ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, expressing eagerness to renew collaboration to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit and global peace.
Parliamentary affairs
Panel delays talks on ties with Canada and China: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs deferred deliberations on Indo-Canada and Indo-China relations for the second time, as discussions on budgetary gaps and vacancies in the Central Passport Organisation ran over schedule.
Jaishankar focuses on strategic partnerships in Canberra
Jaishankar strengthens strategic ties in Canberra: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and engaged with the Australia–India Parliamentary Friendship Group, while also holding discussions with counterparts from New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates on trade, technology, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
India anticipates steady policy continuity with US post-election: India's Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran stated that regardless of the US presidential election outcome, economic relations will remain consistent, with variations expected only in degrees.
Nasscom seeks stronger US-India tech ties
Trump's win prompts Nasscom's call for stronger tech ties: Nasscom, representing Indian and US tech firms, pledged to collaborate with the new US administration on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Andhra Pradesh approves policies on drones, data centres, and semiconductors: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved policies on drones, data centres, and semiconductors, aiming for $120 million in drone investments and $360 million in revenue, alongside incentives for global semiconductor firms.
Chennai welcomes direct flights from Royal Brunei Airlines: Royal Brunei Airlines commenced direct flights, marking Chennai as its only Indian destination, aiming to connect with the local Indian diaspora and facilitate business and tourism ties with Brunei.
Inflation flagged as PMI, petrochemicals, and auto sales rise
RBI governor signals caution on inflation: India's central bank governor, Shaktikanta Das, highlighted strong economic activity but flagged high inflation, expected to rise further.
Services PMI recovers with rising demand and job growth: India’s services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 58.5 in October, driven by expanding output and new business, alongside a 26-month high in job creation; input price inflation also reached a three-month high amid strong demand across sectors.
Petrochemical growth set to hit $300 billion by 2025: The petrochemical sector, valued at $220 billion, is projected to reach $300 billion by 2025 and $1 trillion by 2040, with $45 billion invested in new projects and $100 billion expected over the next decade, according to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri.
Strong retail sales across automobile segments in October: Automobile retail sales rose 32% year-on-year and 64% month-on-month in October, driven by festive demand, rural growth, and new model launches.
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SIG Sauer partners with Pune firm for local assault rifle production: Arms manufacturer SIG Sauer will produce a portion of its order for 145,000 assault rifles in India, following a new partnership with the Nibe Group, with plans for full local manufacturing by 2025 for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
TRAI satellite spectrum rules expected
Satellite spectrum rules to clarify allocation and security terms: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will soon release recommendations on satellite spectrum allocation, pricing tied to Adjusted Gross Revenue, and licensing terms, including security requirements.
Competition Commission recalls Flipkart report amid privacy concerns: India's Competition Commission of India (CCI) has retracted its investigation report into alleged competition law breaches by Walmart's Flipkart, responding to Xiaomi's complaint that sensitive commercial data was included.
J&K Assembly
J&K Assembly calls for dialogue on special status restoration: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that the Assembly passed a resolution seeking dialogue with the Centre for restoring the region's special status, which was revoked in August 2019.
Delhi Today: Plenty of sun; air quality remains 'very poor.'