Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

18 Oct, 2025, 05:31PM IST, PTI
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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
Billionaire in a Netflix-like plot stares at endgameBillionaire in a Netflix-like plot stares at endgame
A Belgian court has approved the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India, a key figure in the 2018 PNB scam. Choksi's international journey involved fleeing India, settling in Antigua, a mysterious disappearance, and subsequent arrest in Dominica. His extradition marks a significant step towards his trial in Indian courts. Read more
As Dhanteras 2025 arrives, gold’s 63% rally fuels talk of Rs 1.5 lakh levels. Check what analysts have to sayAs Dhanteras 2025 arrives, gold’s 63% rally fuels talk of Rs 1.5 lakh levels. Check what analysts have to say
Gold prices have surged by an astonishing 63% in India over the past year, reaching near record highs of Rs 1,28,200 per 10 grams on Dhanteras 2025. Analysts anticipate further gains, with a Rs 1.5 lakh target per 10 grams in sight, driven by geopolitical tensions, central bank buying, and expected US interest rate cuts. Read more
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How's the Josh after Diwali gifts? Sitharaman, Vaishnaw state how Indians gained from GST cutsHow's the Josh after Diwali gifts? Sitharaman, Vaishnaw state how Indians gained from GST cuts
Nearly a month after the new GST rates came into effect, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and IT & Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indians are benefiting from the cuts. Sitharaman noted that tax reductions on all 54 daily-use items monitored by the government have been passed on to consumers. Read more
FASTag annual pass can now be gifted as Diwali present; Here's how you can do itFASTag annual pass can now be gifted as Diwali present; Here's how you can do it
NHAI's FASTag annual pass can now be gifted via the Rajmargyatra app, simplifying toll payments for national highway users. This pass, costing Rs 3,000 for a year or 200 crossings, offers economical travel for non-commercial vehicles. Launched on August 15, 2025, it has already seen over 25 lakh users and 5.67 crore transactions. Read more
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Gujarat Cabinet Rejig: Harsh Sanghvi, Rivaba Jadeja and 24 others sworn in as ministersGujarat Cabinet Rejig: Harsh Sanghvi, Rivaba Jadeja and 24 others sworn in as ministers
Gujarat's revamped cabinet saw 26 ministers sworn in, including new Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi and Rivaba Jadeja. The ceremony in Gandhinagar was attended by Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and BJP National President JP Nadda. Several other prominent leaders also took their oaths. Read more
China wants India to stop copying its playbookChina wants India to stop copying its playbook
India's push for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing is drawing global attention. China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization, alleging India's subsidy schemes violate trade rules. This move suggests India's industrial strategy is beginning to impact global manufacturing powerhouses. India is actively building domestic capacity, aiming for self-reliance and potentially altering global supply chains. Read more
India expects $7.4 billion spending on fighter jet engines over next decadeIndia expects $7.4 billion spending on fighter jet engines over next decade
India plans to invest approximately 654 billion rupees by 2035 for fighter jet engines, requiring around 1,100 units for ongoing programs. Efforts are underway to develop indigenous engines, with a Kaveri derivative eyed for unmanned vehicles. A co-developed 5th-gen stealth fighter engine is also in the works, attracting international interest. Read more
Billionaire Anil Agarwal's company makes Rs 1,000 crore profit from silver in 3 monthsBillionaire Anil Agarwal's company makes Rs 1,000 crore profit from silver in 3 months
Vedanta Group’s Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) posted a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 2,649 crore in Q2 FY26, up 19% sequentially, driven largely by silver, which contributed nearly Rs 1,060 crore or 40% of total profits. Silver revenue rose 10% QoQ to Rs 1,706 crore, highlighting HZL’s strategic edge in precious metals alongside its core zinc business. Read more
Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, wife Sudha Murty decline to take part in caste surveyInfosys founder Narayana Murthy, wife Sudha Murty decline to take part in caste survey
Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murty have refused to participate in Karnataka's ongoing social and educational survey. Sources state they informed enumerators they do not belong to any backward caste. Sudha Murty submitted a self-declaration letter for refusal. The survey, which began on September 22, has been extended. Schools are closed for the survey's duration. Read more
India’s car titan may ride the small wonder that built its empireIndia’s car titan may ride the small wonder that built its empire
Small cars are making a comeback in India, driven by government GST rationalization and Maruti Suzuki's strategic focus on converting two-wheeler owners to first-time car buyers. Recent price cuts and attractive financing schemes have led to a surge in bookings, with Maruti aiming to sell significantly more mini cars in FY26. Read more
Free gold on Dhanteras! Indian jewellers hatch lucrative plans to trump your price painFree gold on Dhanteras! Indian jewellers hatch lucrative plans to trump your price pain
Gold prices are at an all-time high in India, presenting a challenge for jewellers this festive season. Despite the cost, consumers are adapting by opting for lighter designs and new purity options. Brands are responding with innovative strategies, focusing on emotional value and digital convenience. Read more
UK sanctions Gujarat oil refinery: There should be no double standards on energy trade, says IndiaUK sanctions Gujarat oil refinery: There should be no double standards on energy trade, says India
India has stated it does not support unilateral sanctions. The nation emphasizes the importance of energy security for its citizens. Indian companies source energy globally based on market conditions. India calls for an end to double standards in energy trade. This comes after the UK imposed sanctions on the Vadinar oil refinery in Gujarat. Read more
Who's winning the blame game over the shutdown? Here's what a new AP-NORC poll showsWho's winning the blame game over the shutdown? Here's what a new AP-NORC poll shows
A new AP-NORC poll reveals most Americans view the ongoing government shutdown as a significant problem, with blame distributed among President Trump, Republicans, and Democrats. The stalemate centers on extending health insurance tax credits, a key issue for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms. Read more
Pakistan to hold talks with Afghanistan in Qatar after latest strikesPakistan to hold talks with Afghanistan in Qatar after latest strikes
Pakistan and Afghan Taliban delegations are set to meet in Doha on Saturday after Islamabad carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan that killed at least 10 people and ended a 48-hour border ceasefire. Pakistan’s state TV said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik will lead the Pakistani team; the Taliban confirmed a high-level delegation led by Defence Minister Mohammed Yaqub also departed for Doha. Read more
How India is playing its oil-buying gameHow India is playing its oil-buying game
India's foreign policy has prioritised national interest amid global shifts. Recent claims about stopping Russian oil imports were dismissed. India is diversifying oil sources, increasing purchases from the US. This strategic approach balances relationships with key energy partners, demonstrating a mature and confident foreign policy. Read more
Delhi HC imposes Rs 20K costs on Centre for concealing facts in Sameer Wankhede's promotion caseDelhi HC imposes Rs 20K costs on Centre for concealing facts in Sameer Wankhede's promotion case
The Delhi High Court fined the central government Rs 20,000. This action was taken for hiding facts in a plea regarding IRS officer Sameer Wankhede's promotion. The court emphasized truthful disclosure of all information. The government sought to review a previous order directing Wankhede's promotion based on UPSC recommendations. The court dismissed the review petition. Read more
Afghan cricketers killed: All about three players that died during Pakistan's airstrikes on PaktikaAfghan cricketers killed: All about three players that died during Pakistan's airstrikes on Paktika
Afghanistan has pulled out of an upcoming cricket series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated three players died in an attack. They identified the deceased as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. These players were among eight killed in an airstrike. The incident occurred after a friendly match in Sharana. The players were attacked upon returning home. Read more
No telephone conversation between Modi & Trump yesterday: MEA counters US President's claimNo telephone conversation between Modi & Trump yesterday: MEA counters US President's claim
India’s External Affairs Ministry on Thursday said it is “not aware of any conversation” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump regarding Russian oil purchases, countering Trump’s claim that Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian crude. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified there was no call or discussion between the leaders on the matter. Read more
Centre okays construction of additional 1.41 lakh houses under PMAY-Urban 2.0Centre okays construction of additional 1.41 lakh houses under PMAY-Urban 2.0
The Union Housing Ministry has taken a remarkable step forward by approving more than 1.41 lakh new housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0. With this move, the total number of sanctioned homes surpasses 10 lakh, thanks to the action of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee. Read more
'Modi is frightened of Trump': Rahul Gandhi criticises PM over US President's remark on Russian oil buys'Modi is frightened of Trump': Rahul Gandhi criticises PM over US President's remark on Russian oil buys
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the party have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following Donald Trump's claim that India will stop purchasing oil from Russia. They allege Modi is "frightened" of Trump and has compromised India's honor and foreign policy for personal gain, ruining relations with Russia. Read more

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