The Economic Times

Increasing investments from global entities into India's financial sector are boosting the specialized lending institutions. Regulatory reforms have strengthened governance and risk management practices within these institutions over time. Digital innovations like Aadhaar and UPI have facilitated faster and more accurate borrower assessments.

The article draws on the Bhagavad Gita to explain how human actions, shaped by the three gunas, bind individuals to the cycle of birth and death, while Krishnas teachings offer paths to liberation. It applies this philosophy to the rise of artificial intelligence, warning that emotional attachments to AI companions could weaken genuine human relationships and blur the line between real and virtual experiences.

The article argues that allegations of Chinese espionage involving former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang need to be examined for their wider political, military and technological implications. It questions whether the Trump administration will fully investigate the matter, given Huangs reported political connections and the risk of straining ties with China, which controls over 80% of processed rare earth supplies.

Policy wonks in New Delhi have historically fussed too much about foreign capital buying domestic assets. But being perennially paranoid about the colour of money has only diminished our market appeal. India is too difficult relative to other opportunities where rules are clear, tax treatment is predictable, enforcement is credible and returns compensate for risk. Options around the world are plenty, India should think of ways to make global capital fall in love with her.

Spago by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck brings Californian fine dining with Hungarian and Asian influences to Budapest. Located in the restored Matild Palace near Elizabeth Bridge, the restaurant combines grand architecture with contemporary interiors and an open kitchen.

Irda's recent consultation paper aims to restructure insurance distributor commissions to enhance market efficiency and penetration. The report highlights India's low insurance penetration rate compared to global averages and emphasizes improving policy persistency. It suggests restructuring compensation models, linking payouts to ongoing services, and reducing initial commission incentives to curb misselling. This proposed overhaul aims to foster greater trust and improve customer service withi

The article highlights the importance of listening in a world where people are quick to express opinions but often slow to hear others. Drawing on the Bhagavad Gita (18:63), it describes how Krishn first allowed Arjun to express his distress before offering guidance on duty, action and the nature of the Self.

Youth-led protests around the world have increasingly relied on digital tools to organize and communicate. Authorities find it challenging to respond effectively to these protests, as traditional methods such as internet shutdowns are less effective. The recent demonstrations in New Delhi highlighted the use of Bluetooth-based messaging and VPNs for coordination. Governments may need to consider more proportional responses to avoid further radicalization of protest movements.

Indias creamy layer debate has renewed focus on whether income alone can measure socioeconomic advancement. The Supreme Courts March 11 judgment, upheld last Friday, said parental salary cannot be the sole criterion for determining creamy layer status among OBCs; occupational and service status must also be considered.

The Republican Partys midterm defeat could reshape Americas AI policy, giving Democrats greater influence over regulation and safety standards. While Trump has backed a unified federal framework to accelerate AI development, Democratic lawmakers favour stronger safeguards. The shift may create unexpected political allies for major AI companies seeking tighter rules.

Deepinder Goyals 85,000 Temple wearable aims to track real-time body performance and brain blood circulation, but its technology lacks meaningful scientific validation. While doctors question its claims, the device could open new possibilities in preventive healthcare. Its long-term success may depend on credibility, clinical evidence and affordability.

Jensen Huang's recent affair has prompted attention to his wife Lori's possible reactions and future actions. Throughout history, many women have tolerated their partners' indiscretions for various larger purposes. This tendency is especially evident in politics, monarchies, and business, where public loyalty often takes precedence over personal fidelity. Historical examples include Hillary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt, who prioritized political stability and legacy.

A lot of people stand exposed. Nvidia is roughly 8% of the S&P 500 it sits in pension funds and index funds far beyond the US. Huang, at Nvidias helm since he founded it in 1993, has no heir in sight. The companys directors are now investigating the one employee they would find hardest to replace, an awkward position for any board.

Nvidia's co-founder Jensen Huang has acknowledged an extramarital affair which has raised security concerns. He reportedly engaged with a Chinese businesswoman who may have influenced his lobbying efforts. Nvidia has initiated an independent investigation regarding these allegations and their implications. Although personal scandals might impact reputation, Huang's leadership is currently deemed important for the company's future. Nvidia's board maintains confidence in Huang as they navigate thi

The US midterm results may give India some room in trade negotiations by increasing congressional scrutiny of executive action, but they do not remove tariff risks or alter Washington's strategic priorities. AI investment is also unlikely to retreat, with capital expected to remain within the US rather than shift significantly to emerging markets.

Falling solar and battery costs have made renewable energy commercially competitive with coal in India. As COP31 begins in Turkiye, the focus should shift to accelerating electrification of transport, promoting agrivoltaics, investing in transmission and grid stability, and ensuring reliable payments by discoms to sustain the country's green transition.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance CEO and Manipal Hospitals MD-CEO argue that India's healthcare system must move beyond transactional relationships between hospitals and insurers towards patient-centric partnerships. They call for greater clinical coordination, digital integration, transparency and preventive care, with success measured by better health outcomes rather than individual claims or procedures.

Ancient Indian sages described the human heart as a cave that holds an eternal divine light. The passage explores how people searching for peace and purpose through external experiences can find both by looking within. This inner light remains untouched by wrongdoing and offers clarity about one's identity and life's purpose.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the elimination of armed Maoists while addressing the ideological threat of 'dimagi Naxals'. He emphasized the need to identify and defeat these elements infiltrating various organizations and political parties. Modi referenced past failures in addressing Naxalism while stating that strong policies and political will led to significant improvements.

U.S. Central Command disabled a ship flagged by St. Kitts after it attempted to leave Iranian waters. This action follows multiple warnings regarding naval movements in the region. Meanwhile, explosions were reported in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about maritime safety. The Iranian military also announced that two tankers caught fire after hitting mines. Military tensions in the area have escalated following recent limited strikes by U.S. forces.

Many people now share personal details about their whereabouts in their text messages and phone calls. The prevalence of mobile phone use extends even to private settings like bathrooms, complicating social norms. While video calls have altered professional attire expectations, they have not changed the number of distractions available. The immediacy of notifications can intrude on personal moments and create pressure to respond.

The author plans to sleep the entire day and night during Diwali festivities. They critique societal perceptions of sleep as unproductive and wasteful. The article references Kumbhakarna, a character known for his long sleep cycles. The author emphasizes the need to reevaluate the stigma surrounding oversleeping and its effects.

Why are Indian films and web series reluctant to portray parents and grandparents as people with romantic lives, desires and relationships of their own? While shows such as the US series Newlyweds explore love and intimacy among senior citizens, Indian popular entertainment often confines older characters to parental, advisory or babysitting roles. The piece examines ageism in the film industry, the limited opportunities for older female actors and the social attitudes that shape how India views

The Frankfurter Buchmesse this year experienced a decline in trade visitors and exhibitors amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Many Ukrainian publishers suffered losses due to the war, reflecting the continuing impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The event also highlighted innovative contributions from global comic book publishers and creators from various countries. Notably, the theme of this year's fair underscored the growing influence of machine intelligence in publishing.

The Supreme Court upheld the Chhattisgarh government's order of compulsory retirement for several employees. It noted such orders are not punitive or indicative of misconduct against the employees. The court emphasised the importance of objective evaluations when determining an employee's suitability for continued service. It clarified that the decision should not be based on mere conjecture or whim.

Two Army personnel were killed after their vehicle plunged into a 600-foot-deep gorge at Namika La Pass on the Kargil-Leh national highway on Wednesday. The accident occurred around 1.30 pm when the vehicle veered off the road. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the driver and co-driver and shifted them to a nearby hospital for postmortem examination.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the challenges faced by India during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that China felt stigmatised by the international community for the virus. Misri reflected on his experience as Ambassador during the India-China confrontation in Galwan Valley. He highlighted the importance of coordination in Operation Sindoor, which included multiple government agencies. Additionally, he expressed his connection to his Kashmiri Pandit heritage and community resilience.

Rafael Grossi of the IAEA stated that Iran has not repaired its nuclear facilities after military strikes. The US and Israel initiated strikes to hinder Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities, according to President Donald Trump. Iran is accused of failing to comply with nuclear nonproliferation obligations while maintaining its program is peaceful. The UN Security Council meeting addressed these concerns amidst tensions with Russia and China.

Ghulam Nabi Azad has responded to Farooq Abdullah's recent remarks on Pakistan's influence in Kashmir. Azad emphasized that Pakistan has historically been an enemy of India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged respect for the development efforts made by successive Indian governments since 1947. Shia leader Imran Ansari also criticized Abdullah, labeling him and his party as 'rebels on rent'.

Late Tuesday, a Mirage 2000D fighter jet crashed in eastern France while on its return flight from a mission. Reports confirm one crew member has lost their life, while teams are actively searching for the second missing crew member. The crash site is located near Rogeville, approximately 18 km northwest of Nancy. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

India presented its statement at the UNGA Third Committee, emphasizing the need to respect cultural contexts in human rights. The country aims to advance human rights for all without selectivity and double standards. India's representative criticized unverified claims in a UN report regarding indigenous rights under the Forest Rights Act. India highlighted its achievements in lifting millions out of poverty while ensuring social protection.

After a turbulent period, D Gukesh's performance at the Chess Olympiad allowed him to regain confidence. He competed on Board 4, scoring 8.5 points in 11 rounds and achieving a tournament performance rating of 2797. Gukesh previously experienced a significant rating decline, dropping to 2703 after his rise to World Champion. His struggles included early exits from several important tournaments and losses to lower-rated players.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to investigate the alleged mid-air stabbing of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar by an Omani co-pilot aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight on September 30. The probe was ordered by the Union Home Ministry to uncover the alleged larger conspiracy.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti compared current restrictions in Delhi to those experienced in Kashmir after Article 370's abrogation. She accused the BJP government of manipulating public perception by claiming there were no protests. Mufti stated that the government crushes dissent and then denies its existence to portray false consent. The heightened security measures and route closures in Delhi evoke similar sentiments from Kashmir's past.

Arvind Kejriwal has criticized the central government's security clampdown in Delhi regarding the CJP protest. He stated that the situation is worse than during the Emergency. Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using fear tactics to suppress democracy. Additionally, he called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged electoral fraud.

India addressed the UN General Assembly, condemning Pakistan for its ongoing misrepresentation of Jammu and Kashmir. Member of Parliament Mahima Kumari Mewar emphasized Pakistan's history of military dictatorship and state-sponsored terrorism. India called for Pakistan to cease human rights violations in its illegally occupied territories. The delegation condemned recent attacks on civilians protesting for their rights and freedoms.

India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has lost its relevance since the signing of the Simla Agreement in 1972, which aimed to establish peace between the two nations. During his recent visit to Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recognized the challenging role of UNMOGIP and commended its professionalism. Meanwhile, India continues to focus on improving relations with Pakistan.

Nana Patekar Death News: Vishwanath Patekar, widely known as Nana Patekar, has passed away at the age of 75. He was found unconscious at his residence in Goa and could not be revived after extensive CPR. A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem will be conducted as part of the investigation. Patekar was a celebrated actor in Indian cinema, receiving multiple prestigious awards throughout his career.

During the 94th anniversary celebrations, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh of the Indian Air Force addressed his air warriors, emphasizing the need for a quicker pace in improvements. He noted the transition from a platform-centric model to a focus on overall capabilities. Singh pointed out specific delays in crucial projects like the LCA Mk-1A, while also acknowledging the IAF's diverse partnerships through various operations and humanitarian missions.

The Supreme Court is set to examine a plea regarding the recall of a recent split verdict. This split verdict pertains to the validity of a 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan mentioned the recall application in front of the Chief Justice of India.

Forces of Yemen's internationally recognized government began a major offensive Monday against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on the country's Red Sea coast, under an intensified air campaign by the Saudi-led coalition.

In Nepal, the tragic aftermath of flash floods has claimed more than fourteen hundred lives, while over six thousand people are still missing. The Bhotekoshi River's relentless torrents have obliterated homes and critical infrastructure. Rescuers face immense hurdles in identifying the deceased, as DNA testing becomes indispensable for confirming victims after their extended time submerged in water.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince met Egypt's President seeking support against Houthi rebel attacks. These attacks threaten vital shipping lanes and Saudi oil infrastructure significantly. The Houthi advances have also intensified the conflict within Yemen itself. Egypt's backing offers political influence and international rallying for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom faces difficult choices regarding military action or diplomatic solutions.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar identified six pivotal issues for India's diplomacy. India's growing global influence and responsibilities are increasing significantly. Diplomacy must adapt to global talent flow and rapid digital evolution. Engagement with the Global South and civilisational identity are crucial.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated India has entered a new era of performance politics. He said corruption, casteism, and dynastic politics have ended since 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has freed the country from policy paralysis and poor decision-making. A campaign called 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will promote public participation for a developed India. This initiative marks Modi's birthday and significant years of his governance.

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.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a notable moment with leaders at the BRICS Summit. He was pictured holding hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Other leaders including Iran's President and South Africa's President also joined them. Modi engaged in discussions with leaders from Russia, China, and Indonesia. India hosted the BRICS Summit for member and partner countries.

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.