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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.
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.
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
Tata Motors to hike car prices by Rs 25,000; joins Maruti, Hyundai as costs hurt pockets
Tata Motors will increase prices for its cars and SUVs by up to Rs 25,000. This price adjustment will affect both internal combustion engine and electric vehicle models. The company cites rising input and commodity costs as the primary reason for this decision. This move follows similar announcements made by other major automobile manufacturers. The price revision aims to partially offset increased operational expenses for the automaker.
Jason Statham's high-octane thriller, Mutiny, briefly appeared on an OTT platform in the US before disappearing from the platform without warning. Anticipation builds as the film is set for a theatrical debut on August 21, 2026. This unexpected move led to speculation regarding its distribution tactics. Read on to know what exactly happened.
Welspun Corp bags biggest-ever 17,200 crore US pipe order
Welspun Corp secured its largest order valued at $1.8 billion for US pipe supply. This significant contract will be executed during fiscal years twenty twenty-eight and twenty twenty-nine. The company's global order book will reach a record $4.4 billion after this deal. This order strengthens Welspun Corp's presence in the North American energy infrastructure market.
Nara Lokesh vows justice after six-year-old allegedly dies following teacher assault
Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh expressed deep grief over a six-year-old student's death. The minister promised full administrative support to ensure justice for the grieving family. A UKG student allegedly died after being beaten by a teacher at a private school. Officials confirmed the boy collapsed at school and was declared brought dead at the hospital. Strict action will be taken against the teacher and the school management.
India market is going to act like an AI-hedge: DSPs Jay Kothari
India has lagged global markets amid the AI boom. DSPs Jay Kothari explains why that underperformance could reverse, where investors should look and how to approach the coming IPO wave.
Turning 60? These financial benefits can cushion your retirement
Senior citizens in India get higher interest rates, tax concessions and discounts on travel and utilitiesbut with retirement largely self-funded, building a sufficient corpus remains crucial.
How Did Tata Group Fare Under Chandra?
N Chandrasekaran not only faces muted financial performance from the group's listed companies, but also mounting losses at Tata Sons' unlisted subsidiaries, many of which have been set up by him in the last decade.
Himachal signs MoU with ISB to unlock Rs 22,600 crore forest economy potential
Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and ISB-BIPP signed a five-year pact. This partnership aims to unlock the state's forest economy potential. Science and technology will enable better forest governance and resource utilization. The initiative focuses on community-led enterprises and sustainable livelihood opportunities. This collaboration will strengthen rural economies and conserve forest wealth.
Himachal signs MoU with ISB to unlock Rs 22,600 crore forest economy potential
Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and ISB-BIPP signed a five-year pact. This partnership aims to unlock the state's forest economy potential. Science and technology will enable better forest governance and resource utilization. The initiative focuses on community-led enterprises and sustainable livelihood opportunities. This collaboration will strengthen rural economies and conserve forest wealth.
Oman and India are strengthening economic ties, moving towards strategic business partnerships. A new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement enhances trade access for Indian exports. Bilateral trade saw a significant increase during the recent fiscal year. Exports to Oman rose substantially after the agreement's implementation. Oman now serves as a key gateway for Indian businesses expanding internationally.
Can a govt employee switch pension scheme after accepting retirement benefits? SC clarifies
The Supreme Court ruled that a retired employee cannot switch pension schemes after accepting benefits. This arose from a case where a retired professor sought GPF coverage after being under CPF. Details of the full case here.
War, Pakistan airspace squeeze Air Indias wings
Himachal Pradesh signs MoU with ISB to develop Rs 22,600 crore forest economy
The News Mill
8th Pay Commission: Can government amend ToR to cover pension revision for pre-2026 retirees?
The 8th Pay Commissions Terms of Reference could be amended to include pension revision for retirees who retired before 1 January 2026. While the Centre has yet to announce any change, historical precedents show that the ToRs of earlier Pay Commissions have been amended and improved when required.
Irumudi, starring Ravi Teja, opened to positive audience reactions and first-day screenings. Fans praised Ravi Teja's performance, calling it a strong comeback for the actor. The film's social message and father-daughter relationship also resonated with viewers. Read on to know more about the movie and netizens' reaction to it.
Atomberg files IPO papers for Rs 450-crore fresh issue
Starlink would help the 'least served' in India: Elon Musk
Elon Musk's Starlink plans to bring satellite internet to India's least served regions. This service aims to connect rural areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited. Starlink's entry will expand internet access beyond major Indian cities and markets. The company is actively seeking to launch its satellite broadband services in India. India's government is developing regulations for satellite spectrum allocation and services.
Trump Risks China Blowback With Plan To Isolate Iran's Economy
Any decision to hit China would risk worsening tensions just weeks before Trump hosts Xi for the Chinese leader's first visit to Washington in a decade.
Ankit Pandey shared on X that his friend quit a Rs 25 LPA Mumbai job and moved back to his hometown because his ageing parents mattered more to him. Despite working for years to build his career, he chose to find another job closer to home so he could spend more time with them. Pandey initially thought the decision was madness, but later wondered if it was simply knowing what matters before its too late.
Piyush Goyal pitches Singapore as springboard for Indias agri-food exports
Indian ministers promoted agricultural exports in Singapore through a special roadshow event. This initiative aims to expand Indian farmers' and food manufacturers' market presence. The event focused on diverse products including organic items and millets. This effort supports strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Singapore. Discussions also covered enhancing digitalization and sustainability partnerships.
Amazon to invest $2 billion in Latin American Prime Video through 2030
Amazon will invest two billion dollars in Latin American productions through 2030. This significant investment aims to harness the region's extraordinary talent and audiences. The company plans to double original productions from key Latin American countries. Twenty-five new titles will premiere in 2027 and another twenty-five in 2028. This move follows Netflix's own expansion of original Latin American content.
Prithviraj Sukumaran's latest action thriller, Khalifa, hit theaters on August 20 and made an impressive debut/ With Kerala leading the way as the top market, the film enjoyed substantial audience turnout, especially during late-night screenings across India. This movie is set to be part of a two-part franchise. Read on to know how much it earned on day 1.
Donald Trump expands Cuba crackdown as islands economy plunges deeper into crisis
The Trump administration is increasing economic penalties on Cuban industries. New sanctions target mining, metal, and construction companies, and friendship organizations. Americans visiting Cuba face stricter enforcement of laws barring dealings with state-owned businesses. This action follows recent detentions of citizens returning from Cuba. These measures aim to further isolate Cuba amid its economic crisis.
Banks warm up to startup lending as new economy matures
Traditional banks are moving into startup lending as more growth-stage companies become profitable and bankable, putting pricing pressure on venture-debt funds and NBFCs that previously dominated the segment.
ET Startup Awards: Nominees for Startup of the Year
Chinese visa impact hits Indian physical AI startups
OUR ECONOMY SUCKS!: Ron DeSantis Betrays BOSS Trump; Declares 2028 Presidential Bid | WATCH
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis acknowledged the economic pressure facing Americans, pointing to inflation, high interest rates and rising grocery costs. DeSantis said the economic crunch is being felt not only in Florida but across the country, highlighting the financial strain facing households nationwide.
India weighs facilitating European, UK investments via green channel
India is creating a dedicated channel to ease European and British company investments. This mechanism will offer dedicated support and help investors navigate government approvals. The initiative aims to facilitate capital flow beyond just trade agreements. Senior officials will directly monitor this new investor facilitation process. This move follows recent liberalizations in sectors like insurance and banking.
Millions of hectares of protected tropical forests were lost to wildfires between 2001 and 2024. Wildfire destruction inside protected areas has significantly accelerated since 2016. The tropical Americas, especially Brazil, experienced the vast majority of these losses. Protected areas offered some reduction in fire risk, particularly in Africa.
Centres fiscal outlook faces geopolitical, revenue risks
Central government finances for 2026-27 may remain close to budgeted levels
New psychology research is shedding light on a familiar habit that has gradually become less common in the digital age. While typing has become the preferred way to take notes for many people, researchers are looking more closely at how different note-taking methods may affect the way people learn and retain information. The findings could explain why the simple habit of putting pen to paper may still have an important role in classrooms and everyday learning.
GLP-1 drugs create new market for collagen, protein and beauty products in India
The rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro is creating a new consumer market in India, with companies developing protein- and fibre-rich foods, nutrition supplements and beauty products aimed at addressing side effects of rapid weight loss.
Bain Capital in talks to invest up to Rs 2,850 crore in JBM Autos EV business
Bain Capital is in discussions with JBM Auto to invest up to 2,850 crore for a significant minority stake in its electric vehicle business, people familiar with the matter said. The investment could support JBMs expansion in electric buses, batteries and charging infrastructure, while discussions also include a potential joint-control structure.
DMart parent Avenue Supermarts approves Rs 500 crore investment in online grocery arm
Avenue Supermarts, the parent of DMart, has approved an additional investment of up to 500 crore in Avenue E-Commerce, which operates DMart Ready, despite widening losses. The online grocery arms FY26 revenue rose 17% to 4,094 crore, while its loss increased to 307 crore. The company is focusing on 11 key cities.
Nielsen prepares for agent-first media world as AI reshapes content, ad measurement
Nielsen is preparing for an agent-first media landscape where AI agents could increasingly determine the content and advertising users encounter, CTO Anil Goel told ET. The shift could complicate audience measurement as AI-generated content expands and audiences fragment across platforms.
The Supreme Court dismissed Reliance Communications lenders' challenge to the DoT's bank guarantee invocation. The court stated lenders should have approached the high court first for this matter. The DoT sought to invoke bank guarantees totaling approximately 800 crore from four banks. Lenders argued the Supreme Court's prior judgment did not justify this invocation. They contended the DoT's action disrupted the insolvency resolution process framework.
Bessent urges US partners to back plans to 'squash' Iran economy
The US Treasury secretary says allies will need to decide whether they are with us or against us.
Delhi High Court rules in favour of Dr Reddy's Labs in trademark row with Razenta
The Delhi High Court ordered the removal of Razenta Pharmaceuticals' Daplogin trademark. This decision came as the mark was deemed deceptively similar to Dr Reddy's Labs' Daplo trademark. Both trademarks are used for prescription drugs treating Type-2 diabetes Mellitus. The court cited phonetic similarity and potential consumer confusion as key reasons. Razenta's trademark registration was cancelled within six weeks by the court.
Lou Henry Hoovers journey to the White House was far from ordinary. After becoming the first woman to graduate from Stanford University with a geology degree, she married mining engineer Herbert Hoover in 1899 and began a life that took her across China, Europe and other parts of the world. Along the way, she raised two sons, supported humanitarian efforts, worked with the Girl Scouts and became an advocate for womens athletics.
Protection, annuity more relevant in insurance products: Sumit Madan, MD & CEO, Axis Max Life
While things are changing, insurance is still seen as a bit of a savings and tax product. We are focusing on making protection and annuity more relevant across proprietary and partnership channels, where we are looking at growth of 15% or 16%. The discussion is around protection rather than just premium. We've started focusing very sharply on the young Indian middle clas, says Sumit Madan.
NCLT admits Pen India's plea against Reliance Entertainment Studios
NCLT Mumbai has admitted Pen Indias insolvency petition against Reliance Entertainment Studios over a 11.94 crore default linked to a security deposit agreement. The tribunal held that the transaction qualified as financial debt and that Reliances liability remained outstanding despite its repayment mechanism. It rejected Reliances objections and initiated the corporate insolvency resolution process.
Whirlpool India to revive brand, sets sights on premium play: MD Narasimhan Eswar
Whirlpool India says it will operate independently despite its US parent retaining a 39.7% stake. The company plans to expand its premium portfolio, strengthen refrigerators and washing machines, and grow its air-conditioner business. Six senior executives have invested their savings in the companys shares. Whirlpool also plans 245 crore investment in a new production line as it targets top-three positions across segments.
HP forest dept, ISB join hands to unlock Rs 22,600cr forest economy
Sebi allows digitally signed Power of Attorney for FPI onboarding
India's capital markets regulator, Sebi, has simplified the onboarding process for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) by permitting them to submit a digitally signed Power of Attorney (PoA) to their custodians, eliminating the need for notarisation or apostillisation.
Niva Bupa, Acko General Insurance barred from opening places of biz for 6 months
Niva Bupa's allowable expense for FY25 was Rs 2,403.75 crore, while its actual expenses stood at Rs 2,652.12 crore, exceeding the limit by Rs 248.37 crore, according to the regulator's order. Irdai has prescribed limits to ensure insurers control management and operating costs so that a reasonable portion of premiums collected from policyholders is available for providing insurance cover and settling claims.
Volkswagen Cars eyes mass growth in India with compact SUV
Volkswagen plans to enter Indias sub-four-metre SUV segment next year with a compact SUV, aiming to expand beyond its limited portfolio and reach the mass market. CEO Thomas Schafer said the company also wants to clearly differentiate Volkswagen from Skoda and Cupra while using shared technology. The new model could also become an export product from India.
Suits & Sayings: The IPO Folklore
ETs roundup of the wackiest whispers in corporate corridors
Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Slips in July, IndiGo's Market Share Grows
Domestic air passenger traffic in India decreased by 4.80 per cent in July 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching 1.20 crore, with major airlines experiencing a drop in load factor, according to DGCA data. Despite the overall dip, IndiGo and Air India Group increased their market share.
Rate reset clause in overseas loan pact helps Shriram Finance cut costs
The upgrade helped Shriram, in which Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) bought a significant stake, save 60-80 basis points on a $1.3-billion syndicated loan. One basis point is a hundredth of a percentage point. Managing director and CEO Parag Sharma expects such clauses to become more prevalent as growing focus on credit ratings is expected to determine the rates at which financiers raise money.
Rules eased to help exporters receive payments in rupees
India has eased rules for rupee-based export payments, allowing exporters to invoice and receive payments in Indian currency or foreign currencies from non-ACU countries. Rupee export realisations will now qualify for trade-policy benefits and count towards export obligations, helping promote wider use of the rupee in international trade.
ISMR: Ministers push for advanced manufacturing, strategic tech ties with Singapore
The fourth India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable convened in Singapore to explore new partnerships. Discussions focused on advanced manufacturing and strategic technologies like semiconductors. Ministers reviewed progress and identified opportunities for their comprehensive strategic partnership. They also discussed digitalization, sustainability, and connectivity between the two nations. Both countries aim to deepen ties across various economic and technological domains.
Govt halves bulk sugar stock limit to 15 days as prices surge
Government halves bulk sugar stock limit to 15 days as prices surge 20% ahead of festive demand. It has also ordered mills to report detailed sales, buyer and price data for August 17-19 to monitor hoarding and market activity. Authorities are assessing whether sugar imports are needed to ease the supply squeeze.
July core growth down to 5.4% as iron ore, power lose steam
Indias core sector growth slowed to 5.4% in July from 6% in June, with weaker iron ore, steel and electricity output and contractions in fertiliser and crude oil. Cement and coal production strengthened. Despite the monthly slowdown, April-July growth rose to 4.3% from 1.5% a year earlier. Economists expect core and industrial output growth to moderate further due to base effects.
Local funds' share rises in private credit market: EY report
Private credit investments were broadly similar to the second half of 2025 levels of $3.4 billion, with refinancing, holding-company funding and acquisition financing serving as key drivers of activity. The growing share of domestic capital is one of the most significant developments in India's private credit market, Vishal Bansal, partner, debt and special situations, EY India, said.
Consumption funds have delivered widely different returns over the past three years, despite focusing on the same broad theme. Find out what drove this divergence, the role of stock selection, key sectors, and the risks investors should consider.
Bandar, starring Bobby Deol and directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a crime drama that follows a fading television actor whose life changes after his former partner accuses him of rape. The film explores how public opinion, media attention and social judgement can affect a person even before the legal process reaches its conclusion.
Geopolitical And Trade Disruptions Pushing Global Economy To Debt Crisis
Bringing debt under control is proving difficult because governments in advanced economies face strong political resistance to spending cuts and pension reforms
In August 1920, a heartfelt letter from a mother to her son, a legislator, played a critical role in the fight for women's suffrage. Harry T. Burn's decisive vote for the ratification of the 19th Amendment in Tennessee made history by achieving the necessary 36th state approval for this constitutional change.
Manipur economy set back by a decade; no roads, investments in hill districts, says NPF MLA
Poor connectivity and repeated blockades of key highways have crippled development projects and worsened the hardships faced by ordinary people, Ram Muivah of the Naga Peoples Front, an ally of the BJP in Manipur, says
Bitcoin and Dogecoin have emerged as the most popular crypto pairing among Indian investors across age groups, according to a report. While younger investors are driving new participation, older investors display stronger buying conviction and greater portfolio diversification.
IIM graduate from Bengaluru shares peak Bengaluru moment: I want to ask flatmate to pay my rent
Bengaluru is a city of not just opportunities and startups but surprises too. Recently, a LinkedIn member shared a funny incident on how she discovered that her flatmate was actually a pretty successful founder with a thriving business valued at multiple crores. She commented that this was a peak Bengaluru moment.
A techpreneur recently shared how she and her mother overcame adversity to make better lives for themselves through a viral Instagram video. Taking to Instagram, Aishwarya Srinivasan shared her mothers journey from dropping out of school to support her family to funding her dreams to pursue education in the US through an emotional post that became viral.
India broadens crude sourcing to LatAm; Venezuela becomes key supplier
India is significantly expanding its crude oil sourcing to Latin America, with Venezuela emerging as a major supplier, as geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz compel the world's third-largest oil consumer to diversify its energy supplies.
Govt eases rupee trade rules, removes hurdle to wider use of local currency
DGFT amendment puts eligible rupee export receipts on a par with foreign-currency earnings for FTP benefits and export obligations, removing a key regulatory uncertainty
Joint FCNR (B) accounts for NRIs: Eligibility, mode of operations and key rules explained
NRIs are permitted to open and maintain FCNR(B) accounts jointly with eligible resident relatives, subject to certain conditions.
Domestic air passenger traffic slips 4.80 pc to 1.20 crore in Jul: DGCA
Domestic air passenger traffic saw a slight decrease in July compared to last year. All major Indian airlines experienced a drop in their passenger load factors. IndiGo and Air India group increased their market share during the previous month. Akasa Air and SpiceJet witnessed their market share decline. IndiGo reported the highest on-time performance among domestic carriers.
Govt reappoints Anand Mahindra to RBI Board; Somanath Panicker joins
Both will serve as part-time, non-official directors for four years from August 20, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier
Aditya Birla Capital to open 1,000 gold loan branches in 3 years
Aditya Birla Capital has entered the gold loan business, aiming to establish 1,000 branches within three years, capitalising on the strong structural growth and surge in demand for gold-backed credit in India.
Gold loan jewellery stolen from bank? Consumer court ruling explains your compensation rights
A Karnataka consumer commission has ruled that if gold jewellery pledged for a loan is stolen from a bank, the lender must compensate for the gold value, making charges and stone value. Canara Bank was ordered to pay 88,362 with 9% interest, plus compensation.
Once a German pigeon named Kaiser flew bravely during World War I, capturing the hearts of American forces upon his capture. His significance grew as he became a crucial breeding bird for the U.S. Armys communication initiatives. Subsequent generations of his lineage served valiantly alongside American troops in World War II.
In 2026, planning for a child's education fund is complex due to shifting career paths. Experts advise creating flexible investment structures.
Delhi Master Plan 2047 eyes private investment for 4 mn affordable homes
Plan promotes small-format housing and redevelopment of slums and unauthorised colonies, while pushing high-density growth, transit-oriented development and new transport networks
Strong demand at RBI liquidity mop-up auctions; another 1.5 trn on Friday
RBI receives cumulative bids of Rs 1.91 trillion against the notified Rs 1.5 trillion as banks seek higher returns amid surplus liquidity and softer overnight rates
Income Tax Returns (ITRs) are essential for lenders to assess borrowers' financial stability. Taxpayers should monitor communications from the Income Tax Department post-deadline for any discrepancies in filings. While minor errors can be resolved, serious issues may lead to scrutiny.
Markets Snap Losing Streak, Sensex Jumps 628 Points
Indian benchmark equity indices, the Sensex and Nifty, bounced back significantly, with the Sensex climbing 628 points and the Nifty snapping its seven-day losing streak, driven by easing global bond yields and fresh foreign fund inflows.
Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore was an Iowa-born writer and traveler who ventured to Alaska alone in 1883, documenting her journey through Southeast Alaska and Glacier Bay. Her writings were later collected into what is regarded as the first Alaska travel guide, helping introduce the territory to a wider audience. Years later, after travelling to Japan, Scidmore became fascinated by its cherry blossoms and spent decades pushing for the trees to be planted in Washington, D.C.
Competition in HAM projects starts easing as MoRTH tightens norms: Ind-Ra
Average bidder participation fell from 13 to 10 during FY26 as larger package sizes and higher net worth requirements favoured developers with stronger financial profiles
SC: Old 'Industry' Definition Not for New Labour Code
The Supreme Court, in a 6:3 majority verdict, has ruled that the expansive, labour-friendly definition of 'industry' from its 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board judgement will not be used for interpreting the Industrial Relations Code of 2020. However, the 'triple test' from the 1978 verdict will still apply to pending cases under the now-repealed 1947 Industrial Disputes Act.
Indias key reservoirs storage tops 60% of capacity
However, 35% of dams are half empty as the level increases to 117.773 BCM of the 183.565 BCM capacity
DGFT eases rupee trade rule for exporters
Rupee payments received by exporters through approved banking channels to be eligible for FTP benefits
