Business

India’s industrial production in October grew a mere 0.4%, marking a 14-month low and signaling a slowdown in economic activity. This is significantly below September’s 4% growth and also under the 3.1% forecasted by economists in a Reuters poll. The modest rise in output came despite stronger domestic consumption across major categories, partly driven by the goods and services tax (GST) cuts implemented on September 22. The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation attributed the slowdown to fewer working days due to festivals like Dussehra and Deepawali. Breaking down the sectors, manufacturing output increased just 1.8% in October compared with 4.8% in September, while mining and electricity declined 1.8% and 6.9%, respectively. These three sectors together account fo...

The central government will introduce two legislative bills in Parliament on Monday: The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to increase the excise levy on tobacco products, and The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, establishing a new cess on pan masala as the GST compensation cess is concluding. The Central Government plans to increase excise duty on tobacco products through an amendment to the Central Excise Act, 1944. This adjustment is aimed at sustaining tax levels following the cessation of the GST compensation cess. Additionally, a new Health Security and National Security Cess will be applied to pan masala and potentially other goods, intended to enhance funding for national security and public health expenditures, especially in light of rising...

Oriflame has announced new scientific findings showing that its patented bioactivating technology, Oripeptide-3, significantly supports key biological drivers of skin ageing. Central to the NovAge+ range, the breakthrough underscores Oriflame’s two-decade-long research into cellular health, skin longevity, and anti-ageing science. Developed to work with the skin’s natural biology, Oripeptide-3 targets five recognised hallmarks of ageing, including DNA protection, cellular renewal, protein quality maintenance, and boosting cellular energy for repair and defence. According to Oriflame’s Director of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Lene Visdal-Johnsen, the technology strengthens the foundation for healthier, more resilient, and youthful-looking skin. Edyta Kurek, Senior VP & Hea...

Royal Enfield is rapidly expanding its portfolio of high-performance motorcycles, and the new Bullet 650 is a prime example. The motorcycle was first unveiled at EICMA 2025 and made its India debut at Motoverse 2025 in Goa, ahead of its expected launch in January 2026. The Bullet 650 will be the most powerful model ever in the iconic Bullet lineup and the latest entrant in Royal Enfield’s 650 cc range, which also includes the Bear 650, Super Meteor 650, Classic 650, Continental GT 650, Shotgun 650, and Interceptor 650. The Bullet 650 combines nostalgia with modern performance. It retains the classic upright riding stance, winged badge, hand-painted pinstripes on the teardrop fuel tank, and tiger-eye pilot lamps, along with chrome-accented retro-themed round LED headlamps and multi-spok...

The BMW F 450 GS is the latest addition to the lineup of motorcycles jointly developed and produced at Hosur under the TVS-BMW partnership. Previously, the collaboration gained recognition for models like the G 310 R, G 310 GS, and G 310 RR, which generated strong demand across more than 100 global markets. With the F 450 GS now in production, the alliance is signaling a strategic move into the premium, higher-capacity segment. This launch coincides with another landmark achievement: 200,000 units produced since the partnership began in 2013. Executives from both companies said this milestone highlights the evolution of their collaboration from an experimental co-development effort to a globally recognized portfolio of entry-premium motorcycles. Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW Motorrad, e...

Oriflame’s latest scientific findings reveal that its patented bioactivating technology, Oripeptide-3, significantly supports five key biological drivers of skin ageing, marking a notable advancement in the brand’s NovAge+ range. Developed over nearly 20 years, Oripeptide-3 works with the skin’s natural biology to enhance DNA protection, protein quality, cellular renewal, energy for repair, and overall skin function, supporting healthier, resilient, and youthful-looking skin.“Longevity is the next frontier in beauty, and our research at the molecular and cellular level positions Oriflame at the forefront of this transformation,” said Dr. LeneVisdal-Johnsen, Director, Scientific Research and Innovation, Oriflame Global R&D. EdytaKurek, Senior VP & Head, Oriflame India and Indonesia...

Winter usually brings cozy evenings with blankets, heaters, and movie marathons, but this season, it also marks peak wedding celebrations with house parties, sangeets, dance-offs, and late-night music. If your current speaker struggles with bass or your soundbar falters during long movie sessions, now is the perfect time to upgrade. The Amazon Mega Music Fest offers discounts of up to 50% on home audio systems, soundbars, and portable speakers from top brands like Sony, JBL, boAt, Marshall, Bose, and Bang & Olufsen. Options range from powerful home theatre systems and soundbars like the JBL Cinema SB271 and Sonos Arc Ultra to portable Bluetooth speakers such as Marshall Kilburn II, Bose SoundLink Max, Beosound A1, and Bose SoundLink Flex. Wired and wireless headphones, including So...

Mahindra is preparing to launch its all-electric SUV, the XEV 9S, on 27th November 2025. Ahead of the official release, the company has shared several teasers highlighting its design, interior, and features. The XEV 9S will enter India’s electric SUV market, directly competing with models like the Tata Harrier.ev. The latest teaser almost fully reveals the SUV’s exterior, showcasing a bold LED DRL stretching across the front, complemented by Mahindra’s illuminated Twin Peaks infinity logo at the centre for a premium look. Distinctive alloy wheels with aero disc blades and a gloss-black centre finish further enhance its styling, with the final size, 18-inch or 19-inch, to be confirmed at launch. The interior features five screens, including a triple-screen front dashboard and two rear d...

The Centre plans to complete the privatisation of IDBI Bank by FY26, with the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) managing the anticipated sale of a 61% stake. The current ownership of the bank consists of 45.48% held by the government and 49.24% by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). The long-delayed privatization of IDBI Bank is gaining momentum as Kotak Mahindra Bank shows interest in acquiring a significant stake in the bank. This development introduces a new competitor alongside global investment firms Oaktree Capital and Fairfax, who had previously been considered potential buyers during earlier stages of the privatization process. The NDTV Profit report outlines challenges facing potential bidders for IDBI Bank, primarily its substantial market capi...

The Tata Sierra has become one of the most talked-about names in India’s passenger vehicle market, marking the return of an SUV first sold between 1993 and 2001 and known as one of the country’s earliest true off-roaders. Now set for a grand comeback on November 25, the Sierra has been reimagined with modern technology and premium features. Tata recently showcased the new model, offering a clear look at its redesigned styling and equipment. The 2025 Sierra blends contemporary design with nostalgic touches from the original. A flat front end and the signature alpine-window-inspired blacked-out C-pillar create a retro connection, while modern additions include LED headlamps, a full-width LED DRL, sleek connected taillamps, new alloys and skid plates. Inside, the cabin is entirely reva...