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BusinessPhoto: Deccan Herald

Corporate Oligopoly Tightens Grip on Global Food Chain

Corporate oligopolies are increasingly dominating agriculture and retail trade worldwide. Reports show that the number of companies controlling each food chain segment has shrunk from about 10 to just four to six. The top firms control major shares in seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, and agricultural commodities. For example, two companies hold 40% of the seed market, and four control 62% of pesticides. Walmart alone accounts for one-third of global grocery retail spending.

Deccan Herald·

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WorldPhoto: HT Health

Karwa Chauth 2026 in USA: Date, Timings, and Significance

Karwa Chauth 2026 in the USA falls on October 28 according to Drik Panchang, while some calendars list it as October 29. The Hindu festival honors the bond between married couples, with women fasting and praying for their husbands' well-being. Timings vary by city due to lunar calendar differences; for example, New York City's puja muhurat is from 5:57 PM to 7:01 PM.

HT Health·

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EntertainmentPhoto: TOI Entertainment

Connor Storrie May Play Villain in Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider

Connor Storrie, known for 'Heated Rivalry', is reportedly in talks to play a villain in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe reboot of 'Ghost Rider'. Ryan Gosling is set to star as Johnny Blaze. Production is expected to start in New York next year, with the film scheduled for release on July 28, 2028.

TOI Entertainment··New York

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BusinessPhoto: Mint Markets

China Stock Premium Over Hong Kong Widens Due to State Intervention

Beijing's efforts to stabilize its equity markets have driven the price gap between dual-listed stocks in China and Hong Kong to the widest in nearly 17 months. Mainland A-shares trade at a 33% premium over Hong Kong counterparts, supported by state-backed buying despite weak earnings and consumption. Hong Kong stocks face more global risk and AI-related pressures, keeping the valuation gap elevated.

Mint Markets·

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BusinessPhoto: Mint Markets

Bitcoin Faces Selling Pressure as Rally Nears $100,000

Bitcoin surged above $87,000 this summer but has since fallen back to around $80,000. Investors who bought in the past two years are selling to break even or take profits, causing repeated sell-offs. Prediction markets give Bitcoin only a 17% chance of reaching $100,000 by year-end and 9% for $110,000. Macro factors like inflation and geopolitical tensions also influence its price.

Mint Markets·

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PoliticsPhoto: Firstpost World

21 US States Sue Trump Over Corporate Ownership Disclosure Rollback

Twenty-one US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging a Treasury Department rule that significantly reduces beneficial ownership reporting requirements. The states warn that these exemptions could weaken protections against money laundering and other financial crimes, raising concerns about transparency and regulatory oversight.

Firstpost World·

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