The Economic Times

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged public sector banks to attract young customers. She suggested a focused 'Banking for Youth' campaign starting October 2. Banks must also improve priority sector lending quality and reach. Credit for farmers and MSMEs remains a government priority. Financing strategies must adapt to local agricultural conditions.

Ready-made food prices are likely to stay high due to increased input and packaging expenses. Inflation in these products accelerated to nine percent year-on-year in July. Key commodity prices like tomatoes and edible oil have seen significant year-on-year increases. Higher costs for spices, herbs, and seeds are also contributing to price pressures. These elevated expenses are gradually being passed on to consumers.

R Madhavans approach to working with a young co-star offers a simple lesson in what it means to be a true gentleman on a film set. When he was paired with a 19-year-old newcomer for Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, his conduct made her feel safe and comfortable during her first experience in the film industry. Years later, she recalled how easily she could be herself around him and described him as a total gentleman, showing how an actors behaviour off camera can leave as lasting an impression as his

India's commerce minister invited Japanese businesses to deepen investments and partnerships. He will visit Japan to strengthen trade and investment ties between both nations. Key sectors for collaboration include manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure development. Japan has set a significant investment target in India over the next decade. Bilateral trade between India and Japan holds substantial untapped potential for growth.

India's fair trade regulator CCI has approved Prudential Corporation Holdings' stake acquisition. This acquisition involves a significant equity shareholding in Bharti Life Insurance Company. UK-based Prudential plc will acquire a majority 75 percent stake for Rs 3,500 crore. The transaction requires Prudential to reduce its holding in an existing venture. Post completion, Prudential's Indian operations will include majority-owned Bharti Life Insurance.

Regional Rural Banks saw gross loans rise 10.3 percent to Rs 5,78,349 crore. Their performance under Priority Sector Lending targets remained strong, achieving 91.7 percent. Agriculture and allied activities formed the largest credit component, accounting for 77 percent. MSME lending focused on micro enterprises, supporting rural entrepreneurs and small businesses. RRBs also extended significant credit to weaker sections and inclusive development areas.

In a significant move, Jubilant Ingrevia will take a 40% stake in Zettaone Technologies for Rs 189.2 crore. This acquisition is expected to bolster Jubilant's position in the electronics value chain. Zettaone Technologies, with its integrated electronics design and manufacturing prowess, will see the deal finalized in two stages by September 2027, aligning with Jubilant Ingrevia's strategic growth in the EDMS industry.

Skoda Auto India has re-entered the diesel segment after five years. The company unveiled its premium executive sedan, the all-new Superb, and the new Slavia. Skoda also announced the return of the sportier Octavia RS model. The new Slavia offers enhanced styling and new technologies for customers. India remains a key global growth market for Skoda Auto.

The Federation of Indian Pilots has urged the DGCA to introduce oral-fluid drug testing alongside existing urine-based screening and raise pilots annual random testing to 20-25% from 10%. The proposal follows an Air India pilot testing positive for drugs, prompting the airline group to order mandatory one-time testing for pilots.

During World War II, Louis Speedy Weber spent three years away from his wife, Frances, while serving with the U.S. Army in Europe. He wrote more than 300 letters to her, documenting everything from Army life and his experiences during D-Day to the loneliness of being separated from home. The letters were anonymously donated to the USO in 2022, but researchers initially knew little about what happened to the couple after the war.

Indian exporters may see revenue tailwinds from rupee depreciation fade soon. Elevated prices and currency depreciation supported export growth in the first quarter. These supportive factors are expected to diminish in the second half of FY27. The information technology sector's earnings accelerated due to the weaker rupee. Currency movements remain a significant risk for companies with overseas revenues.

Dabur India, Ferns N Petals and four other food businesses have taken corrective action after receiving notices from FSSAI over misleading labels, claims and advertisements. Measures include changing product categorisation, removing claims, revising packaging and marketing material, and correcting chocolate labels, as the regulator steps up industry accountability.

L&T Finance plans to add twenty-six new locations by March twenty twenty-seven. This expansion aims to deepen its presence in West Bengal's gold-credit market. The company currently operates twenty-eight locations and has a portfolio of Rs one hundred sixty-five crore. West Bengal's gold-loan market is estimated at Rs forty-seven thousand crore. New RBI guidelines aim to create a level playing field for lenders.

Gujarat Cotex has unveiled its strategic plans to broaden its business horizons. With the introduction of new divisions, the company is set to venture into both edible oils and infrastructure sectors.

Maria McKee had all the makings of a major music star. Dolly Parton called her The greatest girl singer any band could have, while her band Lone Justice earned praise from major names and opened for artists such as Tom Petty and U2. McKee later scored her biggest commercial success with Show Me Heaven, the Days of Thunder song that topped the UK charts and became a global hit.

Satellite communication services present a Rs 1 lakh crore digital connectivity opportunity in India. Many rural Indians remain unconnected to broadband, which satcom can address. Modernizing agriculture and improving yields can be achieved through satcom-enabled IoT solutions. Integrated communication systems will combine fiber, mobile, Wi-Fi, and satellite technologies. The government is facilitating satellite broadband deployment for underserved areas.

Filmmaker Farah Khan shared her parenting philosophy on earning luxuries. She explained that her children fly economy while she travels business class. This teaches them the value of hard work and financial discipline. Khan believes children should understand privilege stems from parental effort. Happiness can be found in shared experiences, not just expensive comforts.

GE Aerospace is using artificial intelligence at its Bengaluru technology centre to improve aircraft engine inspections, maintenance and supply-chain forecasting, reducing engine turnaround time by around five days. Its AI-enabled tools are also cutting GEnx blade inspection times by about 50%, while engineers work on next-generation propulsion and engine technologies.

Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited has supplied natural gas to Nagaland for the first time through the National Gas Grid after injecting gas into the DergaonDimapur Pipeline.

The Kerala government will lease 18.16 acres of land to Cochin Shipyard. This land will support a ship block building project with an investment of Rs 5,000 crore. The project is expected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs and many indirect employment opportunities. The government will receive an annual lease amount of Rs 1.45 crore, totaling Rs 1.70 crore with GST.

United States President Donald Trump stated no talks are happening with Iran. He affirmed the naval blockade remains fully in effect and operational. The Strait of Hormuz is open and functioning, he also mentioned. All water mines in the strategic waterway have been removed or detonated. These remarks come amid heightened tensions and uncertainty over easing the standoff.

Quote of the Day by Sydney Sweeney: Sydney Sweeneys quote, I honestly don't think I have one specific style. One day, I could be wearing a workout track suit, and another day, I could be wearing overalls and a tank top. Or I love a slip with corset. It just honestly depends on where I am in the world and what I'm doing and how I'm feeling that day, explores the importance of individuality and personal expression through fashion. The quote suggests that personal style does not have to follow one

Quote of the day by Toni Morrison: Nobel laureate Toni Morrison inspired people to look beyond themselves. Her words emphasized making a difference through actions that help others. Morrison, a celebrated author, explored Black American experiences and injustice. She became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Quote of the day by Matthew Perry offers a timeless message about resilience, adversity, and the courage to begin again. Everyone eventually reaches crossroads where the future is unclear and the easiest choice may appear to be surrender. But those moments can also become turning points. Fighting back does not guarantee an immediate victory, nor does it promise that every challenge will disappear.

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, who has worked with Kareena Kapoor Khan, offers parents practical solutions for mealtime screen dependence. Establishing fixed meal schedules helps children develop natural biological clocks and better appetites. Family meal times encourage children to learn social habits through imitation and conversation. Allowing unrushed dining helps children recognize fullness cues and build healthy relationships with food. These consistent approaches require patience

State Farm is distributing five billion dollars to eligible policyholders. This large financial payback initiative stems from reduced vehicle repair costs. Drivers can expect credits averaging one hundred dollars per insured vehicle. Eligibility requires an active private passenger auto policy during 2025. Distributions are being processed electronically and via mail.

The Bombay High Court cancelled bail for nightclub owners in Goa. This decision relates to a devastating fire that claimed twenty-five lives last December. The owners and a business partner must now surrender within two weeks. They can seek fresh bail from the trial court during this period. The court also addressed applications concerning forgery charges for nightclub permissions.

Education loan applications are increasingly coming from smaller Indian cities. Tier II and III cities now represent over eighty-six percent of loan requests. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra show the highest volume of these applications. Job training and MBA programs are the most financed courses by students. This trend indicates growing ambition and a focus on career outcomes in smaller towns.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated El Nino's impact on kharif production is unlikely to be significant. Rainfall has been adequate for crops across most of the country this year. The shortfall in kharif sowing has narrowed considerably and is expected to reduce further. Deficient rainfall in some regions will not affect overall kharif output at this stage. The government is also preparing new Seeds and Pesticides Management Bills.

Psychologists have long explored the idea that humans have aninternal timing system that helps the brain perceive and organize the passage of time. The internal-clock theory does not suggest that there is literally a tiny clock inside the brain; rather, it describes how the mind may process and estimate time.

The Competition Commission of India has approved Tata Steels acquisition of an additional 23% stake in TM International Logistics from IQ Martrade. The transaction will raise Tata Steels holding to 74%, making it the majority shareholder, while NYK Europe will retain 26%. IQ Martrade will exit the joint venture.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said public sector banks are operating with considerable strength and urged them to use it with greater ambition. At the PSB Confluence, she asked banks to launch a month-long Banking for Youth campaign from October 2 and build awareness among young people about formal credit.

After decades of military service and life in the public eye, former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower found the quiet countryside he had long wanted in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 1950, he and Mamie bought a 189-acre farm that later became their only home. But the propertys story took another turn years later, when Eisenhower made a decision that ensured the farm would remain connected to his legacy long after his family was gone.

ONGC has commissioned gas evacuation facilities at Khoraghat GGS-1 in Assam. This development enables surplus natural gas to be processed and evacuated through the North East Gas Grid. The new connectivity will facilitate the utilization of nearly one lakh SCM of gas daily. Improved gas availability will create opportunities for households and industries in the region.

Proverb of the day: Today's New England proverb shows that just as the weather shifts in unpredictable ways, so too does life demand our patience. The stormy periods we face are fleeting and will eventually fade, bringing with them new possibilities. Fighting against the current state often leads to frustration, but embracing tranquillity enables us to better handle life's sudden turns and challenges. Developing this mindset fosters resilience amid the inevitable turbulence of our journeys.

Reliance Industries on Tuesday clarified to stock exchanges that the Supreme Court did not impose a Rs 10 lakh fine or penalty on the company in the NTPC gas supply case. RIL said the amount ordered by the court was costs payable to the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association and did not require disclosure.

TVS Industrial and Logistics Parks will invest Rs 1,000 crore in upcoming Tamil Nadu projects. This significant investment aims to create approximately 1,500 new job opportunities across the state. The company signed an initial pact with the state government at a recent investment conclave. This expansion will strengthen industrial and logistics infrastructure supporting businesses and supply chains. The move aligns with Tamil Nadu's ambition to become a USD 1.

A Kemp's ridley sea turtle, affectionately named Rhossi, was found in a critical condition on a beach in Wales after being discovered by a dog. Having traveled great distances, Rhossi received extensive care and was later flown to Houston for specialized veterinary help. Diagnosed with pneumonia, Rhossi is currently undergoing treatment and is expected to make a full recovery before returning to its natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.

Manipal Health Enterprises will acquire Kinder Women's Hospital in Bengaluru for Rs 130 crore. This business transfer agreement involves acquiring the hospital's entire operations and assets. The acquisition strengthens Manipal Hospitals' position in a growing Bengaluru healthcare market. It will also expand access to their clinical expertise and capabilities for more patients. This move complements their existing healthcare ecosystem in the Whitefield micro-market.

Delhi's Master Plan for 2047 proposes harnessing renewable energy from existing canals and drains. The plan also suggests utilizing greenfield areas for agriculture-cum-solar farms and solar power for bus depots. Government buildings with sufficient rooftop space will install solar panels as per policy guidelines. Subsidies and incentives are being considered to reduce upfront costs for consumers installing solar plants.

New research from Rockefeller University has found that just a few minutes of intense exercise can trigger major changes inside the body, raising questions about whether long workouts are always necessary. Researchers compared short bursts of sprinting with 90 minutes of moderate exercise and found a surprising difference in how the bloodstream responded.

Anumol Anukutty, Bigg Boss Malayalam 7 winner, wed Bhuvanesh Rajendiran recently. The private wedding ceremony took place at Guruvayoor Temple with close family. Anumol wore a mustard-yellow lehenga, while Bhuvanesh complemented her in a yellow kurta. Bhuvanesh Rajendiran is a Tamil Nadu model and lifestyle influencer. Anumol is a popular Malayalam television actress and anchor.

The Steel Ministry has introduced a melt-and-pour clause for domestic steel procurement. This policy tightens rules for suppliers participating in government tenders. It ensures that procured steel meets specific incentive program compliance standards. Sector watchers believe this benefits domestic steel makers significantly. Micro, small, and medium enterprises may face margin constraints due to import curbs.

The Arunkumar & Ramniklal Mehta Scholarship empowers outstanding Indian students by providing financial assistance for their education. Covering both tuition and living costs at top institutions throughout India, it also fosters lifelong mentorship and a vibrant community network. Eligible candidates can now apply for the 2026-27 academic year, with the goal of cultivating future leaders from a variety of backgrounds.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB can cost Rs 77,800 on Flipkart using an exchange offer and bank discount.Flipkart has listed the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB at Rs 1,47,900, with eligible buyers able to bring the effective price down to Rs 77,800 through an exchange offer and Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card discount. The deal includes up to Rs 63,100 exchange value for an eligible iPhone 16 Pro Max, while the flagship features a 6.9-inch OLED display and triple 48MP cameras.

The Bihar Public Service Commission has revealed plans for teacher recruitment, offering 32,388 vacancies. Applications for the TRE-4.0 will begin on September 1, 2026. Applicants must adhere to specific educational qualifications and age limits for each role. The selection process includes written exams followed by interviews. Successful candidates will enjoy competitive salaries alongside a range of employment benefits.

Air India has voluntarily launched a testing programme covering all its pilots, beyond regulatory requirements, amid heightened scrutiny following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The airline said the move reflects its commitment to safety and professionalism, while urging stakeholders to avoid speculation and wait for verified findings after the ongoing process is completed.