| 02 November, 2025, 07:40 PM IST |

ET Magazine

Sunday paper has revamped form, content & style to become more personal. Stories bridge macro-micro divide, connecting business & economy to everyday decisions and offer incisive analysis & encourage fresh thinking.

Lisbon citizenship moat turns HNIs to friendlier climesPortugal has doubled the time for foreigners to get citizenship to ten years. This impacts wealthy Indians seeking EU passports. Europe's attitude towards investment migration is changing. Experts note a more complex path for global investors. Indian high-net-worth individuals are now looking for other countries. This shift affects investment plans and capital.

Car sales hit record high in October 2025 as festive cheer and GST cuts drive demandIndian car sales hit a record high in October. Automakers reported strong dispatches as festive season deals and GST cuts boosted buyer interest. Major companies like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra saw their best-ever monthly sales. Two-wheeler and commercial vehicle segments also performed well. Farm equipment sales also saw a significant increase.

Delhi air quality crisis: Companies embrace remote work as residents seek cleaner getawaysDelhi-NCR's severe air pollution is impacting daily life. Companies are allowing remote work for staff wellbeing. Many residents are taking last-minute trips to escape the smog. Hill stations and coastal areas are seeing a surge in bookings. People are prioritizing health and seeking cleaner environments.

Sales glut pips tax cut as GST mop-up keeps risingIn October, the Goods and Services Tax collections soared to Rs 1.95 lakh crore, marking a 4.6% rise compared to the previous year. Notably, this increase transpired even with substantial tax cuts in place. The surge in domestic consumption played a pivotal role in boosting these figures, effectively covering potential revenue shortfalls.

Xi bats for global AI body to trump USChinese President Xi Jinping is championing a new global body for artificial intelligence governance. He presented this initiative at the APEC leaders' meeting, aiming to foster international cooperation. This move also highlights China's growing influence in trade and technology. The proposal seeks to make AI a global public good. China will host the APEC summit in Shenzhen in 2026.

ET Graphics: After Bihar rollout, Bengal readies for special voter list revision driveFollowing Bihar's successful special intensive revision of electoral rolls, Bengal's booth-level officers are set to begin house-to-house visits next week. Lessons learned from the Bihar experiment have been integrated, with some forms even customized to ensure a smoother process for updating the electoral rolls.

Eight women and a child killed in stampede at Andhra templeA stampede at Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam district claimed nine lives, including eight women and a boy. Many others sustained injuries. The tragedy occurred due to a railing collapse on the first floor, exacerbated by a narrow entrance and exit. Organizers failed to inform police about the event. An inquiry has been ordered.

Cyclone grounds leaders, washes out Bihar ralliesCyclone Montha has disrupted Bihar's election campaign. Heavy rain and low visibility grounded helicopters, forcing leaders to cancel rallies. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar opted for road travel. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed gatherings virtually. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav cancelled multiple rallies, connecting with some audiences by phone. The JDU commented on the differing approaches.

'Modi's lasting legacy will be the end of vote-bank politics': Berjis DesaiA new book, 'Modi's Mission', details Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey. It highlights his transformation of the BJP into a party focused on welfare and inclusivity. The book covers his early life, his rise within the party, and his premiership. Modi's initiatives are presented as key to positioning the BJP as a party for the poor.

After Trump's 'G2' meet, maybe it's time for Indians to (really) be Asian?India's perception of Asia needs a reset. The nation has historically viewed itself apart from the continent, often through a Western lens. Recent global events suggest a shift in Asian dynamics. Understanding Asia, beyond Western interpretations, is crucial for India's strategic autonomy. This involves recognizing Asia's evolving influence and its potential to provide a counterbalance.

TV studios seek to retain IP, diversify revenue streamsThe landscape of Indian television production is evolving rapidly. With declining revenues from traditional TV, studios are pivoting towards creating and owning content specifically for digital platforms. Industry leaders like Balaji Telefilms and Swastik Stories are not just adapting; they are thriving by taking ownership of their intellectual property.

Commercial LPG cylinder prices cut across metros from November 1, ATF prices hiked nearly 1%Commercial LPG cylinder prices have seen a reduction across major metros, offering relief to businesses. However, jet fuel prices have climbed for the second consecutive month, potentially impacting airline operating costs. Domestic LPG, petrol, and diesel rates remain unchanged, with revisions based on global benchmarks and exchange rates.

Pfizer sues Metsera, Novo Nordisk over rival obesity drug bidPfizer sued Metsera and Novo Nordisk, alleging Metsera breached its merger agreement by deeming Novo's $8.5 billion bid superior. Pfizer seeks to block Metsera's termination and ensure its own deal proceeds, having received early antitrust clearance. The legal battle highlights a competition for Metsera's promising obesity drug pipeline.

India's stand in Indo-Pacific not aimed at any nation: Rajnath SinghIn his address on 'Reflection on 15 Years of ADMM-Plus and Charting a Way Forward', Singh said inclusivity in security means ensuring that every nation - regardless of its size or capability - has an equitable role in shaping the regional order and benefiting from it.

Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 5,817 cr still in circulation: RBIHigh-value Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 5,817 crore remain in circulation. The Reserve Bank of India announced their withdrawal in May 2023. Most notes have been returned, with 98.37 percent accounted for. The Rs 2,000 banknotes continue to be legal tender. People can still exchange them at RBI issue offices or send them via India Post.

Railway continues highest ever streak with 2.3% rise in October freightIndian Railways freight loading saw a 2.3 percent rise in October 2025. Monthly freight earnings hit a record high. Growth in containers and other goods shows traffic diversification. New scheduled cargo services connect production and consumption centers. These services are now operating efficiently. Timely delivery of containerized cargo is also being facilitated.

EPFO rolls out Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025A new Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025 will encourage employers to enroll eligible employees with EPFO. Starting November 1, 2025, employers will face minimal penalties for past employee contributions. This initiative aims to boost workforce formalization and ease of doing business. The EPFO is also enhancing its digital platform, EPFO 3.0, for greater efficiency and accessibility.

JuD expands network in BangladeshThe ongoing visit to Bangladesh by Ibtisam Elahi Zahir, general secretary of Pakistan's Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith and a close aide of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, has raised concerns about efforts to encourage radical ideas in a country, according to Bangladesh watchers.

India's military drill underway, Pakistan issues parallel warningIndia's major military exercise 'Trishul' is currently underway in the Arabian Sea. Pakistan has issued a parallel navigation warning for naval firing drills in the same area. This exercise involves warships, combat aircraft, and troops, focusing on integrated missions. Rajnath Singh recently cautioned against any misadventure from across the border.

Regional parties in Northeast mull tribal front to push indigenous causesThe move comes against the backdrop of renewed tribal assertions and identity-based politics in the Northeast. The BJP had earlier created the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) as an anti-Congress platform, while the Congress operates through its Northeast Congress Coordination Committee (NECCC).

Nitish Kumar appeals to voters, says 'being a Bihari now a matter of pride'"When we took office in 2005, being called a Bihari was considered an insult. Since then, we've worked with honesty and dedication. Today, it's an honour," Kumar said. Highlighting improved law and order, he said restoring peace and enforcing the rule of law were among his government's earliest and most significant achievements.

How is India's middle-class revolutionizing consumption trends and what does it mean for the future?India's consumers are changing. They are moving from loose goods to branded items. Digital platforms are influencing choices. Health and wellness are now priorities, leading to shifts in spending. Premium products are gaining traction. This evolution signals a dynamic market transformation across the nation.

How Saudi Arabia and Qatar benefited from rule changes to reach the World CupFor the first time, it appears to have had an effect on events on the field, too. The Qatari and Saudi national teams secured places in October in next summer's World Cup after soccer's governing body in Asia -- a recipient of lavish funding from the two Persian Gulf states -- changed qualification rules to give them home-field advantage, extra rest days and access to more tickets for fans.

Cricketer Shreyas Iyer discharged from hospital, to remain in Sydney for recovery: BCCIIndian batter Shreyas Iyer has been discharged from a Sydney hospital. He sustained an abdominal injury during a match against Australia on October 25, 2025. Iyer is recovering well and will remain in Sydney for follow-up consultations. He will return to India once deemed fit to fly. This injury puts his participation in upcoming ODIs in serious jeopardy.

Rohan Bopanna retires: Oldest Grand Slam Champion & World No. 1 announces retirement after a glorious 22-year journey in tennisIndian tennis icon Rohan Bopanna has announced his retirement after a 22-year career, concluding his journey at the Paris Masters. Bopanna, who became the oldest Grand Slam champion and World No. 1 in men's doubles at 44, expressed immense pride in representing India. He remains committed to nurturing future talent through his academy.

US urges ASEAN to be firm in countering China in the South China SeaUS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Southeast Asian nations to strengthen their navies. He spoke out against China's actions in the South China Sea. Hegseth called for a united front to counter Beijing's growing assertiveness. He also proposed enhanced regional cooperation and surveillance. This aims to deter provocations and ensure freedom of navigation for all nations.

Forget AQI, mehfils are in the Delhi airDelhi is witnessing a vibrant resurgence of ticketed mehfils that marry the elegance of classical music with the charm of beloved retro hits. These curated events, ranging from cozy baithaks to elaborate performances, create a structured yet relaxed atmosphere for culture enthusiasts.

Berkshire cash sets record as profit rises, signaling caution ahead of Warren Buffett exitFor a 12th straight quarter, Buffett's conglomerate sold more stocks than it bought for its $283.2 billion equity portfolio, whose holdings include Apple and American Express. Berkshire also did not repurchase any of its own stock, the fifth straight quarter without buybacks, though its stock price has significantly lagged the broader market.