. Two unlicensed establishments were also ordered to stop operations.The wider operation resulted in the suspension of five warehouse licences and seizure of 8,392 kg of stock valued at Rs 48.08 lakh.
Continue reading at Economic Times
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Maharashtra Drought Crisis: IAS, IPS Officers To Donate One Days Salary To Aid Farmers
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:51PM IST
Maharashtra IAS and IPS officers will donate one day's October salary to aid drought-hit farmers across 305 talukas. The state has announced loan relief, land revenue exemptions and education fee waivers to support affected families.
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3h
Tiger Shroff Firing Sparks Alarm In Mumbai; Bishnoi Gang Issues Salman Khan Threat
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:48PM IST
Tiger Shroff's driver and a civillain sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital.
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3h
Reports of sale false and misleading, says Bhilai Steel Plant amid Congress alleging Adani visit
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:40PM IST
Bhilai Steel Plant, a unit of SAIL, has dismissed privatization rumors as false and misleading. The Ministry of Steel and PIB Fact Check confirmed that these reports are untrue. Allegations were made by Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel regarding a potential Adani Group visit to the plant. Concerns among employees and local residents over job security and plant future were raised.
Continue reading at Economic Times
3h
Maha Navami 2026: Is It On October 19 Or 20? Date, Tithi Timings, Puja Vidhi And Fasting Rules
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:27PM IST
Maha Navami 2026: Know The Date, Puja Timings And Rituals
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3h
RCom RP files curative petition, challenging February SC spectrum ruling
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:18PM IST
Resolution professional Anish Nanvaty seeks recall of the Supreme Court verdict excluding spectrum from IBC proceedings, arguing that the ruling causes irreversible harm to lenders
Continue reading at Business Standard
3h
India's exports grow across regions, led by Africa, ASEAN in Apr-Aug
INDIA NEWS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:12PM IST
India's merchandise exports grew across key regions in April-August FY27, with shipments to Africa rising 47% to $26.19 billion and ASEAN exports surging 56% to $23.08 billion.
Continue reading at Business Standard
3h
Unidentified persons fire at Tiger Shroff in Juhu; no injuries reported
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:08PM IST
"A massive manhunt has been launched to nab those involved, with specialised teams checking CCTV footage of the area for leads"
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Unidentified persons fire at Tiger Shroff in Mumbai's Juhu; actor safe
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:06PM IST
Unidentified persons fire at Tiger Shroff in Mumbai's Juhu; actor safe
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3h
Nestle Says Nescafe Drinks Are Safe After FSSAI Flags Labelling Issues
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 8:04PM IST
Nestl India to respond to FSSAI over Nescaf drink classification and labelling concerns.
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3h
Grok Bot Wants To Be In Your Chats, Contracts, And Shopping Cart. Amazon Is In Its Way
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:46PM IST
Grok has also improved voice calling, saying calls are now faster and more reliable.
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4h
Ranabaali Box Office Collection Day 3: Vijay Deverakonda Starrer Continues To Draw Audiences
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:19PM IST
Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna star in Ranabaali, with Arnold Vosloo in a key role.
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4h
JSW Jetour T2: Features, Launch Date, Interior & Engine Options
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:18PM IST
JSW Motors is set to enter India's passenger vehicle market on December 4 with a plug-in hybrid SUV based on the Chery Jetour T2
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4h
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:17PM IST
A large crowd gathers at the entrance of Kolkata's Chorbagan Puja pandal amid mounting pressure on Saturday night.
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4h
Kolkata Durga Puja Stampede: 7 Accused Sent To 10-Day Police Custody
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:16PM IST
The accused were given 10 days of police custody by a local court on Sunday.
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4h
Hyundai Bayon: Features, Launch Date, Interior & Engine Options
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:16PM IST
Hyundai has unveiled the India-spec Bayon SUV ahead of its October 26 launch
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4h
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:11PM IST
Prahaar: The Untold Story Of Ujjwal Nikam Released In Theatres On October 16, 2026
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4h
India-New Zealand FTA to boost New Delhi's trade diversification strategy
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 7:03PM IST
The trade pact, effective Tuesday, offers duty-free access to Indian exports, targeted tariff concessions and a $20 billion investment commitment as both nations aim to double trade by 2030
Continue reading at Business Standard
4h
Did Chinese Agents Pose As Academicians To Allegedly Target Army Officer's Wife? What We Know
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:46PM IST
Army officer's wife faces probe over alleged espionage links, sensitive documents and encrypted communications.
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5h
Himadri's H1FY27 profit rises 29% to 460 crore on speciality growth
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:43PM IST
Revenue from operations rose 43% to Rs 3,123 crore in H1FY27, while EBITDA increased 30% to Rs 616 crore, supported by an improved product mix and growth in core businesses
Continue reading at Business Standard
5h
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:42PM IST
Oberoi Realty Ltd reported a remarkable increase in sales bookings to Rs 9,149.69 crore in the second quarter. The company launched its first luxury housing project in Gurugram, resulting in high demand and strong sales. During the first half of the fiscal year, total income rose to Rs 3,098.06 crore compared to the previous year. Its consolidated net profit showed a slight increase, reaching Rs 761.
Continue reading at Economic Times
5h
Vedanta invests $600 million to double South African zinc capacity
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:40PM IST
Vedanta aims to produce 2 million tonnes annually through its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc Ltd and 1 million tonnes through Vedanta Zinc International
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5h
Accenture Explores $1.5 Billion China Business Sale, Hires JPMorgan For Strategic Review: Report
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:33PM IST
Accenture expects revenue growth to remain subdued over the next two years.
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5h
PM Modi, Shah and CEC Kumar will pay price for 'vote chori': Rahul Gandhi
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:31PM IST
Gandhi joined the Congress's 'Goy Rakhon Yatra' in Margao, walking two kilometres with workers and leaders
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5h
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:29PM IST
Nitin Gadkari's Dhapewada textile project near Nagpur aims to revive traditional handloom weaving and create employment opportunities for 5,000 women. The initiative produces tussar silk, silk-cotton and cotton sarees and plans to expand into global markets through exports and artificial intelligence. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said the project could help weaving families earn nearly Rs 30,000 per month throughout the year.
Continue reading at Economic Times
5h
India Raises Number Of Anti-Cancer Drugs On Price-Control List
INDIA MARKET | Sun, 18 Oct 2026, 6:26PM IST
The latest cuts expand on controls introduced in 2019 on 42 anti-cancer medicines.
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