The Economic Times
Elections 2026Business / The Economic Times
Ice Make Refrigeration has announced a significant revenue increase of 60.4% for Q1 FY27.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Singapore leaders to boost trade and investment. Discussions focused on strengthening business-to-business engagement and unlocking new economic opportunities. Temasek Holdings CEO and Fortis Healthcare Chairman also held discussions with Goyal. The minister addressed the India-Singapore Business Forum and met potential investors. Singapore remains India's largest source of foreign direct investment and bilateral trade has expanded significantly.
Euro zone business activity has grown at its fastest pace this year in August, buoyed by stronger new orders - particularly in manufacturing - and a return to export growth, according to a survey which also showed easing price pressures. That suggests the economy has remained resilient this quarter despite the Middle East conflict, after expanding 0.4% in the second quarter.The S&P Global Flash Euro zone Composite PMI Output Index has risen to 52.1 this month from July's 52.0, its highest since
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In a bid to enhance efficiency, tax authorities are crafting standardized guidelines for GST registration applications. This effort targets easing the process for businesses disbursing tax credits that surpass Rs 2.5 lakh each month. Negotiations with states are underway to unify the documentation and information required. Officials are also considering automation for the cancellation of GST registrations. The final recommendations will be presented to the GST Council for approval.
In a recent meeting, India and Russia deliberated on their mutual interests in advancing higher education. Both countries expressed their commitment to strengthen collaborative efforts. Deepti Gaur Mukherjee had a constructive dialogue with Mogilevsky Konstantin Ilyich on Thursday, exploring various avenues for partnership. The Ministry of Education disseminated this news on Friday.
India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $230 million loan agreement. This project will expand and modernize Chennai's water supply and sanitation infrastructure. It includes building new pipes and upgrading pumping stations across the city. Chennai will also implement a comprehensive ring-main system for improved water reliability. The initiative aims to enhance public health and urban resilience to climate change.
Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree made a spectacular stock market debut in Shanghai, with shares soaring 600% over the IPO price. However, CEO Wang Xingxing cautioned that a major software breakthrough for humanoid robots could still be years away, despite growing optimism around embodied AI and the global robotics market.
The Bank of Japans July 2027 policy meeting is drawing attention after being scheduled for July 21-22, allowing hawkish board members Naoki Tamura and Hajime Takata to vote just before their terms expire on July 23. The timing could prove important for the BOJs rate-hike path as inflation pressures persist and a potential board reshuffle approaches.
Female mayflies are confusing solar panels for water surfaces, which is causing difficulties with their reproduction. This issue, termed polarized light pollution, negatively impacts populations of aquatic insects. To tackle this challenge, researchers have created a specially designed coating that mimics the texture of rose petals, effectively deterring insects from landing on solar panels. Such innovative solutions are vital for promoting the growth of sustainable solar energy initiatives.
A scuffle erupted when villagers and BJP workers allegedly blocked a CJP team's school inspection. The CJP team reported being attacked and pelted with stones by the group. Vehicles were damaged and CJP volunteers sustained injuries during the confrontation. Villagers claimed government funds were sanctioned for school repairs.
India faces a substantial cost gap with the United States for launching payloads. A recent study estimates India's cost at over $13,000 per kilogram by 2025. This contrasts with the United States' estimated cost of $3,225 per kilogram. The study highlights scale and experience as key factors for reducing launch expenses. India must increase launch frequency and build capabilities to compete globally.
Jerry Garcia's poignant quote encapsulates a well-rounded strategy for confronting lifes trials. It advocates a proactive stance towards challenges while nurturing a positive attitude. This principle skillfully addresses both mundane obstacles and grand ambitions. Celebrated as a symbol of the Grateful Dead, Garcia exemplified this belief through his musical journey, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom that is crucial for navigating the unpredictable nature of today's world.
Delhi will ban all construction from December 10 to January 20. This measure aims to tackle worsening air pollution during winter months. Larger construction sites will be monitored using AI cameras and a special portal. Authorities will take action against any violations detected during this period. Citizens are encouraged to report any construction work they observe.
A dead carp spotted in Tasmania's Lake Crescent in 1995 triggered a 28-year campaign to eradicate invasive European carp from Lake Crescent and Lake Sorell. Authorities removed 49,301 carp using radio-tagged Judas fish, nets, electrofishing and genetic testing. By 2025, surveys found no remaining carp, allowing officials to declare the invasive species functionally eradicated and paving the way for the lakes' native ecosystem to recover.
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Jefferies retained its Buy rating on Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals with a Rs 330 target, implying nearly 29% upside. The brokerage expects the companys premiumisation strategy, market share gains, new product categories and margin expansion to drive a 12% revenue CAGR and 18% EPS CAGR through FY29.
A CJP convenor criticized Rajasthan police after their team faced resistance during a school inspection. Villagers and BJP workers reportedly pushed CJP volunteers out of Rampura Kanwarpura village. The CJP team was inspecting government schools, one of which was declared unsafe. Classes were being held in a cattle enclosure near the unsafe school building. The CJP alleged police inaction while their volunteers were attacked.
Ladakh now uses ninety million litres of glacier water daily for irrigation. This water previously flowed untapped into the Indus River system. The initiative aims to bring irrigation to over one thousand acres of dry land. Twelve villages will now receive water on a daily basis. This project serves as a blueprint for future water management in Ladakh.
On Friday morning, Indian government bonds found stability as oil prices leveled off. The market reacted to hawkish minutes from the central bank and a sudden spike in crude prices. Later today, a major debt sale will gauge investor interest in bonds. As retail inflation surpassed the Reserve Bank of India's target, rising oil prices and global yields will influence the upcoming market direction.
The US Treasurys expanded bond-buyback programme has raised concerns that efforts to contain long-term borrowing costs could pressure the dollar. Rising yields, fiscal deficits and heavy debt issuance are intensifying market scrutiny. While some investors see echoes of earlier interventions, others view the move as limited. The policys longer-term currency impact remains uncertain.
Gandhari, featuring Taapsee Pannu, is all set to arrive on OTT. Directed by Devashish Makhija and penned by Kanika Dhillon, this action thriller explores a mother's relentless drive to shield her child from harm. Alongside Taapsee, Gandhari features Ishwak Singh, Swastika Mukherjee and others. Read on to know when and where to watch it online.
Tech billionaires and leaders are investing heavily in longevity research and technologies. They aim to reverse aging and extend healthy human lifespans significantly. Historical attempts at rejuvenation have yielded limited success, but new science shows promise. This pursuit raises concerns about inequality as only the wealthy may afford early treatments.
Tata Consultancy Services will partner with the European T20 Premier League. They will develop an AI-powered digital ecosystem for the new cricket league. This partnership aims to enhance fan engagement and live match experiences. Technology will be central to the league's audience and commercial strategy. The league's inaugural season is scheduled for August and September.
Mold-Tek Packaging and Mold-Tek Technologies will consider bonus issues and dividends at their August 26 board meetings. While investors await the announcements, both stocks have delivered strong gains over the longer term, with Mold-Tek Packaging also featuring among Axis Securities top midcap picks with a Buy rating.
Bharat Coking Coal shares surged over 7% to Rs 37.70 as global coking coal prices soared 18%. The rally follows supply disruptions and strong long-term demand forecasts, offsetting the company's weak Q1 FY27 results where it posted a net loss of Rs 68 crore amid falling production.
South Koreas KOSPI has fallen about 30% from its June 19 peak as a retail-driven stock market boom fuelled by leveraged products turned into a sharp sell-off. The market fallout has left investors facing substantial losses, while raising concerns over financial-market reforms, retail leverage and South Koreas ambitions to secure developed-market status.
India is set to approve a $1.2-billion incentive scheme to boost domestic production of high-value construction equipment, including tunnel boring machines, and reduce import dependence on China. The programme is expected to attract $1.8 billion in investment over seven years.
Aswath Damodaran says AIs investment debate should shift from hype and skepticism toward evaluating it as a business. He argues revolutionary technologies follow four stages: hype, investment, business building and recalibration. AI is entering the business-building phase, with revenues emerging but profitability uncertain. Significant disruption and market corrections remain possible.
Indias domestic economy remains resilient, with healthy revenue and earnings growth despite geopolitical uncertainties, according to OmniScience Capital. The firm sees potential for 7%+ GDP growth this fiscal year and believes India could sustain a high-growth trajectory even if the West Asia conflict persists.
India's digital economy growth requires empowering small enterprises, farmers, and workers. Artificial intelligence must reach beyond large corporations to benefit all citizens. Companies are moving past AI experiments towards actual deployment and integration. AI can significantly enhance cybersecurity efforts for users and enterprises. India needs compute capacity and infrastructure for widespread AI adoption.
MCX shares rose in three sessions to Rs 3,211, tracking a third straight session of gains in gold and silver prices amid a weaker US dollar and easing concerns over long-term yields. The stock has gained 15% in a month, 45% so far this year and 101% over the past year, while delivering a staggering 932% return in three years and 970% in five years.
Delayed and lost baggage caused the most passenger dissatisfaction in July. This issue accounted for nearly one-third of all airline complaints received. Flight delays and refund problems followed as significant passenger concerns. Airlines resolved most complaints, while IndiGo carried most domestic passengers. Overall passenger traffic showed slight growth from the previous year.
Motilal Oswal sees 27% upside in Aditya Infotech, citing strong surveillance demand, rising market share, STQC norms and improving margins. The brokerage expects robust revenue and profit growth through FY28, supported by higher-value products, backward integration and lower competitive intensity.
Rahul Gandhi protested outside a Delhi police station on Friday. He alleged police refused to register his complaint regarding student protests. Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of authorizing force against students. He linked the protests to systemic failures in education and employment. The Congress leader demanded a formal investigation into the alleged incident.
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh has spoken out against the rise of anti-national activities on the campus of Jadavpur University, advocating that educational institutions must remain free of such disruptions. He highlighted the vice-chancellor's duty to ensure a secure and orderly environment. This comes in the wake of violent confrontations among student groups last Thursday, prompting the university to implement a restriction on external visitors after evening hours.
Vedanta Aluminium Metal shares gained more than 2% after the company launched two advanced offerings under its Primary Foundry Alloy range for high-performance automotive applications. The new products, unveiled at AutoEdge 2026, come as the company expands its value-added aluminium portfolio and targets growing demand from the automotive sector.
Jefferies Christopher Wood sees gold as the second-best hedge for investors amid rising geopolitical and fiscal risks linked to the Iran conflict. While he prefers oil and energy stocks as the primary hedge, Wood expects gold and gold miners to benefit from renewed monetary easing expectations, geopolitical shocks and persistent fiscal concerns.
Jaquie Brown, the renowned comedian from New Zealand, has disclosed that she is battling breast cancer. Following a mastectomy necessary due to invasive lobular breast cancer, she is now focusing on her recovery. The diagnosis, which she received in April 2026, came as a surprise. This type of cancer often evades early detection, with around 450 women in New Zealand being diagnosed each year.
Netweb Technologies India shares rose nearly 3.5% to a fresh 52-week high after the company completed its Rs 1,200 crore qualified institutional placement (QIP). Nomura, Goldman Sachs, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and other institutional investors participated in the fundraise, which comes amid strong growth in the company's revenue and profit.
Walchandnagar Industries shares rose on Friday after the company secured a Rs 30.53 crore order from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for fabricating, testing and supplying HS200 motorcase segments for the Gaganyaan mission. The order, which includes all three segments, is scheduled for completion over four years, according to the companys filing.

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