Sitharaman Links Market Weakness to Liquidity and Easy Exits
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has linked the Indian stock market’s recent underperformance to abundant liquidity and investors’ ability to exit quickly. She also identified sustained capital outflows as a major risk for India in 2027, while saying the country’s economic fundamentals remain sound. Sitharaman Points to Easy Exits and Market Liquidity Speaking to CNBC in Bangkok on the sidelines of the IMF–World Bank annual meetings, Sitharama
Sitharaman Links Market Weakness to Liquidity and Easy Exits
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has linked the Indian stock market’s recent underperformance to abundant liquidity and investors’ ability to exit quickly. She also identified sustained capital outflows as a major risk for India in 2027, while saying the country’s economic fundamentals remain sound. Sitharaman Points to Easy Exits and Market Liquidity Speaking to CNBC in Bangkok on the sidelines of the IMF–World Bank annual meetings, Sitharama
Illinois Teen Arrested Over Alleged Hindu Temple Shooting Plot
A 19-year-old Illinois resident has been arrested over an alleged mass shooting plan that investigators believe may have targeted a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. Alexandros Paporakis, of Palatine, was taken into custody on October 11 following an investigation involving two local police departments. He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. A judge ordered his continued detention at a Wednesday hearing in Ro
Illinois Teen Arrested Over Alleged Hindu Temple Shooting Plot
A 19-year-old Illinois resident has been arrested over an alleged mass shooting plan that investigators believe may have targeted a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. Alexandros Paporakis, of Palatine, was taken into custody on October 11 following an investigation involving two local police departments. He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. A judge ordered his continued detention at a Wednesday hearing in Ro
IND vs WI: Shamar Joseph Criticised Over Arshdeep Short Balls
West Indies’ 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad was followed by debate over Shamar Joseph’s short-pitched bowling to Arshdeep Singh. Former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami questioned the approach when India faced an extremely difficult chase in the final over. India needed 35 runs from six deliveries with one wicket remaining. Arshdeep was on strike, while Mayank Yadav stood at the non-striker’s end. Joseph continued to use short deliveries, wit
IND vs WI: Shamar Joseph Criticised Over Arshdeep Short Balls
West Indies’ 24-run victory over India in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad was followed by debate over Shamar Joseph’s short-pitched bowling to Arshdeep Singh. Former Bengal cricketer Shreevats Goswami questioned the approach when India faced an extremely difficult chase in the final over. India needed 35 runs from six deliveries with one wicket remaining. Arshdeep was on strike, while Mayank Yadav stood at the non-striker’s end. Joseph continued to use short deliveries, wit
Three Indians Killed in Germany Fire; Suspected Arson Probed
Three Indians Killed in Bochum Building Fire Three Indian nationals were killed when a fire broke out at a residential building in Bochum’s Hofstede district, according to German media accounts citing police. The victims were two women aged 25 and 27 and a 26-year-old man. Their names and home states in India were not immediately available. Firefighters discovered the three victims dead inside a second-floor apartment aft
Three Indians Killed in Germany Fire; Suspected Arson Probed
Three Indians Killed in Bochum Building Fire Three Indian nationals were killed when a fire broke out at a residential building in Bochum’s Hofstede district, according to German media accounts citing police. The victims were two women aged 25 and 27 and a 26-year-old man. Their names and home states in India were not immediately available. Firefighters discovered the three victims dead inside a second-floor apartment aft
L Murugan Resigns as Union Minister, Eyes Tamil Nadu BJP Push
L Murugan has announced his resignation as Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, along with his resignation from the Rajya Sabha. He said he wants to return to grassroots politics and dedicate himself to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. In a message on X, Murugan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve in the Union government. He described his minis
L Murugan Resigns as Union Minister, Eyes Tamil Nadu BJP Push
L Murugan has announced his resignation as Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, along with his resignation from the Rajya Sabha. He said he wants to return to grassroots politics and dedicate himself to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. In a message on X, Murugan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to serve in the Union government. He described his minis
Ananya Nagalla Launches HIDI to Empower Women
Telugu actress Ananya Nagalla has launched HIDI, a clothing brand built around “Everyday Indian Wear” and women’s empowerment. She plans to employ an all-women workforce, offer stylish and comfortable Indian outfits for daily use, and explore franchise expansion in the future. A New Venture With a Social Purpose Ananya Nagalla is adding entrepreneurship to her work in Telugu cinema and social service with the launch
Ananya Nagalla Launches HIDI to Empower Women
Telugu actress Ananya Nagalla has launched HIDI, a clothing brand built around “Everyday Indian Wear” and women’s empowerment. She plans to employ an all-women workforce, offer stylish and comfortable Indian outfits for daily use, and explore franchise expansion in the future. A New Venture With a Social Purpose Ananya Nagalla is adding entrepreneurship to her work in Telugu cinema and social service with the launch
Zoho Pauses Pay Hikes as Sridhar Vembu Warns of Rising AI Costs
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has said the software company will not provide its usual annual salary increases this year as it faces rising operating expenses and an uncertain business outlook. In a post on X, Vembu explained that the company has reduced marketing spending and informed employees about the decision. Vembu said he had apologised to staff for being unable to prevent the pause in pay increases. He also thanked e
Zoho Pauses Pay Hikes as Sridhar Vembu Warns of Rising AI Costs
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has said the software company will not provide its usual annual salary increases this year as it faces rising operating expenses and an uncertain business outlook. In a post on X, Vembu explained that the company has reduced marketing spending and informed employees about the decision. Vembu said he had apologised to staff for being unable to prevent the pause in pay increases. He also thanked e
Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of Shielding CEC Ahead of Delhi March
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday, October 12, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, escalating the opposition’s campaign over alleged electoral irregularities. Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, Gandhi said the INDIA bloc’s proposed march to the Supreme Court would draw attention to its
Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of Shielding CEC Ahead of Delhi March
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday, October 12, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, escalating the opposition’s campaign over alleged electoral irregularities. Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, Gandhi said the INDIA bloc’s proposed march to the Supreme Court would draw attention to its
Modi Urges Youth to Lead India’s Developed Nation Mission by 2047
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on young Indians to take an active role in building a developed nation by 2047, placing education, innovation, sporting achievement and social responsibility at the centre of his message. Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai, Modi said the younger generation had the creativity, ability and determination to advance India’s d
Modi Urges Youth to Lead India’s Developed Nation Mission by 2047
Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on young Indians to take an active role in building a developed nation by 2047, placing education, innovation, sporting achievement and social responsibility at the centre of his message. Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai, Modi said the younger generation had the creativity, ability and determination to advance India’s d
Congress Seeks Gyanesh Kumar’s Exit Before Delimitation Talks
The Congress on Monday urged the Union government to formally end Parliament’s Monsoon session and initiate an all-party dialogue on delimitation. However, the party said meaningful discussions should be preceded by the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh outlined the demands in a post
Congress Seeks Gyanesh Kumar’s Exit Before Delimitation Talks
The Congress on Monday urged the Union government to formally end Parliament’s Monsoon session and initiate an all-party dialogue on delimitation. However, the party said meaningful discussions should be preceded by the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh outlined the demands in a post
Revanth Reddy Calls BJP Raavan, Congress Ram in Goa
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy used a religious analogy to criticise the Bharatiya Janata Party during a public address in Goa on Sunday, October 11. He compared the BJP to Raavan and presented the Congress as Ram, urging voters to unite behind his party. The comparison formed part of his attack on the BJP and his appeal for Congress support in Goa. His remarks framed the rivalry through familiar figures from t
Revanth Reddy Calls BJP Raavan, Congress Ram in Goa
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy used a religious analogy to criticise the Bharatiya Janata Party during a public address in Goa on Sunday, October 11. He compared the BJP to Raavan and presented the Congress as Ram, urging voters to unite behind his party. The comparison formed part of his attack on the BJP and his appeal for Congress support in Goa. His remarks framed the rivalry through familiar figures from t
Indian-Origin Navi Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize 2026
Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, the Indian-origin South African jurist and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The Norwegian Nobel Committee’s recognition honours a career devoted to defending human rights, challenging discrimination and strengthening international justice. Navi Pillay’s Indian Roots and Fight Against Apartheid Born in Durban into a family of Indian Tamil origin, Pillay grew up in South Africa during apartheid, when racial discrimination restricted access to education, employment and public institutions. These conditions shaped her commitment to equality and legal protection. In 1967, she established her own law practice and represented anti-apartheid activists. Her work focused on defending people confronting an unjust system and helping those denied equal treatment seek legal remedies. After apartheid ended, she was appointed an acting judge of the South African High Court in 1995. Navi Pillay’s Role in International Justice Pillay became a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 1995 and served as its president from 1999 to 2003. The tribunal prosecuted individuals responsible for serious crimes connected to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. During her tenure, the tribunal delivered judgments that helped shape international criminal law. Among its landmark contributions was recognising that rape and sexual violence could constitute acts of genocide. These decisions strengthened accountability for abuses that had often received inadequate recognition in earlier legal proceedings. Pillay subsequently served as a judge at the International Criminal Court from 2003 to 2008, continuing her work within institutions established to address the gravest international crimes. Navi Pillay’s Leadership at the United Nations From 2008 to 2014, Pillay served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The position placed her at the forefront of international efforts to address discrimination, protect vulnerable communities and encourage governments to uphold their human rights obligations. Her later responsibilities included chairing the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and serving as an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice in proceedings concerning allegations of genocide against Myanmar. Her career connects legal advocacy, judicial service and international human rights investigations. Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize Significance The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize brings renewed attention to the relationship between peace and justice. Pillay’s recognition highlights the role of international law in addressing violence, protecting victims and holding individuals accountable for serious abuses. The UN Human Rights Office welcomed the announcement, recognising her longstanding dedication to human rights. The award also draws attention to her journey from apartheid-era South Africa to some of the world’s most influential judicial and human rights institutions. The prize, worth 12 million Swedish kronor, is scheduled to be presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The ceremony will recognise Pillay’s contribution to advancing peace through law and defending the dignity of people across national boundaries.
Indian-Origin Navi Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize 2026
Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, the Indian-origin South African jurist and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The Norwegian Nobel Committee’s recognition honours a career devoted to defending human rights, challenging discrimination and strengthening international justice. Navi Pillay’s Indian Roots and Fight Against Apartheid Born in Durban into a family of Indian Tamil origin, Pillay grew up in South Africa during apartheid, when racial discrimination restricted access to education, employment and public institutions. These conditions shaped her commitment to equality and legal protection. In 1967, she established her own law practice and represented anti-apartheid activists. Her work focused on defending people confronting an unjust system and helping those denied equal treatment seek legal remedies. After apartheid ended, she was appointed an acting judge of the South African High Court in 1995. Navi Pillay’s Role in International Justice Pillay became a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in 1995 and served as its president from 1999 to 2003. The tribunal prosecuted individuals responsible for serious crimes connected to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. During her tenure, the tribunal delivered judgments that helped shape international criminal law. Among its landmark contributions was recognising that rape and sexual violence could constitute acts of genocide. These decisions strengthened accountability for abuses that had often received inadequate recognition in earlier legal proceedings. Pillay subsequently served as a judge at the International Criminal Court from 2003 to 2008, continuing her work within institutions established to address the gravest international crimes. Navi Pillay’s Leadership at the United Nations From 2008 to 2014, Pillay served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The position placed her at the forefront of international efforts to address discrimination, protect vulnerable communities and encourage governments to uphold their human rights obligations. Her later responsibilities included chairing the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and serving as an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice in proceedings concerning allegations of genocide against Myanmar. Her career connects legal advocacy, judicial service and international human rights investigations. Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize Significance The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize brings renewed attention to the relationship between peace and justice. Pillay’s recognition highlights the role of international law in addressing violence, protecting victims and holding individuals accountable for serious abuses. The UN Human Rights Office welcomed the announcement, recognising her longstanding dedication to human rights. The award also draws attention to her journey from apartheid-era South Africa to some of the world’s most influential judicial and human rights institutions. The prize, worth 12 million Swedish kronor, is scheduled to be presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The ceremony will recognise Pillay’s contribution to advancing peace through law and defending the dignity of people across national boundaries.
India Calls JD Vance’s H-1B Remark Deeply Offensive
India has strongly criticised US Vice President JD Vance’s description of foreign technology workers as “indentured servants”, calling the terminology unwarranted and deeply offensive. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended Indian professionals and emphasised their contribution to American businesses, research and innovation. The response followed Washington’s decision to suspend eight technology companie
India Calls JD Vance’s H-1B Remark Deeply Offensive
India has strongly criticised US Vice President JD Vance’s description of foreign technology workers as “indentured servants”, calling the terminology unwarranted and deeply offensive. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) defended Indian professionals and emphasised their contribution to American businesses, research and innovation. The response followed Washington’s decision to suspend eight technology companie
US Green-Card Freeze: GTRI Warns Indian IT of Wider Curbs
The United States’ suspension of a key green-card sponsorship process at eight technology companies has raised concerns over the future of skilled-worker mobility. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has urged India’s IT industry to prepare for the possibility of restrictions extending to hiring and outsourcing, while distinguishing that warning from the immediate scope of the action. Announced on October 8, the suspension affects Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant and Capgemini. It blocks new and pending applications under the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, commonly known as PERM, a route used for employer-sponsored permanent residency. What the Green-Card Freeze Means The immediate concern is uncertainty for employees pursuing permanent residency through the affected employers. Companies may also need to reassess longer-term staffing plans in the United States. However, GTRI said the PERM suspension does not itself prevent H-1B applications under existing rules or cancel workers’ current H-1B status. The report’s warning about wider restrictions is an assessment of potential policy risks, rather than an announcement of a new H-1B hiring ban. This distinction matters for understanding the impact: a disruption to permanent-residency sponsorship does not automatically mean an immediate halt to ongoing IT projects. Why GTRI Sees a Risk for Indian IT GTRI highlighted the industry’s substantial exposure to the American market. According to figures cited in its report, the US accounted for $119.7 billion, or 54.1 per cent, of India’s $221.4 billion in software and IT-enabled services exports during FY2025–26. That dependence makes changes in US immigration and employment policy significant for Indian technology businesses. GTRI urged companies to prepare for possible measures affecting H-1B hiring, movement of skilled professionals and outsourcing. These remain potential risks identified by the think tank, with the present action focused on PERM sponsorship. Delivery From India Could Cushion the Impact The report said India’s delivery model could limit the immediate disruption. Globally, 91.7 per cent of software and IT-enabled services exports were delivered from India, while 8.3 per cent came through professionals working at overseas client locations. Applying those worldwide proportions to US exports, GTRI estimated that approximately $109.8 billion in services was delivered from India and $9.9 billion through on-site work. It clarified that these estimates use global delivery shares rather than US-specific data. The figures suggest that much of the industry’s work can continue without employees being based at American client locations. Nevertheless, uncertainty over residency could complicate workforce planning and employee retention. Diversification, Local Hiring and GCC Opportunities GTRI recommended expanding into additional export markets, strengthening service delivery from India and increasing local hiring in the US where required. It also called for greater investment in artificial intelligence and higher-value technology services. The report identified a possible opportunity for India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Multinational companies could expand engineering work and specialised teams in India if overseas staffing becomes more difficult, potentially supporting employment and technology development. For Indian IT companies, the immediate challenge is to manage residency-related uncertainty while maintaining client delivery. GTRI’s broader message is to build resilience against sudden policy changes through a wider customer base, stronger domestic delivery capabilities and more specialised services.
US Green-Card Freeze: GTRI Warns Indian IT of Wider Curbs
The United States’ suspension of a key green-card sponsorship process at eight technology companies has raised concerns over the future of skilled-worker mobility. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has urged India’s IT industry to prepare for the possibility of restrictions extending to hiring and outsourcing, while distinguishing that warning from the immediate scope of the action. Announced on October 8, the suspension affects Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant and Capgemini. It blocks new and pending applications under the Permanent Labour Certification Programme, commonly known as PERM, a route used for employer-sponsored permanent residency. What the Green-Card Freeze Means The immediate concern is uncertainty for employees pursuing permanent residency through the affected employers. Companies may also need to reassess longer-term staffing plans in the United States. However, GTRI said the PERM suspension does not itself prevent H-1B applications under existing rules or cancel workers’ current H-1B status. The report’s warning about wider restrictions is an assessment of potential policy risks, rather than an announcement of a new H-1B hiring ban. This distinction matters for understanding the impact: a disruption to permanent-residency sponsorship does not automatically mean an immediate halt to ongoing IT projects. Why GTRI Sees a Risk for Indian IT GTRI highlighted the industry’s substantial exposure to the American market. According to figures cited in its report, the US accounted for $119.7 billion, or 54.1 per cent, of India’s $221.4 billion in software and IT-enabled services exports during FY2025–26. That dependence makes changes in US immigration and employment policy significant for Indian technology businesses. GTRI urged companies to prepare for possible measures affecting H-1B hiring, movement of skilled professionals and outsourcing. These remain potential risks identified by the think tank, with the present action focused on PERM sponsorship. Delivery From India Could Cushion the Impact The report said India’s delivery model could limit the immediate disruption. Globally, 91.7 per cent of software and IT-enabled services exports were delivered from India, while 8.3 per cent came through professionals working at overseas client locations. Applying those worldwide proportions to US exports, GTRI estimated that approximately $109.8 billion in services was delivered from India and $9.9 billion through on-site work. It clarified that these estimates use global delivery shares rather than US-specific data. The figures suggest that much of the industry’s work can continue without employees being based at American client locations. Nevertheless, uncertainty over residency could complicate workforce planning and employee retention. Diversification, Local Hiring and GCC Opportunities GTRI recommended expanding into additional export markets, strengthening service delivery from India and increasing local hiring in the US where required. It also called for greater investment in artificial intelligence and higher-value technology services. The report identified a possible opportunity for India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Multinational companies could expand engineering work and specialised teams in India if overseas staffing becomes more difficult, potentially supporting employment and technology development. For Indian IT companies, the immediate challenge is to manage residency-related uncertainty while maintaining client delivery. GTRI’s broader message is to build resilience against sudden policy changes through a wider customer base, stronger domestic delivery capabilities and more specialised services.
Jaishankar calls UN largely irrelevant, urges Security Council reform
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for reforms to the United Nations, saying the organisation has become “largely irrelevant” to decision-making on major global challenges because of persistent divisions within its Security Council. Speaking at the fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi on Monday, October 5, he argued that the world body’s decision-making structure no longer adequately represe
Jaishankar calls UN largely irrelevant, urges Security Council reform
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for reforms to the United Nations, saying the organisation has become “largely irrelevant” to decision-making on major global challenges because of persistent divisions within its Security Council. Speaking at the fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi on Monday, October 5, he argued that the world body’s decision-making structure no longer adequately represe









