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India-New Zealand FTA finalised; comes into force next month: PM Christopher Luxon
New Zealand and India have finalized a free trade agreement which will take effect next month. This landmark deal opens doors for New Zealand businesses to access India's large consumer market. India will provide duty-free access for one hundred percent of its exports to New Zealand. New Zealand offers market access for seventy percent of its tariff lines to India.
Personalization of benefits is no longer an HR perk, it's leadership imperative
A 24-year-old starting a career, a new parent, a mid-career employee supporting ageing parents and a colleague managing a chronic health condition do not face the same risks. Giving all of them an identical health insurance package may be administratively equal, but it is not experienced as fair.
Worlds best airlines 2026: Singapore Airlines tops list; where do Air India, IndiGo rank?
Singapore Airlines has been named the worlds best airline for 2026 in Skytraxs World Airline Awards, ahead of Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific. Among Indian carriers, Air India jumped 27 places to 57th globally and topped the India and South Asia ranking, while IndiGo slipped to 61st from 39th last year.
Cindy Crawford and her family are seeking privacy following a heartbreaking personal tragedy. Tragically, her son, Presley Gerber, died at the young age of twenty-seven on Sunday. The authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding his death. Presley had openly discussed his mental health challenges throughout his life and became a successful model starting at the age of sixteen.
Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatias The Vvaan - Force Of The Forrest has landed in controversy ahead of its September 25 release. Vocalist Sargam Vaish has alleged that the makers used his version of Aigiri Nandini in the trailer without permission. He has asked the team to remove the song and clarify whether they had a valid licence for its use.
India-New Zealand FTA ratified, will enter into force on October 20
The agreement will see New Zealand removing all tariffs on all goods imported from India, while India will remove or reduce tariffs on 95% of current imports from New Zealand
ISL appoints Karan Yadav as CEO under new club-led model
Karan Yadav has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the Indian Super League. He brings nearly two decades of experience in sports and media to the role. Yadav will lead the league office and oversee its strategic and commercial direction. His responsibilities include strengthening stakeholder relationships and ensuring long-term league growth. This appointment marks a new chapter for the ISL under its club-led model.
IIT Bombay Director Prof Shireesh B. Kedare has not resigned, and the institute apologized for its earlier communication. The circumstances surrounding student Sahil Ravindra Wakode's death are still under investigation by authorities. Dean of Student Affairs Prof Suryanarayana Doolla has been suspended with immediate effect pending further investigation. Wakode's family alleges institutional harassment and caste discrimination, leading to an FIR against Prof Doolla.
Indias Himanshu Dhillon and Rudrankksh Patil won silver and bronze respectively in the mens 10m air rifle individual event at the Asian Games, while both combined with Parth Mane for team silver. Chinas Sheng Lihao won gold with a Games and Asian record 254.2 as India added three medals.
A dispute over a vehicle insurance claim for rainwater damage was resolved in the car owner's favour, and he received compensation. Full details about the case here.
This week brings several new movies and shows to streaming platforms. Netflix has crime thrillers and horror series, while JioHotstar and ZEE5 are adding crime and supernatural stories. Prime Video will have a coming-of-age romantic comedy and a reality show. With different genres arriving across platforms, viewers have plenty to choose from this weekend. Read on!
Uttar Pradesh Film Policy, 2023: Key features, subsidies, eligibility and implementation
The policy provides financial assistance and administrative facilitation to eligible producers who shoot films or digital audiovisual productions in Uttar Pradesh
Quote of the day by Cindy Crawford: Cindy Crawford highlights the importance of recognizing loss as an essential yet frequently unrecognized skill. She suggests that establishing a tranquil environment allows people to navigate their grief effectively. Her experiences with loss during childhood have deeply influenced her understanding of providing compassionate support. Crawford advocates for honoring personal grieving journeys and independence, offering essential insights for fostering empathy in today's interactions.
Your mutual fund portfolio can become riskier even if you hold the same schemes, as market movements can change asset allocation, concentration and overlap. Regular portfolio-level reviews can help investors identify these shifts and check whether their risk remains aligned with their goals.
Hormuz shuttles keep oil flowing, but at a high cost
Middle East oil producers are increasingly using ship-to-ship (STS) transfers off Oman to keep crude exports moving despite disruptions from the Iran conflict and risks around the Strait of Hormuz.
Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, died at 27, with his family confirming the death and requesting privacy. The model was known for several tattoos, including Kaia XXIII on his left tricep as a tribute to sister Kaia, who has Prez tattooed on her shoulder. His MISUNDERSTOOD cheek tattoo also drew attention after he explained its personal meaning before it was later removed.
Dead Economy: Annamalai Mocks Vijay's London Trip, Says India Is Bigger
The former BJP leader suggested that instead of travelling to the UK, Vijay should travel within the state and meet industrialists.
US Fed rate hike: where are risks and opportunities for debt mutual fund investors ?
Rate-hiking phases are rarely comfortable for bond investorsthey bring volatility, but the same rise in yields also opens up entry points.
India overtakes Hong Kong to become Asias fourth-largest REIT market
India's REIT market value grew significantly, surpassing Hong Kong for the first time. New listings and expanded portfolios substantially increased the total space available for investors. Office REIT occupancy remained high due to strong demand from multinational companies. The Chinese mainland also saw substantial growth through new product issuance and expanded asset classes. Both China and India are expected to remain key growth engines for the region's REIT markets.
Indias skies have a new economy-business class divide, report shows
Economy airfares rose sharply across India's busiest domestic routes in early 2026, while business-class fares, conversely, experienced significant declines on many of these same routes. This divergence marks a notable shift from previous years' fare trends. Airlines are gaining pricing power in economy while facing competition in premium cabins. Increased demand and capacity constraints are driving up economy ticket prices.
IMD update: Very heavy rain for south Odisha, north Andhra Pradesh coasts from Wednesday
Extreme heavy rain not ruled out for the eastern coastal states as an existing low-pressure area becomes well-marked, and is on course to intensify two rounds as a deep depression in next two days
Ajith Kumars racing team, Ajith RedAnt Racing, ended the 2026 Michelin Creventic 24H European Series with a podium finish. After taking P2 in GT3 Pro-Am at the Barcelona 24 Hours Race, the team finished P3 overall in the GT3 Pro-Am championship, marking its second consecutive championship podium. Actor Madhavan celebrated the achievement, calling it brilliant and saying he was so so proud of Ajith Kumar.
Delhi could become world's 14th-largest city economy by 2050: Report
Delhi, currently world's 63rd-largest city economy, may rise to 14th by 2050, as 55 Indian cities feature among the world's top 100 urban growth leaders, the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index says
Vidya Balans sea-facing home in Juhu has a warm and traditional look. The house has wooden furniture, spacious verandas and decor inspired by her South Indian roots. Vidya and her husband found the home after looking at several properties in Mumbai. As she prepares for her Tamil debut in Jailer 2, the home remains her peaceful space away from work.
The rise of asset-backed borrowing in India's credit ecosystem
Asset-backed borrowing is gaining traction in India's credit market, particularly through gold-backed lending, which provides essential liquidity without needing to sell investments immediately. The rise of digital platforms is making these services more accessible and transparent. As borrowers seek flexible and short-term funding solutions, this trend showcases a shift in liquidity management and financial habits that cater to modern needs.
Indias cab game has a new green player: A Vietnamese behemoth aiming to win fast
Green SM enters India with a controlled electric vehicle fleet, challenging the aggregator model. This Vietnamese company aims for a premium segment, unlike Uber and Ola's mass-market approach. BluSmart's prior electric fleet operations faced challenges after regulatory issues arose. Green SM's strategy is closely linked to VinFast, its parent automotive ecosystem. Success hinges on managing fleet costs and attracting customers to its premium electric service.
Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana shares a simple almond chana chikki recipe. This wholesome treat combines crunchy nuts and seeds with sweet jaggery. The recipe involves gently roasting ingredients before combining them with melted jaggery. This quick homemade snack offers nutrition and sustained fullness for consumers. Enjoy this delicious chikki in moderation for a healthy bite.
Bhogapuram aviation hub set to attract investments, spur regional growth
New investments in aviation ecosystem are in the pipeline
Indias next phase of semiconductor growth should focus beyond manufacturing capacity on building a domestic ecosystem where chips designed, produced and packaged in India are used in locally designed products, an EY-IESA report said. With semiconductor consumption projected at $200 billion by 2035, the report called for greater downstream value creation.
Stellantis takes full ownership of Thiruvallur plant; targets 160 pc production ramp-up by 2027
Stellantis India has acquired full ownership of its manufacturing operations in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, after buying the remaining stake from CK Birla Group firm Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation. The automaker plans to raise production from 18,000 units in 2026 to over 50,000 annually by 2027, while more than doubling its direct workforce.
Former Panasonic India Chairman Manish Sharma joins Escorts Kubota as President-Agri Business
This move marks a new chapter for Sharma, who has over three decades of experience in the appliances and consumer electronics industry, including a 17-year long leadership role at Panasonic India
India real estate transparency improves; reforms key to capitalising on AI, data centre wave: Report
JLLs 2026 Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI) indicates two-thirds of tracked markets from 88 countries and territories have seen significant improvements in transparency
Gastro doctor Dr Pal recalled a cancer patient who had been given approximately two years to live and had lost his wife. The mans biggest concern was who would care for his autistic child after his death. Despite carrying such a heavy burden, he continued joking during the consultation. His words about controlling thoughts stayed with Dr Pal and changed how he viewed patients and medicine.
Active large-cap funds delivered an average -3.09% return over the past year, with only four of 33 funds posting gains. Several of the category's biggest schemes also delivered negative returns.
US economy enters higher-rate era as inflation, AI boom persist
The US economy may be entering a prolonged period of higher interest rates as persistent inflation, government borrowing and massive AI infrastructure investment lift demand for capital. Rising Treasury yields are keeping mortgage and other long-term borrowing costs elevated, even as the Federal Reserve weighs its next moves on short-term rates.
Air India Express Patna-Delhi flight cancelled on September 21 and 22 due to operational reasons
The cancellation affects passengers scheduled to travel from Patna to Delhi on the concerned flight dates
Premier Energies commissions 7 GW solar cell plant in Andhra Pradesh
Premier Energies commissioned a large solar cell manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. This new plant significantly boosts the company's total solar cell production capacity. The facility is India's largest solar cell manufacturing plant and was completed on schedule. It aims to meet rising demand for high-efficiency solar modules in domestic and international markets. This expansion supports India's broader clean-energy transition goals.
India targets silk production of 60,000 tonnes by 2030-31
Silk output increased 61% since 2014 to 42,000 tonnes at present; New technologies being introduced to scale up prouduction
UK urged to strengthen financial muscle of national wealth fund to aid economy
Trump-Xi Showdown Casts A Shadow Over Global Economy
Everything from tariffs to artificial intelligence controls is expected to be up for discussion. Looming over the meeting are Chinese export curbs on critical minerals and rare earths that have caused supply shocks for US and other global companies.
Gold prices in India fell nearly 0.5% today during early trading hours amid US-Iran conflict uncertainties. Check retail rates of both gold and silver in top metro cities of India today.
RBI has extended an existing KYC facility to foreign portfolio investors, allowing Indian banks to accept specified documents certified by authorised overseas authorities. The change, effective 18 September 2026, simplifies document certification for FPIs but does not remove their KYC requirements.
Kim Ji-won returns to K-drama in a darker role as a skilled surgeon. She will confront systemic corruption within a powerful medical establishment. The drama, Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia, all set to premiere on OTT. This series follows her character's fearless approach to challenging hospital power structures. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.
Inox Clean Energy set to buy Actis-owned Athena Renewables for Rs 2,500 crore
Inox Clean Energy is close to acquiring Athena Renewables from Actis for Rs 2,500 crore. This acquisition will significantly boost Inox's renewable energy generation capacity. The deal is nearing conclusion after an in-principle agreement was reached. Inox has been actively acquiring assets to scale up its operations quickly. This move aligns with its strategy ahead of a planned initial public offering.
EAM Jaishankar arrives in Switzerland en route to New York for UNGA 2026
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Zurich for his New York visit. He will attend the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York. World leaders will gather for the annual high-level General Debate from September 22. The session theme focuses on restoring trust and managing transformation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged international cooperation for a better world.
US seeks 'AI dialogue' with China as officials set stage for Trump-Xi summit
US and Chinese officials met to discuss creating an AI communication channel. This meeting sets the stage for a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi. They also explored reducing tariffs on non-sensitive trade goods. Discussions included guardrails for artificial intelligence development and potential trade truce extensions. Both nations aim to ease tensions on strategic and economic concerns.
In a significant demonstration of military collaboration, the Indian Air Force Chief led a Tejas formation flight with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief Masahiro Morita as a passenger. This sortie underscored the increasing interoperability and professionalism between the two nations' air forces, showcasing India's indigenous defense aviation capabilities and reinforcing defense ties through operational understanding.
Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla to meet West Bengal CM Adhikari soon
Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla will soon meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. They will discuss industrial development and fresh investments planned for the state. The BJP state president urged the group to expand its business presence and industrial footprint. The meeting follows the state government's work on a new comprehensive industrial policy. The group has a longstanding association and expressed optimism about new investments.
Agrograde working on AI-powered sorting, grading machines for tomato, garlic
The Pune-based agri-robotics firm is already providing such services for onions, potatoes, apples and arecanuts, says its founder and CEO Kshitij Thakur
China emerges as India's surprise growth market, but trade deficit swells
The increase, however, comes off a relatively low base and has done little to narrow India's vast trade imbalance with its neighbor
Are kirana clusters the future of inclusive retail?
How kiranas can be enabled to use a shared delivery model for successful coexistence with quick commerce platforms
Fewer flight seats for festival travel
Domestic air tickets turn costlier and elusive as airlines hold back capacity additions during busy season
He was rejected for leaving a job in 6 months. Then this Delhi entrepreneur asked him one question
Delhi-based entrepreneur Kanika Jain shared how she hired a candidate despite his six-month tenure, which had led other interviewers to reject him. He explained that his previous company had promised growth before citing losses and layoffs. Jain valued his response about mutual trust and gave him a chance. Within six months, he handled five client accounts with 100% retention.
Tata Motors may introduce the updated Tigor compact sedan under the new Tata Aeris name on September 25. The sedan is expected to get a refreshed exterior, upgraded cabin features, petrol and CNG powertrains and an electric version, while the company may also position it as a stronger rival to the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura and Honda Amaze.
The Delhi ITAT deleted a 34.8 lakh Section 68 addition after finding that the cash balance was linked to commission income already recorded and offered to tax. The ruling highlights why taxpayers receiving cash income should maintain proper books establishing the source of the cash balance.
Ameesha Patel recently questioned the practice of producers funding large actor entourages. She noted these costs can exceed a film's opening day collections. The Gadar actress suggested actors might reconsider these teams if paying themselves. Read on!
IMF chief says world economy faces multiple risks despite resilience
Digital Desk | New York, Sep 21 (IANS) The world economy faces risks from stubborn inflation, higher debt service cost and artificial intelligence (AI) investment though it has proven to be more resilient than many feared, according to Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking in a dialogue at a special edition of the Qatar Economic Forum in New York City on Sunday, Georgieva said, Inflation is stubborn. We are not anticipating a quick resolution. And that means that many central banks have to tighten. Georgieva noted that the fight to secure price stability also increased the cost and difficulty of debt service. There is a lot of understanding of the necessity of fiscal consolidation, but not enough action, she added. Moreover, Georgieva highlighted the potential risks from leverage and circular financing in AI investment, saying this is something that we have to be mindful of. If AI disappoints, because we have these high expectations, if they don't materialize, disappointment may lead to potentially a shock to the system, warned Georgieva. Risk in AI financing is primarily concentrated in the United States while many other players in Asia and Europe are included in the supply chain of AI, added Georgieva. The IMF's new projection on the world economy to be released in October will reflect the fact that the risks will remain high, according to Georgieva, Xinhua news agency reported. Having growth that would be hovering around 3 per cent is a massive achievement, given all the shocks we have been experiencing, said Georgieva. Georgieva said she saw optimism from remarkable, fast action when it's necessary to counter the energy supply shock. While there is a lot of talk about a fragmented world. And indeed, it is less unified. It is still a world in which we are interdependent and we cooperate, said Georgieva. We have to be careful and cautious. The risks are high and uncertainty is the new normal, she added.
Huma Qureshi's upcoming action thriller Baby Do Die Do is set for a digital debut soon to captivate audiences. This gripping narrative revolves around a deaf and mute hitwoman ensnared in a relentless pursuit of vengeance. Ram Charan has previously commended the performances of both Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem. Read on to know more about the streaming details.
Iran blockade: US forces redirect 109 commercial vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Shipping through the strategically vital waterway has declined sharply as Washington and Tehran remain locked in an escalating confrontation over Iran
Maharaja 2 is officially in development, with Nithilan Saminathan returning as the director. Vijay Sethupathi has praised the sequels story and said he is excited to work with the filmmaker again. Meanwhile, the success of the original film has attracted interest from Hollywood for a remake. Matthew McConaughey is also reportedly being considered for the lead role, although his casting is yet to be confirmed. Read on!
Going global? Check markets with the highest returns
Welcome to TrendMap, your quick guide to investment performance. This edition tracks 10 years of global equity returns. Currency fluctuations impact the returns on foreign investments. To capture the real value from an Indian investors standpoint, these returns are adjusted to reflect their equivalent in Indian rupees. The key takeaway: no market dominatesdiversification matters. By Sameer Bhardwaj.
2 yrs, no new high: What should equity investors do?
Indian stock markets have languished with nearly two years of stagnant returns since late 2024. This lengthy phase of sideways trading serves as a necessary time correction rather than merely a decline in prices. Historical trends indicate that similar corrections have often extended much longer and deeper. Investors should exercise patience, persist with their SIP strategies, and recognize that moderating valuations and recovering earnings may herald promising future opportunities.
Gold loans are no longer just for emergencies
Manish Jain, Country Managing Director, Experian India, discusses the growing demand for gold loans, the lower risk of over-leveraging with enhanced regulation, and the future relevance of credit scores, in a conversation with Riju Mehta.
Ultravolt enters: Will cable margins take a hit?
UltraTech Cement's breakthrough venture, Ultravolt, is set to disrupt India's wires and cables sector, heightening concerns for existing giants like Polycab India and KEI Industries, who are already seeing their stock values dip. With ambitions to secure a top-two market position within five years through bold tactics, Ultravolt's entry will primarily affect the residential market. Yet, the long-term outlook for the industry remains positive due to ongoing structural demand.
Why stock-picking isnt for every retail investor
The internet and AI have made financial information more accessible than ever. However, access to information is not the same as acting upon it to your benefit. Professional fund management, meanwhile, puts a process between emotions and decisions.
Investing overseas? Watch your tech exposure
Many Indian investors mistakenly believe they diversify their portfolios by adding foreign countries. However, numerous global indices often revolve around similar technology narratives, particularly in semiconductors. To achieve real diversification, investors must grasp the fundamental earnings drivers. Exploring Europe and Japan can unveil distinct economic pathways, offering a refreshing contrast. A thorough assessment of concentration risks and market dynamics is vital when engaging in international investments.
Health insurance: Checking claim ratio isnt enough
The insurance advisory platform, Ditto Insurance, compares insurers on two key metrics: three-year average claim settlement ratio (by policy count) and number of complaints per 10,000 claims. Prospective buyers also need to take into account an insurers scale, track record, product portfolio and hospital network, among other factors.
UPI payments and benefits to household finances
The Anglo-Saxon economies of the US, United Kingdom and Australia show a reduction in household savings rates along with a growth in credit card usage, while European nations such as Germany, France and the Netherlands that encourage the use of debit cards over credit cardsreport a higher household savings rate.
MDR on UPI: Impact on mutual fund investors decoded
The introduction of a 0.02% merchant discount rate will impact specific mutual fund and broking transaction payments. One-time investments in mutual funds and broker wallet replenishments will be subject to this fee, while recurring mutual fund SIPs via UPI AutoPay will remain exempt. Discount brokers engaging in high-value trades will experience the greatest repercussions from these modifications, and their clients could ultimately face increased costs.
Have multiple mutual funds? Know how to check overlap
Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week Abhinav Kaulexplains what portfolio overlap is, why it quietly builds up in your mutual fund holdings.
Regional movies post success without Hindi market focus
Regional films now focus on home audiences, achieving success through strong content. These films are traveling across markets without Hindi dubbing, which is a significant shift. Streaming platforms have expanded audiences for regional cinema beyond their home territories. Culturally rooted stories are increasingly rewarded by audiences across all languages. This trend reflects a course correction in how regional films are conceived and distributed.
Montra bets on heavy electric trucks to hit $1-billion revenue milestone by 2030
Montra Electric has set an ambitious goal of reaching one billion dollars in revenue by 2030, with electric trucks playing a vital role by contributing seventy percent of that figure. Heavy trucks are projected to bring in fifty percent of the total. Additionally, small commercial vehicles and three-wheelers are expected to enhance sales significantly, as the company anticipates over fifty percent annual growth in its electric heavy truck segment.
Chalet Hotels in advanced talks to buy Six Senses Vana for 600 crore
Chalet Hotels is on the verge of acquiring Six Senses Vana in Dehradun, a luxurious wellness retreat owned by Veer Singh, son of Analjit Singh. Valued at roughly six hundred crore rupees, this deal highlights Chalet's commitment to expanding its footprint in the high-end hospitality market while concurrently developing other upscale properties throughout India.
Auto sales: Strong festive demand may hit by low dealer stocks, supply constraints
As the festive season approaches, car manufacturers are grappling with low inventory levels despite a surge in customer bookings. Supply constraints present a formidable hurdle, particularly for Maruti Suzuki, which currently has a backlog of over 200,000 orders with dwindling stock. Anticipating a slowdown in growth, Hyundai Motor India is ramping up production to accommodate the expected rise in demand.
Protein boom: Chaayos, Tim Hortons, Starbucks launch protein drinks despite whey price surge
Consumer demand for protein in everyday staples is driving new product launches and supply deals. Food and beverage makers and cafe chains are actively forming collaborations to meet this growing need. Companies are investing in new products and manufacturing capacity to address the rising demand. The protein market is projected to reach 21,000 crore by 2031. Acquisitions and deals are also increasing as established players seek to expand their offerings.
Heritage tourism to boost local economy: LG Sinha
Lays foundation stone for renovation, restoration of heritage sites Jammu, Sep 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday laid the foundation stones for projects aimed at the renovation, restoration and revival of the ancient heritage of Purmandal, worth Rs. 7.15 crore, and for renovation, restoration and related development works at the sacred Uttervehini site, worth []
Goa's property boom hits a realty check
Goa's real estate market is stabilizing after a significant boom period. Sales and enquiries for second homes have slowed considerably over the past year. North Goa experienced a price correction, while smart capital moves to emerging pockets. Established developers are strengthening their position as buyers seek reliable track records. South Goa is increasingly recognized for its peaceful coastal living and refined lifestyle.
'FCNR haul to power HSBC's India wealth, retail banking push'
HSBC forecasts that foreign currency deposits will significantly enhance its operations in India. By securing $14.5 billion through a special RBI swap facility, the bank aims to expand lending and wealth management services. The attractive leverage option of up to nineteen times has drawn in depositors. HSBC's strategy is to deploy these funds cautiously toward corporate lending and mortgage offerings.
Economy airfares took off most since Covid in H1; biz class became cheaper
Airlines are willing to lose some price-sensitive passengers who travelled when tickets were cheaper, while essential travellers are considered more willing and able to pay higher fares
Credit line on UPI: From RuPay cards to pre-sanctioned loanshow it works and what users need to know
A credit line on UPI lets eligible users make payments using pre-sanctioned credit instead of their bank balance. Here's what you need to know about interest-free and interest-bearing credit lines and their use across UPI features.
While digital services such as YONO, internet banking, mobile banking, UPI, ATMs and ADWMs are expected to remain available, services requiring physical visits and documentation may face disruptions.
Starting home loan rates vary from 7% to 7.45% among various banks. A 0.25% rise in interest can increase monthly payments significantly. It is crucial for borrowers to assess their financial needs and lender fees before applying.
Bengal's industry push needs clear intent
Under BJP, West Bengal is once again debating how to put land together for industry. The debate has now acquired a distinctly technical vocabulary: acquisition, negotiated purchase and land pooling.The three mechanisms are not interchangeable. Acquisition involves compulsory purchase under a statutory framework. Negotiated purchase relies on agreement between landowner and purchaser. Land pooling allows owners to contribute land to a development scheme and receive a smaller, but serviced, and potentially more valuable plot in return. The choice, as recent policy discussions suggest, should depend on the nature of the project.Also Read: Picasso, Omega, Prithvi and Cats: A Mumbai journey through books, unexpected encounters and theatreFor Bengal, the question of land has always been inseparable from the question of industrialisation. So, the new discussion raises a more fundamental question: even if Bengal succeeds in solving the problem of industrial land, will it succeed in attracting capital? Land can be assembled through legislation, negotiation or planning. But capital can only be attracted through confidence.Excitement surrounding political change is understandable. Bengal has always regarded politics not merely as a mechanism of governance but also as a form of public entertainment. Movement of legislators from one camp to another has become a spectator sport.Also Read: Pass the buck to RBI, banks: Let the savings from digital payments fund UPI costs, not consumersCapital, however, follows a different script. It's largely indifferent to the daily theatre of politics, and far more concerned with the stability of institutions. Consider an entrepreneur planning a large investment. The questions are surprisingly simple. Not whether the government is Left, Right or Centre. Not whether ministers speak Bengali, Hindi or English. Not whether people will eat veg or non-veg food. Not whether one political camp will replace another in controlling campuses, institutions or public spaces. The real question is: will rules that exist today survive tomorrow? That confidence in the durability of institutions is what economists and investors describe as institutional credibility.It is in this context that the new government's willingness to reconsider how industrial land is assembled becomes significant. Bengal has already begun examining land pooling, industrial parks, and changes to landholding and land-utilisation rules. The government is also considering ways of making large contiguous parcels available without directly acquiring individual agricultural plots.This is important because Bengal's problem is not simply a shortage of land. It's a shortage of large, contiguous and legally usable parcels of land. Fragmented holdings, overlapping claims and restrictions on land use can make an apparently simple industrial project extraordinarily complicated.134372690Earlier attempts to create land banks from idle public sector land ran into precisely this problem: available parcels were often too small or too fragmented for large investors. Indeed, there are now signs of movement from policy to implementation. The government has cleared land for 33 industries, and that the land will be handed over before Durga Puja. This is significant. But the real test will be whether these allocations translate into timely project execution, employment and sustained private investment.Land pooling could be a useful solution. But it's not a magic wand. Bengal has laws that allow land to be reorganised for development. What matters now is whether these provisions can be implemented effectively, with clear rules on ownership, compensation, infrastructure and land use. Land pooling may bring plots together. But it cannot make ownership disputes disappear.And this is where the land question meets the question of capital. Corruption is costly. But uncertainty can be even more so. Investors can price an unofficial cost. It's much harder to price changing rules, administrative discretion and unpredictable policy.There's also a geographical reality. Large, contiguous parcels are rarely available near Bengal's major cities. So, industry may have to move farther out, where land disputes and infrastructure gaps can be greater. Industrialists, therefore, need to look beyond quick returns and become partners in building these new industrial regions with the government. Given Bengal's political history, industrialisation cannot be reduced to capitalist extraction alone. It must also create a stake for local communities.Capital has no ideology. But it has an excellent memory. Two decades ago, large sections of Bengal's political class mobilised against industrial projects in Singur and Nandigram. Today, many of those political actors either constitute an important part of the new political establishment, or have moved into entirely different political formations.One may celebrate or criticise this phenomenon. But it deserves analysis rather than outrage. The human mind, after all, is a time-variant function. Mathematics teaches us that important variables seldom remain constant. Political preferences are no exception. The objective function of a leader in opposition differs from that of the same leader in government. In electoral democracy, opposition rewards agitation, while government rewards investment; employment and revenue suddenly become governing responsibilities rather than campaign slogans.Consequently, it may be unnecessary to ask whether politicians have become different human beings. The more relevant question is whether the institutional incentives under which they operate have changed.Many of the legal instruments required for assembling industrial land already exist. Creating another set of laws, by itself, will not rebuild West Bengal's industrial land bank. What is required is an unambiguous intention to build industry rather than perform shallow politics. The Left Front came to power in 1977 with a clear intention to pursue land reform for the landless. Today, the era, ideology and people are different. Will the new industrial agenda reflect genuine intent? Or will it be merely political rhetoric?
Fuel Prices Increased by Tk 20 per Liter
The prices of diesel, kerosene, octane and petrol have been increased by Tk 20 per liter, less than a month after the previous price adjustment. The new prices will come into effect from Monday. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued a gazette notification on Sunday announcing the new prices. According to the notification, the retail price of diesel has been increased from Tk 115 to Tk 135 per liter, kerosene from Tk 135 to Tk 155, octane from Tk 145 to Tk 165, and petrol from Tk 140 to Tk 160 per liter. Fuel prices are generally reviewed and fixed at the beginning of each month. However, this time the prices have been increased by Tk 20 per liter with ten days still remaining in the month. Earlier, on August 31, fuel prices were kept unchanged. Since the current government came to power, fuel prices have been increased three times within seven monthsin April, June and September. Prices remained unchanged in the other months. The Energy Division said the prices were increased to reduce subsidies amid rising fuel prices in the international market. Since March 2024, fuel prices have been [] The post Fuel Prices Increased by Tk 20 per Liter appeared first on Energy Bangla .
In January 2026, John Brittingham spotted two toddlers wandering in the middle of busy A1A in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and quickly stopped his car to help. As traffic continued moving around them, he ran into the road, picked up the children and carried them to safety, with the dramatic rescue captured on camera. The children had apparently wandered out through an open gate at a nearby rental home without their family realising they were missing.
NSEs IPO anchor book saw mutual fund schemes receive shares worth nearly 2,495 crore. Here are the top 10 schemes with the largest allocations and what their exposure means for existing investors.
How October 7 reshaped Israelis relationship with Judaism, faith and tradition
The October 7th attack has profoundly impacted Israeli Jewish identity and faith. Some secular Israelis are finding new meaning in religious practices and traditions. Others are questioning their beliefs and the role of God in such events. Many are exploring their Jewish heritage and spirituality in diverse ways. This has led to increased interest in community gatherings and traditional observances.
Fourth UP International Trade Show to showcase state's regional dishes
The 'Taste of UP' food court will bring together signature dishes from districts across the state, alongside rural livelihood products and major food brands at the Noida event
In an effort to reduce bird collisions with wind turbines, researchers are investigating how to enhance the visibility of turbine blades. Various designs, such as stripes and checkerboards, have yielded mixed results among species like black kites and pigeons. The study indicates that while some patterns aid in detection, their effectiveness is reliant on the specific visual systems of different birds, hinting at the improbability of a one-size-fits-all solution.
A regular salary isn't the sole indicator of financial health. Insurance, savings, debt, and retirement planning are crucial. SEBI's Financial Health Check quiz helps evaluate your financial habits and suggests improvements.
