Elon Musk's xAI that was introduced in July to compete with Google's Bard and Microsoft's Bing AI has submitted paperwork to the US securities authority aiming to gather up to $1 billion through an equity offering

Elon Musk's xAI seeks $1 billion investment via equity offering

Elon Musk's xAI that was introduced in July to compete with Google's Bard and Microsoft's Bing AI has submitted paperwork to the US securities authority aiming to gather up to $1 billion through an equity offering

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence based startup xAI has submitted paperwork to the US securities authority aiming to gather up to $1 billion through an equity offering. As per a filing&nbsp; in the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday, the company has secured $134.7 million in equity financing from a total offering pool of $1 billion.
<h3>AI startup funding</h3>
This year has been promising for AI startups, especially after Sam Altman's OpenAI released ChatGPT and managed to get $10 billion backing from Microsoft. Elon Musk has been outspoken about his vision for crafting safer AI, as regulators have been expressing their concerns about the potential misuse of AI in spreading false information.
During a Twitter Spaces event earlier this year, he emphasized xAI's intent to foster a "maximally curious" AI rather than directly programming moral guidelines into its systems. Musk introduced xAI in July as a "maximum truth-seeking AI" to compete with Google's Bard and Microsoft's Bing AI.
Recently xAI rolled out "Grok," a chatbot challenging OpenAI's ChatGPT. As per Musk, the AI startup will be incorporated into his social media platform, X, and will also be available as a standalone application in November&nbsp;

Total sales grew by 18% year-on-year. Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles saw significant growth at 21%, 23%, and 17%, respectively. However, commercial vehicles and tractors encountered declines of 2% and 21%, respectively.

November auto sales surge: Two-wheelers and passenger vehicles lead growth

Total sales grew by 18% year-on-year. Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles saw significant growth at 21%, 23%, and 17%, respectively. However, commercial vehicles and tractors encountered declines of 2% and 21%, respectively.

In November, the automotive industry witnessed an impressive 18% surge in sales compared to the same period last year, as highlighted by data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). This growth encompassed two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles, marking a commendable performance across the board.
Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor, and Tata Motors emerged as the frontrunners in the passenger vehicle segment, while Tata Motors and Mahindra dominated the commercial vehicle sales charts. According to FADA figures, a total of 28.54 lakh vehicles were sold during November, setting a new benchmark and surpassing the previous record established in March 2020 during the industry's transition to BS-6 emission norms.
The sales figures were led by unprecedented records in both two-wheeler and passenger vehicle categories. Two-wheeler sales reached an all-time high of 22.47 lakh units, spurred notably by the festive season, marking a staggering 49% increase compared to the previous month. Passenger vehicle sales also saw a noteworthy rise of 2%, contributing to an overall industry-wide growth of 35% month-on-month.
Manish Raj Singhania, President of FADA, attributed the surge in two-wheeler sales to Diwali festivities and robust rural sentiments. He noted, "New product launches and improved model supply further bolstered market growth, while the electric vehicle segment showcased promising growth."
Singhania highlighted the influence of festive fervor and new model launches in boosting passenger vehicle sales. However, he pointed out a slowdown post-festivities, compounded by challenges related to inventory management due to a persistent demand-supply mismatch, reported Business Today.
Top performers in the sales race included Hero Motocorp and Honda Motorcycle and Scooter in the two-wheeler category, with Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Hyundai Motor leading the passenger vehicle sales charts.
While the overall sales exhibited an 18% year-on-year growth, individual segments such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles showcased a robust growth of 21%, 23%, and 17%, respectively. Conversely, the commercial vehicle and tractor segments faced challenges, experiencing a 2% and 21% decline, respectively.
Looking ahead, Singhania anticipated a potential surge in two-wheeler sales due to the ongoing wedding season. Nonetheless, challenges stemming from adverse weather conditions impacting cultivation and sluggish commercial vehicle sales due to market sentiments remain pertinent concerns for the industry. Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/festive-auto-sales-surge-19-rural-markets-drive-growth-fada-report-1701155325587#google_vignette">Festive auto sales surge 19%, rural markets drive growth: FADA report</a>

Delhi metro commuters might soon have access to essential kitchen items such as flour, onions, and pulses right at major metro stations, starting from Rajiv Chowk

Soon, buy your atta, dal and onions at subsidised prices at Delhi metro stations

Starting at Rajiv Chowk metro station and expanding to 15-20 high-traffic stations, this initiative aims to provide subsidized rates on items like flour, onions, and pulses. Depending on how it works in Delhi, this initiative could be expanded to other metros&nbsp;

Finding it difficult to find time for your grocery shopping? Well, if you're a Delhi metro commuter then there's good news for you. You will soon be able to do your basic provision shopping for items such as flour, onions, dals at the metro station itself.&nbsp;
The government plans to introduce retail stores operated by the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) at 15-20 high-traffic metro stations this month, offering these items at subsidized rates, as per The Economic Times. If successful in Delhi, this initiative could expand to metro cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The objective is to make subsidized food items more accessible to a wider audience. Previously, NCCF sold tomatoes at subsidized rates in Delhi when market prices surged above Rs 200 per kilogram.
Also read/watch - <a title="Gold, Silver Rates today December 06, 2023: Check Prices in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/gold-silver-rates-today-december-06-2023-check-prices-in-mumbai-delhi-chennai-1701840100612">Gold, Silver Rates today December 06, 2023: Check Prices in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai</a>
NCCF had earlier collaborated with e-commerce platform magicpin to sell groceries, including onions and pulses, at reduced prices through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This partnership came after a successful stint where tomatoes were sold at Rs 70 per kilogram when market prices soared above Rs 100.
Currently, NCCF is retailing onions at a subsidized rate of Rs 25 per kilogram in Delhi, with plans to extend this subsidy to other states beyond the Delhi-NCR region, aiming to cover all states from Jammu and Kashmir to Kerala, as per a recent statement by NCCF.

As the permit clearance of import from existing suppliers who are primarily of Chinese origin is delayed, Apple is looking for new suppliers in India, South Korea and Japan to provide crucial components to manufacturers in India

Apple looking for suppliers to provide crucial parts to Indian manufacturers

As the permit clearance of import from existing suppliers who are primarily of Chinese origin is delayed, Apple is looking for new suppliers in India, South Korea and Japan to provide crucial components to manufacturers in India

Apple suppliers:&nbsp;iPhone maker Apple is looking for new suppliers in India, South Korea and Japan to provide crucial components to its contract manufacturers in India, reported The Economic Times. This comes after government is delaying the permit clearance of import from existing suppliers who are primarily of Chinese origin.
The import includes, batteries, camera lens, chargers and other equipment required to make its flagship iPhones and iPads in India.&nbsp;
<h3>Import restriction on Chinese components</h3>
About 17 Chinese companies who supply components for Apple&rsquo;s devices applied for government clearances to set up manufacturing facilities in India in January. As per Economic Times, Out of this, 14 were granted initial approval, the application of four companies have been indefinitely delayed, while six have indicated to the government that they are no longer interested in making in India.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone15-iphone15-plus-in-india-how-will-it-affect-the-prices-1694698186866">Apple to manufacture iPhone15, iPhone15 Plus in India; how will it affect the prices?</a>
&ldquo;The approvals (in January) were only initial approvals. Because most of these companies have Chinese origin, national security is also an issue. Those approvals have to be carefully given. Issues of environmental clearances, which are a state subject, are given by expert committees,&rdquo; a senior government official told Economic Times.
The Economic Times report mentioned that with delayed imports, Apple is now looking for suppliers who can set up &ldquo;just-in-time&rdquo; supply chains in India to expedite local production.
Industry Experts as quoted by The Economic Times also mentioned that companies which supply crucial components but are smaller on the global stage, are unlikely to take the risk of investing in a hostile country even after they get approvals.
Over the years, Apple has become aggressive in pushing manufacturing in India and diversify its supply chain out of China.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

These platforms, run by overseas individuals, utilized digital ads, messaging, and rented accounts for their illegal activities.

Union Home Ministry halts 100+ overseas-operated fraudulent websites: Cybercrime crackdown

These platforms, run by overseas individuals, utilized digital ads, messaging, and rented accounts for their illegal activities.

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Union Home Ministry has taken action against a network of over 100 websites involved in orchestrating illegal investments and deceptive part-time job schemes. These websites, reportedly operated by overseas entities, were identified and subsequently blocked by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Information Technology Act of 2000.
According to official statements, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), a unit under the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU) within the Home Ministry, unearthed the fraudulent activities of these websites. They were found to be perpetrating fraudulent investment schemes and deceptive part-time job offers, prompting the swift blocking action.
The modus operandi of these platforms, managed by individuals abroad, involved leveraging digital advertisements, messaging platforms, and rented accounts to carry out their illicit operations. Moreover, it was revealed that the proceeds from these illicit activities were being funneled out of India through various channels, including card networks, cryptocurrencies, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international fintech companies.
The I4C, an integral initiative by the Home Ministry, aims to combat cybercrimes effectively by coordinating extensive measures against such illegal activities within the country.
This recent move follows earlier actions taken by MeitY on November 5, wherein 22 illegal betting apps and websites were also blocked. Among them was Mahadev Book, a platform embroiled in a political controversy in Chhattisgarh ahead of the state elections. Investigations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into an illegal betting app syndicate led to raids on Mahadev Book, uncovering alleged unlawful operations.
Also Watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/invest-smart/invest-smart-how-to-protect-your-money-from-financial-cyber-scams-1685102470332"> Invest Smart: How to protect your money from financial cyber-scams</a>

The company, backed by investors like Goldman Sachs and Xiaomi, faced further challenges after the cancellation of the acquisition deal, leaving only a fraction of its workforce in limbo

Fintech startup ZestMoney to close doors, laying off final 130 employees

The company, backed by investors like Goldman Sachs and Xiaomi, faced further challenges after the cancellation of the acquisition deal, leaving only a fraction of its workforce in limbo

ZestMoney, a once-promising fintech startup, has announced its unfortunate decision to cease operations. After unsuccessful attempts to revive its business under new management and amidst regulatory uncertainties, the company has declared its closure. In a recent town hall meeting held on December 5, ZestMoney management informed its remaining 130 employees about the shutdown. A small team will oversee the closure process, while the rest of the employees will be laid off, though they will receive their December salaries and support in finding new job opportunities.
Earlier this year, ZestMoney faced challenges when three of its co-founders stepped down, followed by the cancellation of an acquisition deal by fintech giant PhonePe. The departure of its founders left the Bengaluru-based firm in a state of uncertainty, compounded by difficulties in securing fresh capital amidst a funding downturn in the industry.
Also read/watch - <a title="Market Opening: Sensex, Nifty open at record high for third day" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/markets/market-opening-sensex-nifty-open-at-record-high-for-third-day-1701837922479">Market Opening: Sensex, Nifty open at record high for third day</a>
The collapse of the acquisition deal with PhonePe, which was anticipated to bring in between $150 million to $300 million, was attributed to various factors including discrepancies in due diligence, disagreements over valuation and sustainability, and complications regarding ZestMoney's ownership structure. This setback occurred amid a broader slowdown in the fintech sector due to regulatory complexities and macroeconomic uncertainties.
ZestMoney had previously laid off around 100 employees, approximately 20% of its workforce, in April. The company, backed by investors like Goldman Sachs and Xiaomi, faced further challenges after the cancellation of the acquisition deal, leaving only a fraction of its workforce in limbo.
Also read/watch - <a title="Byju's Crisis: Founder Byju Raveendran assures executives of company's turnaround initiatives" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/byju-s-crisis-founder-byju-raveendran-assures-executives-of-company-s-turnaround-initiatives-1701835119393">Byju's Crisis: Founder Byju Raveendran assures executives of company's turnaround initiatives</a> &nbsp; PhonePe had extended financial support to ZestMoney during the acquisition evaluation phase, providing approximately $18 million as a loan. Initially, all 450 employees at ZestMoney were expected to transition to PhonePe if the acquisition had gone through, but now, the company faces closure, leaving its remaining employees seeking new opportunities in a challenging market environment.

The average price of 1 gram of 22K Gold stood at ₹5,745 while the cost for 24K gold prices stood at ₹6,267 and 1 kg silver stood at ₹78,200

Gold, Silver Rates today December 06, 2023: Check Prices in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai

The average price of 1 gram of 22K Gold stood at ₹5,745 while the cost for 24K gold prices stood at ₹6,267 and 1 kg silver stood at ₹78,200

Gold Silver Price Today 06 December 2023: Both gold and silver prices declined&nbsp; on the Multi Commodity Index on Wednesday.&nbsp;
The average price of 1 gram of 22K Gold stood at ₹5,745 while the 24K gold prices stood at ₹6,267.&nbsp;
The rate of 10 grams of 24K gold in Chennai stood at ₹63,440, which was followed by Delhi and Jaipur where the gold costs ₹62,820.&nbsp;
The average price of 10gm of Silver was at ₹782 and 1 kg of silver stood at ₹78,200.
However, in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kerala the metal was sold at ₹81,000 followed by Delhi and Mumbai where the metal was sold at ₹78,200
<h3>24 Carat Gold Price Today December 06 (per 10gm) - Indian Top Cities</h3>
Delhi - ₹62,820 Chennai - ₹63,440 Mumbai - ₹62,670 Kolkata - ₹62,670 Bengaluru - ₹62,670
<h3>1 KG Silver Price Today December 06 - Indian Top Cities</h3>
Delhi - ₹78,200 Chennai - ₹81,000 Mumbai - ₹78,200 Kolkata - ₹78,200 Bengaluru - ₹77,250

Both the market indices Sensex and Nifty have surged more than 5% each in the last six sessions with Sensex gaining 309.99 points opening at 69,605.13 and the Nifty gaining 94.2 points opening at 20,949.3 on Wednesday

Market Opening: Sensex, Nifty open at record high for third day

Both the market indices Sensex and Nifty have surged more than 5% each in the last six sessions with Sensex gaining 309.99 points opening at 69,605.13 and the Nifty gaining 94.2 points opening at 20,949.3 on Wednesday

Market Opening:&nbsp;Indian Market Indices opened on a strong note again on Wednesday with Nifty around 20,950.
The Sensex was up 308.99 points or 0.45% at 69,605.13, and the Nifty was up 94.20 points or 0.45% at 20,949.30. About 1720 shares advanced, 505 shares declined, and 126 shares unchanged.
As per Bloomberg, the stock market valuation has also crossed $4 trillion mark for the first time
"Technically, the short-term texture of the market is still on the long side. A breakout continuation formation on weekly charts and uptrend continuation formation on intraday charts indicating further uptrend from the current levels. We believe that, as long as the index is trading above 20700/69000 the positive sentiment is likely to continue. Above 20700, the index could rally till 20950-21000 for Nifty 50, 69600-69800 for Sensex," said Shrikant Chouhan, head equity research, Kotak Securities.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/markets/sensex-crosses-69k-as-markets-surge-continues-adani-pack-power-grid-lead-gains-while-hul-among-losers-1701776448295">Sensex crosses 69k as markets surge continues; Adani pack, power grid lead gains while HUL among losers</a>
Both indices have surged more than 5% each in the last six sessions, pushing them into overbought territories. This market surge is fuelled by improved U.S. interest rate expectations, a decline in crude prices, robust domestic economic indicators, increased foreign investments, and optimism post-state election outcomes.
The top gainers on Nifty include Adani Ports, Adani Enterprises, Asian Paints, Britannia Industries and HDFC Life while Bajaj Auto, Eicher Motors, Hindalco, SBI Life Insurance and Maruti Suzuki opened in the red.
&nbsp;

While assuring the company executives of resolving the $1.2 billion Term Loan B issue by the sale of U.S based subsidiary Epic, Byju Raveendran also identified the ED notice and the delay in closure of the FY23 statutory audit as other key challenges

Byju's Crisis: Founder Byju Raveendran assures executives of company's turnaround initiatives

While assuring the company executives of resolving the $1.2 billion Term Loan B issue by the sale of U.S based subsidiary Epic, Byju Raveendran also identified the ED notice and the delay in closure of the FY23 statutory audit as other key challenges

Byju's Crisis: Amid the ongoing cash crunch in edtech Byju's, its founder Byju Raveendran in a conference call assured all the company executives regarding the company&rsquo;s current turnaround initiatives.
<h3>Byju's $1.2 billion Term Loan B&nbsp;</h3>
In the call, Raveendran reiterated that the major issue faced by the company is the legal tussle in the $1.2 billion Term Loan B it acquired from US lenders. As per Business Today, he said thet the issue originated from a delayed audit and demand for a full refund from lenders.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/startups/byju-s-lenders-win-fight-over-1-2-billion-loan-default-to-take-control-over-byju-s-u-s-subsidiary-alpha-1699609191136">Byju's lenders win fight over $1.2 billion loan default, to take control over Byju's U.S subsidiary Alpha</a>
He further added that the company is engaged in active negotiations while expressing his optimism over the sale of Byju's US based subsidiary Epic- a kids-focused digital reading platform it acquired in 2021. Raveendran has said that this sale would help the company in resolving the issue.
Along with this, he also assured the company executives that the fund raised through the sale would help in easing the liquidity crunch faced by the company.&nbsp;
Expressing regret for the limited face time with the team, he stated, as per an individual privy to the meeting discussions, &ldquo;My regret is that I am letting down a wonderful team by not providing adequate capital.&rdquo;
<h3>ED threat for Byju's</h3>
In the call, Raveendran also identified the ED notice and the delay in closure of the FY23 statutory audit as other key challenges. The Enforcement Directorate had said that Byju&rsquo;s violated Foreign Exchange Management Act norms by delaying the filing of documents against the foreign investment of about Rs 8,000 crore and failing to allot shares against these.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/byju-s-denies-reports-of-a-9-000-crore-fema-violation-notice-from-ed-1700574095895">Byju's denies reports of a ₹9,000 crore FEMA violation notice from ED</a>
However, he reassured that significant progress has been made in resolving these issues, with procedural deficiencies addressed under FEMA for the ED notice and the FY23 audit on track for a completion.
Meanwhile, he said the capital invested by Ranjan Pai has settled Davidson Kempner's debt exposure in Aakash Education. He said that Aakash is now set for a record-breaking admissions season.
In a bid to boost the morale and get the support of the company leaders, Raveendran drew a parallel for the crisis with that of a war.&nbsp;
&ldquo;A true entrepreneur is a war leader,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;What Byju&rsquo;s is going through can only be seen as a war on multiple fronts against all odds,&rdquo; he added.

After being acquired by the Tata Group last year, Air India initiated an extensive five-year overhaul. Within this initiative, the airline is ready to introduce pioneering advancements in customer-centric interfaces and enhance employee experiences.

Air India plans to save $1 million every year by shutting down two data centres 

After being acquired by the Tata Group last year, Air India initiated an extensive five-year overhaul. Within this initiative, the airline is ready to introduce pioneering advancements in customer-centric interfaces and enhance employee experiences.

Air India recently made a significant leap in its technological infrastructure. In a strategic move, the airline shifted its entire computational workload to the Cloud, resulting in the closure of two data centers located in New Delhi and Mumbai. This migration to Microsoft Azure marks a pivotal moment for Air India's digital transformation, anticipated to yield an annual savings of $1 million.
The meticulous migration process, overseen by Air India's teams in Silicon Valley, Gurugram, and Kochi, involved transitioning computational tasks from numerous mainframes, hundreds of servers, and a substantial volume of data to the Cloud. The retired data centers previously played a pivotal role in driving innovation and streamlining automation across the airline's commercial and financial operations.
Satya Ramaswamy, Air India's Chief Digital and Technology Officer, highlighted the company's commitment to embracing a 'Cloud-only' computational infrastructure. He emphasized that the Cloud signifies more than just cost efficiency; it stands as a foundational shift in reimagining computing processes for the airline.
Puneet Chandok, President at Microsoft India &amp; South Asia, lauded Air India's successful transition to Microsoft Azure, showcasing the adaptability and prowess of the Microsoft Cloud in supporting global industry leaders like Air India.
Following the Tata Group's acquisition last year, Air India embarked on a comprehensive five-year transformation plan. As part of this endeavor, the airline is poised to introduce groundbreaking innovations in both customer-centric interfaces and employee experiences. These innovations will harness the power of advanced data analytics and AI capabilities embedded seamlessly across the company's applications, including cutting-edge technologies like Generative AI.
Air India's commitment to leveraging cloud capabilities underscores a strategic vision to enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation, and elevate customer experiences in the ever-evolving aviation landscape. This move signifies a step forward in the airline's journey towards a more agile and technologically advanced future. Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/air-india-bids-farewell-to-iconic-maharajah-mascot-airline-to-embrace-fresh-brand-identity-1690366018782#google_vignette">Air India bids farewell to iconic Maharajah mascot, airline to embrace fresh brand identity</a>

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Cyclone Michaung

The finance minister will address a press conference aat&nbsp;3 pm today and the wide expectation is that an&nbsp;economic relief package will be announced&nbsp;
Reports Indicate that that the new measures may include a scheme to promote health infrastructure in tier 2 cities, and an increased Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) limit of Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
The govt has already announced measures totalling Rs 29 lakh&nbsp;crore&nbsp;as per the statements made by&nbsp;Finance Minister in November 2020.&nbsp;

FM likely to announce Covid relief package for economy, here is what to expect

FM likely to announce Covid relief package for economy, here is what to expect at 3 pm today

Economy Stimulus coming

&nbsp;
The finance minister will address a press conference at&nbsp;3 pm today and the wide expectation is that an&nbsp;economic relief package will be announced&nbsp;
Reports Indicate that that the new measures may include a scheme to promote health infrastructure in tier 2 cities, and an increased Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) limit of Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
The govt has already announced measures totalling Rs 29 lakh&nbsp;crore&nbsp;as per the statements made by&nbsp;Finance Minister in November 2020.

Finance Minister will brief the media at 3 pm today

Finance Minister Nirmala&nbsp;Sitharaman will address a press conference at&nbsp;3 pm today and the wide expectation is that an&nbsp;economic relief package will be announced&nbsp;
Reports indicate that that the new measures may include a scheme to promote health infrastructure in tier 2 cities, and an increased Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) limit of Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
The govt has already announced measures totalling Rs 29 lakh&nbsp;crore&nbsp;as per the statements made by&nbsp;Finance Minister in November 2020.&nbsp;

Despite the sales decline encountered by KFC, industry analysts maintain a positive outlook on future growth. ICRA predicts that the top 5 players within India's domestic Quick Service Restaurant sector will jointly open 2,300 new stores by FY25.

KFC announces plans for 100,000 job opportunities as it reaches 1000 outlets in India

Despite the sales decline encountered by KFC, industry analysts maintain a positive outlook on future growth. ICRA predicts that the top 5 players within India's domestic Quick Service Restaurant sector will jointly open 2,300 new stores by FY25.

KFC has reached a remarkable count of 1,000 outlets across India, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing markets for the global quick-service chain. This achievement marks a momentous stride in KFC's expansion strategy, signaling its commitment to fostering growth in every market it serves, stated Sabir Sami, the CEO of KFC globally to Economic Times.
Operated by three franchisees under Yum Restaurants in India, namely Devyani International Limited, Sapphire Foods, and Burman Hospitality, KFC has been a prominent player in the Indian food industry since its inception in 1995. In an endeavor to fortify its presence, KFC has announced plans to generate over 100,000 job opportunities across the nation, affirming its dedication to contributing to the country's employment landscape.
In contrast, Pizza Hut, another prominent brand under Yum Restaurants, operates slightly over 800 stores in India, trailing behind KFC's rapid expansion. Market analysts have highlighted KFC's resilience in maintaining robust store operating margins despite encountering demand headwinds and a general economic slowdown.&nbsp;
The QSR industry, grappling with challenges such as inflation-driven consumer downtrading and escalating hyper-local competition, witnessed sluggish sales for major chains in the September quarter. Notwithstanding the sales downturn experienced by KFC, industry experts remain optimistic about growth prospects. According to ICRA, the top five players in India's domestic QSR industry are anticipated to collectively add 2,300 stores by FY25, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 5,800 crore.
Additionally, KFC has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity by aiming to double the number of restaurants operated by speech and hearing-impaired employees, showcasing a dedication to diversity and social responsibility. As KFC celebrates this significant milestone, its expansion trajectory in India remains poised for further growth and innovation in the dynamic food service landscape.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, maintains her standing as the world's most influential woman. Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, claims the second spot. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, 3 other Indians on Forbes' list of world's 100 most powerful women

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, maintains her standing as the world's most influential woman. Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, claims the second spot.&nbsp;

Forbes' has released its annual list of the 100 most powerful women in the world which features Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the 32nd spot. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Soma Mondal and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw are the three others who have made it to the list.&nbsp;
Nirmala Sitharaman, India's Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs since 2019, marked a significant rise, climbing to the 32nd spot after securing the 36th position in Forbes' 2022 list. Sitharaman is India's first full-time female finance minister, having previously served as the 28th Defence Minister.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, 42, chairs HCL Technologies and stands among Forbes' powerful women, steadily ranking from 54th in 2019 to 60th in 2023.
Soma Mondal, the current Chairperson of the Steel Authority of India, holds the distinction of being the first woman in this role. Her remarkable career trajectory saw her rise from NALCO to become a key leader at SAIL, earning accolades like 'CEO of the Year' at the ETPrime Women Leadership Awards.
Renowned entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, known for her leadership at Biocon Limited, Biocon Biologics Limited, and her contributions to science, appears on the list at the 76th position. Forbes' 100 most power women: Top 5&nbsp; Ursula von der Leyen maintains her standing as the world's most influential woman, securing the top position for the second consecutive year. Born on October 8, 1958, in Belgium, she became the European Commission's president in July 2019, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold this pivotal role Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, claims the second spot, while U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris retains third place. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni secures the fourth position.
A groundbreaking moment unfolds as 33-year-old American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift claims the fifth spot, marking the first time an entertainer has entered the top five in the list's history.

IT stocks surged on the back of the rupee's depreciation, providing relief on margin pressure for the sector. Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services, and LTIMindtree saw gains of around 2-3 percent

Sensex marks third straight day of record highs, Nifty closes above 20,900

IT stocks surged on the back of the rupee's depreciation, providing relief on margin pressure for the sector. Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services, and LTIMindtree saw gains of around 2-3 percent

Equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty rallied for the seventh straight session to hit fresh lifetime highs on Wednesday, driven by gains in index majors Reliance Industries, ITC and L&amp;T amid persistent foreign fund inflows.
Besides, receding crude oil prices in international markets also boosted sentiment, traders said.
The 30-share BSE Sensex surged 357.59 points, or 0.52 per cent, to settle at a new record of 69,653.73. The barometer rose to 69,744.62 during intra-day.
The broader index Nifty also climbed 82.60 points, or 0.40 per cent, to hit its fresh peak of 20,937.70.
Also read/watch - <a title="Elon Musk's xAI seeks $1 billion investment via equity offering" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/elon-musk-s-xai-seeks-1-billion-investment-via-equity-offering-1701853171755">Elon Musk's xAI seeks $1 billion investment via equity offering</a>
"Post-state elections, market optimism thrives, confirming policy continuity and meeting investor expectations. A robust FII reversal is fuelled by receding inflation and dropping yields in US and Indian markets. The allure of Indian market gains post-China credit rating downgrade and decline in oil prices was followed by ease in geopolitical tensions," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.
As many as 20 shares of the 30-share index closed the session with gains, while 30 stocks of the Nifty's 50 firms ended in positive territory.
Among major Sensex movers, Wipro closed with the maximum gain of 3.85 per cent, followed by ITC -- 2.51 per cent higher. L&amp;T and TCS gained 2.31 per cent and 2.13 per cent, respectively. Tata Motors, Nestle India, Infosys and Bajaj Finance were other gainers.
On the other hand, NTPC, Axis Bank, UltraTech Cement and ICICI Bank ended the session with a loss of up to 1.58 per cent.
Also read/watch - <a title="November auto sales surge: Two-wheelers and passenger vehicles lead growth" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/november-auto-sales-surge-two-wheelers-and-passenger-vehicles-lead-growth-1701852798876">November auto sales surge: Two-wheelers and passenger vehicles lead growth</a>
Analysts said the sustained equity buying by foreign institutional investors was attributed to declining US bond yields, while the domestic players were betting big on favourable macroeconomic data and expectations of longer political stability in the country.
Besides, investors are also expecting the Reserve Bank to maintain the status quo on the interest rate in its bi-monthly monetary policy decision to be announced on Friday, they added.
Foreign institutional investors purchased shares worth Rs 5,223.51 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.

The report emphasized a significant uptick of 58% in onion prices and a 35% surge in tomato prices month-on-month. This sudden increase stemmed from increased demand during festivals and diminished Kharif season yields caused by irregular rainfall.

Thali expenses surge: 10% rise in veg, 5% in non-veg meal costs

The report emphasized a significant uptick of 58% in onion prices and a 35% surge in tomato prices month-on-month. This sudden increase stemmed from increased demand during festivals and diminished Kharif season yields caused by irregular rainfall.

In November, the cost of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals surged, attributed primarily to the escalating prices of onions and tomatoes, according to a report released by Crisil MI&amp;A Research&nbsp;
The report highlighted a substantial increase in onion and tomato prices by 58% and 35% respectively on a month-on-month basis. This surge was triggered by heightened demand during the festive season coupled with reduced output during the Kharif season due to erratic rainfall patterns.
Reflecting these market dynamics, the cost of a representative home-cooked vegetarian thali rose by 10% month-on-month. Meanwhile, the non-vegetarian thali experienced a 5% increase during the same period. Notably, the increase in the non-vegetarian thali cost was slower due to a marginal decline of 1-3% in broiler prices, which contribute to 50% of its overall cost.
Comparatively, the cost of the vegetarian thali rose by 9% year-on-year. This rise was primarily driven by a staggering 93% increase in onion prices and a 15% increase in tomato prices. Additionally, the report indicated a 21% year-on-year increase in the prices of pulses, constituting 9% of the total vegetarian thali cost. Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/economy/veg-and-non-veg-thali-cost-rise-in-may-after-a-steady-decline-since-october-crisil-report-1686055964559#google_vignette">Veg and Non-veg thali cost rise in May, after a steady decline since October: Crisil Report</a>
The report's calculations for the average cost of preparing a thali were based on input prices prevailing across North, South, East, and West India. This data provides insights into the changing expenditure patterns of the common man. It also highlights the contributing factors&mdash;such as cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil, and cooking gas&mdash;that influence the fluctuations in thali costs.
&nbsp;

Employment suffered a setback, decreasing by 18,000 to 5.886 million in October. The accommodation and food services sector, previously a significant contributor to job expansion after the pandemic, notably saw a drop of 110,000 in hiring.

US job openings plummet to 2.5-year low amidst rising interest rates

Employment suffered a setback, decreasing by 18,000 to 5.886 million in October. The accommodation and food services sector, previously a significant contributor to job expansion after the pandemic, notably saw a drop of 110,000 in hiring.

In a significant downturn for the labor market, job openings in the United States have plunged to a 2.5-year low in October. The drop, reported in the Labor Department's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey on Tuesday, is considered a clear indicator that rising interest rates are curbing the demand for workers.
The data revealed a decline of 617,000 job openings, marking a decrease to 8.733 million vacancies by the end of October. This figure stands as the lowest level recorded since March 2021, sharply down from 9.350 million openings noted in September, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Economists, who had anticipated approximately 9.30 million job openings for October, were taken aback by the larger-than-expected decline. Sectors like health care and social assistance experienced the steepest drops, witnessing a reduction of 236,000 unfilled positions. The finance and insurance industry saw a decrease of 168,000 openings, while real estate, rental, and leasing noted a decline of 49,000 positions. However, the information sector bucked the trend, with an increase of 39,000 job openings.
Hiring also took a hit, slipping by 18,000 to 5.886 million in October. The accommodation and food services industry, which had been a key driver of job growth during the post-pandemic recovery, experienced a notable decline of 110,000 in hiring.
Additionally, resignations fell by 18,000 to 3.628 million, holding the quits rate steady at 2.3% for the fourth consecutive month. This decline in resignations suggests a potential slowdown in wage growth and, consequently, a reduction in price pressures within the economy.
Analysts are interpreting these numbers as a sign that the Federal Reserve might halt its monetary policy tightening cycle. Despite the gradual easing of the labor market, experts remain optimistic, stating that a significant recession is improbable. Economists forecast tepid growth in the wake of economic activity cooling down in the fourth quarter. However, they anticipate a modest rise in nonfarm payrolls for November, indicating the return of approximately 33,000 striking United Auto Workers union members.
The overall sentiment among experts is cautiously optimistic, suggesting that while the labor market is easing, the situation is manageable and does not necessitate immediate recalibration. Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/germany-s-unemployment-soars-to-2-1-2-year-high-amid-economic-slump-1701345993277#google_vignette">Germany's unemployment soars to 2 1/2-year high amid economic slump</a>

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