The Economic Times

Under India's BRICS chairmanship, the importance of practical cooperation is underscored with an aim to launch impactful development initiatives. Enhancing citizens' lives through tailored health programs and technology is paramount. The chairmanship also prioritizes the nurturing of startup ecosystems and the support of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while dedicating significant efforts to climate finance and vital infrastructure projects.

A man faced significant issues while booking air tickets online for a future date. He encountered fluctuating prices and website glitches during his booking process. After booking, he discovered the flight was for the next morning, not his intended date. Attempts to change the date or cancel resulted in substantial financial losses and further confusion. The experience highlights problems with digital booking platforms and airline pricing strategies.

Pantha bhaat, a fermented rice dish, is gaining popularity in London. This once-humble food was historically eaten by laborers in India. Different regions across India have their own versions of this soaked rice dish. Fermentation unlocks nutrients in the rice, offering health benefits. The dish's resurgence highlights a shift away from culinary snobbery.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday reaffirmed the need for a strategic, long-term perspective in India-China ties, with Modi stressing that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remain essential. The leaders also discussed border agreements, trade imbalances, supply chains, market access and a fair resolution of the boundary question.

San Francisco's tech boom highlights stark societal inequalities and wealth creation's dual nature. A public mural contrasts Lady Liberty's ideals with automated machines and exclusion. An Indian tourist and a friend debate national progress versus societal well-being and individual worth. The tourist champions national strength and economic growth above all else. Tech professionals discuss valuing human lives over algorithmic efficiency in simulations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed BRICS as an influential cooperation platform. He urged the grouping to play a role in West Asian peace. Xi also called for strengthened cooperation in AI and global governance. BRICS countries should lead in innovative development and maintaining stability. The bloc aims to steer the international order toward greater justice and equity.

For nations striving for geopolitical balance, achieving scientific and technological independence is crucial. The BRICS alliance, with its substantial population and economic resources, is focused on developing joint scientific initiatives and promoting collaborative innovations. By pooling their strengths, they intend to amplify their influence on future technological advancements and frameworks, thus enhancing their role in global tech governance.

India's decision to participate in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan is a positive step. This move aligns with India's ambition to become a global sporting power. International competitions are crucial for athlete development and identifying areas for improvement. The policy recognizes the importance of these events for athlete growth.

Apple has introduced its iPhone Duo flip smartphone, entering a market pioneered by Samsung. This new design offers folding screens, addressing previous smartphone screen size limitations. However, these folding phones remain significantly more expensive than standard models. Precise manufacturing and advanced engineering contribute to their higher cost and luxury status. The iPhone Duo's success hinges on its ability to transform consumer behavior and strengthen Apple's ecosystem.

Egypt's President congratulates India on its BRICS presidency and highlights mutual cooperation. The nation's strategic location offers significant trade and logistics advantages for Indian companies. Egypt seeks to boost local manufacturing and technology transfer with India. BRICS membership provides broader avenues for developmental and economic cooperation. Egypt advocates for strategic balance and peaceful conflict resolution in West Asia.

A story from Hanuman Ansh illustrates a timeless lesson: adversity demands action, not surrender. Drawing on the Aitareya Brahmanas Charaiveti, charaiveti and Krishnas counsel to Arjun, the passage argues that life is sustained by purposeful action and that waiting passively for circumstances to change can deepen despair.

Indias food safety regime has shifted from testing adulteration in the final product to policing the processes that prevent it. Restaurants are struggling with this change because food can be safe even when preparation practices violate prescribed standards. The larger challenge is building a process-first culture through regulation, skills and incentives.

International summits often highlight communication breakdowns and cultural differences. At a climate summit, technical issues overshadowed serious discussions on global issues. Leaders at an infrastructure summit debated traffic norms and cultural expressions. The Indian delegate showcased chaotic traffic as a unique cultural phenomenon. These events suggest that summitry often prioritizes perception over tangible progress.

An OpenAI system solved the Navier-Stokes problem, a Millennium Prize question. This AI achievement occurred after human mathematicians made significant progress on the same challenge. The resulting mathematical proof is correct but incomprehensible to humans who prompted it. This separation of answers from understanding redefines human roles in discovery. Future advancements will prioritize asking valuable questions over finding answers.

India's food regulator has targeted popular alcohol brands for using neutral spirit and misleading ageing claims. Many Indian liquors are artificially flavored neutral spirits, not aged spirits as advertised. High import duties restrict access to better quality foreign spirits for consumers. Government policies and corruption also limit choices for budget-conscious drinkers. This situation prevents Indians from easily accessing superior quality alcoholic beverages.

Apple's iPhone Duo launch sparked immediate brand responses and witty marketing. Samsung and Duolingo quickly joined the digital marketing fray. This signals a new era of instantaneous, meme-driven brand interactions. Brands are now prioritizing wit and cultural relevance over hardware specifications. The future of product launches will likely focus more on humorous sparring.

President Xi Jinping will visit India for the BRICS summit and bilateral talks. China urges handling differences and viewing ties from a strategic perspective. This meeting follows previous engagements between the two leaders. The BRICS summit is a key platform for emerging market cooperation. Xi's visit aims to stabilize bilateral ties amid global volatility.

India will host Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders in New Delhi on September 12-13 for the groupings 18th summit. The gathering brings together leaders representing economies that account for about 40% of global GDP, with several bilateral meetings with PM Narendra Modi also planned.

India hosts the expanded BRICS summit, showcasing its significant global role. The group's growth reflects the non-western world's desire for diversity and pluralism. BRICS cooperation now encompasses political, economic, and developmental issues across continents. India's leadership highlights its convening power and acceptability across ideological divides. This summit offers opportunities for crucial dialogues and managing global power dynamics.

Driving on empty, uncongested roads offers a unique sense of peace. The car and driver experience a harmonious connection with the smooth asphalt. Buildings and foliage create a moving visual spectacle for the occupants. This experience allows for reclaiming lost time and rediscovering modern travel. Such journeys provide a feeling of being a true traveler on a dedicated path.

International summits often feature numerous acronyms that are frequently reinterpreted creatively. This trend of wordplay is seen as a distraction from serious diplomatic matters. The author suggests a deterrent, an 'Acronym Abuse Jar', for such linguistic diversions. Proceeds from this jar could fund essential services like translation for officials. The article advocates for maintaining the original, sober meaning of these important institutional initials.

Corporate India faces numerous high-profile CEO departures, testing established succession plans. The traditional promoter system, a colonial construct, now hinders progress and good governance. This outdated model, which segregates control from ownership, needs thorough reevaluation. Competence, not lineage, should now be the sole criterion for leadership roles. India possesses a vast pool of talented technocrats ready to lead businesses effectively.

Global summits highlight a multipolar world order and competing national interests. Industrial democracies informally assemble, behaving like a D10 coalition. This grouping commands significant global GDP and economic influence. India's consistent participation makes it indispensable to these discussions. The time has arrived for this informal arrangement to gain formal recognition.

India is witnessing a resurgence of job cuts in the multinational sector, particularly within the tech and electronics fields. However, the nation's robust consumer base and growing business confidence provide a solid foundation for recovery. The surge in office leasing activity, largely due to expanding global capability centers, is a promising sign, as these centers are set to create millions of jobs annually.

Ancient Indian traditions fostered a culture of deep inquiry, celebrating figures like Nachiketa and Gargi, who embodied fearless questioning and profound wisdom. The Buddha urged his followers to authenticate teachings through personal experience, while the Gita inspires Arjun to reflect for wise decisions. Such practices cultivate clarity, informed choices, and compassionate actions in life.

India's statutory corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandate could impede authentic social engagement. By enforcing mandatory spending, we risk undermining voluntary CSR initiatives that demonstrate true commitment. This could ultimately degrade the integrity of financial disclosures for investors, leading to increased borrowing costs and adverse stock market reactions. Research indicates that leveraging corporations for social policy can often yield unintended consequences.

Nepal grapples with immense reconstruction costs due to catastrophic flash floods driven by climate change. Developed nations, primarily accountable for the majority of emissions, must fulfill their financial obligations. It's crucial to assist developing nations facing crises they barely contributed to. Streamlining access to existing climate finance is equally vital. A more equitable and efficient climate finance structure is urgently required on a global scale.

Arkhe in Adelaides Norwood suburb puts live fire at the heart of a modern Australian dining experience. Chef Jake Kellie, formerly of Singapores Burnt Ends, combines flame-kissed vegetables, seafood and fermented elements with standout dishes including scallop toast with caviar, Mayura Station intercostal skewers and a signature dry-aged tomahawk.

Subhash Chandras Essel Group expansion was fuelled partly by borrowing against pledged Zee shares, with personal guarantees adding to the promoters obligations. When the IL&FS crisis tightened liquidity and Zees share price fell, lenders enforced pledges, eroding Chandras stake. The episode offers lessons on promoter leverage, collateral risk and investing.

A new formula redefines wealth for high-net-worth individuals based on view quality. This index prioritizes aesthetic delights over financial earnings for true affluence. A college teacher with a balcony view scores higher than a hedge fund titan. The formula considers window and balcony view scores, and a floor multiplier. Prosperity is measured in daily, everyday delights, not just ownership.

NSE's upcoming listing presents investors with a dual business model. The exchange operates as a profit-generating toll booth and a regulatory referee. Global evidence suggests demutualisation creates conflicts, especially in weaker regulatory environments. Sebi's strength will determine if NSE can effectively police itself post-listing. The price band remains the critical factor for investors to consider.

The 20th century witnessed a perceived eclipse of Gods presence, often attributed to scientific progress and material concerns. Nevertheless, the essence of faith in God has endured, perhaps stronger than ever. Although the ways that people worship and connect with the divine have transformed, the intrinsic desire to encounter God remains.

A lively discussion among Dalit leaders is underway regarding the sub-classification of Dalits and the implementation of a creamy layer principle for reservations. Recent data highlights notable disparities in job quotas among various Dalit sub-castes. In a significant move, the Supreme Court has authorized states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes, aiming to funnel resources to those Dalit communities facing the most challenges.

India is championing the integration of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for cross-border digital transactions within BRICS countries. This forward-thinking initiative is designed to cut down the hefty costs associated with traditional international money transfers. Preliminary discussions with nations like Brazil indicate promising potential for adoption. However, technical challenges such as backend system compatibility and data flow management present hurdles that need to be addressed.

A Hindu temple organization has initiated a controversial request to impose gender-specific restrictions on female employees at the Eiffel Tower, igniting widespread outrage. This situation underscores a vital principle: visitors should respect local customs and regulations of the host country. Enforcing ones cultural norms can undermine the values of the nation being visited, emphasizing the need for consistent standards to foster cultural harmony and uphold diversity.

Indias climate risks are increasingly becoming macroeconomic shocks, affecting food prices, infrastructure, power demand, productivity and public finances. Yet the country lacks systems to quantify what is exposed, estimate economic losses and price risk effectively. The op-ed argues for asset-level exposure registers, audited loss data and forward-looking disaster financing.

Data centers now face public scrutiny regarding their resource consumption. These facilities use less water than comparable commercial spaces annually. However, efficient cooling systems can increase electricity usage significantly. Renewable energy and hybrid cooling systems are key to managing this impact. India must balance growth with responsible resource management for future technology.

India's economy grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027. This growth was fueled by a consumption spurt and government capital expenditure. Nimble energy diplomacy helped India navigate global energy shocks effectively. Exports also held up well due to diversification efforts by businesses. Stock markets show early signs of hope as foreign investors return.

International crude prices surged, impacting India's oil import bill and inflation. Escalating West Asia tensions raised concerns about global supply disruptions. India, a major oil importer, faces pressure on its trade balance and currency. Fuel retailers may experience margin pressure as crude prices cross USD 100. The disruption affects energy flows and petrochemical feedstocks across Asia.

Economists often use the 'apples and oranges' metaphor to signify impossible comparisons. However, the article argues that many dissimilar items can indeed be compared effectively. GDP comparisons, like fruit, invite analysis based on shared characteristics and metrics. The author suggests economists should embrace broader comparisons beyond their usual economic indicators. Ultimately, the piece advocates for fresher idioms and more imaginative analytical approaches.

India's Q1 FY27 GDP deflator appears low, but national accounts explain this divergence. Double deflation methodology separates output and input price movements accurately. Divergent input and output prices can create negative manufacturing deflators. Net exports and net taxes on products also significantly influenced the headline figure. These refined statistical methods strengthen India's economic data framework.

...After the law firm a team of dentists moved in, and then the house was rented to a travel magazine that folded in less than two years. The house was beautiful and comfortable and in remarkably good condition considering how old it was, but by then no one, or very few people, wanted to settle in that neighbourhood.

When consensus is required among all BRICS members, outcomes tend to settle at the lowest common denominator. These include knowledge exchange, working groups, joint statements. They are useful but don't move the real economy. This happens through businesses. So, the question to ask is: does BRICS help build projects, reduce costs, deepen markets or secure supply chains? If not, it risks becoming a talking shop.

Spiritual growth begins with self-awareness, which most people currently lack. Identifying with worldly things causes stress and unhappiness, leading to suffering. Understanding our true nature as conscious beings is essential for overcoming this crisis. Emotional reactions signal a loss of self in external attachments and beliefs. Raj Yog meditation cultivates awareness of the soul as pure divine light.

Recent building collapses and hospital fires in Delhi underscore regulatory failures. Officials are suspended and investigations follow these tragic incidents. The state's regulatory machinery often acts only after lives are lost. Ensuring safe and compliant construction requires strict adherence to standards. Development ambitions must be matched by effective regulatory capacity and enforcement.

ISRO has outlined its evolving role in response to the commercialization of India's space sector. With private enterprises now contributing to the production of components for ISRO's launch vehicles, the nation is focused on promoting technology transfer and establishing a dynamic commercial space ecosystem. This transition enables private firms to take on significant responsibilities in space exploration, while ISRO remains dedicated to ongoing research and development.

BRICS, with its expanded membership, aims to strengthen multilateralism and global dialogue. The group seeks to convert economic complementarity into resilient and dependable value chains. Sustainability is presented as a crucial development imperative for member nations. BRICS can offer pragmatic, development-centered approaches to global challenges. The grouping can reinforce its role as a bridge between diverse nations and institutions.

Eleven days post the catastrophic floods in Nepal, search teams are tirelessly looking for those still missing. Authorities are confronted with the tough task of identifying casualties, as many bodies are severely affected. Approximately 5,000 people, including several foreign nationals, are still unaccounted for after the ice-rock avalanche. The nation seeks international assistance and advocates for climate justice while striving to restore basic services and repair the widespread damage.

India will provide forensic DNA profiling support to help identify mortal remains of Nepal flood victims, the MEA said. First-degree relatives of missing persons residing in India can submit samples at designated central, state and accredited laboratories. DNA profiles will be shared with Nepal authorities for comparison with unidentified remains.

A Delhi court has taken cognisance of the NIA's extensive chargesheet. This chargesheet details the Red Fort blast which killed eleven people last year. Thirteen accused individuals are now facing charges in connection with the incident. The NIA linked the accused to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an Al-Qaeda offshoot. Further proceedings in this significant case are scheduled for September ninth.