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Beyond

India-US trade deal nears completion

India and the US are on the verge of sealing a major trade agreement that could reshape bilateral commerce. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described the deal as “fair, equitable and balanced,” emphasizing India’s focus on protecting domestic interests. While talks are largely complete, no fixed timeline has been set for signing.

US President Donald Trump acknowledged that tariffs on Indian goods are high and indicated plans to reduce them, describing a “fair deal” as close at hand. The agreement targets raising trade from the current $191 billion to approximately $500 billion by 2030.

Key sectors, including agriculture, dairy, and worker welfare, are central to India’s negotiating stance. So far, five official rounds of discussions have been held, involving top Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. India is also exploring new markets in the Gulf and Russia to expand trade outreach.

If finalised, the deal is expected to strengthen economic ties, increase exports, and ease trade barriers, while ensuring domestic industries remain protected.

Also Read: Groww IPO lists at 12% premium

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Corporate

India supports Bhutan’s Gelephu City, provides ₹4,000 cr for hydropower

India has extended its support to Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City project, a sustainable urban development in southern Bhutan aimed at promoting trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to link Gelephu and Samtse with India’s rail network. Two cross‑border rail lines are proposed: a 69 km route from Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu, and a 20 km route from Banarhat (West Bengal) to Samtse, with a total cost of ₹4,033 crore. An immigration checkpoint near Gelephu will also be set up to ease travel and trade.

On the energy front, India offered Bhutan a ₹4,000 crore line of credit for hydropower and renewable energy projects, including the 1,020 MW Punatsangchu‑II Hydroelectric Project. Bhutan currently produces all its electricity from renewable sources.

These initiatives reflect India’s efforts to deepen economic, infrastructural, and energy cooperation with Bhutan.

Also Read: India-US trade deal nears completion

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Beyond

600 quit Paramount Skydance over office return

Around 600 employees at Paramount Skydance Corp. have opted to leave rather than comply with a new full-time office return policy, underlining growing tensions over workplace flexibility in the post-pandemic era.

The decision comes after the August 2025 merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, when CEO David Ellison issued a memo emphasizing that in-person collaboration is “absolutely vital” for company culture and success. Employees in the Los Angeles and New York offices were told to work from the office five days a week or accept a severance package.

About 600 staff, mainly at VP level and below, chose the buyout, costing the company approximately US $185 million. In corporate filings, the severance was described as part of “restructuring expenses… associated with actions to align the business around our strategic priorities,” with total expected restructuring costs reaching US $1.7 billion.

This move highlights the significant financial and human-resource implications of rigid return-to-office policies. Analysts note that many employees, even at senior levels, now prioritize flexibility and are willing to leave jobs if forced into strict in-office schedules.

Paramount’s policy mirrors trends at other major firms. Dell Technologies recently ended hybrid work for near-office-based employees, while Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi faced internal pushback for increasing required office days.

The episode reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations. Companies are being forced to balance cultural goals and in-person collaboration against employee demands for flexibility. For employees, the decision to stay or leave increasingly factors in remote work options, workplace culture, and quality of life considerations.

Paramount Skydance’s experience offers a cautionary tale of a rigid office policy can trigger massive attrition and financial costs, showing that flexibility is now a strategic priority in the modern workplace.

Also Read: Neville Tata, Bhaskar Bhat join Sir Dorabji Tata Trust

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Leaders

Neville Tata, Bhaskar Bhat join Tata Trust

The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has inducted Neville Tata, son of Noel Tata, and former Titan chief Bhaskar Bhat as trustees. Their three-year terms begin on November 12, 2025, marking a key development in the leadership of the Tata philanthropic arm.

Bhaskar Bhat, who spent over four decades with the Tata Group, is best known for steering Titan Company as its Managing Director from 2002 to 2019. Under his leadership, Titan grew into one of India’s most admired lifestyle companies.

Neville Tata, 32, represents the younger generation of the Tata family. A graduate of Bayes Business School in London, he began his career with Trent Ltd in 2016. He played a major role in expanding the affordable fashion brand Zudio and later led the Star Bazaar hypermarket division.

Their induction comes soon after changes in the broader Tata Trusts framework, including the exit of trustee Mehli Mistry. The move is seen as part of an ongoing restructuring to bring in fresh leadership and ensure continuity across generations.

The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust holds around 28% of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group. Along with the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which owns about 24%, it controls a majority stake in Tata Sons, making these appointments significant in shaping the group’s long-term direction.

Also Read: Adani Group enters battery storage with India’s largest project

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Beyond

Gold steady at ₹12,585 per gram, Silver at ₹160

Gold prices remained steady across India on November 12, 2025, with 24-carat gold priced at ₹12,585 per gram and 22-carat gold at ₹11,536 per gram, according to Mathrubhumi.

The 18-carat variety was sold at ₹9,436 per gram, showing little change from the previous day. Across major cities, rates varied only slightly, Delhi recorded ₹12,623 for 24-carat and ₹11,571 for 22-carat gold, while Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram maintained uniform prices of ₹12,585 and ₹11,536 respectively. Chennai saw a marginally higher rate of ₹12,765 for 24-carat and ₹11,700 for 22-carat gold.

Silver prices also held firm at ₹160 per gram or ₹1,60,100 per kilogram. Experts noted that gold continues to serve as a preferred safe-haven investment amid global economic uncertainty. Buyers were advised to check for BIS hallmark certification, compare rates across jewellers, and ensure their purchase invoices clearly mention purity, carat value, and weight.

With the festive and wedding season approaching, jewellers expect steady demand as consumers view gold not just as an ornament, but as a symbol of security and long-term value.

Also Read: Sensex opens 500 pts higher, Nifty above 25,800

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Corporate

Bajaj Finserv Q2 earnings grow 7.5%

Bajaj Finserv reported a consolidated net profit of ₹2,244 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, up 7.5% from ₹2,087 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations rose 11% to ₹37,403 crore, compared with ₹33,704 crore a year ago.

Despite growth, the company’s shares fell 6–8%, as quarterly profit declined from ₹2,789 crore in Q1 FY26.

Among its subsidiaries, Bajaj Finance posted a net profit of ₹4,875 crore, up 22% year-on-year. Bajaj General Insurance reported a net profit of ₹517 crore with gross written premiums of ₹6,413 crore, while Bajaj Life Insurance saw new business premiums rise 25% to ₹4,012 crore, though net profit fell to ₹13 crore due to tax adjustments.

The company’s net worth climbed 12% to ₹76,490 crore.

Also Read: Bajaj Finance Q2 profit up 22%

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1 Minute-Read

Bajaj Finance Q2 profit up 22%

Bajaj Finance reported a net profit of ₹4,875 crore for Q2 FY26, up 22% year‑on‑year, on the back of net interest income of ₹10,785 crore, also up 22%.

Assets under management climbed 24% to ₹4.62 lakh crore, while the company added 4.1 million new customers, taking the total to 110.6 million.

Gross non‑performing assets (NPAs) edged higher to 1.24% from 1.03%, with net NPAs at 0.6%. Reflecting softer demand in SME and housing segments, Bajaj Finance trimmed its full‑year AUM growth guidance to 22‑23%.

The results highlight the company’s strong quarterly performance and customer expansion, even as it adopts a cautious outlook for the remainder of FY26.

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Corporate

Sensex up 336 points, Nifty above 25,700, BEL, Adani Ports gain

Indian stock markets ended higher on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. The Sensex gained 336 points to close at 83,871, and the Nifty 50 rose 121 points to finish at 25,695.

Bharat Electronics (BEL) and Adani Ports were top gainers, both up around 2%. IT and auto stocks also rose, helping the market recover from early losses.

However, financial stocks struggled. Bajaj Finance dropped about 7% after lowering its growth forecast due to rising bad loans.

Mid‑cap stocks rose 0.5%, while small‑caps fell 0.2%. The rupee strengthened slightly, ending at ₹88.56 per US dollar.

Analysts said the Nifty is likely to stay strong above 25,600, with potential upside near 26,000. Markets remain cautious, balancing global trade optimism with domestic financial challenges.

Also Read: Sensex dips by 200 pts, Nifty below 25,550, Bajaj twins tumble 6%

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Technology

UIDAI rolls out new digital Aadhaar App

UIDAI ( Unique Identification Authority of India) has launched a new Aadhaar app for Android and iOS to simplify digital ID management. Users can now carry Aadhaar digitally, manage up to five family profiles, and control what information is shared during verification.

Key features include biometric security via fingerprint or face recognition, selective sharing of details, QR code verification, offline access, and a usage history log.

The app complements the existing mAadhaar app, which remains useful for downloading e-Aadhaar, ordering PVC cards, generating Virtual IDs, and updating contact information.

To set up, download the app, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, verify via OTP, complete face authentication, and set a six-digit PIN.

UIDAI says the app provides secure, privacy-conscious, and convenient digital Aadhaar access for Indian citizens.

Also Read: US, India ‘pretty near’ trade deal, tariffs could ease

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Leaders

Berkshire’s Warren Buffett goes quiet

Warren Buffett, the iconic investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced that he will stop writing his famous annual letters to shareholders. At 95, he is stepping back from public updates but will continue sending a shorter Thanksgiving message.

Buffett’s chosen successor, Greg Abel, is set to take over as CEO by the end of the year. In his farewell note, Buffett reflected on his decades-long career, his personal friendships, and shared practical lessons on business and life.

His annual letters have long been valued not just for company insights but also for Buffett’s clear, humble wisdom. This marks the end of a notable era while ensuring a smooth transition of leadership at Berkshire Hathaway.

Also Read: US, India ‘pretty near’ trade deal, tariffs could ease