Experts Financial News

Harold and the Purple Crayon, which is based on the beloved book by Crocket Johnson, will soon be available for streaming on Netflix. The film follows Harold, a young boy who creates magical adventures with his purple crayon.

passenger vehicle market is witnessing a paradox this festive season: some models command waiting periods of up to 96 weeks with no discounts while others are offering cash discounts as high as ₹4.5 lakh to manage inventory pileups. This highlights a growing segmentation between premium and volume players in one of the world's largest auto markets even as most PV dealers report a 10% month-on-month sales growth in October after a relatively slow start in the festive season. Several mainstream manufacturers are offering substantial discounts on select models to stimulate sales while Toyota's Land Cruiser leads the waiting period chart at 96 weeks, according to data collated by Jato Dynamics. MG leads the discount wave with up to ₹450,000 off on its Gloster SUV, followed by Mahindra's XUV400 and Hyundai's Kona with discounts of ₹300,000 and ₹200,000. At the same time, several electric vehicles and premium SUVs from manufacturers like BYD and Hyundai continue to see waiting periods ranging from 4 to 32 weeks.

Indian nationals who stayed in the country illegally, the US Department of Homeland Security said on Friday, adding that this has been done in cooperation with the Indian government. «Indian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal, and intending migrants should not fall for the lies of smugglers who proclaim otherwise,» Kristie A Canegallo, acting deputy secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement. The chartered flight was sent to India on October 22. The statement said the Department of Homeland Security continues to enforce US immigration laws and deliver tough consequences for those who enter unlawfully by swiftly returning those without a legal basis to remain in the US while encouraging the use of lawful pathways.

air quality crisis in the national capital. In a high-level virtual meeting, co-chaired by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, states were asked to optimize the use of more than 300,000 crop residue management machines that have been distributed to farmers with government subsidies. «Sustained attention is crucial,» Chauhan said in the meeting, despite noting progress in reducing farm fires. The official data shows stubble burning incidents have decreased 35 per cent in Punjab and 21 per cent in Haryana compared to last year, with overall cases down 51 per cent since 2017.

2024 U.S. election looms and the end of Biden’s term approaches, speculation rises over whether President Joe Biden will include his son Hunter in his final list of presidential pardons. Historically, outgoing U.S. presidents issue pardons, sometimes in controversial cases. Hunter Biden, facing convictions related to tax and gun charges, is at the center of this discussion. Biden, while previously stating he would allow the justice system to run its course, could exercise leniency or clemency as alternatives to a full pardon, sparking debate on what precedent his decision might set.

CRPF) have been promoted this month as part of a «special drive» conducted by the paramilitary force to lift the morale of its personnel who render hard duties in various internal security theatres of the country. A senior officer of the force told PTI on Saturday that those promoted include personnel in the ranks of constables, head constables, assistant sub-inspectors and sub-inspectors working as barbers, band players, carpenters, motor mechanics, drivers, cooks and those in the general combat duty cadres. The officer said a total of 4,959 personnel have been promoted as part of a special drive conducted in the force in October on the directions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general. Till now, these personnel were promoted after an «approved list» was prepared at the force headquarters level once a staffer passed the annual health and fitness test and had a clear service record from the vigilance point of view, he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said every drop of innocent blood spilled in the valley will be avenged and all capabilities will be used to dismantle the terror ecosystem. Addressing the passing out-cum-attestation parade of the Border Security Force (BSF) at the STC, Humhama here, Sinha said Pakistan has persisted with its unholy action of carrying out terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. «Unfortunately, we have a neighbour who since the time of independence has continuously engaged in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the poverty and hunger afflicting its citizens, it persists with its unholy actions of supporting terrorism and trafficking narcotics,» he said. Referring to recent terror attacks in Ganderbal and Baramulla districts, the LG said the terrorists targeted «our brave soldiers, civilians, workers involved in infrastructure projects and some labourers who had come from other places».

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasised the urgent need to tackle air pollution across northern India, calling the next 15 days «crucial». Following a key meeting with the Central government on Friday, Rai held a press conference on Saturday. The meeting, attended by Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Bhupender Yadav, along with environment ministers from neighbouring states, aimed to assess and address the worsening air quality in the region. Rai expressed concern over the delay in this year's meeting and said, «Last year, a similar meeting was held in August, allowing us more time to strategise. »This year's meeting took place in the last week of October. Had it been conducted three months earlier, we could have tackled the pollution problem more effectively," Rai said.

Reliance Jio has announced a special price reduction for its 'JioBharat' 4G phones, lowering the price from Rs 999 to Rs 699 for a limited time. In this limited-period offer, JioBharat 4G phones now priced at Rs 999 will be available to all users for only Rs 699, said the Ambani-owned company in a press release. As per the company, when compared with the lowest feature phone plan available with other operators (Rs 199 / month), the JioBharat plan is almost 40% cheaper and provides Rs 76 savings every month.

Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has issued an order clarifying the conditions for real estate projects to be eligible for RERA registration in the state. This new circular clarifies exactly which projects are eligible to be registered with RERA and also provides a clarification regarding the commencement certificate and the completion certificate within the meaning of Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR).

Solex Energy on Saturday said it has partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) to offer solar financing options for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. As part of the partnership, SBI will offer solar financing through loans up to Rs 10 crore for solar projects under its Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme across India, Solex Energy said in a statement. «The collaboration aims to make solar energy accessible, affordable, and a driving force for India's renewable energy future. The partnership will accelerate the growth of solar energy and empower our clients and channel partners to adopt solar solutions and drive business expansion swiftly,» Solex Energy Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Chetan Shah said. While Solex Energy will offer end-to-end support to customers — from site evaluation and design to obtaining regulatory approvals — SBI will provide a digital platform that ensures a hassle-free loan application process for financing solar projects.

Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Vikar Rasool Wani from the party for «attempting to destabilise» and «inciting» indiscipline in the party, sources said Saturday. Sources in Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) said district-level leaders were not happy with Wani, and accused him of using party leader Ghulam Nabi Monga — who they described as a «failed Congressmen» — to destabilise the party. «He incites others to question the decisions of the party high command vis-a-vis alliance with National Conference and other decisions concerning J-K Congress,» a source in the party quoted leaders as having said. «We will be seeking his immediate removal as Special Invitee Congress Working Committee (CWC) given the fact that he doesn't deserve this position,» the source said.

non-consensual recording during intimate moments has been launched by German sexual health brand Billy Boy. The application, named Camdom, is described as a "digital condom" that blocks electronic devices from capturing audio or video without permission. In an announcement, developer Felipe Almeida explained, “Smartphones are now inseparable from people’s lives and hold vast amounts of sensitive data.”

Maharashtra Assembly polls, Congress' in-charge for the State, Ramesh Chennithala alleged on Saturday that crores of rupees have been reportedly offered to two MLAs to join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. Chennithala made those allegations while speaking to reporters in the national capital today. He also questioned the Maharashtra Chief Minister (Eknath Shinde)

developed economy, said ISRO Chairman S. Somanathan, stressing the importance of technological advancements and product development to drive economic growth. He also praised tech mogul Elon Musk for his innovative work in the space sector, noting that Musk's achievements have inspired global efforts, including those within ISRO. Somanathan made these remarks while addressing students at the 13th convocation ceremony of the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Delhi here on Saturday. «If India aspires to become the third, second, or even the first-largest global economy, a revolutionary change is needed. Growth will not be driven by trade and resources alone. We need to create value in technology that powers product development,» he said.

headline inflation trajectory is expected to moderate from the last quarter of this financial year, while unexpected weather events and worsening of geopolitical conflicts pose a major challenge, Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said in Washington DC. On inflation, the RBI Governor spoke about ensuring inflation reaches to the 4% level on a durable basis. Pertinent to note that last week, the governor said that a policy rate cut would be very risky at this juncture. 'Resilient growth has given us the space to focus on inflation so as to ensure its durable descent to the 4 per cent target," Das said at the Macro Week 2024 organised by the Peterson Institute for International Economics at Washington DC.

Yashasvi Jaiswal who showcased his capabilities against mighty New Zealand has sealed records despite India struggling to score against the Kiwis in the ongoing test series. The new entry to the team etched his name into the record books, continuing his incredible run of form in Test cricket. The 22-year-old left-hander, who made his India debut in July 2023, reached yet another milestone on Saturday by becoming only the third Indian cricketer to score over 1000 runs in home Tests in a single calendar year. He joins Indian legends Gundappa Vishwanath (1047) and Sunil Gavaskar (1013), both of whom accomplished the feat in 1979. This achievement comes just a day after Jaiswal became the first Indian to score 1000 Test runs in a calendar year before turning 23. His stellar performances have seen him accumulate more than 1300 runs in his short Test career, at an impressive average of nearly 60, which includes three centuries and eight fifties.

NASA is actively tracking multiple asteroids expected to fly by Earth between October 26 and 28, 2024. Among them are asteroids 2024 TB2, 2007 UT3, and the larger 2020 WG. Experts confirm there is no threat to Earth from these celestial objects, highlighting the opportunity for scientific research.

Alphabet's self-driving unit, Waymo, said on Friday it had closed a $5.6 billion funding round led by the Google parent, as it looks to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service. Automakers and technology companies are investing in autonomous ride-hailing services to capitalize on the technology to drive commercial success, even as it faces widespread skepticism and tight regulatory scrutiny. The investment round also saw participation from existing investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Fidelity, Perry Creek, Silver Lake, Tiger Global, and T. Rowe Price, Waymo said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said her first journey as a public representative of Wayanad is not her first as a public fighter as she asserted that fighting for democracy, justice and values enshrined in the Constitution is central to her life. In an open letter to the people of Wayanad, after she filed her nomination papers from the constituency, she told them that she would work with them closely and help address their challenges. Urging people to elect her as an MP in the November 13 bypoll, she promised that her work would serve to deepen the bond with them and that she would do all she could to fight for them and represent them in the way that they wish to be represented in Parliament. She said the people of Wayanad will be «my guides and teachers» in this journey, which is her first as a public representative.

Ballistic missiles form an important part of Iran's arsenal and were used in its Oct. 1 strike on Israel, an attack that Israel responded to on Saturday with raids on Iranian military sites. Israel warned Iran not to retaliate for Saturday's strikes, the latest salvo in their escalating conflict, while a semi-official Iranian news agency vowed a «proportional reaction». The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence says Iran is armed with the largest number of ballistic missiles in the Middle East. Here are some details: