36 C 
Google gives US students $240 Gemini Pro free
Indian Equities End Flat Amid Global Oil Price Concerns
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed flat on Friday, with elevated crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties and a rebound in US Treasury yields making investors cautious and preventing a decisive market rally.
RBI Board reviews global, domestic challenges, economic outlook risks
The RBIs Central Board reviewed global and domestic economic challenges and risks to Indias outlook at its 624th meeting, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The board also assessed operational areas, including the functioning of its committees and Ombudsman Scheme.
Sowcar Janaki, veteran South Indian actor, no more
India eases rules for rupee export payments, boosting intl trade
India has removed a key regulatory hurdle, allowing exporters to receive payments in Indian currency while retaining incentives under the country's foreign trade policy, a move aimed at promoting wider use of the rupee in international trade.
Medical devices sector needs more local value addition, component manufacturing: Pharma Secretary
The government is considering further support for manufacturers as it seeks to deepen Indias medical devices supply chain beyond assembly operations
AI for all, not the chosen few: Preeti Lobana on Indias $1 trillion digital economy | ET WLF 2026
Govt set to approve $1.2 bn incentive scheme for construction equipment manufacturing: Sources
Scheme aims to draw $1.8 billion in fresh investment, provide incentives over seven years, sources say
BMW wants nearly one in three cars it sells in India to be electric
BMW expects electric vehicles to account for more than 30% of its India sales by year-end, up from 26% currently. The luxury carmaker is also considering local assembly of the BMW i5 LWB as it expands its EV and long-wheelbase portfolio.
Indias private credit market grew significantly in H1 2026 despite global economic challenges and uncertainties
Expensive living? Inflation hits coriander to cars in India
Consumer goods companies are increasing prices and reducing pack sizes. Automobile manufacturers and tyre companies also announced significant price hikes. Rising commodity and energy costs are pressuring company margins. India's retail inflation has moved above the Reserve Bank of India's target. Policymakers are watching for broader inflation spread across the economy.
India receives 29 FDI proposals worth Rs 4,896 crore under relaxed Chinese shareholding rules
The revised framework is helping overseas investors navigate Indias market more easily, with proposals spanning technology, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.
ET World Leaders Forum 2026: AI will reshape payments, but trust will be the real battleground
AI agents are increasingly performing purchases, which presents new payment challenges. Banks and networks must verify agent intent and transaction legitimacy. New security measures will distinguish between genuine and malicious automated activity. Payment rails may become invisible as consumers focus on speed and reliability.
Italian Proverb of the Day: Hope is the last to die. A timeless lesson on resilience
Italian Proverb of the Day: Hope is the last to die highlights the enduring role of hope during uncertainty, setbacks and difficult circumstances. The saying suggests that people can continue believing in the possibility of change even when outcomes appear uncertain. Rather than promising success, the proverb presents hope as a source of resilience that can encourage perseverance until the very end.
The Supreme Court recently nullified a directive from the Madras High Court regarding DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's legal situation. This decision permits Maran to summon the Union Telecom Secretary as a defense witness, overturning the earlier high court order that required the secretarys testimony. The core of this case pertains to allegations of illicit telephone exchanges established during Maran's tenure as minister.
Tata, Godrej and now Birla: Big groups aren't just chasing glitter
Indias gold loan market is emerging as a growth opportunity for financial institutions, with outstanding loans against gold jewellery reaching Rs 3.3 lakh crore by May 2026. Tata Capital, Godrej Capital and Aditya Birla Capital are expanding aggressively as lenders shift toward secured retail credit, driven by rising gold prices, strong demand, regulatory changes and Indias vast household gold holdings.
PM Modi urges space startups to explore applications in agriculture, livestock, environment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged young space entrepreneurs to innovate for agriculture and daily life. He highlighted the potential of India's private space sector for global impact. Startups were urged to engage with schools and inspire future generations. Modi acknowledged the risks taken by entrepreneurs and the government's reform process. The government will continue supporting startups to build national space capabilities.
Anupama Parameswaran, who wowed the audience with her performance in films such as Premam, Karthikeya 2, etc., is the proud owner of a majestic home in Kerala. Although spacious, her home is devoid of excess when it comes to decor and is known for simple, elegant, minimalistic decor and subdued hues.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has shared simple gardening tips for growing vegetables and microgreens at home. She recommends choosing healthy seeds, storing them properly, avoiding overwatering and planting seeds no deeper than 1-2 cm. She also advises keeping soil loose and transplanting seedlings after they develop three to four true leaves. Samantha has showcased her homegrown spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbage microgreens, parsley, basil, arugula and lettuce.
India gets nearly Rs 5,000 crore FDI after easing rules for Chinese-linked firms
New foreign investment rules are yielding positive results for India's economy. Twenty-nine investment proposals totaling over Rs 4,895 crore have been reported. These investments span crucial sectors like IT and manufacturing. Entities from various countries, including Mauritius and the US, have made these investments. The revised framework expedites foreign investment flow and strengthens ease of doing business.
Medical devices industry needs to focus more on local value addition: Pharma Secy
The medical devices sector must increase local value addition and component manufacturing. Government officials are open to industry suggestions for PLI scheme beneficiaries. Many companies invested but could not claim incentives for various reasons. The government aims to incentivize component makers more than assembly operations. Increased domestic value addition is a key objective for the sector.
Piyush Goyal pushes for greater India-Singapore economic, investment ties
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Singapore leaders to boost trade and investment. Discussions focused on strengthening business-to-business engagement and unlocking new economic opportunities. Temasek Holdings CEO and Fortis Healthcare Chairman also held discussions with Goyal. The minister addressed the India-Singapore Business Forum and met potential investors. Singapore remains India's largest source of foreign direct investment and bilateral trade has expanded significantly.
RAF deployed around Rahul Gandhi's sit-in
Euro zone biz most active since November
Euro zone business activity has grown at its fastest pace this year in August, buoyed by stronger new orders - particularly in manufacturing - and a return to export growth, according to a survey which also showed easing price pressures. That suggests the economy has remained resilient this quarter despite the Middle East conflict, after expanding 0.4% in the second quarter.The S&P Global Flash Euro zone Composite PMI Output Index has risen to 52.1 this month from July's 52.0, its highest since November and above a Reuters poll expectation of 51.7. Readings above 50 indicate growth.Final data have come out better than initial flash readings for the past five months.New orders, a key gauge of demand, have risen at their fastest rate in 40 months, while export orders, including intra-euro zone trade, have increased for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.The manufacturing sector is again the star performer ... with the services economy providing a supporting role, notching up another month of decent growth after the malaise seen in the second quarter, said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.We are again seeing reports of precautionary stock building helping support the goods-producing sector amid the ongoing supply chain disruptions emanating out of the Middle East ... However, there are also encouraging signs of rising demand for AI-related tech goods and rising equipment demand thanks to higher defence spending, notably helping Germany in particular achieve increasingly impressive production gains.The factory PMI has risen to a more than four-year high of 52.8 from 51.9, beating the poll estimate of 51.8. Output growth has hit its strongest level in 54 months.Services activity has held steady after July's rebound, with the PMI unchanged at 51.7, defying forecasts for a slowdown.Overall employment has risen for the first time this year as manufacturers resumed hiring after more than three years, while services employment has grown at the fastest pace in eight months.Price pressures, although still high, have continued to ease, with input cost growth at its slowest in six months and output price inflation easing to a five-month low.However, with the flash PMI signalling solid third-quarter GDP growth, a return to hiring by companies for the first time this year, and inflation remaining elevated by historical standards, a hawkish bias is likely to be maintained and further imminent rate hikes cannot be ruled out, Williamson added. The European Central Bank will deliver its second rate hike of this year next month, a Reuters poll showed last week.Despite encouraging data, firms were less optimistic about the year-ahead outlook and sentiment remained lower than the series average.
Indias aspiration economy: How consumers are reshaping cars, hotels, homes and food | ET WLF 2026
Indias aspiration economy: How consumers are reshaping cars, hotels, homes and food | ET WLF 2026
GST registration for big businesses: Centre, states work on uniform documents for faster approvals
In a bid to enhance efficiency, tax authorities are crafting standardized guidelines for GST registration applications. This effort targets easing the process for businesses disbursing tax credits that surpass Rs 2.5 lakh each month. Negotiations with states are underway to unify the documentation and information required. Officials are also considering automation for the cancellation of GST registrations. The final recommendations will be presented to the GST Council for approval.
FPIs boost financials, extend IT buying in early August
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) significantly increased their buying in Indian equities during the first half of August, with financial services attracting the largest inflows, reversing previous outflows. The IT sector also continued to see strong interest from overseas investors, driven by a reassessment of valuations and the role of Indian IT firms in AI deployment.
Sadhguru launched his new photography book, Disappearing Faces, documenting life in Nepal and Tibet. The book captures faces shaped by a life closely tied to nature and sensory experience. This visual documentation preserves an era that is disappearing due to modern influences. In an exclusive interview with ET, Sadhguru has advice for the next generation and wants them to focus on perception. Read on!
El Nino heads for an unheard-of peak this year
India, Russia discuss higher education cooperation, identify areas for collaboration
In a recent meeting, India and Russia deliberated on their mutual interests in advancing higher education. Both countries expressed their commitment to strengthen collaborative efforts. Deepti Gaur Mukherjee had a constructive dialogue with Mogilevsky Konstantin Ilyich on Thursday, exploring various avenues for partnership. The Ministry of Education disseminated this news on Friday.
India, ADB sign $230 million loan to upgrade Chennai water system
India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $230 million loan agreement. This project will expand and modernize Chennai's water supply and sanitation infrastructure. It includes building new pipes and upgrading pumping stations across the city. Chennai will also implement a comprehensive ring-main system for improved water reliability. The initiative aims to enhance public health and urban resilience to climate change.
Tehran said it must overcome 'unjust sanctions'
India, Singapore to deepen ties in semiconductors, digital payments, health, green energy
Agreement signed between FSSAI and the Singapore Food Agency to facilitate technical information-sharing on food safety
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has achieved a significant box office milestone. The film is now the highest-grossing R-rated movie globally. It surpassed Deadpool & Wolverine with its impressive worldwide earnings. This mythological epic also marks Nolan's biggest career success. The movie has generated over USD 1.352 billion at the box office.
A businessman received 23 lakh via RTGS but had his account frozen by the bank due to an income mismatch. The Allahabad High Court ruled in his favor, ordering the bank to pay 50,000 in compensation. Here's what happened.
Front-of-pack labels: Where India stands vs global food labelling systems
India is yet to finalise its front-of-pack labelling rules. Here's how its proposed approach compares with warning labels and nutrition ratings used in other countries
Bank offers up to 8.50% rate on senior citizen FD
Before he made a name for himself as a leading man with hits such as Dharti Ke Lal, Waqt, Kabuliwala, etc., Balraj Sahni had a brief stint as a teacher of English at Visva Bharati University, where he came across the great poet Rabindra Nath Tagore, who gave him advice he would never forget.
Smallcaps, Midcaps Race Ahead Of Largecaps
Smallcap and midcap funds now account for nearly 30% of active equity MF folios, as stock-market gains revive investor appetite for high-growth segments.
A Delhi-based entrepreneur shared the story of a candidate who was laid off three times in two years and applied to 50 companies over four months. He received 29 rejections and 15 unanswered applications, yet kept detailed records to remind himself he was still trying. During his interview, she found him sharp, experienced and composed under pressure. She hired him, believing the process had failed him, not his ability.
SC makes bail final for 105-year-old murder convict
Gandhari, featuring Taapsee Pannu, is all set to arrive on OTT. Directed by Devashish Makhija and penned by Kanika Dhillon, this action thriller explores a mother's relentless drive to shield her child from harm. Alongside Taapsee, Gandhari features Ishwak Singh, Swastika Mukherjee and others. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.
India set to approve $1.2 billion incentive plan to make building equipment, sources say
India is set to approve a $1.2-billion incentive scheme to boost domestic production of high-value construction equipment, including tunnel boring machines, and reduce import dependence on China. The programme is expected to attract $1.8 billion in investment over seven years.
Tata Motors to hike passenger vehicle prices by up to Rs 25,000
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd (TMPV) announced a price hike of up to Rs 25,000 across its ICE and electric vehicle models, effective September 1, to mitigate rising input costs and inflationary pressures.
Delayed, lost and mishandled: Air travellers had one big complaint in July, their baggage
Delayed and lost baggage caused the most passenger dissatisfaction in July. This issue accounted for nearly one-third of all airline complaints received. Flight delays and refund problems followed as significant passenger concerns. Airlines resolved most complaints, while IndiGo carried most domestic passengers. Overall passenger traffic showed slight growth from the previous year.
HDFC Bank raises $1.75 bn through overseas bond issue to fund business
HDFC Bank has raised USD 1.75 billion through overseas bonds to fund its business growth. HDFC Bank , acting through GIFT City Branch, has completed the issue of USD 1.75 billion in senior unsecured bonds, the bank said in a regulatory filing. The private sector lender has raised USD 500 million with notes carrying a coupon rate of 5.159 per cent and maturing in three years, while the remaining USD 1.25 billion five-year paper carries a coupon rate of 5.4 per cent, it said. These papers will be listed on India INX (India International Exchange (IFSC) Limited) and NSE International Exchange (NSE-IX) , it added.
Carlsberg India sees high H1 volume, IPO advances
Economic growth may beat RBIs 6.7% forecast, Gupta says
Guptas optimistic outlook highlights strong economic resilience, with forecasts of 7.5% growth driven by favorable external accounts and rising foreign investment
A recent Sebi study reveals that young traders, aged under 30, now represent 43% of individual traders but face high losses, with 89% incurring losses in FY26. Details here.
India composite PMI rises to 54.6 in August from July's 52-month low: HSBC
Expansion in private sector activity, however, remains second-weakest since March 2022
Tata Sons Listing: Suspense Continues
Tata Sons approached the RBI in 2024 seeking de-registration after becoming debt-free, a move that would allow it to remain a privately held, unlisted company. The application has remained pending.
Himachal signs MoU with ISB to unlock 22,600 crore forest economy potential
Five-year partnership focuses on science-backed governance, community enterprises and sustainable bio-resource utilisation
SC reduces entry-level judicial exam requirement
AI can never take over human relationships, craft: Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee opened his new flagship store in New Delhi. He believes craftsmanship will outlast artificial intelligence, which should only support creativity. Mukherjee also celebrated his multi-year collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This partnership will draw inspiration from the museum's vast collection for new designs.
BMW X1 LWB launched in India: Check price, features
22k, 24k gold: How much each gram would cost today?
Ladakh 2025 protest case: Cases against 25 withdrawn, Panchayat elections preparation begins
Ladakh will withdraw cases against 25 individuals involved in a protest incident. Preparations for upcoming Panchayat elections in Ladakh are now commencing. A meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs is scheduled for early September. Land use changes and Nautor land tenancy rights will be regularized soon. Tourism sector will now receive electricity at industrial tariffs.
ET WLF 2026: India can emerge as an AI middle power, says BCG CEO Christoph Schweizer
BJP to chalk out nationwide plan for 'Modi@25' celebrations tommorow
The BJP will meet tomorrow to finalize plans for Modi@25 celebrations. These nationwide events will commemorate Prime Minister Modi's 25 years in public service. The campaign, Seva Sankalp Mahotsav, begins September 7 and lasts fifteen days. It will feature outreach programs and digital exhibitions highlighting his public life. The celebrations focus on service, good governance, development, and public welfare.
IndiGo website hit by second disruption in a week
IndiGo's website experienced booking issues on Friday, showing No Data Available during searches. This marks the second disruption to its online services within a single week. Previously, intermittent problems affected its core reservation platform, impacting customer access. The airline advised customers to try again later and contact its call centre for urgent needs. IndiGo has apologized for the inconvenience caused by these technical difficulties.
A memorable dialogue from the movie Sarkar shares an important piece of financial wisdom for investors. It emphasises the importance of assessing long-term losses before getting caught up in near-term gains. Investors are encouraged to look past fleeting returns and market hype. Read on to know what the fund manager explained through this dialogue.
IndiGo website crashes for second time this week, blocks some bookings
The cause of the outage was not immediately clear
Fairfax has two years to sort its IDBI bank puzzle
Services drive recovery in India's pvt sector activity in August: Flash PMI
The HSBC flash composite PMI rose to 54.6 from 54.3 in July, with stronger services offsetting manufacturing growth that slowed to its weakest pace in five years
EPF inoperative accounts: When does your balance stop earning interest? EPFO explains 4 key cases
EPFO has clarified when an EPF account becomes inoperative and stops earning interest. Here are four retirementage examples, key rules and practical steps members should know to manage old balances.
Dont throw out clothes stained with sunscreen. Try these simple and easy DIY cleaning hacks first
Sunscreen can leave stubborn greasy, yellow or orange marks on clothes, especially around collars and necklines. Fresh stains can be treated with liquid laundry detergent or dish soap before washing. For tougher marks, DIY options such as baking soda and dish soap, diluted white vinegar or lemon juice may help, depending on the fabric. Avoid hot drying until the stain disappears, and never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach.
India's first large-scale biopolymer plant in UP set for October launch
India's first large-scale biopolymer plant in Lakhimpur Kheri is nearing its October operational launch. This pioneering project will convert locally grown sugarcane into PLA-based bioplastic. The facility features a Zero Liquid Discharge system to prevent harmful liquid waste. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laid the foundation stone for this significant industrial development.
Ebix and NSDL Payments Bank cross one crore registrations Under MSRTC NCMC Programmes.
Over one crore NCMC RuPay smartcards were registered in five months. These cards now serve MSRTC concessional passengers across Maharashtra's villages. The digital passes replace old paper systems, improving verification and reducing misuse. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi's Digital India 'One Nation, One Card' vision. Future plans include retail payments and integration with metro and water transport.
Monsoon loses punch under El Nio shadow, parts of South in for surprise
Counter-intuitively, parts of South Peninsula including Kerala and Mahe, along with Lakshadweep, may experience fairly widespread to widespread rainfall for four days from Sunday
India economic growth may beat RBI's 6.7% forecast: Deputy Guv Poonam Gupta
Gupta also sounded confident about India's external accounts, saying it will be 'much more conducive'
India's private sector activity rises to 54.6 in August: Flash PMI
While the reading stayed above the 50 mark separating growth from contraction, it remained below the recent average of around 60
The Malayalam film Bethlehem Kudumba Unit premiered today, August 21, and has been met with enthusiastic responses from audiences. Viewers are praising its straightforward narrative and relatable storytelling. The charming chemistry between Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju stands out, while the mix of humour and romance keeps audiences engaged. Read on!
Stock Markets on Aug 21: Sensex, Nifty Edge Up Amid Global Caution
Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, traded marginally higher in early deals despite cautious global cues stemming from elevated crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties and a sharp fall in US markets. Track Sensex, Nifty on August 21, 2026.
Harvard and AIIMS gastro doctor Dr Saurabh Sethi has shared seven dessert ideas that support gut health, offering sweet options beyond conventional treats. His list includes watermelon with lime, dark chocolate dates and walnuts, baked sweet potato, cinnamon apple yoghurt, cherry psyllium jelly, chocolate strawberries and kiwi yoghurt. The recipes combine fruits, Greek yoghurt, nuts, dark chocolate and fibre-rich ingredients for simple, satisfying treats.
Strikes in the Gulf changing rules behind Indias big-money bets
India Private Equity Investment 2026: Geopolitical risks now shape private equity deal considerations in India. Investors increasingly focus on resilience and supply-chain stability for investments. Capital deployment concentrates on manufacturing and financial services sectors. Export-oriented businesses still attract interest despite US tariff uncertainties. India remains an attractive destination due to its market scale and policy support.
India's August private sector growth recovers slightly from over four-year low, PMI shows
August marked a subtle rise in India's private sector activity, propelled by a rebound in services growth that countered the slowest factory expansion in five years. New orders showed a quicker pace but continued to be underwhelming against historical averages. The services sector's vigorous hiring led to a boost in employment, while business confidence for the future grew, albeit slightly.
Passenger falls from bus, driver acquitted by SC
From sugar exports to imports: Whats behind Indias policy U-turn?
The policy shift raises questions over whether 2025-26 production and stock estimates were too optimistic.
Profits from selling an asset is generally subject to income tax, but there are certain exceptions which are categorised as personal effects by the income tax department. Here's when you have to pay tax and when the sale of an item is exempt from tax.
Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga recently opened up about Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Spirit, stating that her demands regarding remuneration and working hours were pivotal in the decision. Reportedly, the actress sought a whopping ten per cent of the film's profits. Read to know more about the multiple reasons behind her exit from Prabhas starrer.
Why Are Indian IT Firms Cutting H-1B Applications?
Indian IT companies have significantly reduced their fresh H-1B visa applications for US FY27, a direct consequence of soaring fees imposed by the Trump administration and new lottery system changes that prioritise higher-salaried employees, leading to a seven-year low in registrations.
AI pilot era is ending. Now worry about the bill
What If the Biggest Bank Fraud Risk Is An Employee?
Bank fraud is no longer just an external cyber threat -- insiders with legitimate access can exploit banking systems, trusted credentials and institutional blind spots to quietly siphon money.
Delhis 1,459 heritage assets face severe threat, master plan calls for stronger conservation
Delhi's Master Plan 2047 identifies 1,459 heritage assets facing significant threats. The plan emphasizes enhanced conservation and regular monitoring of these historical sites. Local bodies will establish heritage cells for management and promotion of cultural activities. Adaptive reuse of historic structures is encouraged to prevent degradation and loss. The plan aims to preserve Delhi's rich cultural and historical character for future generations.
444-day FD: Maturity on Rs 5L deposit in PSU banks
Gold and silver prices today, 21 August: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Kangana vs Sharmila: Vande Mataram sparks clash
Imran Khan taken back to Adiala Jail
A Pune luxury restaurant reportedly keeps a Rs 5,000 dish on its menu despite nobody ordering it. Social media user Pratham shared that the restaurant owner uses the expensive dish as a psychological anchor, making Rs 1,500Rs 2,000 options appear more affordable. The strategy reportedly increased average order value by around 35%. The unusual dish also attracted Instagram posts, giving the restaurant free word-of-mouth publicity.
India's UPI needs reform, not US pressure on its digital payments system
The lesson for New Delhi: Keep peer-to-peer and mom-and-pop transactions free, but let large commercial platforms pay, say, 0.5 per cent
