The Economic Times

S&P has projected credit growth of 12-14% in India's financial sector, emphasizing concerns about rural credit growth. The potential impact of weak monsoons on agricultural earnings could further exacerbate credit challenges. Economic activity exhibits resilience, supported by strong capital positions of banks and lenders. Public investment remains steady while private investment focuses on specific sectors, showing improvement. Inflation is projected at 5.1% for FY27, amidst challenges from glo

The eSanjeevani platform has reached a significant milestone of 50 crore teleconsultations across India. It shows notable participation, with 57.14 percent of users being women and 40.15 percent aged 46 and above. Telemedicine is proving essential in enhancing healthcare access for citizens in remote areas. The service has expanded rapidly and supports a diverse range of medical consultations daily.

The Union Cabinet has approved the creation of an Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority to improve synergy. This new authority aims to enhance planning and evaluation processes across India's transportation sector. It will be responsible for appraising significant infrastructure projects and developing the National Transport Master Plan. Additionally, the ITLA will integrate essential data for effective project planning and monitor major transport projects.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has finalized a management agreement with Vrindam Developers for a new hotel. The voco Vrindavan will feature 130 keys and is expected to open in the first quarter of 2031. This development represents Vrindam Developers' first venture into the hospitality sector, expanding their business portfolio. IHG currently operates 53 hotels in India and has plans for 110 more in the upcoming years.

The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises. This fund is part of the government's initiative to create champion MSMEs in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined various measures to enhance liquidity support and accessibility to risk capital. Additionally, the government allocated Rs 24,566.27 crore to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

India's economic growth is expected to slow down below 7 percent in the upcoming quarters. Despite this moderation, the overall growth for the year may average around 7.2 percent. Economist Madan Sabnavis indicates potential for long-term growth reaching 8 percent in the coming years. Global uncertainties and local consumption impacts are significant factors influencing this outlook.

Kannada, Telugu and Tamil cricket feeds have shown significant growth during TATA IPL 2026. JioStar launched 'Beyond Boundaries' to enhance advertiser partnerships with regional-language programming. The Telugu feed experienced the highest digital watch time growth at 30%. The initiative highlights various successful regional programming that connects with local audiences. JioStar aims to capitalize on the increased interest in regional-language cricket viewership.

Experion Developers, an Indian real estate platform, plans to invest Rs 10,000 crore in luxury homes. The investment will facilitate the development of approximately 3000 homes and plots over five years. Most of the projects will be located in the National Capital Region, with others in Amritsar, Lucknow, and Goa. The focus of the developments will center around wellness and environmentally responsible construction methods.

Saurabh, a former Amazon data scientist, left his corporate job 3 years ago to pursue writing. He grew his audience on the X platform and built an online business, earning over $200,000 in profit. His work with more than 60 clients has led to significant revenue results for them as well. Saurabh enjoys a flexible lifestyle and can engage in hobbies without strict timings.

Indian insurance brokers are opposing regulatory proposals that include caps on commissions paid to various distributors. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India introduced these proposals to reduce costs for policyholders. Concerns have been raised about potential job losses and unethical practices following the reforms. The brokers association has requested an audience with government leaders regarding the changes.

Manufacturing sentiment in India improved noticeably in the second quarter of FY27, reflecting increased expectations for production and demand. About 95 percent of manufacturers reported stable or higher production levels compared to the previous quarter. Capacity utilization also rose, reaching approximately 75 percent, highlighting effective operational efficiency. Hiring intentions increased, with 43 percent of manufacturers planning to recruit additional staff in the coming months.

Yami Gautam once opened up about living with Keratosis Pilaris, a skin condition she developed during her teenage years. She revealed that despite having no cure, she chose to embrace her natural skin instead of concealing it through photo editing. Gautam said the experience helped her overcome insecurities and accept her perceived flaws. The actress was last seen in Haq and is gearing up for Nayyi Navelli.

PwC is putting India at the centre of its global consulting strategy by combining its India consulting business with the US firms India advisory operations into a nearly 40,000-person joint venture. Executives said the move is aimed at routing more global consulting work through India, expanding work with GCCs and giving Indian clients greater access to PwCs global capabilities, rather than simply cutting costs.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to actor Salman Khan regarding his suit against the film 'Kala Hiran'. The film's producer, Amit Jani, argues that Khan's claims represent parallel litigation concerning the same issues. Khan is seeking to restrain the release and dissemination of the film, which he claims infringes on his personality rights.

Many young professionals relocate to metro cities for job opportunities while facing high living costs. Recently, Bengaluru woman Priya shared her monthly expenses and financial struggles in the city. Priya's monthly spend reaches Rs 78,500, mostly due to rent, groceries, and lifestyle choices. Another resident, Shivank, notes that social life in Bengaluru often encourages overspending, complicating financial management. These experiences highlight the ongoing financial challenges in major India

R Madhavan recently took his followers on a trip down memory lane through an Instagram reel featuring glimpses of his earlier years. The actor, who appeared in the popular film 3 Idiots, shared a collection of old moments showing him enjoying carefree times with his friends and wife, Sarita Birje.

India's business process management landscape is remarkably transforming as it embraces artificial intelligence and smarter operations. This change signifies a shift away from age-old cost-centric models, aiming instead for tangible business results via cutting-edge technology. Leaders within the industry highlight the importance of novel workflow strategies, necessitating advanced skills and compliance mechanisms. With AI's growing presence, workforce roles are set to adapt, emphasizing critica

Private equity investment in Indian real estate surged to USD 2.7 billion in H1 FY27. Domestic investors contributed significantly, deploying USD 1.3 billion across various deals. The office asset class continues to gather attention, attracting 35% of total investments. Investment trends indicate a shift towards new-age assets, particularly data centres, which showcased considerable growth. Overall, investor confidence improved, showcasing a clear recovery and commitment to the Indian real estat

The Centre has introduced 375 new permissible works under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission. The categories include water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and disaster preparedness. An emphasis has been placed on livelihood infrastructure, with 128 works focused on water security. The revised framework replaces MGNREGA with guaranteed wage employment for rural households each year.

Lupin Ltd has launched Formoflo-G MDI, a new inhaler for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management in India. This fixed-dose inhaler combines three therapies into a single device for better treatment outcomes. It aims to benefit over 55 million people living with COPD across the country. The Drug Controller General of India has approved this innovative product for use. Lupin is currently ranked second in the respiratory therapy segment in India.

GST 2.0 reforms are being advocated by industry chambers to improve input tax credit and streamline compliance processes. Businesses desire changes that would expedite refunds, broaden ITC eligibility, and reduce litigation issues. A more automated GST system is sought to alleviate working capital constraints and simplify registration and returns for small businesses. Real estate developers also seek clarity on ITC and faster credit releases to enhance project viability.

Anilbhai's journey from peon at ONGC to successful vada pav seller in Surat is nothing short of inspiring. Beginning in 1997 with cherished family recipes, Anil faced numerous challenges before relocating his cart, leading to his eventual success. The price rise from Rs 2.50 to Rs 25 underscores his dedication to hard work, proving that anyone can redefine their destiny, regardless of societal views on street food vendors.

Aiming to elevate its electric vehicle fleet from 105 to 300 by the close of the financial year, Trev Mobility is in the process of raising $2 million, having almost reached $1 million in funding thus far. With its fleet comprising deluxe electric vehicles, Trev offers distinct services outside mainstream ride-hailing markets.

Dabur India anticipates strong double-digit growth in its consolidated revenues and India FMCG business for the upcoming quarter. Demand conditions have remained steady despite challenges such as inflation and geopolitical tensions affecting operations. The company expects robust performance particularly in its Home & Personal Care and Food and Beverages segments. Modern Trade and emerging distribution channels are also expected to drive growth significantly.

In an exciting development, Lord's Mark Industries has secured registration for its In-Vitro Diagnostic portfolio with the MHRA, significantly boosting market access. This follows the approval of their AI-enhanced Renalyx haemodialysis system in the UK. The firm aims for a December 2026 market launch for its IVD products, ahead of schedule, along with a planned January 2027 start for its pathology lab, highlighting its strong commitment to global healthcare integration.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, reported peaceful polling in the Nandigram by-election. Around 50 percent of voters had participated by midday as he cast his vote. He anticipated a turnout exceeding 85 percent based on historical trends in the constituency. Adhikari mentioned he would continue to serve as the MLA for Bhabanipur while promising to remain a voter in Nandigram.

Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Reliance Industries against FSSAI's directive on Campa beverages. The court questioned FSSAI for not providing proper notice before the order was issued, which affected the company's operations. Reliance challenged the June directive due to significant business disruption caused by product seizures and delistings. Similar legal challenges from PepsiCo and Monster Beverage are also ongoing in the same context.

To effectively remove candle wax from fabric, begin by freezing the wax to solidify it. Once hardened, gently scrape the fabric to lift off as much wax as possible. Follow this by applying heat with an iron to eliminate any remaining traces. For faint stains that linger, a specialized stain remover may be necessary. Always handle heated materials cautiously and refer to care instructions to achieve optimal results.

Independent advertising technology platforms are set to leverage SDKs to dominate the $400 billion in-app advertising market. Growth in this sector is characterized by a shift from traditional web-based advertising methods to SDK-driven strategies. Key companies like AppLovin and InMobi have established extensive SDK footprints, enhancing their competitive advantage. As AI products scale, the importance of advertising will increase to cover operational costs.

A Delhi court granted regular bail to Swatantra Bhardwaj, a Hindutva influencer, after observing his conduct. The previous interim bail allowed for three weeks, with specific conditions imposed by the court. He was instructed not to communicate with any witnesses or discuss the case publicly during this period. The case involved the alleged assault of a student activist's father during protests at Jantar Mantar.

Rosatom organised an International Fishing Tournament near Russias Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant in the Tver region, bringing together 22 amateur anglers and 28 journalists and experts from 11 countries, including India. The Indian team comprised Tamil Nadu fishing enthusiasts Ziegen Joseph and Chandrasekar Ravi.

Harmanpreet Kaur home: Harmanpreet Kaur, who recently stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team, owns a family home in her hometown Moga in Punjab. Media reports estimate the house to be worth up to Rs 1.5 crore. The home has spacious rooms, open outdoor areas and modern interiors.

Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, remains under house arrest while his family gains political power. His son Flavio Bolsonaro won a surprising victory in the presidential election's first round. The right-wing Liberal Party saw significant success, indicating growing public support despite Jair's legal challenges. The new Congress will prioritize potential amnesty for Jair Bolsonaro in the upcoming session.

UP man Akshay Kumar, 25, who travelled to Russia on a study visa in December 2024, has been missing since August 24 after his family alleged he was persuaded to join the Russian army on promises of citizenship and non-combat duties. His relatives have appealed to the Indian government to locate him and facilitate his return.

A conference on business opportunities in BIMSTEC countries took place in Delhi. Indian businesses learned about potential partnerships for trade, investment, and technology. Senior diplomats from BIMSTEC member states shared insights regarding economic cooperation. Ambassador Rudrendra Tandon emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity and collaboration among BIMSTEC members. Around 80 representatives from Indian industry attended to discuss areas of cooperation and engagement.

India currently imposes a 10% import duty on red lentils and chickpeas, while yellow peas attract a 30% duty.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has initiated a five-day official visit to three African nations. This visit aims to enhance bilateral partnerships between India and Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ethiopia. Meetings will focus on various sectors including trade, development cooperation, and capacity building. During his time in Ethiopia, he is scheduled to chair the Regional Heads of Mission Conference.

Rickshaw in UK: Anand Mahindra shared a video of a Mahindra auto-rickshaw being driven on a London road, calling attention to the unusual sight. The post sparked humorous reactions online, with users joking about Indian auto culture, British roads and the idea of reverse colonisation.

Jay Bakker, son of televangelists Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner, has spoken openly about how his parents 1987 scandal shaped his childhood and strained his relationship with his father. He described turning to alcohol and rebellion while coping with public scrutiny, fear and family upheaval. In 2026, Jay recalled feeling unwelcome in his hometown after the scandal. Now based in Seattle, he leads Revolution Church while working odd jobs and raising his children.

Actor Michael Flatley announced the death of his wife, Niamh O'Brien, on October 5, 2026. Niamh was an accomplished Irish dancer and a lead performer in the show 'Lord of the Dance'. The couple, who were married for twenty years, shared a son named Michael St. James Flatley. Flatley expressed deep sorrow and thanked everyone for their support during this difficult time.

Tata Steel CEO T V Narendran stated that domestic steel demand is expected to grow 8-10% in the coming months. He mentioned positive signs from all consuming sectors contributing to this anticipated growth. Additionally, Tata Steel is negotiating with the Dutch government regarding issues tied to steel production. These issues include the closure of coke ovens and classification of steel slag.

The World Bank has upgraded India's economic growth forecast to 7.1% for fiscal 2026-27. This change reflects strong domestic consumption, despite ongoing inflationary pressures. Other major forecasters, including Moody's and S&P Global Ratings, have also revised their projections upward. However, elevated oil prices and potential climate-related challenges pose risks to this outlook. The World Bank emphasizes the need for accelerated AI adoption in the region for sustained economic growth.

Indian banks are projected to see an 11 percent year-on-year growth in earnings for the second quarter of FY27. The report anticipates that private sector banks will perform better than public sector banks during this period. Deposit growth is supported by significant FCNR inflows, which may temporarily decrease net interest margins. The outlook for asset quality remains stable, with no major signs of deterioration reported.

Yami Gautam had an impactful Bollywood debut with the 2012 feel-good rom-com Vicky Donor, which saw her opposite Ayushmann Khurrana. In an old interview, the National Award-winning actress opened up about her modelling days as well as her crushes.

Telecom companies in India are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to detect and label potential spam calls and messages. By analyzing calling trends, AI has already flagged billions of suspicious communications. Major players like Airtel and Vodafone Idea implement effective spam warnings for their users, while apps like Truecaller and Googles Phone enhance caller identification capabilities. Meanwhile, TRAI mandates operators to responsibly investigate flagged spam incidents.

India could have its first indigenous civilian aircraft within two years through a joint venture, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said. With airlines ordering over 1,600 aircraft and more airports planned, the government is also exploring domestic engine manufacturing. Meanwhile, West Asia tensions are driving higher jet fuel costs, pressuring airlines.

Jim Bakker, famous for his partnership with Tammy Faye on 'The PTL Club', has died at the age of 86 following a prolonged battle with health challenges. In the late 1980s, Bakker faced significant setbacks due to scandals. Despite these hardships, he managed to bounce back a show after his prison term.

New airports coming up in MP: Madhya Pradesh is rolling out a major aviation expansion under its Civil Aviation Policy 2025, aiming for an airport every 150 km, an airstrip every 75 km and a helipad every 45 km statewide, with permanent helipads planned in all 230 assembly constituencies.