The Economic Times

Non-bank lender L&T Finance is planning to open 500 gold loan branches in this financial year, increasing its network from 330 branches as of March 31, to expand its footprint in the sector that is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 30% for the next two years.The expansion follows the companys entry into the gold loan market last year through the acquisition of the gold loan business of Chandigarh-based Paul Merchants Finance Private Ltd. L&T Finance paid Rs 537 crore for th

India's tanker exports surged dramatically in the June quarter, soaring six times compared to previous figures. The UAE emerged as the top importer, while Singapore and various Middle Eastern nations also boosted their purchases of Indian tankers. This impressive growth reflects India's evolving shipbuilding capabilities and a notable shift towards international markets embracing Indian-built vessels.

To safeguard its local glass industry, India has enacted a minimum import price for clear float glass, directly benefiting manufacturers like Saint-Gobain. This policy, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, will restrict imports priced below thirty-four thousand rupees per tonne and will be in effect for the next year, aiming to enhance domestic production.

Godrej Industries Group is entering the private credit market with a new fund. The company aims to raise up to two thousand crore rupees for this venture. This new alternate investment fund will focus on mid-market companies. Financing will be secured by hard collateral and comprehensive covenant protection. The fund targets high net worth and institutional investors for capital.

Robin Williams quote of the day: Robin Williams' quote highlights that mistakes offer valuable learning experiences. He personally battled substance abuse and sought rehabilitation after a relapse. This perspective encourages embracing flaws and releasing perfectionism's grip. The actor's life demonstrated resilience and growth after facing personal challenges. His enduring legacy reminds us to find wonder in life's continuous learning process.

Samuel L Jacksons widely attributed reflection on life highlights the importance of accepting what lies beyond our control. He observes,Everybody has to learn that the world works in very specific ways, and youre not in charge of it.The message is not about helplessness, but perspective. Understanding our limits can help us handle setbacks, adapt to unexpected circumstances and focus our energy on choices and actions we can actually influence.

Hindustan Copper plans significant capital investment over the next five to six years. This expansion drive includes exploration and mine revival initiatives. The company is also pursuing strategic partnerships for growth opportunities. Rising domestic copper demand fuels these ambitious expansion plans. Hindustan Copper aims to bolster India's mineral security through these efforts.

In today's advanced warfare, winning hinges on information mastery and swift decision-making. To achieve success in multi-domain operations, shortening the OODA loop is vital. Essential components such as surveillance, C4I2, and electro-optics must work together seamlessly to bolster operational superiority. Moreover, robust interoperability and cybersecurity are key for stable network-centric engagements, necessitating close collaboration among military, industry, and academic sectors for futur

Wyoming buried 1,124 wind turbine blades in a Casper landfill after cutting each into three pieces, but a Missouri plant near St Louis has found a way to process around 250 blades a month by turning them into cement feedstock and kiln fuel. With 43 million tons of blade material projected for disposal by mid-century, both approaches remain a start rather than a solution.

RBI faces challenges forecasting demand for banknotes as currency in circulation continues to grow at double-digit rates despite rising digital payments. Deputy Governor SC Murmu said cash remains widely used, particularly in rural areas, among low-income groups and small businesses.

The Yamuna Pushta elevated expressway alignment has been revised to extend closer to Noida International Airport. The eight-lane road will now span approximately 50km and connect with the Faridabad-Jewar Greenfield Expressway. The revised route is designed to accommodate the expected rise in traffic after the airport becomes operational and ease pressure on existing roads. The project, estimated to cost Rs 4,000 crore, aims to improve connectivity between Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and the airp

IOS update 26.6 1: Apple has released iOS 26.6.1 and iPadOS 26.6.1 with security fixes addressing vulnerabilities across Audio, ImageIO, IOGPUFamily, Kernel, Telephony and WebKit. The issues could have exposed sensitive information, caused system crashes, enabled arbitrary code execution, corrupted memory or allowed network traffic interception. Apple addressed the vulnerabilities through improved checks, input validation, memory handling, locking and state management.

A strengthening El Nio could disrupt global supplies of cocoa, coffee and sugar through drought, heat and excessive rainfall. Forecasters see a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event, posing fresh risks to major producing regions.

Thomas Harris' quote opens up about the human vulnerability from loneliness and greed. Loneliness can make people seek connection, ignoring trustworthiness and warning signs. Greed similarly makes individuals predictable, easily manipulated by desires for wealth or power. Both wanting someone and wanting something can lead to exposure when desire surpasses judgment. Read on!

Pony.ai's overseas robotaxi plans now exceed four thousand vehicles. The company reported significant revenue growth in its second quarter. Robotaxi services contributed one-third of total revenue for the first time. Pony.ai anticipates exceeding its full-year robotaxi revenue target.

Morocco's King Mohammed VI is backing a $750 million expansion of Managem Group's gold mining operations across Africa. The company aims to increase annual gold production from 2,13,000 ounces in 2025 to 5,00,000 ounces by 2030, as rising gold prices and growing African demand for domestic reserves make the continent increasingly important to the global gold market.

Rushs Headlong Flight reflects on life as a journey filled with darkness, joy, mistakes and growth. The lyrics recall some days were dark and some nights were bright, while describing lessons learned through fighting, loving and making mistakes. Rather than rejecting painful memories, the narrator wishes to live it all again, suggesting that every experience, good or bad, helps shape who we become.

Virat Kohli's international cricket debut marked a significant career milestone. He has amassed over 28,000 runs and 85 centuries in his career. Kohli holds unique records, including most 150-plus scores by a non-opener. He is the only player with 20,000 international runs in a decade. Kohli also achieved a clean sweep of ICC awards in 2018.

As per a couple, Divya and Saurav, living in Manali offers both perks and challenges for remote workers. Renting a 1-room kitchen costs between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 monthly. A 2-bedroom apartment can range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 rupees. Leasing an independent house involves annual payments based on room count. Annual lease rates for a room can range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2,50,000.

New aviation rules are being fast-tracked by the Centre for India's civil aviation sector. These rules will be finalized within three weeks under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. The government is responding to Supreme Court concerns about unpredictable airfare increases and passenger charges. India's aviation market currently operates on a dynamic pricing model, which can lead to varying ticket costs.

A medical board confirmed Twisha Sharma died by suicide after a court-ordered second postmortem. The CBI filed a chargesheet against her husband and mother-in-law for alleged torture. The forensic opinion stated death resulted from ante-mortem hanging, which was suicidal in manner. No injuries suggesting assault or struggle were found on the deceased's body. This medical opinion forms a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation.

Jaipur Nagar Nigam's official complaint portal has gone viral for having dropdown menus listing civic problems in plain conversational Hindi, from 'Dog pagal ho gaya hai pakadwana hai' to 'Gaadi wala paise mangta hai.' The internet has largely praised the portal for making government services accessible to everyday residents.

Ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus viewed hope as a universal possession. He believed hope remained even when individuals had nothing else to rely upon. Thales, a pioneer in natural inquiry, sought rational explanations for existence. His famous idea proposed water as the fundamental principle of all things. This ancient wisdom highlights hope's enduring power as a source of strength.

One more worker's body was found in the Chamoli tunnel accident, increasing the death toll to nine. Search operations continue for the single remaining missing worker amidst challenging debris conditions. Multiple agencies are working diligently to locate the individual and complete the rescue mission. Several JCB machines trapped inside the tunnel have been successfully retrieved so far.

An unemployed techie has shared the emotional and financial challenges of being without a job for two and a half months. In an Instagram video, he spoke about mental fatigue, shrinking savings and the pressure of living in a metro city. He also stressed the importance of professional connections and practical workplace experience while searching for new opportunities.

Tom Hanks built a career spanning over four decades with diverse roles. He earned two consecutive Academy Awards for his outstanding acting performances. His breakthrough came with television's Bosom Buddies and later successful films. Hanks is known for his relatable characters and ability to connect with audiences. He remains a respected figure in American cinema and storytelling.

India's writing and printing paper industry anticipates measured improvement this fiscal year. Operating margins are projected to expand significantly due to lower hardwood prices. Increased domestic hardwood availability offers relief on a key input cost. Demand is expected to remain steady, supported by education and banking sectors. Manufacturers are focusing on efficiency investments rather than capacity expansion.

In an effort to reign in soaring domestic sugar prices, India is thinking about lowering its sugar import duty. This response is geared toward boosting local supply ahead of the upcoming festival demand spike. Concerns regarding El Nio and subpar monsoon rains have cast shadows over sugarcane harvests. Ex-mill sugar prices in Maharashtra have hit record highs, pushing factories to begin sugarcane crushing ahead of schedule to ramp up availability.

White shoes can quickly pick up mud, scuffs and stubborn stains, but you may not need an expensive cleaner to refresh them. Simple household ingredients such as baking soda, mild dish soap and diluted white vinegar can help tackle dirt on suitable washable footwear. Gently scrub stained areas with a soft toothbrush, clean rubber soles separately and let shoes air-dry. Always check the material, patch-test first and avoid harsh chemicals or excessive soaking.

At the age of 75, superstar Rajinikanth continues to showcase his vibrant spirit, marking a remarkable 51 years in the film industry. Health professionals suggest that older adults enhance their wellness through strength training. Effective exercises such as walking, resistance workouts, balance training, and flexibility exercises are crucial. Read on

India has requested World Trade Organisation consultations with the United States. This action concerns tariffs imposed on quartz surface products by America. The US measure will impose steep duties on imports starting August 15, 2026. India has a substantial interest in these engineered stone slab products. Consultations will be proposed virtually for mutual convenience.

India Ratings and Research has raised its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.8% from 6.7%, but expects growth to slow from 7.6% in FY26 amid inflation, rupee weakness and El Nino risks.

Some plants save their most spectacular blooms for after sunset, creating a fragrant and unusual night garden. Queen of the night, moonflower, night-blooming jasmine, evening primrose and night-blooming water lilies are five options to consider. Their pale or fragrant flowers can attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths. Depending on the plant, they can be grown in containers, garden beds or ponds, bringing beauty to outdoor spaces after dark.

Inox Clean Energy has acquired Vena Energy India's renewable platform for Rs 6,000 crore. This rapid transaction was completed within two months, showcasing strong financing capabilities. Vena Energy India's portfolio includes operational and developing solar, wind, and BESS assets. Following this acquisition, Inox Clean's operational capacity will reach approximately four gigawatts.

A luxury apartment in Noida sold for thirty-seven crore rupees. This transaction highlights growing demand for managed communities and prime locations. Max Estates acquired a project with significant development potential. The developer expects substantial revenue from fresh sales and existing customers. Noida is becoming a premium real estate destination for executives.

FCNR(B) deposits: In FY27, India is anticipated to enjoy a balance of payments surplus amounting to USD 50 billion, driven by robust foreign currency inflows that are set to greatly benefit the nation's external economic stability. The Reserve Bank of Indias deposit scheme has successfully attracted considerable foreign exchange investments. This initiative's goal is to enhance external liquidity, with forecasts indicating an appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar shortly.

Delhi's Anand Vihar, Kashmere Gate, and Sarai Kale Khan are among three major transit zones proposed to become integrated multi-modal transport hubs under DDA's Master Plan Delhi 2047, aimed at making transfers between metro, rail, bus, and RRTS seamless. The plan has been approved by DDA but is yet to be notified by the central government.

Reese Witherspoon shows how container gardening can make even a small outdoor space look beautiful. Her hydrangea setup proves that a colourful flower and the right planter can instantly add charm without making the area look crowded. This simple idea is especially useful for people living in apartments or homes with limited garden space.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has changed his diet to prepare for all three cricket formats, avoiding gluten and junk food while focusing on protein, good carbs, healthy fats, vegetables and hydration. He eats eggs, avocados, olive oil and chia seeds, while his father says he loves mutton, rice, daal, breads and curry. His fitness routine includes 140 kg squats, strength training, running, cycling, HIIT, agility drills and recovery.

For the growth of India's pharmaceutical sector, prioritizing innovation and advanced manufacturing is essential. Experts indicate that increasing investments in research and digital technologies could propel the market to an impressive USD 130 billion by 2030. Companies must also elevate their quality and comply with global regulatory expectations to compete in the global landscape, thus establishing India as an innovation hub in life sciences.

Market volatility can test even the most seasoned traders. Understanding the difference between price swings and genuine risk, while relying on valuation frameworks, can help investors respond with analysis rather than emotion.