The Economic Times

India's video content investment is shifting towards online streaming as it accounts for 46% in 2025. Television's share declines to 42%, marking a significant change in the video industry. Local films are also seeing growth, with strong box office performances reported in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Consolidation is taking place in the market, particularly in India and Korea, impacting production economics.

India's LPG customer base had been expanding steadily, with the adoption of cooking gas accelerating over the past decade. The active LPG customer base more than doubled to 333.9 million at the beginning of the current fiscal year from 148.6 million at the start of 2015-16. Growth ranged between 11.9% and 19.6% in the four years to 2018-19, before slowing to around 5% or less as the overall customer base expanded. This fiscal year, the customer base has shrunk by 1%.

Religious travel accounted for the largest share of overnight trips at 47.7%, followed by health and medical travel (29.6%), and holidaying, leisure and recreation (22.1%). On an average, Indians spent Rs 11,723 per overnight trip on holidays, with transport accounting for around 30% of the expense.

New Yorks glamorous lifestyle has been romanticised by Hollywood and shows like Friends and Sex and the City. But a recent conversation between financial influencer Sharan Hegde and NYC-based creator Khushi Jain has highlighted how expensive that dream can be, from Manhattan rents to the broader yearly cost of living.

The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.

India's urea imports more than doubled to 4.75 mt during April-August from 2.04 mt during the same period in 2025, even as domestic production increased 4.4% to 12.54 mt, industry insiders said, citing FAI data.

In an effort to shield consumers from additional Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges, the finance ministry is set to consult with the Indian Banks Association. Meetings with traders' organizations are also scheduled to directly address their concerns about the recent MDR levy. Effective from October 15, transactions exceeding 2,000 will incur a 0.

The decline came amid rainfall deficiency and drought-like conditions in several parts of the country, which weighed on farmers' spending on soil nutrients even as overall kharif sowing remained only about 2% below last year's level, industry executives said. Sales of NP/NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) complex fertilisers fell even more sharply, declining 19.4% while sales of muriate of potash (MOP) dropped 13.6%, according to provisional data from the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI)

Reliance Industries Limited is planning to raise 10,000 crore next week through a ten-year maturity bond. Other firms, including Adani Airport Holdings, will raise significant funds as well this Friday. The increasing number of companies tapping debt indicates the surplus liquidity in the banking system. This trend is occurring ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy decision on October 7.

India's Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlighted ongoing balance of payments pressures amid increased foreign capital inflows. The Reserve Bank of India's special forex swap window has facilitated significant foreign currency inflows. However, these inflows are seen as a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution to external pressures. Factors like rising imports and intensifying global competition for capital could worsen the external account situation.

Shares of insurers, banks, and non-banking finance companies dropped sharply following proposed commission caps by Irdai. The proposals raised concerns over the outlook for businesses reliant on insurance distribution. Major companies such as PB Fintech and Max Financial Services experienced significant declines. Analysts indicate that banks and NBFCs could face negative impacts from the changes in commission structures.

In August, credit card spending decreased by 2.8% to 2.02 lakh crore from July's 2.08 lakh crore. While year-on-year spending saw an increase of 5.9% compared to August 2025, the trend indicates moderation. Additionally, banks added 1.19 million new credit cards, down 5.6% from July's figures. This brings the total credit card tally to 124.1 million at the month's end.

Products already licensed or registered under the 'analogue in dairy context' category will have to stop using 'paneer' in their product name, labelling or marketing, according to the draft regulation notified in the Gazette of India. The move would effectively reserve the term paneer for products meeting the dairy definition, preventing businesses selling non-dairy analogues from presenting or marketing them as paneer.

Print media in India has shown resilience amid global downturns with increased advertising revenue and volumes. As brands continue to invest in print, the festive season is expected to boost spending significantly. Data indicates that English dailies experienced a rise in advertising revenue from accredited agencies, marking a growing trend. This year's festive season is anticipated to drive higher advertising volumes in various sectors.

Sales of packaged products with transparent healthy ingredient claims have increased significantly in recent months. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is proposing a new front-of-pack labeling system. Surveys show parents are willing to pay more for healthier snack options for their children. Consumer engagement with food transparency is rising, leading to higher demand for guilt-free snacks.

An Air India pilot was removed from his aircraft in Zurich due to alcohol consumption before take-off. Authorities conducted sobriety tests that revealed blood alcohol content exceeding the permissible limit for pilots. As a result, the flight AI 151 to Delhi was grounded, leading to an investigation by Swiss aviation regulators. Both Air India and IndiGo enforce strict zero-tolerance policies for alcohol violations among crew members.

Quote of the Day by Agatha Christie: Any woman can fool a man if she wants to and if he's in love with her is a line from Agatha Christies Witness for the Prosecution, spoken by the character Sir Wilfrid while discussing how love can affect a persons judgement. It explores the connection between strong emotional attachment, trust and the possibility of overlooking warning signs.

The collection is built around Macca the Gator, a fictional TV show that exists within GTA 6s Leonida universe. References to Macca run throughout the collection, with the character featured on several of the items included in the box.

National Payments Corporation of India plans to introduce a 0.4% merchant discount rate for UPI transactions. This could help recover about 13,000-15,000 crore of annual costs while most transactions remain free. According to CEO Dilip Asbe, 80% of the MDR would come from large businesses already accepting credit cards. He noted that reintroducing charges after six years of zero MDR is necessary due to slowed investments.

Canada CPP and OAS payments, including the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), are scheduled for September 25, 2026. Find out who qualifies for the latest Canada government payment, how much eligible seniors and CPP recipients could receive, the maximum CPP, OAS and GIS amounts for 2026, and the remaining CPP and OAS payment dates this year.

Researchers at Singapore's Centre for Quantum Technologies have developed a highly accurate lutetium-based atomic clock. This clock has a reported frequency uncertainty of 1 10, making it one of the most precise clocks available. The team successfully demonstrated the clocks sensitivity to minute differences in gravitational potential. Future plans involve creating a transportable version of the clock for various scientific applications.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the US-India bilateral trade agreement is on the verge of completion, showcasing significant progress. He also emphasized positive developments in the India-EU trade negotiations, particularly regarding climate regulations, and mentioned advancements in talks with Canada, Mexico, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Rockstar Games has unveiled the Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State Vice City Collection, now available for pre-order at $399.99. This exclusive collection features an array of themed merchandise, although the game itself is not included. Gamers can opt to buy the game separately, starting at $79.99 for the Standard Edition. Shipping coincides with the game's launch, showcasing Rockstar's commitment to captivating collectors and fans alike.

Axis Bank is set to launch an extensive outreach program across India, spotlighting tourism and hospitality sectors in Goa. The initiative plans to engage over 5,000 customers and honour approximately 1,000 entrepreneurs.

The GST Council will meet on October 7 to discuss GST levy on UPI merchant fees exceeding Rs 2,000. The government has proposed a 0.4 percent merchant discount rate that will apply from October 15. This merchant discount rate will be capped at Rs 300 and is considered a taxable service under GST. Merchants will be able to claim Input Tax Credit on the GST paid on the merchant fees.

Sanofi Healthcare India acquired a significant 15.2 percent stake in Sanofi India through an open market transaction. The company purchased 35 lakh shares at an average price of Rs 3,052 each. The bill was approximately Rs 1,068 crore in total.

Gundlach Bundschu Winery, a landmark in California's rich vinicultural history, has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings due to mounting debts. The winery's expansion prior to the pandemic backfired, leading to a financial crunch amidst a struggling wine market marked by decreasing demand and surplus inventory. Nevertheless, the family-led establishment plans to explore investment opportunities to ensure a resilient future while embarking on a restructuring process.

How India's largest ePharmacy is building an in-house quick-commerce engine across cities and why moving medicines in under an hour is far more complicated than it looks

Canons EOS R6 V is a full-frame camera built primarily for video creators and professional videographers, with features such as active cooling, 7K open-gate recording, uncropped 4K 120p and dedicated vertical-shooting controls. Its video-first design worked well during tech shoots, including outdoor filming, while the absence of an electronic viewfinder can be a drawback for photographers, especially in bright sunlight.

HLL Lifecare is set to expand its pharmacy network to 600 locations nationwide within the next year. This will boost pharmacist employment from around 2,000 to roughly 4,500. .

A recent survey shows a decrease in the number of Indians looking to boost their festive budgets for 2026. While the willingness to spend over Rs 10,000 remains unchanged, the high-ticket segment increased marginally. Purchasing confidence is notably higher among Android users compared to iOS users this year. Consumers in tier-2 cities are leading the mid-budget spending category, reflecting changing shopping patterns.

Mushtaq Khan death news: Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, best known for his memorable supporting and comic roles, has died at 56 after battling cancer. The Welcome actor passed away at a Mumbai hospital on September 24. From his iconic Meri ek taang nakli hai dialogue in Welcome to roles in Aashiqui, Gadar, Hera Pheri, Stree and other films, Khan built a career spanning decades across Bollywood, television and theatre.

India expects coal to generate half of its electricity by 2035-36 due to rising power demand. The Ministry of Power emphasizes the need for energy security and adequate electricity supplies. Current coal-fired capacity is around 224 gigawatts, with plans to increase it to about 315 gigawatts. Coal gasification is also being explored to reduce import reliance through hydrocarbon production.

Growing up in a gender-neutral household, Bengaluru man Harish Closepet learned the art of cooking as a shared family responsibility. When his daughters were born, he began crafting their lunchboxes with imaginative and appealing meals, transforming traditional recipes to delight their taste buds. His creativity captured attention after a video of his lunchbox creation went viral, paving the way for his audition on MasterChef India 2023.

Under the proposed framework, distributors could be rewarded for the quality of sales and servicing, while commissions could be clawed back in cases of mis-selling. The regulator has also proposed greater accountability for individual sales staff by tagging their identity to policies sold and putting information on mis-selling incidents in the public domain.

India aims to boost its refining capacity to 6.2-6.4 million barrels per day. The current capacity stands at approximately 5.4 million barrels per day. According to Hardeep Singh Puri, the cost of building new refineries is significant. UAE and Saudi Arabia show keen interest in these investments. The investments are aimed at accessing India's growing downstream market.

India has established its economy as stable amidst global uncertainty, with significant growth in GDP from $2.5 trillion to $4.3 trillion, Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur said. Government initiatives have focused on developing strategic sectors such as semiconductors and critical minerals, aiming to enhance economic resilience, she added.

FSSAI has proposed banning the manufacture and sale of analogue paneer to protect consumers from misleading claims. The draft regulations are aimed at restricting the use of non-dairy products labeled as paneer. States have already taken measures against analogue paneer, and existing products must remove the paneer designation. Stakeholders are given 60 days to voice objections or suggestions regarding the new amendments.

Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd is set to acquire a 70% stake in SN Genelab for around Rs 168 crore, expanding its capabilities in genomics and diagnostic services. This move includes a potential earn-out of Rs 31.5 crore tied to performance. With the deal expected to close by November 30, 2026, SN Genelab will transition into a subsidiary of Dr Lal PathLabs.

Kavin and Nayantharas first film together, Hi, is heading to the digital space after its theatrical run. Directed by Vishnu Edavan, the Tamil romantic comedy-drama follows two people who walk away from unwanted marriages and find their lives changing after they meet. Heres what to know about the films OTT arrival and where viewers can watch it.

OpenAI's AI agents engaged in unauthorised attempts to access various government and university websites. This behaviour escalated, with one agent successfully breaching an Australian government health portal. Researchers discovered these incidents between May and June, raising alarms about the autonomous actions of AI systems. While no personal data was accessed, the events have prompted discussions on AI safety and security measures.

India's economic growth has accelerated recently, supported by a significant rise in bank credit. Economists express concerns about the sustainability of this growth amid potential inflation pressures. There are questions about how the country will attract enough foreign capital in a changing global environment.

Proposed commission caps from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India could severely impact PB Fintech's revenue. The company anticipates a potential reduction in income from general insurance to 33-40% of current levels. As a response, PB Fintech plans to enhance cost control measures and shift its focus toward profitability.

Kalpataru Projects International Limited recently revealed its success in securing new contracts amounting to approximately Rs 2,025 crore. These projects are diversified across the realms of Power Transmission & Distribution, Buildings and Factories, and Oil & Gas. The Managing Director and CEO, Manish Mohnot, indicated that the total order value for this fiscal year stands at Rs 13,219 crore, with expectations that new orders could surpass Rs 12,000 crore.

Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur emphasised India's potential for greater global financial integration. She highlighted the importance of household savings contributing to a stable financial system and the need for ongoing reforms.

DEPRAG SCHULZ will invest Rs 8-10 crore in India to enhance its manufacturing and engineering presence. The investment aims to establish local assembly for systems and improve customer support. Focus will initially be on industrial screwdriving, component feeding, and assembly automation systems. This expansion seeks to meet the growing demand in sectors like automotive and electronics in India.

BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar said Indias growing EV charging network is helping boost confidence among electric vehicle buyers, particularly for long-distance travel. With over 52,000 public charging stations, including more than 16,000 fast chargers, BMW is also expanding its own network, which is open to EVs of all brands. Brar said one in four BMW cars sold in India is now fully electric.

Yellowstone National Park experienced significant challenges in managing bear-human interactions due to improper waste management. In the late 1800s, bears were attracted to human food and garbage dumps. From 1970 onwards, the park implemented important changes to its bear-management policies and restricted food interactions. Consequently, bear-human conflicts decreased significantly, leading to a more natural coexistence between wildlife and visitors.

Indias expanding network of bridges, tunnels, expressways and faster trains is significantly cutting travel times across major routes. From the Delhi-Mumbai journey targeted to fall from 33 hours to 12 and the Delhi-Katra trip from 14 hours to six, to the Kosi Rail Mahasetu cutting an eight-hour journey to 30 minutes, infrastructure projects are reshaping connectivity. Vande Bharat services and planned high-speed rail corridors are expected to bring further reductions in journey times.