The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Tata Sons board nominees Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan clashed on listing and chairman's reappointment. Chandrasekaran's reappointment and listing proposal passed with casting votes. Some Tata Trusts trustees dispute Noel Tata's positions as their collective view. The company faces regulatory pressure to comply with NBFC framework requirements. Disagreements could lead to legal challenges regarding board decisions.
Tata Sons' board reappointed its executive chairman, N Chandrasekaran, for five years. This decision faced opposition from Tata Trusts' chairman, Noel Tata, who deemed it illegal. The dispute arises from differing interpretations of RBI norms and the company's private status. Tata Trusts believes Noel Tata's dissenting vote acts as a veto power. The company must now navigate these challenges and comply with regulatory requirements.
Indian refiners face challenges replacing Russian crude imports due to new US legislation. Many key suppliers are already cut off, complicating the market situation. Saudi and UAE supplies were disrupted, while global inventories are depleted. Finding replacement barrels and vessels presents a significant logistical hurdle. This situation could lead to sharp increases in global oil prices.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Beverly Crest estate is back on the market. The couple purchased the sprawling property for over sixty million dollars. This massive estate features twelve bedrooms and twenty-four bathrooms across its grounds. It was initially listed for one hundred thirty-five million dollars years ago.
Ed Sheeran and Macklemores ongoing controversy has taken a new turn after billionaire Robert Kraft revealed details about a $2 million humanitarian aid commitment. The development comes amid the fallout over Macklemores removal from Sheerans US tour and the rappers decision to donate his tour earnings to organisations supporting Palestinians.
Indian construction equipment exports are set to surpass twenty thousand units this fiscal year. This growth represents a nineteen percent increase from fiscal year twenty twenty-six projections. Demand is strong from Europe, the United States, and Australia. New emission norms and trade agreements are boosting these international sales. This trend highlights India's growing manufacturing competitiveness on the global stage.
Gujarat floods have triggered substantial insurance claims, prompting a review of pricing. Insurers are now pushing for more disciplined pricing on large industrial risks. This reassessment follows expected flood-related claims exceeding five thousand crore rupees industry-wide. The Gujarat losses increase the case for location-based catastrophe exposure pricing. Global reinsurers' stance will largely determine the extent of this pricing correction.
Once they reach the end stage of their lives, wind turbines could become home to various marine life. Recent reports suggest that wind turbines which have been submerged in the seabed have become artificial reefs for sea organisms such as algae, mussels, and barnacles.
Global central banks are tightening monetary policy, prompting calls for India to follow suit. The US Federal Reserve recently increased its interest rates, signaling further tightening ahead. India's retail inflation has reached a 20-month high, strengthening the case for a rate hike. Economists anticipate the Reserve Bank of India will raise its policy rate soon. This move aims to maintain a sufficient yield gap for foreign investments.
India should end population control policies as fertility rates have sharply dropped. A government advisor suggests realigning family planning with demographic changes. Incentives for sterilizations and two-child norms should be repealed immediately. Fertility reduction language must be removed from all policy frameworks. Family planning for health and personal choice remains important.
Discussions are underway to tighten digital gold rules, requiring physical bullion backing for every unit. The government is considering joint oversight by the Reserve Bank of India and Sebi. Digital gold, managing approximately three billion dollars in assets, is seen as an unregulated segment. Stakeholders agree that bringing this popular product under regulatory supervision is urgently needed.
Oil breached $100 a barrel this month with Brent crude at around $107 as US-Iran clashes stoked supply fears. Retail fuel marketing margins are expected to turn into a loss of 7.4 per litre for petrol and 10.3 per litre for diesel in September. However, it is unlikely to erase improvement seen during the first two months of the quarter.
Restaurants will likely avoid menu price increases this holiday season. Rising input costs and inflation have already impacted the food service sector. However, strong consumer spending and high demand are expected to continue. Businesses are absorbing some cost pressures to maintain customer flow. The industry faces challenges but anticipates a robust revenue quarter.
The Union health ministry issued an advisory against unregulated stem cell therapies. Therapeutic use of stem cells for autism is restricted to approved clinical trials. This advisory reiterates the existing framework governing stem cell research and therapy. It aligns with a Supreme Court ruling restricting unproven stem cell treatments. States and union territories must ensure strict compliance with the applicable framework.
India has discussed the US sanctions act's potential implications with America. The Indian government stated bilateral relations may be adversely impacted by the act. India remains committed to ensuring energy security for its citizens. The government will protect its trade and economic interests diligently. India will work closely with trade bodies to manage these developments.
Retailers are strongly opposing a proposed merchant discount rate on UPI payments. This new charge will significantly impact their already very thin net profit margins. Industry associations are petitioning the finance ministry to scrap the proposed transaction fee. They highlight that this fee will erode the survival margins of many small businesses. The proposed charge is set to be implemented from October fifteenth.
The shift is aimed at moving customs enforcement from physical inspection towards intelligence-led, technology-driven risk assessment, he said, stressing that the objective is not merely to increase seizures and arrests but to disrupt illicit supply chains.
Carl Jungs powerful quote explores the connection between the unconscious mind and the experiences people encounter in everyday life. The thought-provoking statement offers a deeper perspective on self-awareness, recurring patterns, personal growth and the hidden forces that can influence how people understand their lives and choices.
New guidelines aim to prevent stray animals on national highways and expressways. This initiative follows a Supreme Court directive to the National Highways Authority of India. National highway agencies will remove animals and transport them to designated shelters. State administrations will establish and maintain these animal shelters and pounds. Round-the-clock surveillance will be conducted on designated highway stretches.
Tax issues Levy of goods & services tax on MDR can be taken up by GST Council, ITC may be used by merchants.
India secured a country-specific tariff-rate quota for steel exports to the European Union. This agreement will safeguard over eighty percent of the nation's steel shipments to the bloc. Indian exporters began utilizing this quota from July first, following new EU regulations. The government is also discussing carbon pricing mechanisms and verification processes with the EU. This move aims to ensure Indian exporters remain competitive within the European market.
The US Congress passed the Act Wednesday allowing sanctions on Russia's crude exports and tariffs of up to 100% on India, China, and other major buyers of Russian energy. The bill will now be sent to US President Donald Trump for his assent.
A Chartered Accountant has highlighted a common problem that can affect how Indians make decisions about their money. Financial advice can often sound safe, convincing or too good to ignore, especially when it comes from someone people already trust. But before acting on such recommendations, investors need to look beyond the advice itself and understand the reasoning, risks and interests involved.
Oriflame India sold its manufacturing operations in India to local company Akum Pharmaceuticals two months back, a move many industry executives interpreted as the Swedish player winding down its exposure in India. Campbell said the deal was to spur growth.
A quiet evening at home can be relaxing for one person and uncomfortable for another, even when both are in exactly the same situation. The difference may have less to do with being an introvert or extrovert and more to do with why someone chooses solitude, how they experience it and how much they value social connection. Philosophy and psychology offer some interesting answers to this everyday difference.
Starting October 1, 2026, SNAP benefits and income limits are poised for a substantial increase. Eligible households can expect a notable rise in monthly allotments, while the USDA updates income thresholds essential for SNAP eligibility. Furthermore, many households will see adjustments to their standard deductions for specific expenses, all of which will significantly impact benefit calculations for program participants.
Bengaluru Cantonment railway station will open by December 2026 after a Rs 485 crore redevelopment. Yesvantpur station upgrades will finish by November, and KSR Bengaluru station master plan is underway. Track capacity around Bengaluru is expanding to manage rising passenger and freight traffic. A mega coaching terminal at Yelahanka is planned for future rail needs. The Railways is also eliminating level crossings and quadrupling the Bengaluru-Tumakuru line.
Experts at a UNHRC conference backed India's Indus Waters Treaty stance. They argued for examining the treaty in the context of security and human rights. Pakistan's conduct affected the treaty's spirit, according to one speaker. Domestic factors contribute to Pakistan's water challenges, it was noted. The conference highlighted community water rights beyond bilateral agreements.
In 1901, divers searching a Greek shipwreck found something no one expected: a small, corroded machine packed with gears. It was the Antikythera Mechanism, built more than 2,000 years ago. At first, it looked like an ordinary relic. Then scientists began studying its intricate parts. More than a century later, the device is still changing what we know about ancient Greek astronomy, mathematics and mechanical knowledge.
NASA conducted experiments to study fire behavior in microgravity. Uncrewed Cygnus spacecraft were used after departing the International Space Station. Combustible materials were ignited inside these spacecraft for research purposes. These investigations collected data on flame growth and spread in space.
In 1995, wildlife experts decided to reintroduce the grey wolf in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming. What followed was nothing short of a miracle. It did not just have a positive impact on the beaver population but also transformed the vegetation and the ecosystem altogether. Waterways changed, vegetation sprouted again, and long-struggling species found new chances to flourish.
Ren Descartes quote, Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it, offers a timeless approach to handling complex problems. The French philosopher and mathematician believed that breaking a difficult challenge into smaller, manageable parts can bring greater clarity, focus and order to the process of finding a solution. His method remains relevant today for people dealing with overwhelming tasks, difficult decisions and long-term goals.
Zee TV will launch a new Sa Re Ga Ma Pa season on September 19. The show features a 360-degree stage and over one hundred musicians. This season celebrates India's diverse musical traditions and talent. Shreyas Talpade hosts while Shankar Mahadevan and others serve as gurus. The program aims to be a grand concert celebrating Indian music.
India has proposed eight safeguards for plurilateral agreements at the WTO. These safeguards aim to preserve consensus-based decision making and the multilateral charter. Non-participants' rights and agency must also be protected by these measures. India previously opposed plurilateral trade agreements, advocating for exceptions rather than norms. The proposed safeguards seek to build confidence in the WTO as an inclusive institution.
Investments under the automobile production linked incentive scheme have surpassed Rs 45,000 crore. The government's policy support aids domestic manufacturing and charging infrastructure development. Original equipment manufacturers are producing electric vehicles under this significant program. India can develop cost-effective solutions for emerging global markets. Electric buses and trucks offer cheaper running costs and reduce oil dependence.
OIL is eyeing higher domestic oil and gas production, accelerated exploration including deep and ultra-deepwater opportunities, strengthening of its integrated energy value chain and selective expansion in clean energy.
Ram And Leela, starring Rio Raj and Vartika, is making its way to streaming after its theatrical run. The Tamil sci-fi romantic comedy follows a 30-year-old man who has faced 50 marriage rejections before meeting Leela, whose unusual rule about not seeing her after 6 PM turns his love story into a mystery. Heres what to know about the film, its cast, storyline and streaming release.
India's mining and metals sector needs technology adoption for future competitiveness. Resource efficiency and supply chain resilience are crucial for growth. Companies must unlock higher value from existing operations and materials. Increased use of low-grade ores and scrap will support circularity. Meeting future demand requires sustained efforts and wider technology integration.
How to ensure your kids grow up stable, humble and disciplined if they seemingly have access to everything? Michelle Obama, writer, lawyer and former First Lady of America, had the perfect answer to the age-old question: Dont let the kids believe they deserve everything! Michelle revealed how they didnt let the limelight and public glare interfere with daughters Malia and Sashas upbringing.
A Virginia family had owned a 560-acre property for seven generations when Mountain Valley Pipeline sought an easement through part of the land. The family rejected the companys $119,000 offer, leading to a legal battle over how much compensation they should receive. A jury eventually awarded $523,327, but the amount was later reduced before an appeals court restored the original verdict.
Promoters Ajay Kumar Tyagi and family and Kapil Kumar currently hold 55.8% stake in Yatharth; public shareholders own the remainder.
The Reserve Bank of India cancelled five NBFC registration certificates on Thursday. Eight other NBFCs surrendered their registrations for various business reasons. Some companies ceased to be legal entities due to mergers and dissolutions. Anagram Industries and CDN Finance surrendered registrations after meeting specific criteria. These actions reflect regulatory adjustments within the financial sector.
India urged global cooperation for secure and affordable energy at a US G20 meeting. Minister Manohar Lal stressed energy's importance for developing economies and future readiness. He highlighted India's commitment to a resilient energy system and secure mineral supply chains. Bilateral meetings discussed resilient infrastructure and power sector transformation with US and Canadian officials. Discussions also covered India's plans for its growing digital economy's energy needs.
The WTO is far from obsolete: Rob Staiger, WTO Chief Economist
The Ministry of Coal launched its sixteenth commercial coal mine auction round. Twenty-five blocks across several states are now available for investor participation. Six previously auctioned mines have awarded development and production agreements to winning bidders. These mines are projected to generate significant revenue and employment opportunities. India's coal output has seen a notable increase in recent fiscal years.
Oil India plans to invest approximately fifteen thousand crore rupees in deepwater exploration over three years. The company intends to drill eight wells, contingent on seismic data interpretation for identifying prospects. The government is actively promoting deepwater exploration and offering financial support for drilling costs. Oil India will partner with foreign firms for upcoming exploration licensing rounds. Current global market conditions encourage companies to invest in exploration act
The investment will help Nutriventia strengthen its research and development pipeline, expand its global commercial presence and scale its proprietary ingredient technology platform, the company said in a statement.
Scaling a business brings more customers, costs, people, and decisions. Simple business frameworks can help entrepreneurs assess opportunities, understand unit economics, manage growth, and use technology without losing control of the business.
The Finance Ministry anticipates no rise in cash transactions following the UPI MDR implementation. Only a small percentage of total UPI volume will be affected by this new charge. RuPay debit card transactions will remain free, mitigating cash transaction concerns. The ministry will monitor to prevent MDR burden transfer to consumers. This measure aims to create a sustainable digital payments ecosystem framework.

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