News from November 17, 2025

288 articles found

Capillary Technologies IPO Day 2 LIVE: Issue booked 28% so far — Check GMP, subscription and other details
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s trial resumes in the Durban High Court
Samsung reportedly raises memory chip prices by 60% amid global AI demand — will the hike impact customers?
Technology

Samsung reportedly raises memory chip prices by 60% amid global AI demand — will the hike impact customers?

Samsung Electronics has increased memory chip prices by up to 60% this month compared to September amid a global shortage driven by rising demand for AI. This price increase is affecting server makers and could raise costs for smartphones and computers, according to a report by Reuters, citing people familiar with the development.Shares of Samsung, SK Hynix, and US chipmakers surged following the development, highlighting how the AI boom has driven strong demand for chips tailored for AI applications and the memory chips used in them.The price hike comes after Samsung, the world's biggest memory chip manufacturer, decided to delay a formal announcement of pricing for supply contracts in October, the report said. Pricing details are typically announced on a monthly basis. Will the price hike impact customers?The rising prices of these memory chips, primarily used in servers, are expected to add pressure on large companies building their data infrastructure. They are also likely to increase the prices of other products, such as smartphones and computers that use these chips, which could affect customers.Rising costsMany leading server manufacturers and data centre developers now acknowledge that they don't receive enough supply. The prices being paid as premiums are very high," Tobey Gonnerman, president of semiconductor distributor Fusion Worldwide, told Reuters.Samsung contract prices for 32 gigabyte(GB) DDR5 memory chip modules rose to $239 in November from $149 in September, he said.DDR memory chips are used in servers, computers, and other devices to enhance computing performance by temporarily storing data and facilitating quick data transfer and retrieval.The South Korean firm raised the prices of its 16GB DDR5 and 128GB DDR5 chips by approximately 50% to $135 and $1,194, respectively. Prices of 64GB DDR5 and 96GB DDR5 have surged over 30%, Gonnerman said. Samsung has not shared any official update on reported price hikes. Livemint could not independently verify the report.On Sunday, Samsung announced plans to construct a new chip manufacturing line at its South Korean plant, anticipating that AI will boost demand over the medium and long term.The chip shortage has been so intense that it has led to panic buying among some customers, the report said, citing industry executives and analysts.Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi warned last month that rising prices have increased the cost of producing phones.The shortage, however, benefits Samsung, which has fallen behind competitors in providing advanced AI chips and has not experienced as much profit growth until recently.Samsung's gradual move to AI chips has given it stronger pricing power compared to smaller memory competitors like SK Hynix and Micron, the report said, citing Jeff Kim, head of research at KB Securities.TrendForce analyst Ellie Wang told the news portal that Samsung is likely to increase quarterly contract prices by 40% to 50% in October-December, surpassing the expected industry average of 30%."They are really confident that the price is going to increase. And the main reason is that now the demand is really strong, and everyone is working on long-term agreements with the suppliers," she said.

Kate Middleton’s favourite activewear brand Sweaty Betty slashes prices site-wide for Black Friday
Sports

Kate Middleton’s favourite activewear brand Sweaty Betty slashes prices site-wide for Black Friday

It’s the cult British activewear brand beloved by A-listers and Royalty including the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Jennifer Aniston. And right now, Sweaty Betty — which is finally available on Aussie shores — is hosting a massive Black Friday sale. From today (Monday 17 November) until Thursday 4 December, shoppers can discover limited-time offers across Sweaty Betty’s most-loved collections and activewear essentials — perfect for gifting season or refreshing your everyday wardrobe. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow 20 per cent off the All Day Collection — Think lightweight, soft leggings, effortless tanks and relaxed pullovers designed for all-day comfort.30 per cent off the Explorer Collection — It’s everyday outerwear and sleek throw-on trousers made for wherever the day takes you.30 per cent off Bags — From your gym to street essentials.Up to 60 per cent off sale styles — With further markdowns added for Black Friday. Whether it’s reformer mornings, run clubs or off-duty coffee catch ups, Sweaty Betty’s Black Friday event is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with elevated, high-performance activewear. So what are the Best Picks team’s top picks from the Black Friday lineup? Top of my shopping list is my favourite leggings of all time: the Power Leggings. Reduced from $139 to $97.30, the best-selling buy is available in a number of different prints and patterns, depending on your mood. Made from stretchy fabric with an ultra-supportive fit, the leggings are perfect for all manner of activities, whether you’re heading to Pilates class, enjoying brunch or going for a run. I also love the Explorer 5.5” Short, down to $74.50 from $149, as I find myself reaching for a pair, whether I’m lounging around at home or heading on a hike. Sweaty Betty has gained cult status around the world for its game-changing performance-based athleisure, since it was born out of London in 1998 by Tamara and Simon Hill-Norton. For more information and to shop the Black Friday sale, head here now. What is Black Friday? Black Friday is the term used to describe the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season and has become one of the largest shopping events in Australia. Top brands like Myer, The Iconic, Amazon and David Jones discount their stock from Black Friday onwards before further reducing prices on Boxing Day. It’s the perfect time to stock up on presents for Christmas given it’s just shy of two months until December 25. When is Black Friday? This year Black Friday falls on November 28 but you can expect Australian retailers to start discounting stock from the end of October. The Iconic is normally one of the first brands to share its sales so keep an eye out online. How does Black Friday work? Black Friday is traditionally an in-store shopping experience but in recent years it has switched to online — and for some retailers both — so that no one misses out on the incredible deals. Some retailers have started their sales before Black Friday and they run until Cyber Monday, which is the Monday after Black Friday. Some brands will give customers a special code they need to input at the checkout to secure the deal while others will just be already discounted to their sale price. When is Cyber Monday? Cyber Monday falls on December 1 this year and is just three days after Black Friday. It usually signals the close of the big sale season before Boxing Day but depending on the retailer discounts can last right up until mid-December.

Mizoram: Lawngtlai DC Visits Kakichhuah Amid Waterborne Disease Crisis - Northeast Today
Health

Mizoram: Lawngtlai DC Visits Kakichhuah Amid Waterborne Disease Crisis - Northeast Today

Aizawl, Nov 17: Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga on Sunday visited Kakichhuah, the locality affected by a suspected waterborne disease outbreak. During the visit, he inspected the ongoing response measures and assessed the overall situation on the ground. The Deputy Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Village Council (VC) and residents for their cooperation. He stated that six individuals, three refugees and three local residents have died, describing the situation as deeply concerning. He appreciated the continued efforts being made to prevent further spread of the disease. He reminded the public that a Containment Area has already been declared and stressed that strict compliance with guidelines is essential. He further highlighted that movement across the Myanmar border has been completely restricted for the next two months, and all unnecessary travel is discouraged for public safety. Anyone crossing the border illegally for work or other purposes will face penalties, he warned. He urged the VC, YLA and LWA to assist authorities in maintaining discipline and ensuring full cooperation. The Deputy Commissioner further stated that essential supplies such as ORS, IV drips and other medical items will continue to be provided. Health workers and the medical team have been advised to remain fully alert, respond swiftly, and maintain strict hygiene practices. With LADC election polling parties scheduled for deployment on 1 December, he emphasised the importance of restoring normalcy and ensuring good coordination during this period. Cleanliness, hygiene, and proper implementation of containment guidelines are vital for controlling the outbreak, he added. He also encouraged village leaders to continue supporting residents with food and medical needs. District Hospital Medical Officer Dr. Malsawmtluanga stressed the importance of using boiled or purified drinking water and maintaining food and household hygiene. He urged people to remain alert for symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhoea, and to immediately consult health workers. The medical team will continue monitoring and providing treatment. Kakichhuah VCP Laltlanchhuaha thanked the Deputy Commissioner for personally visiting the area and appreciated his active intervention in efforts to control the disease. He assured full cooperation from the community in maintaining hygiene and adhering to health guidelines. Health Worker Z.D. Vanlalhruaia, in his brief report, stated that the medical team has been stationed in the village since 11 November. A total of 90 people have been examined, of whom 84 have shown symptoms. Most cases were reported from households lacking proper water sources. Four individuals are currently under medical care. He acknowledged the strong support extended by the Village Council and local NGOs.

Small-cap stock below  ₹50 HMA Agro Industries surges 10% after Q2 results; details here
Business

Small-cap stock below ₹50 HMA Agro Industries surges 10% after Q2 results; details here

Small-cap stock below ₹50: HMA Agro Industries share price rallied 10 percent in intra-day deals on Monday, November 17 after the company posted strong results for the quarter ended September 2025 (Q2FY26).Net profit of HMA Agro Industries rose 68 percent YoY to ₹89.76 crore in the quarter ended September 2025 as against ₹53.4 crore during the previous quarter ended September 2024 (Q2FY25). Sales rose 47.04 percent to ₹2155.34 crore in the quarter ended September 2025 as against ₹1465.86 crore during Q2FY25.Sequentially, the profit surged 14,940 percent from ₹0.59 crore in the June 2025 quarter (Q1FY26). Meanwhile, sales rose 92 percent from ₹1122.6 crore in the previous quarter.The EBIDTA grew by 88 percent YoY to ₹131.5 crore in Q2FY26 from ₹70 crore in Q2FY25 but soared 691.5 percent sequentially from ₹16.6 crore in Q1FY26.PAT also grew 66.89 percent from ₹54.16 crore in H1FY25 to ₹90.38 crore in H1FY26. While sales rose by 50.47 percent from ₹2178.47 crore in H1FY25 to ₹3277.9 crore in H1FY26.HMA Agro Industries Stock PerformanceThe smallcap stock soared 10 percent to its day's high of ₹33.02 on posting strong Q2 results. It is now 30 percent away from its 52-week high of ₹47.40, hit in December 2024 and has gained 20 percent from its 52-week low of ₹27.54, hit in April 2025.In the last 1 year, the stock has lost 28 percent and is down over 4 percent in past 6 months. However, it has added over 8 percent in the last 1 month.HMA Agro Industries Limited, headquartered in Agra and incorporated in 2008, is a major producer and exporter of frozen buffalo meat and related products. Its portfolio includes frozen and chilled meat, fish, rice, fruits, vegetables, animal nutrition items and pet foods, marketed under the Black Gold, Green Gold, Fresh Gold and Kamil brands. The company serves India and multiple international markets including Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Egypt.Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

India's Much Loved Butter Chicken Ranked in TasteAtlas Top 5
World

India's Much Loved Butter Chicken Ranked in TasteAtlas Top 5

Butter chicken, the ultimate comfort food of North India, has been placed in the fifth spot in the latest rankings by TasteAtlas.,The list titled "20 Best Chicken Dishes in the World" features Türkiye's Piliç Topkapı in first place, followed by Rfissa from Morocco and Chikin or Korean fried chicken from South Korea. Another Indian dish in the Top 20 is tandoori chicken, which sits in the 14th spot., ,Pieces of tandoori chicken tossed into a buttery, creamy gravy are what make the magic of butter chicken, or murgh makhani. The dish was created in an effort to avoid wasting day old tandoori chicken yet it went on to become one of the most beloved dishes in India. The origin of butter chicken has been one of the most disputed topics in food history. The common story is that it was discovered at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Peshawar in the pre Partition era. Kundan Lal Gujral and Kundan Lal Jaggi, who worked in the restaurant, migrated to India after the Partition of 1947 and opened Moti Mahal in Daryaganj in the Walled City along with a businessman named Thakur Dass Mago. This is where the history becomes a little unclear, with the two families laying claim to the creation of butter chicken. What we do know is that most of us adore the indulgent combination of butter chicken with naan, whether garlic or butter. Who cares, really?, ,For those unfamiliar with it, the top ranked Turkish dish Piliç Topkapı is named after the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. According to the website of TasteAtlas, an experiential online guide to traditional food, it features chicken, usually boneless pieces such as thighs, stuffed with a savoury rice pilaf. The stuffing is a flavourful mix of pine nuts, currants, onions and spices including cinnamon, allspice and black pepper, creating a balance of savoury and subtly sweet flavours.

IBPS RRB PO Admit Card 2025 Released on ibps.in; Steps to Download
Technology

IBPS RRB PO Admit Card 2025 Released on ibps.in; Steps to Download

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the admit cards for the RRBs (CRP-RRBs-XIV) Group A Officers Scale-I exam. Registered candidates can download their hall tickets through the official website, ibps.in, using their login credentials. According to the official schedule, the exam is scheduled to be held on November 22 and 23, 2025. Candidates must carry their hall tickets to the examination hall. How to Download IBPS RRB PO Admit Card 2025 Follow the steps below to download the hall ticket: Visit the official website: ibps.in.On the homepage, click on the admit card link available.Enter the registration number or roll number and password or date of birth.Click on the Submit button.The IBPS RRB PO Admit Card 2025 will be displayed on the screen.Download and save it for exam use. Details Mentioned on IBPS RRB PO Admit Card 2025 The following details will be mentioned on the admission ticket: Candidate’s NameRoll Number / Registration NumberPhotograph of the CandidateCandidate’s SignaturePost Name (Officer Scale-I)Exam Name (IBPS RRB PO 2025)Exam DateExam Time & Reporting TimeExam Centre NameExam Centre AddressCategory (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS)GenderShift (Morning / Afternoon)Space for Invigilator’s SignatureCOVID-related or exam-day instructions (if applicable)Important guidelines for the exam dayItems allowed and prohibited in the exam hallMeanwhile, IBPS has also activated the mock test link for the officer scale-1 recruitment exam. Candidates can take the practice test to get familiar with the exam pattern and learn time management. The preliminary exam for IBPS officer scale-1 vacancies will be held for 45 minutes. The question paper will have two sections—reasoning and quantitative aptitude—each carrying 40 questions. Candidates will get 25 minutes to attempt the reasoning questions and 20 minutes to answer quantitative questions. IBPS RRB PO 2025 Highlights Refer to the table below to check the important details at a glance: ParticularsDetailsConducting BodyInstitute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)Exam NameCRP-RRBs-XIV Officer Scale-I (PO)Admit Card Release DateReleasedExam DatesNovember 22 & 23, 2025Admit Card LinkAvailable at ibps.inLogin CredentialsRegistration No./Roll No. & Password/Date of BirthLast Date to Download Admit Card23-Nov-25Mock Test LinkAvailable on official websiteMock Test RequirementSelect state → auto-filled login → attempt testExam Duration45 minutesTotal Marks80 marksSectionsReasoning (40 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (40 questions)Sectional TimingReasoning – 25 mins, Quantitative – 20 minsInstructionsCheck email for login details if forgottenAlso Read | IBPS Releases Updated Vacancies for CRP-CSA XV Recruitment

Tata Sierra launching in 10 days. Top 5 facts you must know
Technology

Tata Sierra launching in 10 days. Top 5 facts you must know

Tata Motors has officially unveiled the upcoming much awaited Tata Sierra SUV to the public right ahead of its market launch on November 25. This has marked the revival of one of the most iconic Indian car nomenclature. Originally introduced in 1991, the Tata Sierra was one of the first made-in-India SUVs as well as the first off-roader SUV from the homegrown auto giant. Despite being discontinued early in this century, the SUV continued to be in discussions of the Indian automobile enthusiasts and its appeal never died. Now, Tata Motors has revived the SUV in its full glory again, and most interestingly, the signature design elements of the SUV has been reintroduced in the new generation Sierra as well. At the same time, the SUV has become more practical and modern with new styling philosophy, features and technology.The Tata Sierra has been known for its sporty three-door design, the iconic Alpine window, as well as robust go-anywhere capabilities. The Sierra has now been reimagined as a modern SUV with contemporary styling cues and advanced technology. If you are planning to buy and own this neo-retro themed Tata Sierra SUV, here are everything you must know before that.Tata Sierra: PriceTata Sierra will be available in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric variants. The Sierra ICE model would be priced between ₹17 lakh and ₹22 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Tata Sierra EV is expected to be priced slightly higher, between ₹20 lakh and ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on variants. With this pricing strategy, the Tata Sierra's top-end trim would be positioned right under the top-spec trim of the Tata Harrier.Tata Sierra: DesignTata Sierra's new generation iteration comes with a host of design language in sync with the original model. The blackened out C pillar gives the vibe of the original model's Alpine window, enhancing the greenhouse are. However, if you look closely, the distinctive styling elements are also visible. The boxy SV carries a flat front profile with LED headlamps, infinity LED DRL connecting the headlamp clusters, skid plates, flush fitting door handles, sporty alloy wheels, a floating roof design, etc.Tata Sierra: FeaturesTata Motors has earned a lot of respect for equipping its modern cars with a plethora of advanced technology aided features and the Sierra too will follow the same strategy. The upcoming Tata Sierra will come with a premium vibe inside its cabin and will be equipped with a host of upmarket features. The key highlight will be the triple screen setup at the dashboard, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen at the passenger side. Other features will include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a floating centre console, a four-spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata brand logo, dual-tone interior theme, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming IRVMs, push start/stop button, rotary drive selector, etc.Tata Sierra: SafetyAlongside the feature front, in safety segment as well, Tata Motors has become a leading brand with its cars consistently scoring high ratings in NCAP crash tests, be it in Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP. The new Sierra and Sierra EV too will come with equipped with a plethora of safety features. The Sierra will come packing six airbags, ABS with ESC, electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold function, Traction Control (TC), and Holl Hold Assist (HHA). The Sierra will also get Level 2 ADAS suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. Expect the Sierra to aim for a five-star safety rating.Tata Sierra: PowertrainTata Sierra ICE is expected to be available in both petrol and diesel engine choices. the petrol version would be powered by a 1.5-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine. The diesel variant would come powered by a 2.0-litre Kryotec engine. Both the petrol and diesel engine would be mated to manual and automatic gearbox choices. The Tata Sierra could also pack a 1.5-litre diesel engine that churns out 118 bhp peak power in the Tata Curvv. The Tata Sierra EV will be based on the OEM's Acti.EV platform. Expect the Sierra EV to be available in two battery pack variants and an estimated single-charge range between 450-550 km. Expect it to get the 75 kWh battery pack that is available in the Tata Harrier EV, promising an ARAI-claimed 622 km single-charge range. Sierra EV is expected to get a dual-motor setup, allowing for all-wheel drive.

Apple May Split iPhone Launch Cycle Into Two From 2026: Full List Of iPhones Set To Release Next Year
Technology

Apple May Split iPhone Launch Cycle Into Two From 2026: Full List Of iPhones Set To Release Next Year

Apple has been using September as the signature month for the launch of iPhones for almost a decade now. However, the latest reports suggest that things are going to entirely change in the next year. As mentioned in Bloomberg's Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, it has been said that Apple may switch to a two launched per year starting from 2026. The first launch will consist of iPhone 18 flagship variants - iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold. And the second launch will be the one bringing the low-priced variants like iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e by Spring 2027. Gurman said, 'I expect this pattern to continue for years to come, with Apple launching between five and six new models annually.' Putting a major question mark on all the previous rumours, he also said that we may get to see the iPhone Air 2 next year as well. Full List Of Phones To Launch Next Year With Expected Release Timeline iPhones to launch in September 2026 -Apple iPhone 18 Pro -Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max -Apple iPhone Fold -Apple iPhone Air 2 (highly unlikely) iPhones to launch in Spring 2027 -iPhone 18 -iPhone 18e Why Apple Is Planning To Change The Release Timeline? According to the newsletter, Apple is doing so because the current release timeline serves as a burden for the company. Furthermore, the current one only brings a limited number of opportunities to spread the revenue across the whole year. Also Read: Apple iPhone 18 Release Date, Price In India, Design, Camera, Specifications, And More If things work out for Apple next year, then all the high-end variants in the future will keep arriving in September, and the base variants will make a debut by next year's Spring. As of now, the 'e' lineup phones are launched in February and the bade variants drops in September. This move by Apple, if it manifests, will make the users who wait for the base variant wait a little more. Get Latest News live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Technology Science and around the world.

Pine Labs share price extends gains, jumps over 4%. Should you buy or sell?
Business

Pine Labs share price extends gains, jumps over 4%. Should you buy or sell?

Pine Labs share price extended gains on Monday, after making a strong debut in the Indian stock market last week. Pine Labs shares rallied as much as 4.19% to ₹261.85 apiece on the BSE. Today’s high translated into a jump of nearly 19% from its issue price.The equity shares of the digital payments solutions provider Pine Labs were listed on the Indian stock exchanges on November 14, after the conclusion of its initial public offering (IPO).Pine Labs shares were listed at ₹242 apiece on BSE and NSE, which was at a premium of 9.5% to the issue price of ₹221 per share. The stock ended with a gain of 14% on the listing day.Buying momentum in Pine Labs shares continued on Monday as around 91 lakh equity shares of the company changed hands on the stock exchanges.Pine Labs IPO was open from November 7 to 11, and Pine Labs IPO listing date was November 14, Friday.Analysts believe Pine Labs’ better than expected listing showed investor confidence in the company’s strong fundamentals, and leadership position across digital payments and commerce-tech solutions.Post listing of shares, Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd maintained his long-term ‘Hold’ recommendation for allotted investors. For non-allotted investors, he advised a wait-and-watch approach until valuations stabilised and the stock found a sustainable post-listing range.“We believe Pine Labs presents a compelling long-term opportunity as one of India’s leading and globally expanding commerce technology platforms. Its business sits at the strategic intersection of payments, fintech, merchant solutions, and digital infrastructure, giving it multi-dimensional monetisation avenues,” said Tapse.According to him, Pine Labs stock price continues to command a premium due to its market leadership across merchant payments and POS-based fintech solutions, high contribution margins driven by software-led and subscription-based revenue, scalable digital infrastructure enabling strong operating leverage, expanding addressable market across India and Southeast Asia Focus on high-margin value-added services (VAS) and tech-driven merchant monetisation.“Overall, while near-term valuations remain elevated, the long-term structural growth story remains intact. With strong execution, deep merchant relationships, and rising digital payments penetration, we remain optimistic on Pine Labs’ long-term growth trajectory and believe it can deliver value to patient investors,” Tapse said.Pine Labs IPO DetailsPine Labs IPO was open from November 7 to 11, and the IPO allotment date was November 12. Pine Labs IPO listing date was November 14.The company raised ₹3,899.91 crore from the book-building issue, which was a mix of fresh issue and an offer-for-sale (OFS). Pine Labs IPO price band was set at ₹210 to ₹221 per share. The IPO was subscribed 2.46 times in total.At 10:00 AM, Pine Labs share price was trading 0.62% higher at ₹252.85 apiece on the BSE.Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.

Nationalist leader Orbán's biggest challenge yet in Hungary's elections
Politics

Nationalist leader Orbán's biggest challenge yet in Hungary's elections

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — With Hungary’s parliamentary elections still five months away, the country is already immersed in an intense political campaign between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his challenger, Péter Magyar, that promises to be the biggest challenge of the nationalist leader’s career. Elected for a first term in 1998 and then for four more terms beginning in 2010, Orbán has stood at Hungary’s helm for 20 years. Beloved by his supporters but accused by his critics of corruption and authoritarian tactics, he has overseen a political system in which his far-right Fidesz party has exercised nearly unchecked power. But now, support for Europe’s longest-serving leader is declining amid poor economic performance and chronic inflation, and a challenger who has shifted the political tides by promising to dismantle Orbán’s system and put Hungary on a more prosperous, democratic track. “Viktor Orbán’s despicable, corrupt government will do everything to preserve their stolen loot and their power, we have no doubt,” Magyar, a 44-year-old former Fidesz insider, told The Associated Press. “This power cannot be reformed, it is not able to regain contact with the people. This power has become inhumane.” Grassroots campaign Most polls show Magyar and his Tisza party with a solid lead over Orbán’s Fidesz — a feat nearly unprecedented for any opposition force in the past two decades. Many observers in Hungary have puzzled over how Magyar, unlike generations of Orbán’s previous political opponents, has in fewer than two years managed to emerge from relative obscurity to build a party with such substantial support. András Bíró-Nagy, director of the Budapest-based Policy Solutions think tank, says Magyar’s near-constant “grassroots campaigning” in rural Hungary — and his focus on bread-and-butter issues like the cost of living and poor public services — have contributed to his success in small towns that traditionally gravitated toward Orbán’s nationalist message. On Thursday, Magyar visited Tab, a community of fewer than 4,000 people in southwestern Hungary. The stop was one of dozens he plans across the country on a tour he calls “Road to Victory.” Hundreds filled the town’s socialist-era community center and listened to Magyar speak for nearly two hours. As Erika Bognár, a 76-year-old widowed retiree, walked into the event, she declared angrily that her monthly pension was too low to survive on, and that she wanted “a system change, because this system sucks.” “Everywhere in the shops people are grumbling they can’t make ends meet,” she said. “We live in misery, we have been pushed completely into misery.” Bognár’s experience reflects that of many Hungarians who are dissatisfied with the country’s economy. The European Union has frozen some 14 billion euros ($16.2 billion) in funding to Hungary over rule-of-law and corruption concerns, a deficit that has exacerbated chronically stagnant economic performance. Orbán’s government has sought to mitigate the economic pain by introducing price caps on many products, and to woo voters with pre-election government spending like low-interest loans for first-time home buyers and abolishing income tax for mothers with at least two children. Still, Bognár, who says she’s rarely voted in elections until now, blames Orbán’s government for rising costs of living, and believes that if Magyar is elected, “it won’t get any worse.” War and peace Orbán has sought to portray his opponent as an existential danger that — through his inexperience and alleged foreign allegiances — would bankrupt the country and drag it into the war in neighboring Ukraine, allegations Magyar has denied. Unlike nearly every other EU leader, Orbán has refused to supply Ukraine with economic aid or weapons to assist in its defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion, and has cast as warmongers those countries that do support Kyiv. He has also cast the EU as an oppressive force, and compared the bloc to the Soviet Union, which dominated and occupied Hungary for decades in the 20th century. The Tisza party, Orbán has alleged, is nothing more than an EU project contrived in Brussels to topple his government and install a puppet regime that will drain Hungary’s finances into Ukraine — and even involve it directly in the war. “Whoever thinks that they support a change in government is in reality supporting the war, whether they know it or not,” Orbán said in a speech to tens of thousands of supporters in October. “There are many Hungarians who believe that they are supporting a good cause when they support Brussels and its puppet government candidates. We must tell them: Brussels today is not a source of help, but a source of danger.” Orbán’s message is amplified by a sprawling pro-government media empire that has dominated Hungary’s political discourse for more than a decade, as well as taxpayer-funded campaigns that malign Magyar and promote Orbán’s policies. Balázs Orbán, who is not related to the prime minister but is his political director and Fidesz’s campaign manager, did not respond to requests for comment. Tilted playing field Bíró-Nagy noted that the past several Hungarian elections were deemed “free but not fair” by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which found a “pervasive overlap” between the messaging of Fidesz and the government, as well as biased news coverage that “limited voters’ opportunity to make an informed choice.” The situation for the 2026 elections “has not changed in any sense,” Bíró-Nagy said. “What we see is that there is no level playing field.” Sándor Rofrics, a member of a local Tisza activist group in Tab, said outside Magyar’s event that he believes “money is no object for Fidesz, even state money. They will spend a lot of public money on this campaign.” Magyar himself acknowledges that his party has fewer resources with which to campaign, portraying the contest as a “David and Goliath” struggle where “we’re essentially facing a machine with a full arsenal — propaganda, secret services, unlimited government money.” In addition to traditionally opposition liberal and centrist voters, Tisza has also reached out to disaffected Fidesz supporters and voters with more conservative views. Magyar says his party does not define itself “along ideological fault lines,” but campaigns on “the image of a functioning and humane Hungary, bringing EU money home, introducing anti-corruption measures and welcoming everyone in our community.” With five months until the ballot and Tisza still leading, Magyar said he senses a desire for change in the towns and villages he visits on his campaign tour. But despite his party’s lead, “I think you should never look down on or underestimate your opponent, especially not Viktor Orbán.” “He is an experienced player and has a lot to lose in this election, perhaps more than just the prime minister’s seat,” he said. Béla Szandelszky contributed reporting.

India signs first long-term US LPG import deal to boost energy security
World

India signs first long-term US LPG import deal to boost energy security

In a major step towards strengthening India's energy security, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday announced that Indian public sector oil companies have, for the first time, signed a one-year deal to import liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States.The minister shared the development through a social media post on Monday, calling it a "historic first" for the country's LPG market.He stated, "A historic first! One of the largest and the world's fastest-growing LPG market opens up to the United States. In our endeavour to provide secure, affordable supplies of LPG to the people of India, we have been diversifying our LPG sourcing. In a significant development, Indian PSU oil companies have successfully concluded a 1-year deal for imports of around 2.2 MTPA LPG".— HardeepSPuri (@HardeepSPuri) Highlighting India's position as one of the largest and the fastest-growing LPG markets in the world, Puri said that the new agreement marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to diversify its LPG sourcing.Live EventsAccording to the minister, the Indian PSU companies have concluded a contract to import around 2.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LPG for the contract year 2026.This volume represents close to 10 per cent of India's annual LPG imports and will be sourced from the US Gulf Coast. He noted that this will be the first structured long-term contract involving US LPG for the Indian market.Puri explained that the purchase has been benchmarked to Mount Belvieu, a key pricing point for global LPG trade.He added that teams from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) had visited the United States in recent months to hold discussions with major American producers, which have now been successfully concluded.The minister also highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring affordable LPG for Indian households, particularly for women benefitting from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.He pointed out that even as global LPG prices surged by more than 60 per cent last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured that Ujjwala consumers continued to pay only Rs 500-550 per cylinder, against an actual cost of over Rs 1,100.To shield consumers from international price shocks, the Government of India absorbed a burden of over Rs 40,000 crore during the year.He also shared that the new US import deal reinforces the government's ongoing efforts to secure reliable and affordable energy supplies for the people of the country.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onIndia US LPG import dealEnergy securityLiquefied petroleum gasHardeep Singh PuriLPG sourcing diversificationIndian oil companiesPrime Minister Ujjwala Yojanaaffordable LPG for householdshindustan petroleum corporation limitedindian oil corporation limited (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onIndia US LPG import dealEnergy securityLiquefied petroleum gasHardeep Singh PuriLPG sourcing diversificationIndian oil companiesPrime Minister Ujjwala Yojanaaffordable LPG for householdshindustan petroleum corporation limitedindian oil corporation limited(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless

Mahima Chaudhry Urges Fans To Get Regular Check-Ups, Reveals Having 'No Symptoms' Before Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Entertainment

Mahima Chaudhry Urges Fans To Get Regular Check-Ups, Reveals Having 'No Symptoms' Before Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Mahima Chaudhry made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan's Pardes. The actress is one of the top ones from her era and was last seen in Kangana Ranaut's Emergency. Mahima is a cancer warrior and the actress has always been very vocal about her journey. In a recent interview, she educated the youth to get regular health check-ups to avoid delays in life-threatening illness diagnosis. Mahima Chaudhry's Million-Dollar Advice To Women, Youth Recently, the actress stepped onto the stage at the Young Women Breast Cancer Conference 2025, she did more than share a personal story — she issued a wake-up call. She said, "There were no symptoms. I didn’t go in for a breast cancer screening. I just went in for a yearly check-up. I had no clue I had breast cancer. Cancer is something that you can’t recognise on your own early. It can only be detected early through tests. So if you keep going in for a yearly check-up, you will be able to detect it early and seek early treatment." Further, she added, "Since my diagnosis three to four years ago, there has been a huge difference in cancer treatment in India. Many generic medicines are much cheaper now, you get better support from pharmaceutical companies, and there’s much more awareness of cancer… I got a lot of motivation by hearing the stories of other people fighting strongly against cancer." Personal And Professional Front Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 during a routine check-up with no symptoms, the actor is now urging every woman to get tested early. On the work front, the actress has The Signature in her pipeline. She also has Durlabh Prasad Ki Doosri Shaadi. Get the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News and Gossips Also Find Upcoming Movies, Latest Movies and Web Series, Visit Times Now for Live Coverage.

New witness to testify before Madlanga Commission
Assam CM To Sign MoU With British Museum To Bring Back Vrindavani Vastra - Northeast Today
World

Assam CM To Sign MoU With British Museum To Bring Back Vrindavani Vastra - Northeast Today

Guwahati, Nov 17: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Museum to bring the sacred 16th-century Vrindavani Vastra back to Assam under a loan arrangement. The textile, which depicts the ten incarnations of Lord Krishna and scenes from his childhood, is currently housed in the British Museum. Speaking on the initiative, Sarma said it reflects the government’s focus on both development and cultural heritage, stating that “Vikas” (progress) and “Virasat” (heritage) remain key pillars of governance. On his first day in London, the Chief Minister visited the city’s waterfront to explore global best practices for transforming Guwahati’s riverfront and met members of the Indian diaspora. Describing the Vrindavani Vastra as a “timeless masterpiece woven with devotion and the spirit of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev,” Sarma emphasized that the sacred textile brings Vaishnava culture alive through divine craftsmanship. “Our government has begun the process to bring this historic treasure back to Assam, where it truly belongs,” he said in a post on X, adding that the MoU will be formally signed on Tuesday, calling it “a big day for Assam and Bharat.” The British Museum has agreed to loan the textile for 18 months in 2027, provided Assam constructs a museum meeting international environmental standards. The state government has already allotted land for the project, and the JSW Group will construct the museum under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. British Museum Director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE expressed the institution’s support for the initiative, highlighting its commitment to honouring Assam’s rich textile tradition.

Dear Coleen: Stroppy partner is so lazy it feels like having another kid
Sports

Dear Coleen: Stroppy partner is so lazy it feels like having another kid

Dear Coleen I’m a 45-year-old woman and have been with my partner for 15 years and we have two children aged eight and 11. I’m so unhappy in my relationship because I’m the one doing everything – I’m the main breadwinner , I do most of the kids’ stuff and keep everything going – cooking, cleaning and admin. He has a job, but not a stressful one, and spends all his money on himself (on God knows what). I pay for holidays , treats and luxuries, as well as all our clothes and everything the kids need. That would be OK if he contributed in other ways, but he’s lazy and selfish . Last week, things came to a head when he asked me for money for a golf trip with his mates and I said no. I told him we couldn’t afford it if we wanted a family holiday so if he wanted to go, he’d have to fund it himself. He hit the roof and called me mean and selfish, and I got so angry I haven’t spoken to him since. I don’t know why I put up with it, but maybe it’s because I can’t face the thought of being alone in my 40s with two kids. Any advice? Coleen says Yes! Being alone in your 40s with two kids can be liberating if you’re in an unhappy relationship – there’s no lonelier place to be. You’re scared of being alone, but you’re with someone who’s totally unsupportive and the only connection seems to be you’re looking after him as well as your kids. I was alone in my 50s when I got divorced, but I stayed longer than I should have because part of me was terrified of being on my own again. When I found the courage to do it, it was liberating. I could focus on myself and the kids, and it wasn’t as scary as I’d imagined. You’ve said no to him – for a good reason – and now he’s sulking like a child. If you’re direct with him and admit you don’t know if you can carry on in the relationship if he doesn’t step up, then it might be the kick he needs. He’s taking you for granted and if he doesn’t acknowledge how you feel and isn’t willing to talk, then you’re basically bringing up three kids. I understand women feeling scared to leave if they’re dependent on their partner’s income and their job is in the home, looking after children, but you’re not in that situation – neither was I. You have financial independence and are in a good position to decide what’s right for you. If you want things to change – whether that’s working on your relationship or walking away – then speak up.

Scottish Greens 'civil war' has now ended, insists new co-leader Ross Greer
World

Scottish Greens 'civil war' has now ended, insists new co-leader Ross Greer

A "civil war" among the Scottish Greens has now ended, Ross Greer has insisted. The environmentalists endured a spate of anonymous briefings against senior figures in the party after long-serving co-leader Patrick Harvie announced he was standing down earlier this year. The Record previously reported how some activists warned the Greens were still being dismissed as "a bunch of middle-class do-gooders" with members viewed as "well-meaning but well-off". Greer, who was elected co-leader in August alongside Gillian Mackay, accepted it had been a “difficult couple of years” for the Greens. He said a “very, very small” group of about 12 to 15 members had “unfortunately spent the last couple of years trying to ferment what they described as a ‘civil war’ within our party”. Greer continued: "That is over now, in so far as there ever was one. I think we have firmly drawn a line under that." His comments come after reports of a "Glasgow faction" of radical Green activists who have been critical of the party’s leadership. In his final conference speech as Scottish Green co-leader, Harvie said in April that "a small minority of members have taken to anonymous leaks, smears, insults". Harvie claimed it was "undermining the work of fellow members and damaging our whole party, and our reputation, by doing so". But Greer today said by the time of the party’s autumn conference that members were having "respectful debates" He added: "I think it is notable that we have seen a 100% reduction in anonymous Green source stories in the last couple of weeks. "I’m the first to admit the last couple of years have been really difficult for us. I am also absolutely confident that period is over now." The prospect of Reform having a significant block of MSPs – as polls have indicated could happen in May – is “unifying” for the Greens, he added. Greer said: “For every seat that we win, for every MSP the Greens elect, we are depriving Reform of the opportunity to get someone else elected. “If there is one thing that will unify our members it is standing up against that kind of hateful and nasty politics.” He added: “The stakes are just so high now, we need to act as one. “Taking on and defeating the really hateful politics that are going to arrive in this Parliament come May, that is unbelievably important for the future of this country.” Greer told how since August there had been “a massive increase in on-the-ground activity from our branches across the country, people just getting out and knocking on doors”. With the party now having more than 9,000 members across Scotland, he added: “We’re in a position where polling is up, membership is up and the enthusiasm levels from our members are just growing day by day by day.” To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here

Morton’s Rolls to make comeback after bitter court battle with UK Government
Business

Morton’s Rolls to make comeback after bitter court battle with UK Government

A bakery firm famous for its morning rolls is set to rise again after winning a bitter court battle with the UK Government. Morton’s Rolls , in Drumchapel, Glasgow, was in danger of going bust after civil servants claimed a firm that bought it in 2023 was liable for more than £2million in redundancy payments. But after a long tribunal battle, new owner John McIlvogue and backers won the case against the Insolvency Service. McIlvogue said awarding the redundancy costs against his Phoenix Volt Ltd firm would have plunged the business into insolvency again. The ex-Livingston FC owner added: “It’s a weight off my mind and we can now focus on expansion plans without this hanging over us. "It was ludicrous for the UK Government to take such a stance when the redundancy payments all related to the company that -previously owned the business. No new owner could have bought Morton’s in 2023 if they would have been saddled with that kind of liability.” The row centred on whether or not McIlvogue’s firm had enacted a “TUPE” arrangement, formally signing over staff from the former company to the new one – which he denied had taken place. McIlvogue won at the original tribunal but the Secretary of State for Scotland appealed. He said he was relieved ex-staff could finally be paid from the -Government’s Redundancy Payment Service. He said: “After two years in limbo, finally, the former employees of Morton’s Rolls will receive their long overdue redundancy payments. “I stepped in to rescue the iconic Morton’s Rolls bakery from liquidation and to rehire as many of the former bakery workers as I could to start rebuilding the business. “Despite an employment tribunal ruling that the responsibility for legacy redundancy payments from when Morton’s fell into administration did not rest with Phoenix Volt Ltd, the UK Government lawyers decided to challenge that decision and needlessly drew out the process for two years – delaying the payments to former employees, many of whom have been left in dire straits. "I am pleased the decision to throw out the appeal puts this long-running saga to bed, allowing Morton’s Rolls to move forward with confidence and to invest in the Drumchapel bakery, growing the size of the workforce.” Paul Sweeney MSP, who played a key role in facilitating the original rescue bid, said: “I am pleased to finally see the resolution of this dispute which has kept redundancy payments out of the bank accounts of former Morton’s Rolls employees across Glasgow for more than two years now.”