The Economic Times

N Chandrasekaran's tenure as Tata Sons chairman faced significant challenges and delays. Ratan Tata's passing in October 2024 preceded leadership shifts within Tata Trusts. Noel Tata conveyed displeasure, putting Chandrasekaran's reappointment on hold in May 2026. Several trustees announced their departures from key Tata Trusts positions. Ultimately, N Chandrasekaran decided not to seek a third term as chairman.

Tata Group's market capitalization tripled and profits increased five-fold during Chandrasekaran's tenure. Revenue also saw a two-fold rise, reaching Rs 13.3 lakh crore by FY26. Trent delivered the highest value creation with a 31% annual stock return. Tejas Networks followed closely, yielding a 30.4% annual return after its acquisition. The flagship TCS, however, showed a modest 7.4% annualised return.

General insurers face higher motor third-party claim reserves due to Supreme Court rulings. A recent ruling fixes homemakers' notional income, increasing claim payouts. This interpretation is expected to raise claim outgo significantly over eighteen months. Insurers also face policy standardization for occupant and pillion-rider coverage. Motor third-party insurance remains challenging with rising claim costs and slow premium growth.

N Chandrasekaran's unexpected resignation adds uncertainty to Shapoorji Pallonji Group's stake. Discussions on monetizing the Mistry family's stake remain unresolved due to valuation differences. The Mistry family may push for a Tata Sons public listing to unlock value. Tata Trusts will play a key role in the upcoming leadership transition. This change could delay any settlement with Shapoorji Pallonji Group.

Sir Ratan Tata Trust faces a restraint order from the charity commissioner. This order prevents its participation in crucial Tata Trusts meetings. The trust seeks relief from the Bombay High Court for immediate intervention. Allegations of governance violations and a 1989 share transfer are under scrutiny. These developments could affect Tata Sons' upcoming board and AGM meetings.

South Indian banks have seen their gold-loan portfolios nearly double in three years. This significant growth is driven by rising gold prices and increased demand for credit. Federal Bank, CSB Bank, and others experienced substantial portfolio expansions. CSB Bank recorded the fastest growth, more than doubling its gold loan book. Gold loans now represent a significant portion of advances for these regional lenders.

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new lending rate guidelines. Regulated entities must declare lending rates monthly and reset floating loans quarterly. Total charges for microfinance and small loans will be capped by the regulator. These new norms aim to harmonize interest rate determination methods. Final guidelines will take effect from April 1, 2027.

Global investors TPG and Temasek sold nearly thirteen percent of Dr Agarwals Health Care. They collectively offloaded over four crore equity shares for two thousand eight crore rupees. Several mutual funds and investment firms purchased a significant stake in the eye care chain. This stake sale occurred after the company reported strong quarterly financial results. Dr Agarwals Health Care shares saw a decline following the large block deal.

Bank of America will invest up to $1.9 billion in Jio Credit. This significant foreign investment aims to acquire nearly fifty percent of the lending subsidiary. The transaction will provide substantial capital for Jio Credit's expansion plans. It will combine Jio's digital network with Bank of America's financial expertise. This partnership seeks to enhance credit access for all Indians.

Indian markets extended losses as Tata Group stocks tumbled following N Chandrasekarans Tata Sons exit, while crude nearing $90 heightened inflation concerns. Sensex fell 188 points and Nifty declined 36 points, with PSU banks and metals outperforming broader market weakness.

Bank of America is making headlines with its planned acquisition of a substantial 26.5 percent interest in Jio Credit. This deal, involving a preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants, could see its stake grow to 49.9 percent. The investment signifies Bank of America's commitment to strengthening its foothold in India's financial landscape, utilizing local knowledge for enhanced market development.

Apollo Hospitals reported a 38.4% year-on-year rise in Q1FY27 net profit to 610 crore, while revenue grew 20.6% to 7,044 crore. EBITDA increased 28.2%, supported by higher healthcare volumes, complex procedures, capacity expansion and strong international patient growth.

The comments, which Putin made as he oversaw navy drills in Russia's far east, come as the EU tries to ratchet up pressure on Russia's so-called shadow fleet, expanding sanctions against hundreds of vessels and detaining some ships and their crews for checks. Some European governments have said they are exploring tougher maritime enforcement measures against ships suspected of sanctions evasion.

The Delhi High Court questioned Meta's copyright tool access policy. A content creator alleged misuse of the tool by unauthorized users. The court directed Meta to provide guidelines and eligibility criteria for the tool. Meta stated that disputed copyright strikes against the creator were reversed. The court will hear the matter again on September 24.

Viral posts falsely claimed Earth would experience a seven-second gravity blackout. Scientists confirmed this physics-bending anomaly is impossible due to Earth's mass. Astronomical events like eclipses do not affect planetary gravity significantly. Hypothetical scenarios show a gravity loss would eject the atmosphere. The hoax exploited public interest in celestial events for engagement.

Old mobile phones contain valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper, with some metals found at higher concentrations in e-waste than in conventional ore. Global e-waste generation is rising rapidly, creating a significant opportunity for recovering these valuable resources. Recycling these metals can help reduce the need for virgin mining and its associated environmental impact. However, recovering metals from electronic devices requires specialised industrial processes and facilities. Con

Jio Financial Services and Bank of America announced a significant joint venture agreement. The US banking major will acquire up to 49.9% in Jio Credit. This investment could reach Rs 18,268 crore, approximately $1.9 billion. Bank of America will initially hold a 26.5% stake in the NBFC. The transaction is subject to necessary regulatory and statutory approvals.

Rescuers saved 211 people from a ferry fire near Bali island. One passenger's body was recovered after the blaze erupted at sea. The Putri Yasmin ferry was carrying vehicles and motorcycles when the fire started. Rough seas and high waves complicated the extensive rescue operation efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and passenger number discrepancies.

Flipkart and Amazon received the highest number of consumer complaints in 2025. Meesho and Myntra also featured prominently on the list of e-commerce platforms. The National Consumer Helpline facilitated over 91 crore in refunds to consumers. Non-delivery of products constituted the largest category of complaints filed. The government has taken steps to address unfair trade practices in e-commerce.

IndiQube Spaces reported record Q1FY27 revenue of 428 crore, up 37% year-on-year. EBITDA rose 34%, while PAT surged 91% to 35 crore. Area under management and seat capacity expanded, alongside stronger occupancy and rapidly growing value-added services.

A series of vicious storms ravaged the Midwest, unleashing tornadoes and heavy rainfall. The storm's fury left hundreds of thousands without power, as fallen trees and wires littered the area. Sadly, several lives were lost due to the unforgiving weather. In response, emergency teams executed water rescues as flooding affected numerous states. Forecasts suggest that severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall may persist in the coming days.

Best baby boy names with B: Parents seeking boy names beginning with B have many options. Bodhi, meaning enlightenment, offers a modern Sanskrit-rooted choice. Classic Benjamin, meaning son of the right hand, remains popular. Bruno, with meanings like armor and brown, has diverse origins. Bennett, meaning blessed, provides a traditional yet current feel.

Quote of the day by Confucius explains how personal discipline can shape family life and influence society. The teaching, found in The Great Learning, presents a chain that begins with the heart, moves to personal conduct and family life, and then extends to leadership, social order and harmony. Its message focuses on responsibility, self-control and daily choices.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar allocated portfolios to nineteen ministers. Senior minister Ramalinga Reddy moved to Forest, Environment and Ecology. Health Minister UT Khader received additional charge of Minority Welfare. Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra was allotted Planning and Statistics portfolio. AS Ponnanna was appointed political secretary with Cabinet rank.

Psychology suggests that the real challenge is not making decisions we will never regret. It is developing enough psychological flexibility to recognize when an old justification has stopped serving us, and allowing ourselves to choose differently without treating that change as an admission that we were foolish all along.

The European Union and twenty-six nations have condemned Iran's executions of protesters. These countries urged Iran to listen to its people and respect human rights. They also called for an immediate end to the death penalty. Furthermore, the nations demanded the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals. This joint statement was announced by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

A French court has sentenced a Russian man for performing Nazi salutes near a synagogue. He received eight months in prison and a permanent ban from France. A second man, a French national, also received a six-month prison sentence. The convictions address rising concerns over antisemitism in France. This ruling sends a clear message about consequences for extremist conduct.

Joseph Dituri spent 100 days underwater in a 100-square-foot habitat near Key Largo, Florida. The extreme experiment changed more than his routine. He reported being about half an inch shorter after resurfacing. His spine had adapted to prolonged pressure and confinement. The finding offers a striking lesson about the human body. Height is not always fixed. Pressure, gravity, movement and rest can all reshape how we measure ourselves.

India must double infrastructure investments to forty lakh crore rupees annually. This significant scaling up is crucial for achieving long-term economic growth ambitions. Manufacturing capital expenditure also requires substantial and continuous investment for sustainable growth. Growing domestic long-term savings will increasingly finance infrastructure and other long-duration assets. Financial institutions will need to originate projects and distribute exposure to other investors.

An exciting new expedition is set to uncover the secrets of Nikumaroro Island in search of Amelia Earhart's missing aircraft. With researchers targeting a peculiar object identified in satellite images, they plan to utilize a hydraulic dredge to investigate this intriguing anomaly close to the lagoon. This quest holds the promise of revealing tangible evidence supporting the Nikumaroro survival theory, aiming to resolve one of aviation's most captivating mysteries.

Life lessons from Margaret Atwood: Margaret Atwood's quote highlights the immense power found in assembling words sequentially. Individual words gain strength when arranged into sentences, which can tell stories. This concept underscores the importance of finding one's voice and expressing experiences. Consistent efforts, like writing daily, can lead to substantial achievements over time. Language shapes perceptions, making thoughtful communication essential in today's world.

Ukraine has halted drone attacks on oil tankers following a US request. This action came after concerns about market destabilization and harm to American firms. The United States urged Ukraine to cease targeting non-Russian vessels and infrastructure. Ukraine agreed to refrain from attacking CPC infrastructure and non-Russian vessels. This move impacts oil sales for Kazakhstan and Western oil majors.

Pilani Investment plans to sell 1.7 million UltraTech Cement shares valued at 1,908 crore on August 13, 2026, at a 3% discount. Separately, UltraTech Cement is acquiring a 26% stake in Solaris Horizon Energy to support its green energy initiatives.

Lionel Messi revealed doubts about his football future following his father's recent passing. His father, Jorge, died last week at the age of sixty-eight. Messi shared his grief and uncertainty in a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his father. He mentioned his father's wish for him to play in the last World Cup. Messi pledged to honor his father by raising his own children well.

India's government has renewed a three-year pact for standardizing medicinal plants. This initiative aims to harmonize quality standards with global benchmarks. The agreement builds upon the successful One Herb, One Standard concept launched earlier. It will develop uniform standards for single plant drugs across traditional systems. This collaboration strengthens India's position as a trusted global standard-setter.

India and the Southern African Customs Union signed terms to start trade negotiations. This move revives talks after previous rounds stalled between 2002 and 2010. New Delhi seeks tariff relief for key export sectors like automobiles and pharmaceuticals. The union comprises South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini. These renewed discussions aim to boost bilateral trade and economic ties.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Ian Wace bought Scotlands remote Tanera Mr island for about $2.2 million in 2017, when its historic buildings were deteriorating and its population had dwindled. What began as an island purchase has since grown into a $135 million regeneration project, with more than 50 buildings restored, 100,000 trees planted, farmland reclaimed and traditional Scottish crafts revived.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Gautam Rangarajan as Expert Adviser. Rangarajan brings extensive experience in corporate strategy and transformation to his new role. Burnham is implementing a vision to do things differently across the country. He has realigned government departments and established a new Office for the PM. Rangarajan is expected to be instrumental in this governmental transformation.

The Trump administration plans to spend at least $900 million on White House construction. Funds are being gathered from other agencies and private donors for modernization projects. A federal appeals court recently halted construction on a $400 million ballroom. This ruling represents a significant setback for the administration's plans. White House renovations are reportedly tied to presidential and grounds security.

Quote of the day by Robert Louis Stevenson: Robert Louis Stevenson urged people to notice life's mercies and blessings. Forgetting gratitude means falling asleep in life, he explained. He was a Scottish writer known for adventure and psychological novels. Stevenson traveled extensively and settled in Samoa for his health.

World Meteorological Organization's head of climate information said the current pattern of heat across Europe, the world's fastest-warming continent, reflected the interaction between a persistent pattern of high-pressure systems across the Northern Hemisphere and a warmer climate.

In a working paper titled An Investigation Into Corporate Profits and Investment, co-authored by Prof S Mahendra Dev, chairman of EAC-PM, joint directors of EAC-PM Dr Sri Vatsa Sehra and Dr KK Tripathy and deputy director of EAC-PM Kamil KPS Bhullar, EAC-PM called for policy support to encourage innovation, enahnce R&D spending and promote industry-academia linkage to pave the way for establishment and growth of innovative firms.

The Government of India launched the Digital India programme in July 2015. Under the Digital India programme, the Government of India, since its launch, has undertaken several initiatives to improve digital access and ensure seamless citizen-centric service delivery through notable tools like UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) and DigiLocker platform.

MCX and NISM have signed an MoU to establish the MCX-NISM Centre for Commodity Markets, focusing on professional training, research, investor awareness and academic engagement. The initiative aims to strengthen expertise in commodity derivatives, risk management, compliance and responsible participation.

Gokaldas Exports reported a 7% year-on-year rise in Q1FY27 net profit to 44 crore, while income climbed 21% to 1,180 crore. Recovery followed tariff disruptions, supported by stronger India order execution, Africa volumes and productivity initiatives.

Artificial intelligence is set to reshape India's banking sector over the next decade, but banks, regulators and the government will need to strengthen governance, cybersecurity capabilities and shared infrastructure to ensure responsible and secure adoption of the technology, said Hardik Shah, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Grasim Industries reported strong Q1 FY27 results, with standalone net profit reaching Rs 247 crore and revenue rising 28% YoY. Consolidated net profit jumped 51% to Rs 2,146 crore, driven by robust performance across core and growth businesses.