Air India has introduced a new policy allowing solo female travelers and mothers to opt for preferred seating on flights. In a directive issued on October 3rd, the airline stated such passengers can now choose aisle or window seats for a more comfortable journey. Cabin crew have been instructed to discreetly offer reseating to women traveling alone currently assigned middle seats between male passengers.Mothers with infants seated in middle seats will also be relocated to more convenient bassinet or window spots if available. While not commenting publicly, officials said the move aims to avoid issues arising between male and female travelers.Air India noted some solo women passengers expressed discomfort at being allocated middle seats. Hence, under its new gender-sensitive policy, the airline will ensure no middle seats are given to unaccompanied women when flanked by men in aisle and window seats.

According to reportes, the Reserve Bank of India likely sold dollars to prevent the rupee from sliding near an all-time low on Wednesday amid external pressures. The RBI is estimated to have offloaded $500 million to ease the rupee's fall, as it came close to breaching the previous record low of 83.29 before closing slightly weaker at 83.24. Analysts said the RBI action calmed market nerves and limited the downside. This helped the rupee outperform regional peers despite rising US yields weighing on currencies globally. While Indian bonds held steady, benchmark stocks dropped over 0.5% each to over one-month lows due to broad-based foreign selling.

In a major achievement for Indian distilleries, homegrown whisky brand Indri has been awarded the prestigious 'Double Gold Best In Show' title at the 2023 Whiskies of the World Awards. The Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 emerged victorious after rigorous blind tasting rounds judged by global experts. Outcompeting over 100 international whisky labels, Indri has put India on the global whisky map. This marks the first time an Indian whisky has won the coveted top prize at the influential annual competition.

The United States has asked India at the WTO to immediately lift its export ban on non-basmati rice, calling it an unnecessary trade barrier. At the WTO agriculture committee meeting, India argued the ban was a regulation crucial for the food security of 1.4 billion people. India said it exempts countries in need upon government requests. Citing India's record estimated production, the US stated that with ample domestic supply, the export prohibition created unwanted barriers. India accounting for 40% of global rice exports stressed the temporary regulatory measures are regularly reviewed and are vital to ensure its own food security.

Speaking at the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit in London, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said there is immense potential in the state's real estate market. He stated that the Uttarakhand government is working on building two new cities in the state. Dhami highlighted that Uttarakhand has made its mark in technology and innovation, and Britain's experience in these fields will benefit the state. He added that Uttarakhand has developed as the pharmaceutical hub of India, with 22% of the country's pharma output. Dhami also noted India's strong economic ties with Britain, stating that Britain is the sixth largest investor in India, with over 600 commercial units and 4.75 lakh direct jobs. He invited British investment in sectors like education, retail, healthcare and infrastructure.

Canadian lentil sales to India have slowed following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in an assassination on Canadian soil. Canada is a significant supplier of lentils to India, and reduced purchases could impact Canadian farmers' prices while potentially inflating India's domestic food prices. Industry concerns have arisen about potential trade restrictions due to tensions between the two nations. However, India has not instructed importers to halt purchases. Despite high lentil prices in India, offers for Canadian supplies dropped 6% after Trudeau's comments. Indian buyers are now turning to Australia as an alternative source.

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's three children will receive no salary as directors on Reliance Industries' board, only fees for attending meetings. Twins Akash and Isha Ambani and brother Anant will be paid a fee to attend board and committee meetings, plus profit-related commission. In contrast, Ambani himself has drawn no salary from Reliance since 2020-21. Other executive directors receive full compensation packages. The terms match those under which Ambani's wife Nita joined the Reliance board in 2014, earning meeting fees and a small commission. The move suggests Ambani aims to keep family compensation restrained amid his company's massive expansion.

India has approved the export of 75,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice to the United Arab Emirates, marking the 4th shipment allowed since India banned rice exports in July to control domestic inflation. Earlier, India permitted rice exports to Singapore, Bhutan and Mauritius after requests from those nations citing food security needs. The government stated that as a country mindful of global food security, India will continue supplying rice to friendly nations for domestic use only. Besides white rice, India has also exported broken rice to several African countries despite prohibiting overseas sales. The export ban in July came amid global supply worries after Russia's withdrawal from a Black Sea grain deal.

Industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his family visited Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple on Sunday to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. He was accompanied by his wife Nita Ambani, children Isha and Anant, and grandchildren. Recently, the Ambanis hosted a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration at their residence Antilia, attended by Bollywood, sports, business, and political figures. Ganesh Chaturthi, marking Ganesha as the remover of obstacles, started on August 31. It is hugely celebrated in Maharashtra with thousands converging in temples. For the 10-day festival, people bring Ganesha idols home, fast, prepare feasts, and visit pandals. The Ambanis partook in the festivities by seeking blessings at Siddhivinayak Temple.  

The UK chapter of the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) held its quarterly meeting on September 21 at the Anoopam Mission Swami Narayan Temple in London. Over 100 Hindu business leaders and community members gathered to network and discuss the global Hindu community. Key speaker Swami Vigyananand emphasized the need for Hindu business unity and leadership worldwide. The event promoted November's World Hindu Congress 2023 in Bangkok. It reflects a growing organisation among global Hindu entrepreneurs looking to leverage their collective influence. WHEF aims to foster collaboration and amplify the voice of the over 830,000 Hindu-owned businesses world.