Pakistan to chair UN-backed global Borrowers’ Platform as its own debt burden mounts, triggers sarcastic reactions on social media

Blasts heard in Sanaa as Saudi-led coalition warns civilians to evacuate; Houthis vow retaliation

France accuses Musk of ‘online harassment’ of European leaders, warns of poll interference

New Cold War: Why is China buying more gold? Explained

Girl 'dead' for 8 hours wakes up at her own funeral, dad insists she wasn't breathing

Sidhu Moose Wala’s younger brother wins hearts by recreating late singer’s signature move at Toronto Hologram Show

Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms, warns of consequences

'Ouch!!! That must hurt': Kangana Ranaut hails Kamal Haasan's sharp reply to Elon Musk over Starlink row

Marco Rubio to visit India next week, focus on energy cooperation and strategic ties

Measles kills again: 6 dead in Pennsylvania as America faces its worst outbreak in decades | Gravitas

New Delhi rejects Beijing’s claims and remarks on Ladakh location naming exercise

'Turn approver, resign, we'll forgive you': Rahul Gandhi claims receiving messages from CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations

Netanyahu wants to join Saudi's war on Houthis, but Crown Prince denies: Report

'Don't ever mess with nature!': Trump’s tiger attack post triggers social media backlash as victim's family issues heartbreaking tribute

New OTT releases this week (October 12-18, 2026): Sacrifice, Koffee with Karan S9, Roadies Rebirth- 6 titles coming on Netflix, JioHotstar and more

Trump reconsidering calling off Nidal Hasan's execution livestream. Here's why

UK school ditches technology, shifts from screen to pen and paper for learning

US Midterms 2026: In Alaska, cost-of-living anxiety meets strangest ballot in high-stakes Senate race

CMs Vijay-Naidu meet in Vijayawada, discuss water sharing, river-linking

OpenAI employee arrested by FBI after allegedly hiding recording device in office

MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow

Robot gropes girl, makes thrusting movements in bizarre crime in Germany

Ken Paxton's Dubai night out with two US fugitives sparks political storm as Texas Senate race tightens

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery, Vatican says 'successful surgery and recovering'

1,500 drones illuminate Mumbai sky as Cordelia Cruises unveils second ship, Cordelia Sky

Anupam Kher joins Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana as Jatayu, new poster unveiled

Navratri 2026: 9 days, 9 forms of Goddess Durga and 9 colours- Check the complete list

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil sites as Houthi missiles target Riyadh; 'limited fire' breaks out at Aramco

‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes

Delhi Police arrest Cockroach Janta Party's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde in Jantar Mantar case, to be produced before court

‘How many people did she illegally bring from Somalia?’ Trump targets Ilhan Omar, questions her net worth

Air India Flight from Frankfurt diverted to Jaipur after hijack alert, probe on

China's counter-surveillance industry booms amid heightened espionage fears | Gravitas

Russian woman and Bihar boy's love story goes viral after she reaches India to marry him

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion deal with data-center operator IREN. The deal includes access to Nvidia's advanced chips. The news of the deal caused a surge in IREN's share in premarket trading. The share prices of Dell also rose 5 per cent because it will provide IREN with Nvidia's GB300 chips and other equipment Microsoft will use.<h2>Full details of Microsoft-IREN deal</h2>This partnership will allow Microsoft to increase its computing capacity without constructing new data centers or securing additional power to meet the company's AI demand. Tech companies need data centers and power to realize their AI goals.&nbsp;After the deal, the company will also sidestep the need to spend heavily on chips, which will eventually give way to more powerful chips in the near future.&nbsp;IREN's market value is $16.52 billion. The company operates several data centers across North America. These facilities are powered by renewable energy, and their total capacity is 2,910 megawatts.&nbsp;IREN said in a filing that the money from Microsoft will help finance its $5.8 billion deal with Dell.&nbsp;Its Microsoft contract could be terminated if it fails to meet the delivery timelines. The $9.7 billion agreement will strengthen IREN’s position in the AI data center market. The company's share rose 20 per cent in pre-market trading on Monday.&nbsp;Microsoft will prepay 20% of the total&nbsp;contract value, according to Reuters.&nbsp;The hardware will be installed at IREN’s 750-megawatt Childress, Texas campus. This liquid-cooled AI data centre will support 200 megawatts of critical IT load.&nbsp;IREN co-founder and co-CEO Daniel Roberts said the deal demonstrates the scalability of the company’s vertically integrated AI cloud platform.&nbsp;Microsoft said that the deal would ensure that the company's customers get efficient AI infrastructure. IREN is one of the top three public bitcoin mining companies. It is now expanding its operations into AI infrastructure, hoping for long-term revenue stability.&nbsp;IREN's share rose from $60.75 on Friday to $73 on Monday.

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion deal with data-center operator IREN. The deal includes access to Nvidia's advanced chips.

Microsoft has signed a $9.7 billion deal with data-center operator IREN. The deal includes access to Nvidia's advanced chips. The news of the deal caused a surge in IREN's share in premarket trading. The share prices of Dell also rose 5 per cent because it will provide IREN with Nvidia's GB300 chips and other equipment Microsoft will use. Full details of Microsoft-IREN deal This partnership will allow Microsoft to increase its computing capacity without constructing new data centers or securing additional power to meet the company's AI demand. Tech companies need data centers and power to realize their AI goals. After the deal, the company will also sidestep the need to spend heavily on chips, which will eventually give way to more powerful chips in the near future. IREN's market value is $16.52 billion. The company operates several data centers across North America. These facilities are powered by renewable energy, and their total capacity is 2,910 megawatts. IREN said in a filing that the money from Microsoft will help finance its $5.8 billion deal with Dell. Its Microsoft contract could be terminated if it fails to meet the delivery timelines. The $9.7 billion agreement will strengthen IREN’s position in the AI data center market. The company's share rose 20 per cent in pre-market trading on Monday. Microsoft will prepay 20% of the total contract value, according to Reuters. The hardware will be installed at IREN’s 750-megawatt Childress, Texas campus. This liquid-cooled AI data centre will support 200 megawatts of critical IT load. IREN co-founder and co-CEO Daniel Roberts said the deal demonstrates the scalability of the company’s vertically integrated AI cloud platform. Microsoft said that the deal would ensure that the company's customers get efficient AI infrastructure. IREN is one of the top three public bitcoin mining companies. It is now expanding its operations into AI infrastructure, hoping for long-term revenue stability. IREN's share rose from $60.75 on Friday to $73 on Monday.

Microsoft-IREN deal: After the deal, the company will also sidestep the need to spend heavily on chips, which will eventually give way to more powerful chips in the near future.&nbsp;

Microsoft signs $9.7 billion deal with IREN to advance AI push | Full details

France's finance minister on Monday warned that Shein will be banned from operating in the country if it resumes selling "childlike" sex dolls. This warning came days after France's anti-fraud unit alleged that the company had been selling dolls of a "child pornography nature".&nbsp;France's Le Parisien daily published a photo of one of the dolls sold on the platform, accompanied by an explicitly sexual caption. Shein had withdrawn the dolls from their platform and said it had launched an internal&nbsp;probe into the matter.&nbsp;Roland Lescure, the finance minister, said that he would move to ban the company from the French market of the dolls returned on the internet for sale.&nbsp;He called the dolls "horrible items" and illegal.&nbsp;Shein will open its first physical store in the world in central Paris.&nbsp;The company has faced criticism over working conditions at its factories and the environmental impact of its business model. Since the announcement, some brands have pulled their products from the Paris area where the store is scheduled to come up.<h2>France fined Shein</h2>France has fined Shein thrice in 2025, for failing to comply with online cookie legislation, false advertising, misleading information, and not declaring the presence of plastic microfibres in its products.<h2>What Shein said</h2>Contacted by Reuters, Shein said in an email: “The products in question were immediately removed from the platform as soon as we became aware of these major shortcomings...Shein has a zero-tolerance policy towards any content or products that violate our internal policies or applicable laws”.

France's finance minister on Monday warned that Shein will be banned from operating in the country if it resumes selling "childlike" sex dolls.

France's finance minister on Monday warned that Shein will be banned from operating in the country if it resumes selling "childlike" sex dolls. This warning came days after France's anti-fraud unit alleged that the company had been selling dolls of a "child pornography nature". France's Le Parisien daily published a photo of one of the dolls sold on the platform, accompanied by an explicitly sexual caption. Shein had withdrawn the dolls from their platform and said it had launched an internal probe into the matter. Roland Lescure, the finance minister, said that he would move to ban the company from the French market of the dolls returned on the internet for sale. He called the dolls "horrible items" and illegal. Shein will open its first physical store in the world in central Paris. The company has faced criticism over working conditions at its factories and the environmental impact of its business model. Since the announcement, some brands have pulled their products from the Paris area where the store is scheduled to come up. France fined Shein France has fined Shein thrice in 2025, for failing to comply with online cookie legislation, false advertising, misleading information, and not declaring the presence of plastic microfibres in its products. What Shein said Contacted by Reuters, Shein said in an email: “The products in question were immediately removed from the platform as soon as we became aware of these major shortcomings...Shein has a zero-tolerance policy towards any content or products that violate our internal policies or applicable laws”.

Shein row in France: Shein had withdrawn the dolls from their platform and said it had launched an internal&nbsp;probe into the matter.

France threatens to ban Shein over 'childlike' dolls row. Here's why

The proposed US Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act is a greater&nbsp;threat to the Indian&nbsp;economy than the recent hike in H-1B visa fees, said former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan in an interview. He said the proposed law can impose tariffs on outsourcing services, which could impact India's IT industry and services exports.&nbsp;He said in an interview with DeKoder that the US may find ways to impose tariffs on services, which could be a threat to New Delhi.&nbsp;"How that’ll be implemented is anybody’s question, but this creeping of tariffs beyond goods to services to Indian visitors into the US through the H-1B route – these are all concerns,” Rajan told DeKoder.<h2>HIRE Act</h2>The HIRE Act aims to protect jobs in America by making outsourcing expensive. It proposed a 25 per cent outsourcing tax on businesses. Also, for payments made to foreign workers for services availed in the United States, businesses will not be able to claim such expenses as tax-deductible expenses.&nbsp;The revenue generated from the tax will fund training and apprenticeship programmes for American workers.&nbsp;If these taxes are introduced, India's outsourcing as well as service jobs will be under threat. Most of India's IT companies thrive on American outsourcing.&nbsp;Raghurajan&nbsp;said that the need for H-1B visas has declined over the years because services are being delivered over the internet. He said Indian companies&nbsp;are doing backend work in India and hiring locally for customer-facing jobs.&nbsp;He said Indian companies can also recruit Indian students studying in US institutions. "There will be adjustments, and the net effect will be less H-1B immigration, but it doesn’t look as bad as it first seemed. The HIRE Act is much more important for us,” he added.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump has levied 50 tariffs on Indian goods as New Delhi had been buying Russian&nbsp;oil and weapons. Last month, he imposed a fee on new H-1B visas, impacting Indian companies and workers.

The proposed US Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act is a greater threat to the Indian economy than the recent hike in H-1B visa fees, said former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan in an interview.

The proposed US Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act is a greater threat to the Indian economy than the recent hike in H-1B visa fees, said former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan in an interview. He said the proposed law can impose tariffs on outsourcing services, which could impact India's IT industry and services exports. He said in an interview with DeKoder that the US may find ways to impose tariffs on services, which could be a threat to New Delhi. "How that’ll be implemented is anybody’s question, but this creeping of tariffs beyond goods to services to Indian visitors into the US through the H-1B route – these are all concerns,” Rajan told DeKoder. HIRE Act The HIRE Act aims to protect jobs in America by making outsourcing expensive. It proposed a 25 per cent outsourcing tax on businesses. Also, for payments made to foreign workers for services availed in the United States, businesses will not be able to claim such expenses as tax-deductible expenses. The revenue generated from the tax will fund training and apprenticeship programmes for American workers. If these taxes are introduced, India's outsourcing as well as service jobs will be under threat. Most of India's IT companies thrive on American outsourcing. Raghurajan said that the need for H-1B visas has declined over the years because services are being delivered over the internet. He said Indian companies are doing backend work in India and hiring locally for customer-facing jobs. He said Indian companies can also recruit Indian students studying in US institutions. "There will be adjustments, and the net effect will be less H-1B immigration, but it doesn’t look as bad as it first seemed. The HIRE Act is much more important for us,” he added. US President Donald Trump has levied 50 tariffs on Indian goods as New Delhi had been buying Russian oil and weapons. Last month, he imposed a fee on new H-1B visas, impacting Indian companies and workers.

US tariffs on India: Raghuram Rajan said in an interview that the US may find ways to impose tariffs on services, which could be a threat to New Delhi.

What Raghuram Rajan said on H-1B visas, HIRE Act in the US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, which was announced while presenting the interim budget of 2024-2025. The total corpus of the scheme is Rs 1 lakh crore.<h2>What&nbsp;is the RDI Scheme Fund?</h2>The RDI fund will provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenors and low or nil interest rates for the private sector's research and innovation initiatives. It was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the 2024-25 interim Budget.&nbsp;The fund was launched to encourage the private sector to scale up research and innovation in sunrise domains. PM Modi launched the initiative&nbsp;at the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave 2025.&nbsp;Under the RDI scheme, Rs 1 lakh crore will be allocated over six years. Rs 20,000 crore will be allocated for the financial year 2025-2026.&nbsp;The scheme offers long-term low or zero-interest loans, equity investments, and contributions to Deep-Tech Fund of Funds. Grants and short-term loans are not provided under this scheme, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences. Informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply on July 31, 2025.&nbsp;Announcing the scheme, PM Modi said that the government is focusing on inducing Ease of Doing Research. He said India's research and development budget has been doubled over the past 10 years, demonstrating the country's commitment to innovation&nbsp;"Additionally, the number of registered patents has grown an impressive 17-fold. In the startup landscape, India has emerged as the third-largest ecosystem globally," he added.&nbsp;He also said that women make up 43 per cent of those pursuing STEM education in India, which is well above the global average.<h2>What is ESTIC 2025?</h2>ESTIC 2025, being held from 3-5 November 2025, brings together academia, research institutions, industry, and government to discuss 11 key thematic areas. These areas include: Advanced Materials &amp; Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Manufacturing, Blue Economy, Digital Communications, Electronics &amp; Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emerging Agriculture Technologies, Energy, Environment &amp; Climate, Health &amp; Medical Technologies, Quantum Science &amp; Technology, and Space Technologies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, which was announced while presenting the interim budget of 2024-2025. The total corpus of the scheme is Rs 1 lakh crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, which was announced while presenting the interim budget of 2024-2025. The total corpus of the scheme is Rs 1 lakh crore. What is the RDI Scheme Fund? The RDI fund will provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenors and low or nil interest rates for the private sector's research and innovation initiatives. It was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the 2024-25 interim Budget. The fund was launched to encourage the private sector to scale up research and innovation in sunrise domains. PM Modi launched the initiative at the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave 2025. Under the RDI scheme, Rs 1 lakh crore will be allocated over six years. Rs 20,000 crore will be allocated for the financial year 2025-2026. The scheme offers long-term low or zero-interest loans, equity investments, and contributions to Deep-Tech Fund of Funds. Grants and short-term loans are not provided under this scheme, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences. Informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply on July 31, 2025. Announcing the scheme, PM Modi said that the government is focusing on inducing Ease of Doing Research. He said India's research and development budget has been doubled over the past 10 years, demonstrating the country's commitment to innovation "Additionally, the number of registered patents has grown an impressive 17-fold. In the startup landscape, India has emerged as the third-largest ecosystem globally," he added. He also said that women make up 43 per cent of those pursuing STEM education in India, which is well above the global average. What is ESTIC 2025? ESTIC 2025, being held from 3-5 November 2025, brings together academia, research institutions, industry, and government to discuss 11 key thematic areas. These areas include: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Manufacturing, Blue Economy, Digital Communications, Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emerging Agriculture Technologies, Energy, Environment & Climate, Health & Medical Technologies, Quantum Science & Technology, and Space Technologies.

Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund:&nbsp;

PM Modi launches RDI Scheme: What is the Rs 1 lakh crore fund?

Chinese President Xi Jinping jocularly told Lee Jae-myung to "check if there’s any backdoor" on the smartphones he gifted to his South Korean counterpart. The unusual exchange was seen in some circles as a sarcastic remark on longstanding suspicions that mobile phones are used as tools of surveillance by China. But what exactly is a "backdoor"? Is it even possible to spy on cell phone users via such a method? The answers might surprise you — and no, it’s not only China that’s been accused of turning devices into digital spies. Read on to find more about the world of digital device surveillance.<h2>What Xi told Lee when gifting Xiaomi smartphones</h2>During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju on November 1, Xi gifted Lee Jae-myung a pair of Xiaomi smartphones. When Lee asked if the devices were secure, Xi smiled and said through an interpreter, "You should check if there’s a backdoor," drawing laughter from the leaders and delegations on both sides. The moment, light-hearted as it was, carried a subtle undertone: A wry acknowledgement of global fears that modern smartphones — mainly Chinese-made but others too— could be turned into listening posts in a new era of digital geopolitics.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/what-s-behind-the-us-move-to-limit-huawei-s-ai-chip-production-in-2025-1749807803990">What’s behind the US move to limit Huawei’s AI chip production in 2025?</a><h2>Digital surveillance: What's the hidden ‘backdoor’ inside your phone?</h2>In cybersecurity, a ‘backdoor’ refers to a secret method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption controls on digital devices. This would potentally allow hackers, the manufacturers or even governments, to sneak inside the system without users' permission. Once accessed, &nbsp;calls can be quietly intercepted. Messages and photos can be accessed. Even the camera and microphone of these devices can be turned on remotely. Unlike a typical software bug, a backdoor is put there deliberatedly. Some of these could be for maintenance (remote-access of phones and computers) or law-enforcement access. It is nearly impossible to be sure who all can access a single phone using such backdoors. The backdoors, even when created for "good" intentions, could be used for exploitation.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-china-honeytrap-west-with-beautiful-spies-1761331069743/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-china-honeytrap-west-with-beautiful-spies-1761331069743/embed</a><h2>China’s tech industry has long faced accusations of covert data collection</h2>In 2016, researchers found pre-installed software in some budget Android phones made in China. They were allegedly transmitting user data secretly to servers in China. Huawei and Xiaomi have often faced such allegations, but both have repeatedly denied building surveillance features into their devices. In their defence, these Chinese companies had pointed the fingers at rogue app developers or firmware vendors.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-china-chip-tensions-rise-as-taiwan-blacklists-huawei-details-here-1750237097649">US–China chip tensions rise as Taiwan blacklists Huawei: Details here</a><h2>Digital device snooping: No country is innocent</h2>China, however, is not the only country alleged to have used backdoors on digital devices. In the US, the "Clipper chip" sought to give the government a built-in key to encrypted phones. This was cancelled due to public backlash. The Edward Snowden leaks revealed that the US intelligence agencies like NSA, could infiltrate smartphones by intercepting them in transit and implanting spy firmware. The Israeli firm NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware created invisible backdoors on iPhones and Android devices. This controversial product, sold commercially, could allow governments worldwide to monitor journalists and activists. Russia reportedly deployed malware that could hijack soldiers’ smartphones in conflict zones.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-spying-on-its-own-citizens-using-chinese-technology-claims-amnesty-international-investigation-report-1757409778161">PAKISTAN SPYING on its own citizens using Chinese technology, claims Amnesty International investigation report</a><h2>Every phone and digital device is a potential spy</h2>While no nation publicly admits to planting consumer backdoors, nearly every major power has used digital tools to watch, listen, and gather intelligence. As cellular networks grow smarter and more connected, the line between convenience and surveillance is thinning out . Xi’s quip to Lee may have been a joke, but it echoed a deeper truth that trust in technology is as fragile as the code it runs on. Checking if your device has a backdoor is not always possible. &nbsp;But it's not just a matter of paranoia anymore: it’s an aspect of digital self-defence. &nbsp;

Checking for a backdoor isn’t paranoia anymore; it’s digital self-defense.

During a recent summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping jokingly told South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to "check for any backdoor" on Xiaomi phones he gifted. Smartphone surveillance through such backdoors is not a joke, but a reality.

Chinese President Xi Jinping jocularly told Lee Jae-myung to "check if there’s any backdoor" on the smartphones he gifted to his South Korean counterpart. The unusual exchange was seen in some circles as a sarcastic remark on longstanding suspicions that mobile phones are used as tools of surveillance by China. But what exactly is a "backdoor"? Is it even possible to spy on cell phone users via such a method? The answers might surprise you — and no, it’s not only China that’s been accused of turning devices into digital spies. Read on to find more about the world of digital device surveillance. What Xi told Lee when gifting Xiaomi smartphones During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju on November 1, Xi gifted Lee Jae-myung a pair of Xiaomi smartphones. When Lee asked if the devices were secure, Xi smiled and said through an interpreter, "You should check if there’s a backdoor," drawing laughter from the leaders and delegations on both sides. The moment, light-hearted as it was, carried a subtle undertone: A wry acknowledgement of global fears that modern smartphones — mainly Chinese-made but others too— could be turned into listening posts in a new era of digital geopolitics. Also read: What’s behind the US move to limit Huawei’s AI chip production in 2025? Digital surveillance: What's the hidden ‘backdoor’ inside your phone? In cybersecurity, a ‘backdoor’ refers to a secret method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption controls on digital devices. This would potentally allow hackers, the manufacturers or even governments, to sneak inside the system without users' permission. Once accessed, calls can be quietly intercepted. Messages and photos can be accessed. Even the camera and microphone of these devices can be turned on remotely. Unlike a typical software bug, a backdoor is put there deliberatedly. Some of these could be for maintenance (remote-access of phones and computers) or law-enforcement access. It is nearly impossible to be sure who all can access a single phone using such backdoors. The backdoors, even when created for "good" intentions, could be used for exploitation. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-china-honeytrap-west-with-beautiful-spies-1761331069743/embed China’s tech industry has long faced accusations of covert data collection In 2016, researchers found pre-installed software in some budget Android phones made in China. They were allegedly transmitting user data secretly to servers in China. Huawei and Xiaomi have often faced such allegations, but both have repeatedly denied building surveillance features into their devices. In their defence, these Chinese companies had pointed the fingers at rogue app developers or firmware vendors. Also read: US–China chip tensions rise as Taiwan blacklists Huawei: Details here Digital device snooping: No country is innocent China, however, is not the only country alleged to have used backdoors on digital devices. In the US, the "Clipper chip" sought to give the government a built-in key to encrypted phones. This was cancelled due to public backlash. The Edward Snowden leaks revealed that the US intelligence agencies like NSA, could infiltrate smartphones by intercepting them in transit and implanting spy firmware. The Israeli firm NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware created invisible backdoors on iPhones and Android devices. This controversial product, sold commercially, could allow governments worldwide to monitor journalists and activists. Russia reportedly deployed malware that could hijack soldiers’ smartphones in conflict zones. Also read: PAKISTAN SPYING on its own citizens using Chinese technology, claims Amnesty International investigation report Every phone and digital device is a potential spy While no nation publicly admits to planting consumer backdoors, nearly every major power has used digital tools to watch, listen, and gather intelligence. As cellular networks grow smarter and more connected, the line between convenience and surveillance is thinning out . Xi’s quip to Lee may have been a joke, but it echoed a deeper truth that trust in technology is as fragile as the code it runs on. Checking if your device has a backdoor is not always possible. But it's not just a matter of paranoia anymore: it’s an aspect of digital self-defence.

During a recent summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping jokingly told South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to "check for any backdoor" on Xiaomi phones he gifted. Smartphone surveillance through such backdoors is not a joke, but a reality.

'Check for any backdoor', Xi's light-hearted warning on phones he gifted to S Korea president. Yes, someone can crack your phone for spying

PE firm Tillman Global Holdings (TGH) is reportedly in touch with Vodafone Idea (Vi) to take operational control of the cash-strapped company after investing between Rs 35,000-52,800 crore.&nbsp;The investment in the telecom company will take place after the central government provides a comprehensive package covering all the liabilities of Vi, including adjusted gross revenue (AGR), reported Economic Times.&nbsp;A person familiar&nbsp;with the development told the newspaper that TGH will assume the promoter status and take control of the firm from the existing promoters – Aditya Birla Group and the UK's Vodafone.<h2>All you need to know about the proposed deal</h2>The Indian government will remain the passive investor with a 49 per cent stake.&nbsp;The investment company doesn't seek a waiver of all dues. It wants only a restructuring of the liabilities, providing breathing space to the company.&nbsp;The New York-based firm has submitted a proposal to the central government regarding the restructuring.&nbsp;The person told the newspaper that the restructuring package sought by the firm would be conditioned on its investment, and its investment would be conditioned on the waiver package.&nbsp;The deal may be finalised in the next few months if the government provides a relief package to Vodafone-Idea.&nbsp;TGH is an investment firm that invests in sectors like digital infrastructure and energy transition infrastructure. Its chairman and chief executive, Sanjiv Ahuja, had led the turnaround of French giant Orange in the 2000s.&nbsp;The company had discussed for 18 months an investment in Vodafone Idea. It, however, backed out when the firm decided to raise funds by selling shares to institutional investors.&nbsp;The Supreme Court of India last month allowed the central government to reconsider the adjusted gross revenue over Vodafone-Idea's plea.&nbsp;The company had moved the court, claiming that there were errors in the computation of AGR dues. It claims that these errors led to the duplication of entries, which resulted in additional AGR dues demands by DoT.

Vodafone Idea: A person familiarwith the development told the newspaper that TGH will assume the promoter status and take control of the firm from the existing promoters.

PE firm Tillman Global Holdings (TGH) is reportedly in touch with Vodafone Idea (Vi) to take operational control of the cash-strapped company after investing between Rs 35,000-52,800 crore. The investment in the telecom company will take place after the central government provides a comprehensive package covering all the liabilities of Vi, including adjusted gross revenue (AGR), reported Economic Times. A person familiar with the development told the newspaper that TGH will assume the promoter status and take control of the firm from the existing promoters – Aditya Birla Group and the UK's Vodafone. All you need to know about the proposed deal The Indian government will remain the passive investor with a 49 per cent stake. The investment company doesn't seek a waiver of all dues. It wants only a restructuring of the liabilities, providing breathing space to the company. The New York-based firm has submitted a proposal to the central government regarding the restructuring. The person told the newspaper that the restructuring package sought by the firm would be conditioned on its investment, and its investment would be conditioned on the waiver package. The deal may be finalised in the next few months if the government provides a relief package to Vodafone-Idea. TGH is an investment firm that invests in sectors like digital infrastructure and energy transition infrastructure. Its chairman and chief executive, Sanjiv Ahuja, had led the turnaround of French giant Orange in the 2000s. The company had discussed for 18 months an investment in Vodafone Idea. It, however, backed out when the firm decided to raise funds by selling shares to institutional investors. The Supreme Court of India last month allowed the central government to reconsider the adjusted gross revenue over Vodafone-Idea's plea. The company had moved the court, claiming that there were errors in the computation of AGR dues. It claims that these errors led to the duplication of entries, which resulted in additional AGR dues demands by DoT.

Vodafone Idea: A person familiar&nbsp;with the development told the newspaper that TGH will assume the promoter status and take control of the firm from the existing promoters.

US firm in talks with Vodafone Idea for operational control: Report

DLF, one of India's largest real estate companies, has sold 221 apartments worth around Rs 16000 crore in a housing project in Haryana's Gurugram. The name of the housing project is The Dahlias, located in the city's DLF Phase 5 area.&nbsp;The project was launched in October 2024. The 17-acre project has 420 houses and penthouses. Like The Camellias, The Dahlias also cater to the affluent section of society with ultra-luxury residential units.&nbsp;DLF stated at an investor meeting that the company achieved bookings worth Rs 15,818 crore from The Dahlias up to the September quarter. The average price of every apartment is Rs 72 crore.&nbsp;Earlier, Mumbai's property rates and deals used to make headlines because of massive transactions. However, now, property deals in Delhi and its surrounding areas are also attracting attention. For instance, a Delhi-NCR-based businessman bought four apartments spanning 35,000 sq. ft. in The Dahlias for Rs 380 crore.<h2>DLF's financial performance</h2>DLF sold property worth Rs 21,223 crore in the financial year. For the first half of FY26 (April–September 2025), DLF has already achieved Rs 15,757 crore in pre-sales, more than double the Rs 7,094 crore recorded in the same period last year, Business Standard reported.&nbsp;Last quarter, DLF has so far booked properties worth Rs 4,332 crore. The bookings were driven by the company's Mumbai project, titled The Westpark.&nbsp;In the second quarter of the financial year 2026, the company's net profit dropped to Rs 1180 crore from Rs 1381 crore last year.&nbsp;"India’s housing sector continues to benefit from a resilient economy, rising aspirations, and strong demand for branded, credible developers," the company said.&nbsp;DLF's luxury projects include The Aralias, The Magnolias, The Camellias, and now The Dahlias.

DLF, one of India's largest real estate companies, has sold 221 apartments worth around Rs 16000 crore in a housing project in Haryana's Gurugram.

DLF, one of India's largest real estate companies, has sold 221 apartments worth around Rs 16000 crore in a housing project in Haryana's Gurugram. The name of the housing project is The Dahlias, located in the city's DLF Phase 5 area. The project was launched in October 2024. The 17-acre project has 420 houses and penthouses. Like The Camellias, The Dahlias also cater to the affluent section of society with ultra-luxury residential units. DLF stated at an investor meeting that the company achieved bookings worth Rs 15,818 crore from The Dahlias up to the September quarter. The average price of every apartment is Rs 72 crore. Earlier, Mumbai's property rates and deals used to make headlines because of massive transactions. However, now, property deals in Delhi and its surrounding areas are also attracting attention. For instance, a Delhi-NCR-based businessman bought four apartments spanning 35,000 sq. ft. in The Dahlias for Rs 380 crore. DLF's financial performance DLF sold property worth Rs 21,223 crore in the financial year. For the first half of FY26 (April–September 2025), DLF has already achieved Rs 15,757 crore in pre-sales, more than double the Rs 7,094 crore recorded in the same period last year, Business Standard reported. Last quarter, DLF has so far booked properties worth Rs 4,332 crore. The bookings were driven by the company's Mumbai project, titled The Westpark. In the second quarter of the financial year 2026, the company's net profit dropped to Rs 1180 crore from Rs 1381 crore last year. "India’s housing sector continues to benefit from a resilient economy, rising aspirations, and strong demand for branded, credible developers," the company said. DLF's luxury projects include The Aralias, The Magnolias, The Camellias, and now The Dahlias.

DLF News: Earlier, Mumbai's property rates and deals used to make headlines because of massive transactions. However, now, property deals in Delhi and its surrounding areas are also attracting attention.

Gurugram: 221 flats worth Rs 16000 crore sold; average price over Rs 72 crore apiece

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday revealed that he apologised to US President Donald Trump over an anti-tariff ad featuring former US president Ronald Reagan. Days after Trump announced that he would be hiking tariffs on Canadian goods by an additional 10 per cent and suspended trade talks with the nation, Carney, while talking to the press in the South Korean city of Gyeongju said that "I did apologise to the president. The President was offended." He also said that the US-Canada talks would restart whenever Washington was "ready".&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judges-order-trump-to-keep-food-aid-running-amid-shutdown-don-t-want-americans-to-go-hungry-1761963474050">Trump says 'do NOT want Americans to go hungry’ as judges order him to keep food aid running amid shutdown</a><h2>Why did Trump stop US-Canada trade talks?</h2>The trade relationship between the United States and Canada took an unexpected turn last month, after a decades-old speech by former US president Ronald Reagan triggered a diplomatic storm. It began when Ontario Premier Doug Ford ran an ad in US markets featuring Reagan’s 1987 remarks denouncing tariffs. The video, meant to celebrate cross-border unity, quickly caught Donald Trump’s attention — and his fury. Within hours, Trump announced that all US trade talks with Canada were “terminated.”Soon after, speaking on X, Ford sought to strike a conciliatory tone. "Canada and the United States are friends, neighbours, and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together," he wrote. But the backlash from Washington grew so intense that Ford later said, after consulting Prime Minister Mark Carney, he would pull the ad campaign by Monday.Ford's office, however, countered that the ad used "an unedited excerpt from one of Reagan’s public addresses, which is available through public domain", and posted a longer version online for transparency.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-continue-airing-controversial-ronald-reagan-ad-ontario-premier-said-this-after-trump-suspended-trade-talks-1761360065985">Canada to continue airing controversial Ronald Reagan ad? Ontario Premier said THIS after Trump suspended trade talks</a><h2>What was the ad about?</h2>The one-minute ad featured Reagan saying that "trade barriers hurt every American worker." But Trump accused Canada of running a "fake" and "fraudulent" video, and without offering any evidence to back the claim, declared all trade negotiations suspended. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added fuel, claiming the clip took Reagan’s words "out of context." The Reagan Foundation joined the criticism, saying Ontario used Reagan’s remarks without permission and "misrepresents" his intent.

Canadian PM Mark Carney said he apologised to Donald Trump over an Ontario ad that used Ronald Reagan’s 1987 anti-tariff speech, which angered Trump and led him to suspend US-Canada trade talks. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday revealed that he apologised to US President Donald Trump over an anti-tariff ad featuring former US president Ronald Reagan. Days after Trump announced that he would be hiking tariffs on Canadian goods by an additional 10 per cent and suspended trade talks with the nation, Carney, while talking to the press in the South Korean city of Gyeongju said that "I did apologise to the president. The President was offended." He also said that the US-Canada talks would restart whenever Washington was "ready". Also read | Trump says 'do NOT want Americans to go hungry’ as judges order him to keep food aid running amid shutdown Why did Trump stop US-Canada trade talks? The trade relationship between the United States and Canada took an unexpected turn last month, after a decades-old speech by former US president Ronald Reagan triggered a diplomatic storm. It began when Ontario Premier Doug Ford ran an ad in US markets featuring Reagan’s 1987 remarks denouncing tariffs. The video, meant to celebrate cross-border unity, quickly caught Donald Trump’s attention — and his fury. Within hours, Trump announced that all US trade talks with Canada were “terminated.” Soon after, speaking on X, Ford sought to strike a conciliatory tone. "Canada and the United States are friends, neighbours, and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together," he wrote. But the backlash from Washington grew so intense that Ford later said, after consulting Prime Minister Mark Carney, he would pull the ad campaign by Monday. Ford's office, however, countered that the ad used "an unedited excerpt from one of Reagan’s public addresses, which is available through public domain", and posted a longer version online for transparency. Also read | Canada to continue airing controversial Ronald Reagan ad? Ontario Premier said THIS after Trump suspended trade talks What was the ad about? The one-minute ad featured Reagan saying that "trade barriers hurt every American worker." But Trump accused Canada of running a "fake" and "fraudulent" video, and without offering any evidence to back the claim, declared all trade negotiations suspended. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added fuel, claiming the clip took Reagan’s words "out of context." The Reagan Foundation joined the criticism, saying Ontario used Reagan’s remarks without permission and "misrepresents" his intent.

Canadian PM Mark Carney said he apologised to Donald Trump over an Ontario ad that used Ronald Reagan’s 1987 anti-tariff speech, which angered Trump and led him to suspend US-Canada trade talks.&nbsp;

Canada PM Mark Carney reveals he apologised to Trump after Reagan ad derails trade talks

India Fintech Foundation, an industry body, has warned the Finance Ministry that over 80 per cent of&nbsp;Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction volumes are currently handled by just two third-party app providers (TPAPs).&nbsp;It has urged the&nbsp;government to initiate&nbsp;policy intervention to prevent systemic concentration and ensure fair competition within UPI.&nbsp;The industry&nbsp;body, in its letter, said that the current structure can&nbsp;stifle innovation and competition over time. It said that the government should take corrective steps to create a level playing field. It also urged the government to sustain&nbsp;diversity within the ecosystem.&nbsp;IFF has proposed a 10% cap on UPI incentive payouts for banks supporting any single TPAP, thereby encouraging them to partner with multiple providers instead of depending disproportionately on dominant apps.&nbsp;India Fintech Foundation urged the government to restructure UPI and&nbsp;RuPay incentive schemes, supporting emerging&nbsp;fintech players and helping new entrants&nbsp;in the market.&nbsp;It asked the government to view the boarder&nbsp;implications of the current situation of the industry,&nbsp;stressing the need for a strategic and long-term view of India's digital payments infrastructure.&nbsp;It said UPI is now a national asset and it must remain resilient, competitive, and inclusive. The group warned that the concentration of market power is against UPI's founding principles of openness, interoperability, and shared innovation.&nbsp;The IFF's recommendations come amid growing calls to broaden participation within the UPI ecosystem. While a few players currently dominate transaction volumes, major TPAPs such as Paytm, Amazon Pay, and others continue to anchor innovation, drive merchant adoption, and expand use cases across peer-to-peer payments, QR-based commerce, and credit on UPI.

India Fintech Foundation, an industry body, has warned the Finance Ministry that over 80 per cent of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction volumes are currently handled by just two third-party app providers (TPAPs).

India Fintech Foundation, an industry body, has warned the Finance Ministry that over 80 per cent of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction volumes are currently handled by just two third-party app providers (TPAPs). It has urged the government to initiate policy intervention to prevent systemic concentration and ensure fair competition within UPI. The industry body, in its letter, said that the current structure can stifle innovation and competition over time. It said that the government should take corrective steps to create a level playing field. It also urged the government to sustain diversity within the ecosystem. IFF has proposed a 10% cap on UPI incentive payouts for banks supporting any single TPAP, thereby encouraging them to partner with multiple providers instead of depending disproportionately on dominant apps. India Fintech Foundation urged the government to restructure UPI and RuPay incentive schemes, supporting emerging fintech players and helping new entrants in the market. It asked the government to view the boarder implications of the current situation of the industry, stressing the need for a strategic and long-term view of India's digital payments infrastructure. It said UPI is now a national asset and it must remain resilient, competitive, and inclusive. The group warned that the concentration of market power is against UPI's founding principles of openness, interoperability, and shared innovation. The IFF's recommendations come amid growing calls to broaden participation within the UPI ecosystem. While a few players currently dominate transaction volumes, major TPAPs such as Paytm, Amazon Pay, and others continue to anchor innovation, drive merchant adoption, and expand use cases across peer-to-peer payments, QR-based commerce, and credit on UPI.

UPI in India: The industry&nbsp;body, in its letter, said that the current structure can&nbsp;stifle innovation and competition over time.

Fintech body flags UPI dominance by American firms, seeks fair competition

Jefferies, a US-based investment company, said in its latest report that it favours the Chinese approach&nbsp;to artificial&nbsp;intelligence rather than the US approach. It noted that China has structural advantages in energy capacity, and its open-source model is driving innovation.&nbsp;Entrepreneurs will develop targeted and cost-effective AI use cases using China's open-source approach to the novel technology, the report added.&nbsp;"The open-source model should lead to an inference boom as entrepreneurs come up with targeted cost-effective use cases for AI," it said.<h2>China at an advantage against the US?</h2>China has a massive advantage over the United States when it comes to cheap energy. AI data centres and other computational infrastructure have massive energy requirements, and AI pioneers have been pushing governments to meet their energy needs.&nbsp;China's power generation capacity increased by 426 GW in 2024. On the other hand, the US electricity generation capacity's net addition, accounting for new installations minus retirements, was only 30 GW.&nbsp;"China has a massive advantage in terms of its access to almost unlimited cheap energy," it said.&nbsp;The report also predicted that the AI capital expenditure (capex) boom will likely lead to a phase of massive over-investment in data centers and related infrastructure.&nbsp;"AI capex mania will culminate in massive over-investment in data centers and the like as the Big Tech players feel compelled to participate for fear of being disrupted," the report stated.&nbsp;The report said that it is unclear who will emerge as the winner of the AI race. It also noted that no "killer app" has yet been developed for the masses that could define the practical application of AI.

Jefferies, a US-based investment company, said in its latest report that it favours the Chinese approach to artificial intelligence rather than the US approach.

Jefferies, a US-based investment company, said in its latest report that it favours the Chinese approach to artificial intelligence rather than the US approach. It noted that China has structural advantages in energy capacity, and its open-source model is driving innovation. Entrepreneurs will develop targeted and cost-effective AI use cases using China's open-source approach to the novel technology, the report added. "The open-source model should lead to an inference boom as entrepreneurs come up with targeted cost-effective use cases for AI," it said. China at an advantage against the US? China has a massive advantage over the United States when it comes to cheap energy. AI data centres and other computational infrastructure have massive energy requirements, and AI pioneers have been pushing governments to meet their energy needs. China's power generation capacity increased by 426 GW in 2024. On the other hand, the US electricity generation capacity's net addition, accounting for new installations minus retirements, was only 30 GW. "China has a massive advantage in terms of its access to almost unlimited cheap energy," it said. The report also predicted that the AI capital expenditure (capex) boom will likely lead to a phase of massive over-investment in data centers and related infrastructure. "AI capex mania will culminate in massive over-investment in data centers and the like as the Big Tech players feel compelled to participate for fear of being disrupted," the report stated. The report said that it is unclear who will emerge as the winner of the AI race. It also noted that no "killer app" has yet been developed for the masses that could define the practical application of AI.

US vs China in artificial intelligence: Entrepreneurs will develop targeted and cost-effective AI use cases using China's open-source approach to the novel technology, putting China at an advantage.

AI revolution: Is China at an advantage against the US? Report makes big claims

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that China has approved the transfer agreement for TikTok. The deal will move forward in the coming months. He, however, refrained from giving any more details.&nbsp;"In Kuala Lumpur, we finalized the TikTok agreement in terms of getting Chinese approval, and I would expect that would go forward in the coming weeks and months, and we'll finally see a resolution to that," he told Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria".&nbsp;This was after US President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. China's commerce ministry said in a statement that the country will handle issues linked with TikTok with the US.&nbsp;The spokesperson said that the Chinese side will work with the United States “to properly address issues related to TikTok.”&nbsp;TikTok is owned by China-based ByteDance. The app is used by 170 million Americans.&nbsp;In 2024, the US Congress passed a law ordering TikTok's Chinese owners to sell the app's US assets by January 2025. However, it received extensions.&nbsp;On September 25, Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the plan to sell the company's US operations to a clutch of US and global investors would satisfy the security requirements. His administration gave ByteDance 120 days to complete the transaction. He said the law will be implemented in January 2026.&nbsp;Per the deal, TikTok's algorithm will be retrained and monitored by the US company's security partners.&nbsp;ByteDance will appoint one of the seven board members of the company's US operations. American citizens will occupy the remaining six positions.&nbsp;According to the deal, ByteDance would hold less than 20 per cent in TikTok's US operations. It will be closed down if it doesn't comply with the law by the deadline.&nbsp;US Representative John Moolenaar said this month that a licensing agreement for use of the TikTok algorithm would raise "serious concerns", reported Reuters.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that China has approved the transfer agreement for TikTok. The deal will move forward in the coming months. He, however, refrained from giving any more details.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that China has approved the transfer agreement for TikTok. The deal will move forward in the coming months. He, however, refrained from giving any more details. "In Kuala Lumpur, we finalized the TikTok agreement in terms of getting Chinese approval, and I would expect that would go forward in the coming weeks and months, and we'll finally see a resolution to that," he told Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria". This was after US President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. China's commerce ministry said in a statement that the country will handle issues linked with TikTok with the US. The spokesperson said that the Chinese side will work with the United States “to properly address issues related to TikTok.” TikTok is owned by China-based ByteDance. The app is used by 170 million Americans. In 2024, the US Congress passed a law ordering TikTok's Chinese owners to sell the app's US assets by January 2025. However, it received extensions. On September 25, Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring that the plan to sell the company's US operations to a clutch of US and global investors would satisfy the security requirements. His administration gave ByteDance 120 days to complete the transaction. He said the law will be implemented in January 2026. Per the deal, TikTok's algorithm will be retrained and monitored by the US company's security partners. ByteDance will appoint one of the seven board members of the company's US operations. American citizens will occupy the remaining six positions. According to the deal, ByteDance would hold less than 20 per cent in TikTok's US operations. It will be closed down if it doesn't comply with the law by the deadline. US Representative John Moolenaar said this month that a licensing agreement for use of the TikTok algorithm would raise "serious concerns", reported Reuters.

TikTok-United States deal: The spokesperson said that the Chinese side will work with the United States “to properly address issues related to TikTok."

Top official claims China approved the transfer agreement of TikTok USA | Details

An ICICI Bank report has claimed that the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve's move to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points in its latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting has reduced the odds of another rate cut in December.&nbsp;Experts had been anticipating&nbsp;three policy rate cuts in the US. Two have already been announced. One tranche of policy rate cut in December is expected.&nbsp;The report, however, said that the odds of a 25 bps cut in December have reduced&nbsp;by a degree.&nbsp;"Given Powell's guidance and the fact that there could be delays in official economic indicators, particularly on the labour market, we think that the odds for a 25 bps cut in December have reduced by a degree, and the decision to cut the policy rate could be a close call," he added.&nbsp;According to reports, the&nbsp;FOMC lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points on expected lines, bringing the federal funds rate to the 3.75 per cent-4.00 per cent range. Alongside the rate cut, the central bank also announced an end to its quantitative tightening (QT) program.&nbsp;However, members of the panel,&nbsp;Stephen I Miran, demanded a larger 50 bps cut. Some even voted for keeping the repo rates unchanged.&nbsp;The report said that the dissents reflect the view that the economy is facing uncertainty.&nbsp;He also highlighted challenges in&nbsp;assessing the economic situation amid the government shutdown.&nbsp;The report maintained its forecast of a further cumulative 75bps cut through the remainder of 2025 and 2026, leading to a terminal rate of 3.00 per cent-3.25 per cent.

An ICICI Bank report has claimed that the US Federal Reserve's move to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points in its latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting has reduced the odds of another rate cut in December.

An ICICI Bank report has claimed that the US Federal Reserve's move to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points in its latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting has reduced the odds of another rate cut in December. Experts had been anticipating three policy rate cuts in the US. Two have already been announced. One tranche of policy rate cut in December is expected. The report, however, said that the odds of a 25 bps cut in December have reduced by a degree. "Given Powell's guidance and the fact that there could be delays in official economic indicators, particularly on the labour market, we think that the odds for a 25 bps cut in December have reduced by a degree, and the decision to cut the policy rate could be a close call," he added. According to reports, the FOMC lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points on expected lines, bringing the federal funds rate to the 3.75 per cent-4.00 per cent range. Alongside the rate cut, the central bank also announced an end to its quantitative tightening (QT) program. However, members of the panel, Stephen I Miran, demanded a larger 50 bps cut. Some even voted for keeping the repo rates unchanged. The report said that the dissents reflect the view that the economy is facing uncertainty. He also highlighted challenges in assessing the economic situation amid the government shutdown. The report maintained its forecast of a further cumulative 75bps cut through the remainder of 2025 and 2026, leading to a terminal rate of 3.00 per cent-3.25 per cent.

US fed rates: The report maintained its forecast of a further cumulative 75bps cut through the remainder of 2025 and 2026, leading to a terminal rate of 3.00 per cent-3.25 per cent.

Prospects of December US Fed Rate cut diminish amid data delay: Report

US President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster in order to end the prolonged government shutdown that has lasted more than 30 days. Trump wanted the GOP to use the “nuclear option,” meaning rule changes to pass a Republican funding bill with a simple majority, and without Democratic support. Senate Democrats have been blocking Republican stopgap bills, leaving the upper chamber of the US Congress deadlocked. The Senate is expected to reconvene on November 3 to continue negotiations. The US government shutdown, which has led to the closure of several agencies and the non-payment of salaries, resulted from disputes over federal funding and the expiry of programmes such as tax credits.<h2>What is a filibuster?</h2>The filibuster is a procedural tactic used by lawmakers in the US Senate to block the passage of bills. It usually involves speechmaking that can last for 24 hours in some cases. This unique method is used only in the Senate and not in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the US Congress. One or more senators are usually deployed to delay or block a vote on legislation or nominations by extending debate indefinitely.Senate rules do not impose many limits on debate. Opponents use this loophole to prevent bills from advancing unless 60 senators vote for cloture, which ends debate and allows a vote. The continuous speaking on the floor, known as “talking filibusters,” is not always the method used, as the mere threat of extended debate is often enough to halt Senate business.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-trump-s-government-shutdown-changed-the-course-of-3i-atlas-tracking-1761788533316">How Trump’s government shutdown changed the course of 3I/ATLAS tracking</a>&nbsp;Filibuster advocates say it protects minority rights and promotes compromise. However, many critics of this practice consider it a waste of time that causes legislative gridlock. Historically, filibusters were used to block civil rights legislation and, in more recent decades, as a tool for both parties to block the passage of major bills.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-congress-members-get-paid-and-janitors-don-t-in-us-govt-shutdown-wion-fact-checks-1759337689803">Do Congress members get paid, and janitors don’t in US govt shutdown? WION fact checks</a><h2>Will the filibuster be stopped this time?</h2>In spite of Trump's urging, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and some other Republicans are opposed to ending filibuster. In their view, this would damage Senate traditions and invite future retaliation from Democrats.. While ending the filibuster could empower the majority for now, it could destabilise Senate norms and lead to greater partisanship in national policymaking.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-shutdown-why-is-it-happening-and-how-will-this-impact-americans-all-you-need-to-know-1759329160282">EXPLAINED US Government Shutdown: Why is it happening, and how will this impact Americans? All you need to know.</a><h2>How often was filibuster avoidance used?</h2>Filibuster avoidance was used in the past for judicial nominations—by Democrats in 2013 and Republicans in 2017. But it has never been used for general legislation such as budget measures.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-shutdown-food-aid-runs-dry-as-us-shutdown-hits-42-million-americans-1761724381372/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-shutdown-food-aid-runs-dry-as-us-shutdown-hits-42-million-americans-1761724381372/embed</a><h2>The origins of the filibuster</h2>The filibuster had an unintentional origin and is not something enshrined in the US Constitution. The first Senate rules in 1789 allowed unlimited debate and included a “previous question” motion that permitted a simple majority to end the debates. In 1806, Vice President Aaron Burr recommended removing this motion as redundant. His move inadvertently allowed endless debates. The term “filibuster” comes from words meaning “freebooter” or “pirate” and was widely used in the 1850s to describe obstructive tactics in the legislature.In 1841, Democrats delayed a Whig effort to charter a national bank. In 1917, after a filibuster prevented legislation to arm merchant ships during World War 1, the Senate adopted Rule XXII, creating the cloture process, which originally required a two-thirds vote. This threshold was reduced to three-fifths, or 60 votes, in 1975.&nbsp;

President Trump has urged Senate Republicans to scrap the filibuster amid a prolonged government shutdown. The move threatens to upend long-cherished Senate rules. What is a filibuster?

US President Donald Trump has called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster in order to end the prolonged government shutdown that has lasted more than 30 days. Trump wanted the GOP to use the “nuclear option,” meaning rule changes to pass a Republican funding bill with a simple majority, and without Democratic support. Senate Democrats have been blocking Republican stopgap bills, leaving the upper chamber of the US Congress deadlocked. The Senate is expected to reconvene on November 3 to continue negotiations. The US government shutdown, which has led to the closure of several agencies and the non-payment of salaries, resulted from disputes over federal funding and the expiry of programmes such as tax credits. What is a filibuster? The filibuster is a procedural tactic used by lawmakers in the US Senate to block the passage of bills. It usually involves speechmaking that can last for 24 hours in some cases. This unique method is used only in the Senate and not in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the US Congress. One or more senators are usually deployed to delay or block a vote on legislation or nominations by extending debate indefinitely. Senate rules do not impose many limits on debate. Opponents use this loophole to prevent bills from advancing unless 60 senators vote for cloture, which ends debate and allows a vote. The continuous speaking on the floor, known as “talking filibusters,” is not always the method used, as the mere threat of extended debate is often enough to halt Senate business. Also read: How Trump’s government shutdown changed the course of 3I/ATLAS tracking Filibuster advocates say it protects minority rights and promotes compromise. However, many critics of this practice consider it a waste of time that causes legislative gridlock. Historically, filibusters were used to block civil rights legislation and, in more recent decades, as a tool for both parties to block the passage of major bills. Also read: Do Congress members get paid, and janitors don’t in US govt shutdown? WION fact checks Will the filibuster be stopped this time? In spite of Trump's urging, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and some other Republicans are opposed to ending filibuster. In their view, this would damage Senate traditions and invite future retaliation from Democrats.. While ending the filibuster could empower the majority for now, it could destabilise Senate norms and lead to greater partisanship in national policymaking. Also read: EXPLAINED US Government Shutdown: Why is it happening, and how will this impact Americans? All you need to know. How often was filibuster avoidance used? Filibuster avoidance was used in the past for judicial nominations—by Democrats in 2013 and Republicans in 2017. But it has never been used for general legislation such as budget measures. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-shutdown-food-aid-runs-dry-as-us-shutdown-hits-42-million-americans-1761724381372/embed The origins of the filibuster The filibuster had an unintentional origin and is not something enshrined in the US Constitution. The first Senate rules in 1789 allowed unlimited debate and included a “previous question” motion that permitted a simple majority to end the debates. In 1806, Vice President Aaron Burr recommended removing this motion as redundant. His move inadvertently allowed endless debates. The term “filibuster” comes from words meaning “freebooter” or “pirate” and was widely used in the 1850s to describe obstructive tactics in the legislature. In 1841, Democrats delayed a Whig effort to charter a national bank. In 1917, after a filibuster prevented legislation to arm merchant ships during World War 1, the Senate adopted Rule XXII, creating the cloture process, which originally required a two-thirds vote. This threshold was reduced to three-fifths, or 60 votes, in 1975.

President Trump has urged Senate Republicans to scrap the filibuster amid a prolonged government shutdown. The move threatens to upend long-cherished Senate rules. What is a filibuster?

'Nuclear Option': What is a filibuster, which Trump wants to eliminate in US Senate to end the government shutdown?

Reacting to media queries regarding a proposed press conference by a now-defunct online platform, Reliance Group said on Wednesday that some corporate rivals, who are acting through nominated individuals and associated entities, have been running a “deliberate and sustained campaign of calumny, disinformation, and character assassination” against it.&nbsp;The company also called Cobrapost a self-appointed custodian of public interest. It said the exercise was aimed at creating confusion and undermining the confidence of over 55 lakh shareholders in Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power.&nbsp;It said that these corporate rivals have orchestrated this exercise to tarnish the reputation of Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Power, Anil Ambani, as well as the more than 55 lakh shareholders.&nbsp;The Reliance Group also said that the rivals’ underlying motive is “to influence public perception, and manipulate market sentiment to serve their own vested commercial interests”.&nbsp;The Reliance Group said that the proposed press conference is an attempt to tarnish the company and Anil Ambani's image and credibility. It also said that the exercise aims to destabilise shareholder confidence and influence ongoing investigations.&nbsp;Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power are part of Reliance Group, led by top businessman Anil Ambani. Both Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power are debt-free with zero outstanding loans from banks or other financial institutions.&nbsp;Reliance Group also stated that its financial strength is reflected in its net worth and annual turnover -- each amounting to over Rs 33,000 crore.&nbsp;The group said that no new facts or revelations in the material were being circulated&nbsp;or proposed to be disseminated.&nbsp;It said that Cobrapost carried out the regurgitation of publicly available information. It also misrepresented, distorted, and took the information entirely out of context.&nbsp;"The information being referred to is long available in the public domain and has already been examined by statutory authorities, including the CBI, ED, SEBI, and other competent agencies," it added.&nbsp;The group pointed out that many matters are being adjudicated before competent judicial forums, and any suo motu comments or statements on these subjects would amount to contempt of court.&nbsp;Reliance Group accused Aniruddha Bahal, founder and editor-in-chief of Cobrapost, of engaging in “improper and coercive tactics”, seeking to “extract concessions that ‘more than meets the eye’ from the Reliance Group under the guise of professional and impartial journalism”.&nbsp;The group alleged that many individuals claiming links with Cobrapost approached people linked with the company and suggested that the matter could be "settled" through ethically and legally questionable means.&nbsp;It called such conduct unlawful and unacceptable. It said the exercise reflects a disturbing pattern of blackmail and greenmail-style tactics.&nbsp;The company said it will take measures to protect the interests of its shareholders. It is exploring pursuing appropriate legal remedies, ranging from contempt proceedings to defamation actions.&nbsp;Reliance Group said that Cobrapost, dormant since 2019, has zero journalistic credibility and a 100 per cent track record of agenda-driven stings. Its sudden revival is fully funded by entities with direct commercial interest in acquiring Reliance Group assets.

Reacting to media queries regarding a proposed press conference by now-defunct online platform, Reliance Group said on Wednesday that some corporate rivals, who are acting through nominated individuals and associated entities, have been running a “deliberate and sustained campaign.

Reacting to media queries regarding a proposed press conference by a now-defunct online platform, Reliance Group said on Wednesday that some corporate rivals, who are acting through nominated individuals and associated entities, have been running a “deliberate and sustained campaign of calumny, disinformation, and character assassination” against it. The company also called Cobrapost a self-appointed custodian of public interest. It said the exercise was aimed at creating confusion and undermining the confidence of over 55 lakh shareholders in Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power. It said that these corporate rivals have orchestrated this exercise to tarnish the reputation of Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Power, Anil Ambani, as well as the more than 55 lakh shareholders. The Reliance Group also said that the rivals’ underlying motive is “to influence public perception, and manipulate market sentiment to serve their own vested commercial interests”. The Reliance Group said that the proposed press conference is an attempt to tarnish the company and Anil Ambani's image and credibility. It also said that the exercise aims to destabilise shareholder confidence and influence ongoing investigations. Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power are part of Reliance Group, led by top businessman Anil Ambani. Both Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power are debt-free with zero outstanding loans from banks or other financial institutions. Reliance Group also stated that its financial strength is reflected in its net worth and annual turnover -- each amounting to over Rs 33,000 crore. The group said that no new facts or revelations in the material were being circulated or proposed to be disseminated. It said that Cobrapost carried out the regurgitation of publicly available information. It also misrepresented, distorted, and took the information entirely out of context. "The information being referred to is long available in the public domain and has already been examined by statutory authorities, including the CBI, ED, SEBI, and other competent agencies," it added. The group pointed out that many matters are being adjudicated before competent judicial forums, and any suo motu comments or statements on these subjects would amount to contempt of court. Reliance Group accused Aniruddha Bahal, founder and editor-in-chief of Cobrapost, of engaging in “improper and coercive tactics”, seeking to “extract concessions that ‘more than meets the eye’ from the Reliance Group under the guise of professional and impartial journalism”. The group alleged that many individuals claiming links with Cobrapost approached people linked with the company and suggested that the matter could be "settled" through ethically and legally questionable means. It called such conduct unlawful and unacceptable. It said the exercise reflects a disturbing pattern of blackmail and greenmail-style tactics. The company said it will take measures to protect the interests of its shareholders. It is exploring pursuing appropriate legal remedies, ranging from contempt proceedings to defamation actions. Reliance Group said that Cobrapost, dormant since 2019, has zero journalistic credibility and a 100 per cent track record of agenda-driven stings. Its sudden revival is fully funded by entities with direct commercial interest in acquiring Reliance Group assets.

The company also called Cobrapost a self-appointed custodian of public interest. It said the exercise was aimed at creating confusion and undermining the confidence of over 55 lakh shareholders in Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power.

Reliance Group slams Cobrapost allegations: 'Campaign of disinformation'

OnePlus 15, the Chinese company's upcoming flagship device, will launch in India on November 13th at 7 PM. The phone will be the first smartphone in India with Qualcomm’s latest flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.&nbsp;OnePlus 15's sale will start at 8 pm the same day. It will be sold on Amazon and the company's official website. OnePlus has already launched a microsite for the OnePlus 15.<h2>OnePlus 15 features</h2>OnePlus 15 will sport the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, which will have better speeds, graphics, and improved power efficiency. It will also have&nbsp;the company's OxygenOS 16 software out of the box.&nbsp;The phone will come with a massive 7,300 mAh battery, which is expected to increase the battery life of the flagship phone.&nbsp;The phone will be shipped with a 120W charger in the box. The smartphone will also sport 50W wireless charging.&nbsp;OnePlus 15's screen is also upgraded. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen will come with a 165Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate will be the highest among most other smartphones and is expected to provide a better scrolling experience.&nbsp;However, unlike the OnePlus 13's 2K screen, the OnePlus 15 will have a 1.5K screen. Another perceived downgrade could be the absence of Hasselblad cameras. The OnePlus 15 features a triple 50MP camera setup. However, the image processing will be handled by the DetailMax Engine.&nbsp;The phone comes with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, like any flagship device. It will also come with IP66/68/69/69K ratings, like the OnePlus 13.&nbsp;According to many tech experts, the phone could be priced around the Rs 60000 mark for the base variant. This will be lower than the previous version.&nbsp;The price could be lower as the company's Hasselblad&nbsp;partnership has ended.

OnePlus 15, the Chinese company's upcoming flagship device, will launch in India on November 13th at 7 PM. 

OnePlus 15, the Chinese company's upcoming flagship device, will launch in India on November 13th at 7 PM. The phone will be the first smartphone in India with Qualcomm’s latest flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. OnePlus 15's sale will start at 8 pm the same day. It will be sold on Amazon and the company's official website. OnePlus has already launched a microsite for the OnePlus 15. OnePlus 15 features OnePlus 15 will sport the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, which will have better speeds, graphics, and improved power efficiency. It will also have the company's OxygenOS 16 software out of the box. The phone will come with a massive 7,300 mAh battery, which is expected to increase the battery life of the flagship phone. The phone will be shipped with a 120W charger in the box. The smartphone will also sport 50W wireless charging. OnePlus 15's screen is also upgraded. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen will come with a 165Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate will be the highest among most other smartphones and is expected to provide a better scrolling experience. However, unlike the OnePlus 13's 2K screen, the OnePlus 15 will have a 1.5K screen. Another perceived downgrade could be the absence of Hasselblad cameras. The OnePlus 15 features a triple 50MP camera setup. However, the image processing will be handled by the DetailMax Engine. The phone comes with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, like any flagship device. It will also come with IP66/68/69/69K ratings, like the OnePlus 13. According to many tech experts, the phone could be priced around the Rs 60000 mark for the base variant. This will be lower than the previous version. The price could be lower as the company's Hasselblad partnership has ended.

OnePlus 15 launch date: OnePlus 15's screen is also upgraded. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen will come with a 165Hz refresh rate.

OnePlus 15's India launch date revealed: Expected price, availability, features

Amid the raised demand for artificial intelligence solutions and cloud services, Microsoft Corporation reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. This is an impressive increase of 18 per cent year-on-year.The company's operating income rose 24 per cent to USD 38 billion, while net income reached USD 27.7 billion.&nbsp;Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, attributed the impressive results to the company's AI and cloud prowess.&nbsp;He said that Microsoft will continue increasing AI investments in terms of capital and talent.&nbsp;"Our planet-scale cloud and AI factory, together with Copilots across high-value domains, is driving broad diffusion and real-world impact," Nadella said.&nbsp;Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer, also lauded the company's strength in the cloud services sector.&nbsp;"Continued strength in the Microsoft Cloud reflects the growing customer demand for our differentiated platform," she said.<h2>What Satya Nadella said on the company's AI future</h2>Nadella said that his company plans to increase its AI capacity by 80 per cent this year and double the data center footprint in two years. He said its upcoming Fairwater facility in Wisconsin will be capable of scaling to two gigawatts.&nbsp;He said its Copilots surpassed a total user base of 150 million monthly active users.&nbsp;He said the company's Microsoft 365 Copilot is used by 90 per cent of Fortune 500 companies.&nbsp;"90 percent of the F500 now use M365 Copilot - and we're shipping updates very fast. GitHub Copilot now has 26 million-plus users," he said.<h2>Google's earnings</h2>Google recorded its first-ever USD 100 billion quarter. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in a post that the company's growth was driven by cloud services and AI.&nbsp;"We delivered our first-ever $100B quarter, driven by double-digit growth across every major part of our business. Five years ago, our quarterly revenue was $50B," he wrote on X.

Amid the raised demand for artificial intelligence solutions and cloud services, Microsoft Corporation reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025.

Amid the raised demand for artificial intelligence solutions and cloud services, Microsoft Corporation reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. This is an impressive increase of 18 per cent year-on-year. The company's operating income rose 24 per cent to USD 38 billion, while net income reached USD 27.7 billion. Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, attributed the impressive results to the company's AI and cloud prowess. He said that Microsoft will continue increasing AI investments in terms of capital and talent. "Our planet-scale cloud and AI factory, together with Copilots across high-value domains, is driving broad diffusion and real-world impact," Nadella said. Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer, also lauded the company's strength in the cloud services sector. "Continued strength in the Microsoft Cloud reflects the growing customer demand for our differentiated platform," she said. What Satya Nadella said on the company's AI future Nadella said that his company plans to increase its AI capacity by 80 per cent this year and double the data center footprint in two years. He said its upcoming Fairwater facility in Wisconsin will be capable of scaling to two gigawatts. He said its Copilots surpassed a total user base of 150 million monthly active users. He said the company's Microsoft 365 Copilot is used by 90 per cent of Fortune 500 companies. "90 percent of the F500 now use M365 Copilot - and we're shipping updates very fast. GitHub Copilot now has 26 million-plus users," he said. Google's earnings Google recorded its first-ever USD 100 billion quarter. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said in a post that the company's growth was driven by cloud services and AI. "We delivered our first-ever $100B quarter, driven by double-digit growth across every major part of our business. Five years ago, our quarterly revenue was $50B," he wrote on X.

Microsoft's quarterly results: Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, attributed the impressive results to the company's AI and cloud prowess.

Amid AI, cloud boom, Microsoft's revenue rises to $77.7 billion this quarter

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that Google and its parent company, Alphabet, recorded their first-ever&nbsp;USD 100 billion quarter. He said in a post on X that the "milestone quarter" was achieved as all major business sectors showed robust growth. He said the company's quarterly revenue grew from&nbsp;$50 billion to $100 billion in five years.&nbsp;"We delivered our first-ever $100B quarter driven by double-digit growth across every major part of our business. Five years ago, our quarterly revenue was $50B," he wrote on X.&nbsp;He said the company's "full-stack approach to AI" -- with products like&nbsp;Gemini 2.5 Pro, Veo, Genie 3, and Nano -- has driven real momentum.&nbsp;Sundar Pichai said&nbsp;13 million developers have used Google's generative AI models so far. He also announced that Google will soon bring Gemini 3.&nbsp;Highlighting Google's push for AI, he said the company&nbsp;rolled out AI Overviews and AI Mode in record time. He said 75 million users are using the models.&nbsp;&nbsp;Google Cloud also showed solid momentum, with Pichai reporting another quarter of accelerating growth, largely driven by AI-related revenue.&nbsp;He said YouTube has remained the most-watched streaming platform in the US. YouTube's short-form video feature now earns more revenue per watch hour than traditional in-stream videos, reflecting the platform's shift toward short-form content.Sundar Pichai also thanked employees and partners worldwide for their contributions.<h2>How much did Microsoft earn?</h2>Microsoft Corporation has also reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. This is an 18 per cent increase year-on-year.&nbsp;Operating income rose 24 per cent to USD 38 billion, while net income reached USD 27.7 billion, marking a 12 per cent rise on a GAAP basis. On a non-GAAP basis, net income stood at USD 30.8 billion, up 22 per cent. Diluted earnings per share were USD 3.72 on a GAAP basis, up 13 per cent, and USD 4.13 on a non-GAAP basis, up 23 per cent, the company&nbsp;said in a statement.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that Google and its parent company, Alphabet, recorded their first-ever USD 100 billion quarter. He said in a post on X that the "milestone quarter" was achieved as all major business sectors showed robust growth. 

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that Google and its parent company, Alphabet, recorded their first-ever USD 100 billion quarter. He said in a post on X that the "milestone quarter" was achieved as all major business sectors showed robust growth. He said the company's quarterly revenue grew from $50 billion to $100 billion in five years. "We delivered our first-ever $100B quarter driven by double-digit growth across every major part of our business. Five years ago, our quarterly revenue was $50B," he wrote on X. He said the company's "full-stack approach to AI" -- with products like Gemini 2.5 Pro, Veo, Genie 3, and Nano -- has driven real momentum. Sundar Pichai said 13 million developers have used Google's generative AI models so far. He also announced that Google will soon bring Gemini 3. Highlighting Google's push for AI, he said the company rolled out AI Overviews and AI Mode in record time. He said 75 million users are using the models. Google Cloud also showed solid momentum, with Pichai reporting another quarter of accelerating growth, largely driven by AI-related revenue. He said YouTube has remained the most-watched streaming platform in the US. YouTube's short-form video feature now earns more revenue per watch hour than traditional in-stream videos, reflecting the platform's shift toward short-form content. Sundar Pichai also thanked employees and partners worldwide for their contributions. How much did Microsoft earn? Microsoft Corporation has also reported a revenue of USD 77.7 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025. This is an 18 per cent increase year-on-year. Operating income rose 24 per cent to USD 38 billion, while net income reached USD 27.7 billion, marking a 12 per cent rise on a GAAP basis. On a non-GAAP basis, net income stood at USD 30.8 billion, up 22 per cent. Diluted earnings per share were USD 3.72 on a GAAP basis, up 13 per cent, and USD 4.13 on a non-GAAP basis, up 23 per cent, the company said in a statement.

Google reveals quarterly earnings: Sundar Pichai said&nbsp;13 million developers have used Google's generative AI models so far. He also announced that Google will soon bring Gemini 3.

'Milestone quarter': Sundar Pichai reveals Google's bumper earnings amid AI boom

The British Council, a UK-based cultural organisation that operates in over 100 countries, is facing financial peril and is selling "everything" to survive, its chief executive, Scott McDonald, said earlier this week. He has sought financial help from the British government to help it tide over the crisis.&nbsp;The cash-strapped organisation is considering a second restructuring since the coronavirus pandemic to reduce costs. It is also seeking from the government the resolution of the £197 million loan.<h2>‘Selling everything’</h2>McDonald told British MPs on Tuesday that "everything" in the organisation had stalled, and that the organisation was in financial peril despite its efforts to break out of it. He told lawmakers that the British Council is selling everything.&nbsp;“We are now selling everything the British Council has that we can sell. We don’t have anything else,” he was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.&nbsp;He said that if the soft power is worth it, the UK must fund the organisation; otherwise, it will have to shrink further.&nbsp;In the absence of the British government's hand-holding, the organisation is exploring options like cutting jobs, closing operations in 35 nations, and selling assets worth £90 million.&nbsp;The panel was coaxed to take the loan during the pandemic era by the previous Conservative government. The panel is liable to repay the loan by September 2026.&nbsp;He said if the British Council transferred its 9000-piece art collection to the government, the loan would be repaid.&nbsp;However, he said, the idea "hasn't got traction" with the government.&nbsp;He said the loan can be written off if the government displays political will.&nbsp;A government panel said it will support the British Council. However, no decisions have been made on future grant funding.&nbsp;The UK’s international organisation operates in 100 countries and reached 650 million people in 2021-22.&nbsp;The company's primary sources of income are teaching, exams, and contracts for development. It has come under dire financial straits since the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;In January, then foreign secretary David Lammy launched the Soft Power Council, saying the government advisory board would help “enhance our security and drive economic growth”.

The British Council, a UK-based cultural organisation that operates in over 100 countries, is facing financial peril and is selling "everything" to survive, its chief executive, Scott McDonald, said earlier this week.

The British Council, a UK-based cultural organisation that operates in over 100 countries, is facing financial peril and is selling "everything" to survive, its chief executive, Scott McDonald, said earlier this week. He has sought financial help from the British government to help it tide over the crisis. The cash-strapped organisation is considering a second restructuring since the coronavirus pandemic to reduce costs. It is also seeking from the government the resolution of the £197 million loan. ‘Selling everything’ McDonald told British MPs on Tuesday that "everything" in the organisation had stalled, and that the organisation was in financial peril despite its efforts to break out of it. He told lawmakers that the British Council is selling everything. “We are now selling everything the British Council has that we can sell. We don’t have anything else,” he was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. He said that if the soft power is worth it, the UK must fund the organisation; otherwise, it will have to shrink further. In the absence of the British government's hand-holding, the organisation is exploring options like cutting jobs, closing operations in 35 nations, and selling assets worth £90 million. The panel was coaxed to take the loan during the pandemic era by the previous Conservative government. The panel is liable to repay the loan by September 2026. He said if the British Council transferred its 9000-piece art collection to the government, the loan would be repaid. However, he said, the idea "hasn't got traction" with the government. He said the loan can be written off if the government displays political will. A government panel said it will support the British Council. However, no decisions have been made on future grant funding. The UK’s international organisation operates in 100 countries and reached 650 million people in 2021-22. The company's primary sources of income are teaching, exams, and contracts for development. It has come under dire financial straits since the coronavirus pandemic. In January, then foreign secretary David Lammy launched the Soft Power Council, saying the government advisory board would help “enhance our security and drive economic growth”.

British Council financial crisis: McDonald told British MPs on Tuesday that "everything" in the organisation had stalled, and that the organisation was in financial peril despite its efforts to break out of it.

Cash-strapped British Council says 'forced to sell everything'. What happened?

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point for the second time this year, a step that could bring some financial relief to consumers and businesses but also runs some risk as inflation has been creeping up. The central bank said in a statement while making the rate-cut announcement that though the economic activity has been expanding, jobs growth had slowed and inflation had gone up. &nbsp;The rate cut will reduce the cost of borrowing in the economy and will have immediate effects on auto loans and credit cards and even though mortgage rates are not directly tied to the benchmark rate, they often move in parallel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nvidia-scripts-history-becomes-first-firm-to-reach-5-trillion-market-value-following-ai-boom-1761748694795">Riding on AI boom, Nvidia scripts history, becomes first firm to reach $5 trillion market value</a>&nbsp;Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned in a press conference that the government shutdown, which started Oct. 1, would weigh on economic activity as it drags on but added that those effects would reverse once it ends.&nbsp;Deadlines for funding food assistance and salaries for federal workers, including air-traffic controllers and TSA agents, are set to hit this week, while Congress remains in a stalemate.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-push-them-back-into-caves-tails-between-their-legs-pak-minister-says-will-obliterate-afghan-taliban-1761741971619">Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Pak minister says will ‘obliterate’ Afghan Taliban</a>&nbsp;The rate cut comes as the US economy is grappling with a slowing labour market and stubborn price growth. Several major companies have announced thousands of job cuts, while many government workers remain furloughed due to shutdown. As per federal data, price growth in September was at its highest point since January.The Fed’s next rate decision is scheduled for Dec. 10. Powell said that there were “strongly differing views” about what the Fed should do at its next meeting.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-admits-country-s-past-role-in-supporting-afghanistan-taliban-1761755033225">Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban</a>&nbsp;“Policy is not on a preset course,” Powell said.Usually, when the labour market slows down, lower rates spur economic activity, and during rising inflation, the Fed hikes rates to curb rising prices. The Fed faces a dilemma currently when data simultaneously shows a weakening employment and price rise.Lower interest rates sometimes worsen inflation by increasing overall economic activity.&nbsp;Jobs data suggests the US is experiencing one of the weakest labour markets of the 21st century. Stocks were moderately higher after the announcement Wednesday.&nbsp;WATCH: Strategic Shift By Trump Administration Rattles European Allies<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/strategic-shift-by-trump-administration-rattles-european-allies-1761764882579/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/strategic-shift-by-trump-administration-rattles-european-allies-1761764882579/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Usually, when the labour market slows down, lower rates spur economic activity, and during rising inflation, the Fed hikes rates to curb rising prices. The Fed faces a dilemma currently when data simultaneously shows a weakening employment and price rise.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point for the second time this year, a step that could bring some financial relief to consumers and businesses but also runs some risk as inflation has been creeping up. The central bank said in a statement while making the rate-cut announcement that though the economic activity has been expanding, jobs growth had slowed and inflation had gone up. The rate cut will reduce the cost of borrowing in the economy and will have immediate effects on auto loans and credit cards and even though mortgage rates are not directly tied to the benchmark rate, they often move in parallel. Also Read: Riding on AI boom, Nvidia scripts history, becomes first firm to reach $5 trillion market value Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned in a press conference that the government shutdown, which started Oct. 1, would weigh on economic activity as it drags on but added that those effects would reverse once it ends. Deadlines for funding food assistance and salaries for federal workers, including air-traffic controllers and TSA agents, are set to hit this week, while Congress remains in a stalemate. Also Read: Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Pak minister says will ‘obliterate’ Afghan Taliban The rate cut comes as the US economy is grappling with a slowing labour market and stubborn price growth. Several major companies have announced thousands of job cuts, while many government workers remain furloughed due to shutdown. As per federal data, price growth in September was at its highest point since January. The Fed’s next rate decision is scheduled for Dec. 10. Powell said that there were “strongly differing views” about what the Fed should do at its next meeting. Also Read: Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban “Policy is not on a preset course,” Powell said. Usually, when the labour market slows down, lower rates spur economic activity, and during rising inflation, the Fed hikes rates to curb rising prices. The Fed faces a dilemma currently when data simultaneously shows a weakening employment and price rise. Lower interest rates sometimes worsen inflation by increasing overall economic activity. Jobs data suggests the US is experiencing one of the weakest labour markets of the 21st century. Stocks were moderately higher after the announcement Wednesday. WATCH: Strategic Shift By Trump Administration Rattles European Allies https://www.wionews.com/videos/strategic-shift-by-trump-administration-rattles-european-allies-1761764882579/embed

Usually, when the labour market slows down, lower rates spur economic activity, and during rising inflation, the Fed hikes rates to curb rising prices. The Fed faces a dilemma currently when data simultaneously shows a weakening employment and price rise.

Federal Reserve cuts key rate for the second time amid hiring slowdown, rising prices and shutdown

China's dominance over rare earth elements poses a serious strategic risk to global manufacturing, including India's ambitions in electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced technologies, said Ajai Chowdhry, HCL co-founder and the chairman of the National Quantum Mission.&nbsp;He warned that China has gained control over critical rare earth minerals, which&nbsp;are of strategic importance. He said that these materials under China's control are critical for the production of several products, including EVs and their batteries. He said China bought mines over the past 15 years, and it can weaponise its control over rare earth materials.&nbsp;"What China did in the last 10 or 15 years: they started sourcing from all over the world and bought over the mines. So today, 90% of the world's rare earths are controlled by them, and they can be weaponised. So if they don't supply rare earth, a lot of our products cannot be developed, whether they're in India and America, or Europe," Chowdhry said.<h2>‘Rare earth mining very dirty job’</h2>He said mining for rare earth is a "very dirty job" that creates health issues.&nbsp;“Rare earth mining is a very dirty job. It creates a lot of... a lot of stuff that is not good for health. So mining is a very tough job. So that's part one of that. But of course, in China, it doesn't matter. Nobody gets to know. In any case, they can manage that. We can't. The second thing is that we have never thought about it earlier as a country. So we are pretty late in this,” he added.<h2>What should India do?</h2>He said India must extract&nbsp;critical minerals from the country's growing e-waste. He said&nbsp;30-40 per cent of domestic demand could be met through this "non-mined" route. He said that the government has prepared a&nbsp;comprehensive rare-earth plan for recycling electronic scrap.&nbsp;"Now, a rare earth plan has been put together by the government. NITI Aayog has worked on it. All that is going on. But it will take us five to seven years to get there. But there's a faster way…the faster way is that a lot of that e-waste we were talking about earlier contains rare earths. So what we should do is take all that rare e-waste and convert it into the rare earth materials we need. Tons and tons of that can be created," he said.

China's dominance over rare earth elements poses a serious strategic risk to global manufacturing, including India's ambitions in electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced technologies.

China's dominance over rare earth elements poses a serious strategic risk to global manufacturing, including India's ambitions in electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced technologies, said Ajai Chowdhry, HCL co-founder and the chairman of the National Quantum Mission. He warned that China has gained control over critical rare earth minerals, which are of strategic importance. He said that these materials under China's control are critical for the production of several products, including EVs and their batteries. He said China bought mines over the past 15 years, and it can weaponise its control over rare earth materials. "What China did in the last 10 or 15 years: they started sourcing from all over the world and bought over the mines. So today, 90% of the world's rare earths are controlled by them, and they can be weaponised. So if they don't supply rare earth, a lot of our products cannot be developed, whether they're in India and America, or Europe," Chowdhry said. ‘Rare earth mining very dirty job’ He said mining for rare earth is a "very dirty job" that creates health issues. “Rare earth mining is a very dirty job. It creates a lot of... a lot of stuff that is not good for health. So mining is a very tough job. So that's part one of that. But of course, in China, it doesn't matter. Nobody gets to know. In any case, they can manage that. We can't. The second thing is that we have never thought about it earlier as a country. So we are pretty late in this,” he added. What should India do? He said India must extract critical minerals from the country's growing e-waste. He said 30-40 per cent of domestic demand could be met through this "non-mined" route. He said that the government has prepared a comprehensive rare-earth plan for recycling electronic scrap. "Now, a rare earth plan has been put together by the government. NITI Aayog has worked on it. All that is going on. But it will take us five to seven years to get there. But there's a faster way…the faster way is that a lot of that e-waste we were talking about earlier contains rare earths. So what we should do is take all that rare e-waste and convert it into the rare earth materials we need. Tons and tons of that can be created," he said.

Ajai Chowdhry, HCL co-founder and the chairman of the National Quantum Mission, has warned that China has gained control over critical rare earth minerals, which&nbsp;are of strategic importance.&nbsp;

How can India meet its rare earth demand amid China's dominance? HCL co-founder suggests innovative solution

Piyush Goyal, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, said on Wednesday that India is working with the European Union for a fair, equitable, and balanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He further said that&nbsp;significant progress had already been made in the ongoing negotiations.&nbsp;Piyush Goyal returned to India from Brussels after a three-day official visit. He said he had&nbsp;productive engagements with Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on outstanding issues linked to the India-EU FTA negotiations.&nbsp;He said the two sides agreed to close "10 out of 20 chapters" and "four-five" chapters are being "decided".&nbsp;"We have agreed to close 10 out of 20 chapters. Another four or five chapters have, in principle, been broadly decided, and on more and more issues we are leading towards convergence," Goyal added.&nbsp;He further said that the EU team will visit next week for the next round&nbsp;of negotiations.&nbsp;He also said that the two sides will make “significant and substantial progress towards closure.”&nbsp;He said the two sides are&nbsp;recognizing mutual sensitivities and strengths during the negotiations.&nbsp;"More and more countries and almost all businesses today want to expand relations with a resurgent, strong, decisive, democratic and aspirational India, full of youth, talent and skills, growing consumer demand, fastest growing large economy, doubling every eight years," he said.&nbsp;He said in Brussels, India raised concerns&nbsp;regarding non-tariff measures and new EU regulations.&nbsp;At the international forum, Minister Goyal reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, “India once again demonstrated that we speak for the global south. We represent the voice of the less privileged, less developed or developing economies, and stand for collective action for global good, peace, and prosperity.”&nbsp;The European Union relaunched negotiations on June 17, 2022. The two sides have resolved to&nbsp;conclude the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025.

Piyush Goyal, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, said on Wednesday that India is working with the European Union for a fair, equitable, and balanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Piyush Goyal, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, said on Wednesday that India is working with the European Union for a fair, equitable, and balanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He further said that significant progress had already been made in the ongoing negotiations. Piyush Goyal returned to India from Brussels after a three-day official visit. He said he had productive engagements with Maros Sefcovic, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on outstanding issues linked to the India-EU FTA negotiations. He said the two sides agreed to close "10 out of 20 chapters" and "four-five" chapters are being "decided". "We have agreed to close 10 out of 20 chapters. Another four or five chapters have, in principle, been broadly decided, and on more and more issues we are leading towards convergence," Goyal added. He further said that the EU team will visit next week for the next round of negotiations. He also said that the two sides will make “significant and substantial progress towards closure.” He said the two sides are recognizing mutual sensitivities and strengths during the negotiations. "More and more countries and almost all businesses today want to expand relations with a resurgent, strong, decisive, democratic and aspirational India, full of youth, talent and skills, growing consumer demand, fastest growing large economy, doubling every eight years," he said. He said in Brussels, India raised concerns regarding non-tariff measures and new EU regulations. At the international forum, Minister Goyal reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, “India once again demonstrated that we speak for the global south. We represent the voice of the less privileged, less developed or developing economies, and stand for collective action for global good, peace, and prosperity.” The European Union relaunched negotiations on June 17, 2022. The two sides have resolved to conclude the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025.

India-EU trade agreement: The European Union relaunched negotiations on June 17, 2022. The two sides have resolved to&nbsp;conclude the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025.

Piyush Goyal on India-EU trade negotiations: 'Agreed to close 10 out of 20 chapters'

Nvidia has become the first company in history to reach a market value of USD 5 trillion, riding on the artificial intelligence boom that is reshaping technology, businesses, and markets across the globe. Nvidia shares opened up more than 3% on Wednesday, and its market value is now more than the GDP of every country on earth, except for the US and China, according to World Bank data. The stock has gained more than 50% this year and more than 1,500% over the last five years. Nvidia’s sharp rise highlights its transformation from a graphics-chip designer into the backbone of the booming AI industry. The steep rise has turned CEO Jensen Huang into one of Silicon Valley’s most influential figures and the company is now at the centre of the US-China tech rivalry.&nbsp;Since 2022—the year of ChatGPT launch—Nvidia’s shares have surged 12 times as the AI frenzy pushed the S&amp;P 500 to record highs, sparking both fear and debate over whether soaring tech valuations could trigger another market bubble.The firm reached the $5 trillion market capitalisation just three months after crossing $4 trillion. Moreover, the new valuation surpasses the total worth of the global cryptocurrency market and now equals nearly half of Europe’s benchmark Stoxx 600 index.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-push-them-back-into-caves-tails-between-their-legs-pak-minister-says-will-obliterate-afghan-taliban-1761741971619">Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Pak minister says will ‘obliterate’ Afghan Taliban</a><h2>Rise follows record orders and supercomputing plans</h2>&nbsp;The Santa Clara-based company’s shares rose 3.5% after a series of announcements reinforced its leadership in the AI race. On Tuesday, Nvidia President and CEO Jensen Huang unveiled AI chip orders worth $500 billion and announced plans to build seven supercomputers for the US government.&nbsp;At current prices, Huang’s stake in Nvidia is worth about USD 177.3 billion, making him the world’s eighth-richest person, according to Forbes.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-defence-minister-khawaja-asif-admits-country-s-past-role-in-supporting-afghanistan-taliban-1761755033225">Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban</a>&nbsp;Taiwan-born Huang, who was raised in the US from the age of nine, founded Nvidia in 1993. Under his leadership, the company’s H100 and Blackwell processors have become the core engines behind large-language models such as ChatGPT and Elon Musk’s xAI.The rally reflects investor confidence in sustained AI spending, though some warn that valuations may be running hot.Nvidia’s performance has a sweeping influence across global markets now.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, US President Donald Trump is likely to discuss Nvidia’s Blackwell chip with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday since the sale of the high-end chip has been a sticking point in ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly amid Washington’s export controls on advanced semiconductors.

The Santa Clara-based company is at the centre of the global AI boom, and its market capitalisation as on Wednesday now exceeds the total valuation of the cryptocurrency market and is roughly half the size of Europe’s Stoxx 600 index.

Nvidia has become the first company in history to reach a market value of USD 5 trillion, riding on the artificial intelligence boom that is reshaping technology, businesses, and markets across the globe. Nvidia shares opened up more than 3% on Wednesday, and its market value is now more than the GDP of every country on earth, except for the US and China, according to World Bank data. The stock has gained more than 50% this year and more than 1,500% over the last five years. Nvidia’s sharp rise highlights its transformation from a graphics-chip designer into the backbone of the booming AI industry. The steep rise has turned CEO Jensen Huang into one of Silicon Valley’s most influential figures and the company is now at the centre of the US-China tech rivalry. Since 2022—the year of ChatGPT launch—Nvidia’s shares have surged 12 times as the AI frenzy pushed the S&P 500 to record highs, sparking both fear and debate over whether soaring tech valuations could trigger another market bubble. The firm reached the $5 trillion market capitalisation just three months after crossing $4 trillion. Moreover, the new valuation surpasses the total worth of the global cryptocurrency market and now equals nearly half of Europe’s benchmark Stoxx 600 index. Also Read: Will push them back into caves…tails between their legs’: Pak minister says will ‘obliterate’ Afghan Taliban Rise follows record orders and supercomputing plans The Santa Clara-based company’s shares rose 3.5% after a series of announcements reinforced its leadership in the AI race. On Tuesday, Nvidia President and CEO Jensen Huang unveiled AI chip orders worth $500 billion and announced plans to build seven supercomputers for the US government. At current prices, Huang’s stake in Nvidia is worth about USD 177.3 billion, making him the world’s eighth-richest person, according to Forbes. Also Read: Pak Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admits country’s past role in supporting Afghanistan Taliban Taiwan-born Huang, who was raised in the US from the age of nine, founded Nvidia in 1993. Under his leadership, the company’s H100 and Blackwell processors have become the core engines behind large-language models such as ChatGPT and Elon Musk’s xAI. The rally reflects investor confidence in sustained AI spending, though some warn that valuations may be running hot. Nvidia’s performance has a sweeping influence across global markets now. Moreover, US President Donald Trump is likely to discuss Nvidia’s Blackwell chip with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday since the sale of the high-end chip has been a sticking point in ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly amid Washington’s export controls on advanced semiconductors.

The Santa Clara-based company is at the centre of the global AI boom, and its market capitalisation now exceeds the total valuation of the cryptocurrency market and is roughly half the size of Europe’s Stoxx 600 index.

Riding on AI boom, Nvidia scripts history, becomes first firm to reach $5 trillion market value

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said on Wednesday that India's economy has been performing better than expected over the past few months and will grow by over 6.7 per cent this year. He also said that apprehensions of a slowdown have also eased significantly.&nbsp;"The economy is doing as well as it can and better than what we feared a couple of months ago," he told Business Standard.&nbsp;He said due to global uncertainties, including Donald Trump's tariffs on India, growth projections were around 6 per cent. However, now, he said, analysts are wondering if India's GDP growth will cross the 7 per cent mark.&nbsp;V Anantha Nageswaran said that for the financial year 2025, the growth rate could be between 6.7 and 6.8 per cent.&nbsp;He said that the government's rationalisation of the income tax and GST has boosted consumption and private capital expenditure.&nbsp;He said that despite external uncertainties, the government's efforts to improve ports, highways, power generation, and airports have improved demand.&nbsp;He also said that the Indian currency will become stronger in the coming years.&nbsp;He urged banks to adopt a stronger stance against rising digital fraud.&nbsp;"Without that, people will lose their depositors and trust and start keeping money under their mattresses. Over time, it will erode the bankability of banks," he said.&nbsp;In August, US President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports to the United States over New Delhi's oil and weapons trade with Russia. The two sides have been negotiating a trade agreement to ease trade tensions.

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said on Wednesday that India's economy has been performing better than expected over the past few months and will grow by over 6.7 per cent this year. 

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said on Wednesday that India's economy has been performing better than expected over the past few months and will grow by over 6.7 per cent this year. He also said that apprehensions of a slowdown have also eased significantly. "The economy is doing as well as it can and better than what we feared a couple of months ago," he told Business Standard. He said due to global uncertainties, including Donald Trump's tariffs on India, growth projections were around 6 per cent. However, now, he said, analysts are wondering if India's GDP growth will cross the 7 per cent mark. V Anantha Nageswaran said that for the financial year 2025, the growth rate could be between 6.7 and 6.8 per cent. He said that the government's rationalisation of the income tax and GST has boosted consumption and private capital expenditure. He said that despite external uncertainties, the government's efforts to improve ports, highways, power generation, and airports have improved demand. He also said that the Indian currency will become stronger in the coming years. He urged banks to adopt a stronger stance against rising digital fraud. "Without that, people will lose their depositors and trust and start keeping money under their mattresses. Over time, it will erode the bankability of banks," he said. In August, US President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian exports to the United States over New Delhi's oil and weapons trade with Russia. The two sides have been negotiating a trade agreement to ease trade tensions.

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran said that due to global uncertainties, including Donald Trump's tariffs on India, growth projections were around 6 per cent. The projections have now improved.

India's economy performing better than expected: CEA V Anantha Nageswaran

Boat's parent company, Imagine Marketing, has received the regulatory approval for its Rs 1500 crore IPO. The company's IPO may include a fresh issue of up to Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale worth Rs 1,000 crore.&nbsp;The offer for sale includes shares worth Rs 75 crore by Boat co-founder Sameer Ashok Mehta, shares worth Rs 225 crore by Aman Gupta, and shares worth Rs 500 crore by South Lake Investment Limited, reported Reuters.<h2>All you need to know about boAT's IPO plan</h2>The company has said in the regulatory filing that it will use the fund for working capital requirements amounting to Rs 225 crore, branding and marketing amounting to Rs 150 crore.&nbsp;Reuters reported that boAT filed confidential draft papers in April and secured SEBI's approval in late August.&nbsp;The company had also tried to go public in 2022 with a Rs 2000 crore IPO.&nbsp;Boat turned profitable in the financial year 2025. The company posted a net profit of Rs 60 crore. The company had posted a loss of Rs 79.7 crore in FY24 and Rs 129.5 crore in FY23.&nbsp;The company's consolidated revenue was Rs 3097.8 crore. It was established by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta in 2013. It sells speakers, headphones and earphones, and smart watches.&nbsp;Boat faces stiff competition from Noise and Fire-Boltt and global giants Xiaomi and OnePlus in India's fast-growing wearable market.

Boat's parent company, Imagine Marketing, has received the regulatory approval for its Rs 1500 crore IPO. 

Boat's parent company, Imagine Marketing, has received the regulatory approval for its Rs 1500 crore IPO. The company's IPO may include a fresh issue of up to Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale worth Rs 1,000 crore. The offer for sale includes shares worth Rs 75 crore by Boat co-founder Sameer Ashok Mehta, shares worth Rs 225 crore by Aman Gupta, and shares worth Rs 500 crore by South Lake Investment Limited, reported Reuters. All you need to know about boAT's IPO plan The company has said in the regulatory filing that it will use the fund for working capital requirements amounting to Rs 225 crore, branding and marketing amounting to Rs 150 crore. Reuters reported that boAT filed confidential draft papers in April and secured SEBI's approval in late August. The company had also tried to go public in 2022 with a Rs 2000 crore IPO. Boat turned profitable in the financial year 2025. The company posted a net profit of Rs 60 crore. The company had posted a loss of Rs 79.7 crore in FY24 and Rs 129.5 crore in FY23. The company's consolidated revenue was Rs 3097.8 crore. It was established by Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta in 2013. It sells speakers, headphones and earphones, and smart watches. Boat faces stiff competition from Noise and Fire-Boltt and global giants Xiaomi and OnePlus in India's fast-growing wearable market.

Boat IPO: Boat turned profitable in the financial year 2025. The company posted a net profit of Rs 60 crore. The company had posted a loss of Rs 79.7 crore in FY24 and Rs 129.5 crore in FY23.

Boat gets regulatory nod for IPO, Aman Gupta's offer for sale revealed: Report

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India's market regulator, has reportedly proposed an overhaul of the fee structure&nbsp;linked to mutual funds. The regulator has suggested that the expenses of funds must be linked to how well they perform in the market.&nbsp;The proposal aims at aligning fund manager incentives with investor interests and improving cost transparency across the over Rs 75 lakh-crore mutual fund industry.<h2>What are performance-linked expense ratios?</h2>According to ANI, SEBI has proposed the introduction of a provision for performance-linked expense ratios. If approved, this provision will allow asset management companies, the firms behind mutual funds, to charge variable fees based on fund performance. AMCs will be allowed to choose this model or stick with the previous&nbsp;business model.&nbsp;SEBI said a detailed framework will be finalised after consultations with industry stakeholders to ensure fair implementation.&nbsp;The scheme is intended to ensure that costs reflect actual performance rather than being fixed charges irrespective of outcomes.&nbsp;The market regulator has also proposed a reduction in brokerage and transaction charges for mutual fund trades. SEBI's consultation&nbsp;paper noted that fund houses had been double-charging investors for the cost of research and also for bundled brokerage payments.&nbsp;SEBI has suggested that the brokerage cap should be reduced from 12 basis points (bps) to 2 bps on cash market transactions and from 5 bps to 1 bp on derivatives trades. Taxes like Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and stamp duty will be out of the expense ratio limits.&nbsp;The regulator has sought public comments on the proposals by November 17, 2025, before finalizing the new rules.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India's market regulator, has reportedly proposed an overhaul of the fee structure linked to mutual funds. 

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India's market regulator, has reportedly proposed an overhaul of the fee structure linked to mutual funds. The regulator has suggested that the expenses of funds must be linked to how well they perform in the market. The proposal aims at aligning fund manager incentives with investor interests and improving cost transparency across the over Rs 75 lakh-crore mutual fund industry. What are performance-linked expense ratios? According to ANI, SEBI has proposed the introduction of a provision for performance-linked expense ratios. If approved, this provision will allow asset management companies, the firms behind mutual funds, to charge variable fees based on fund performance. AMCs will be allowed to choose this model or stick with the previous business model. SEBI said a detailed framework will be finalised after consultations with industry stakeholders to ensure fair implementation. The scheme is intended to ensure that costs reflect actual performance rather than being fixed charges irrespective of outcomes. The market regulator has also proposed a reduction in brokerage and transaction charges for mutual fund trades. SEBI's consultation paper noted that fund houses had been double-charging investors for the cost of research and also for bundled brokerage payments. SEBI has suggested that the brokerage cap should be reduced from 12 basis points (bps) to 2 bps on cash market transactions and from 5 bps to 1 bp on derivatives trades. Taxes like Securities Transaction Tax (STT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and stamp duty will be out of the expense ratio limits. The regulator has sought public comments on the proposals by November 17, 2025, before finalizing the new rules.

Mutual fund news: The proposal aims at aligning fund manager incentives with investor interests and improving cost transparency across the over Rs 75 lakh-crore mutual fund industry.

SEBI proposes performance-linked expense ratios. What are they?

The State Bank of India (SBI) said in a report that after imposing tariffs, the United States' trade deficit declined by $42 billion. However, the country's trade deficit with its top five trading partners, including India, has gone up by $9 billion.&nbsp;The report further stated that the country's trade with its top partners&nbsp;rose to USD 257 billion during April-July 2025 from USD 248 billion recorded in January-March 2025. However, despite the increase in trade volume, the trade deficit of the nation declined during the same period.&nbsp;"During the post-tariff period, US trade deficit declined by USD 42 billion...but if we look at the trade deficit of the US with the top 5 trading partners (+ India), it has increased by USD 9 billion to USD 257 bn," the analysis&nbsp;noted.<h2>US trade deficit</h2>The US trade deficit was more than USD 150 billion during the January-March 2025 period&nbsp;before the tariffs took effect. It has now declined to less than&nbsp;USD 100 billion per month.&nbsp;The tariffs imposed by the country were successful in controlling the US deficit. The US managed to reduce its trade deficit with China and Switzerland. However, its trade deficit increased with&nbsp;Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, and India.&nbsp;The US trade deficit with China declined from USD 71 billion to USD 58 billion, and with Switzerland from USD 54 billion to USD 1 billion. Its&nbsp;deficit with Vietnam rose from USD 36 billion to USD 61 billion, with Mexico from USD 47 billion to USD 65 billion, with Taiwan from USD 22 billion to USD 48 billion, and with India from USD 17 billion to USD 23 billion.&nbsp;In July 2025, Mexico accounted for 16 per cent of the total trade of the United States, followed by Canada at 12.5 per cent.&nbsp;India was ranked 10th with a 2.7 per cent share.&nbsp;The report also noted that the trade deficit is shifting from traditional partners like China and Switzerland towards trade partners like&nbsp;Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, and India.

The State Bank of India (SBI) said in a report that after imposing tariffs, the United States' trade deficit declined by $42 billion. 

The State Bank of India (SBI) said in a report that after imposing tariffs, the United States' trade deficit declined by $42 billion. However, the country's trade deficit with its top five trading partners, including India, has gone up by $9 billion. The report further stated that the country's trade with its top partners rose to USD 257 billion during April-July 2025 from USD 248 billion recorded in January-March 2025. However, despite the increase in trade volume, the trade deficit of the nation declined during the same period. "During the post-tariff period, US trade deficit declined by USD 42 billion...but if we look at the trade deficit of the US with the top 5 trading partners (+ India), it has increased by USD 9 billion to USD 257 bn," the analysis noted. US trade deficit The US trade deficit was more than USD 150 billion during the January-March 2025 period before the tariffs took effect. It has now declined to less than USD 100 billion per month. The tariffs imposed by the country were successful in controlling the US deficit. The US managed to reduce its trade deficit with China and Switzerland. However, its trade deficit increased with Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, and India. The US trade deficit with China declined from USD 71 billion to USD 58 billion, and with Switzerland from USD 54 billion to USD 1 billion. Its deficit with Vietnam rose from USD 36 billion to USD 61 billion, with Mexico from USD 47 billion to USD 65 billion, with Taiwan from USD 22 billion to USD 48 billion, and with India from USD 17 billion to USD 23 billion. In July 2025, Mexico accounted for 16 per cent of the total trade of the United States, followed by Canada at 12.5 per cent. India was ranked 10th with a 2.7 per cent share. The report also noted that the trade deficit is shifting from traditional partners like China and Switzerland towards trade partners like Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, and India.

US tariff fallout: The US trade deficit was more than USD 150 billion during the January-March 2025 period&nbsp;before the tariffs took effect.&nbsp;

Tariff fallout: Overall US trade deficit shrinks, gap with emerging partners increases