The Economic Times

In the first four months of the fiscal year 2026-27, net collections in small savings schemes have surged by an impressive 56% compared to last year, providing a significant boost towards meeting budgetary goals. The appealing savings rates continue to encourage government-backed savings, demonstrating that investor confidence in consistent returns remains strong, even with rising retail participation in the equity markets.

Trai has tightened rules against spam calls, mandating telecom operators to act on callers flagged as suspected spammers by AI-based systems even without consumer complaints. Under the new rules, first-time violations can lead to a 15-day outgoing service ban, while repeat offenders may face disconnection of all telecom resources for a year and blacklisting. The rules also introduce changes to spam-call blocking preferences and A2P call charges.

Alan Watts' quote remind individuals about the significance of experiencing the present moment. Many people suffer from anxiety and burnout due to the pressure of achieving future goals. He argues that true fulfillment comes from appreciating life as it occurs and not as a means to an end. Individuals are encouraged to redefine success beyond external achievements and to embrace simple existence.

Coyote vs. Acme is finally moving beyond its theatrical run after a long and unexpected journey to the big screen. The Will Forte and John Cena starrer brings Wile E. Coyote into a courtroom battle against the company behind his famously troublesome gadgets. As the Looney Tunes movie heads towards its home release, here is what viewers need to know about its digital rollout, streaming plans and where they can watch it.

One of the well-known top earners in the small-screen fraternity, television personality Ronit Roy has established a prosperous career in the entertainment world. Through well-known serials like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, he gained worldwide popularity. Ronit has amassed an amazing real estate portfolio in addition to his acting profession. According to an E24 article, the actor, his wife Neelam Singh, and their two kids live in the posh Versova neighbourhood.

UFO researcher Joe Jordan says investigating around 700 alleged alien abduction cases over more than three decades changed his understanding of the phenomenon and strengthened his belief in God. According to Jordan, several people told him their experiences ended after they called on Jesus or God, prayed or sang hymns. One case involving a man identified as Bill D particularly influenced him after the man reportedly cried, Jesus, Jesus, help me! and the experience ended.

Traffic challan recovery: Supreme Court has suggested linking unpaid traffic e-challans to electricity bills as a possible way to recover nearly Rs 20,000 crore in outstanding fines. The bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan also proposed flagging vehicles with unpaid challans on the Parivahan portal, restricting ownership transfers and conducting random checks to improve traffic fine recovery.

The United States has announced it will exempt certain speciality drugs and ingredients imported from India and 19 other countries from tariffs. This decision follows US President Donald Trump's proclamation imposing a 100% tariff on specified patented pharmaceuticals. Drugs intended for rare diseases and infertility, along with their components, will qualify for the zero-tariff treatment. The exemption applies to 20 other jurisdictions that have trade agreements with the US.

Mediators are continuing indirect talks with Iran and the United States to broker a deal that would end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite President Donald Trump publicly rejecting Tehrans latest proposal. Officials told AP that Washington has not formally rejected the draft, while mediators seek concessions from both sides.

MetLife International will raise its stake in PNB MetLife by 0.5% to 50.23% through a purchase from Jammu & Kashmir Bank, with CCI clearing it under the green channel. CCI is also examining Bain Capitals investment in Millennia Realtors and the RMZ group.

Celebrity nutritionist Yasmin Karachiwala has shared a guilt-free chocolate chip cookie recipe thats perfect for home bakers. This unique treat combines wholesome chickpeas, creamy peanut butter, and pure maple syrup, keeping health in mind. With the addition of rich dark chocolate chips, these cookies are both tasty and nutritious. Simply blend the ingredients and bake them for a delightful dessert everyone can feel good about enjoying.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Jordan's Minister of Planning Zeina Zeid Toukan in Doha. The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including food security and trade. Sitharaman emphasized the goal of reaching $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Jordan expressed interest in strengthening ties with India, particularly in energy and infrastructure.

The US bond market is executing a severe repricing of the cost of money. On Thursday, the 30-year Treasury yield reached 5.48%, a peak unseen since 2004. The benchmark 10-year yield touched 5.20%, marking a 1.25 percentage point climb since early March. Because bond prices fall as yields rise, this represents a massive selloff in the world's deepest government debt market. The 30-year yield specifically measures investor willingness to finance long-term government borrowing. Demanding 5.48% show

An Indian woman living in Dubai has shared a video of her small rented room, saying she pays around Rs 45,000 every month for the space. Sakshi described the accommodation as a tiny little box and said she had lived there for a year. She is now preparing to move into another room of a similar size.

When US polls close, election results are reported in stages beginning with preliminary totals. Media organizations like AP make race calls based on available information and contender standings. While results may change as additional ballots are counted, the official certification is completed later by election authorities. This formal process ensures a true and accurate vote count after all procedures are finalized.

A 12-hour shutdown in Senapati district, Manipur, has caused major disruptions, initiated by the Naga Peoples Organisation protesting the tragic deaths of three Naga civilians. The incident, which unfolded in Kailenjang village, resulted in the immediate death of two civilians, with a third succumbing to injuries later. The Naga Peoples Organisation insists on a comprehensive investigation.

Ford has halted or reduced F-150 production at its Michigan and Missouri plants because of a supplier-related parts shortage. Around 3,500 workers at the Dearborn Truck Plant have reportedly been told to stay home, while several shifts have also been canceled at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Since last year, Ford has struggled with keeping its F-150 production going to meet demand.

Hugh Jackmans venture with coffee started following a 2009 trip to Ethiopia, where he met a young coffee farmer named Dukale. Motivated by Dukales determination, Jackman established Laughing Man Coffee in 2011 with an objective to support coffee-growing communities. The brand concentrated on premium coffee while directing 100 percent of Jackmans profits to the Laughing Man Foundation.

US Stock Market Today: U.S. stock markets slipped on Monday morning as a sharp rise in crude prices and surging Treasury yields unsettled investors following last weeks broad rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 379.73 points, or 0.73%, to 51,448.89. The S&P 500 sank 0.94% to 7,670.67, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.22% to 26,737.84. Energy marked the sole S&P 500 sector trading in positive territory, benefiting directly from a fresh spike in global fuel costs.

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts will open The Oberoi Sukoonvilas in Wadi Safar, Saudi Arabia in 2027. The luxury resort is located around 30 minutes from Riyadh and will feature 60 standalone villas and 10 branded residences. This property is significant as it will be the first hotel in Wadi Safar and aligns with Diriyah's vision. The resort aims to provide a unique hospitality experience rooted in local heritage and culture.

The ongoing US-Iran war is affecting vital maritime chokepoints, specifically the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Shipping traffic has decreased significantly through Hormuz due to conflict, impacting global energy markets. The situation at Bab el-Mandeb has worsened after Houthi forces seized strategic Perim Island. Discussions between the US and Iran continue with hopes for reopening Hormuz amid rising concerns.

Starting October 1, millions of additional Amazon Prime customers could receive automatic payments as part of a settlement. This expanded distribution includes consumers who used 11 to 20 Prime benefits within a year. Eligible subscribers do not need to complete any forms to receive their compensation. Amazon has already refunded over $845 million to affected customers prior to this announcement.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the US from September 29 to October 5 for the G20 Trade Ministers meeting and talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the India-US bilateral trade agreement.

At the Asian Games, Indian javelin throwers Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav showcased their skills by securing silver and bronze medals. Yashvir set a new personal best with a distance of 85.72m on his last throw, while Rohit clinched bronze with a throw of 84.35m. The gold medal went to Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who threw 88.55m. With this achievement, Indias medal tally now stands at an impressive 45.

Southern Railway is replacing manual level-crossing barriers with electrically operated lifting barriers (EOLBs) across the Chennai Division, cutting opening and closing time from up to three minutes to around eight to 12 seconds. Of 143 manned level crossings, 70 have been upgraded so far, while Emergency Sliding Booms have been installed at 133 crossings as an additional safety measure.

Radico Khaitan has extended its luxury whisky brands, including Rampur and Sangam, to four major UK airports. The company aims to increase the visibility of its products among international travellers through this expansion. More than 170 million passengers travelled through these airports in 2025, presenting a significant opportunity. Their goal is to build brand presence and recognition for Indian spirits globally.

COEP Technological University and JSW Projects will invest over Rs 800 crore to establish an Advanced Battery Research and Development Centre at COEP Tech's Chikhali Research Park in Pune. The two-phase facility will develop and validate indigenous lithium-ion, sodium-ion and other advanced-chemistry cells, potentially creating more than 1,000 battery ecosystem jobs.

Delhi liquor shops sold nearly 18.61 crore bottles across categories in the last two financial years, with Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) accounting for a much larger share than imported spirits. Data from an RTI reply showed overall liquor sales rising to around 9.61 crore bottles in 2025-26, while beer sales also increased, with summer months recording some of the highest volumes.

Launched on August 15, 2025, the annual pass is applicable across 1,150 fee plazas, It eliminates the need to frequently recharge FASTag through one-time fee payment of Rs 3,075 for one year validity or 200 toll plaza crossings, the National Highways Authority of India said on Monday.

Long before Elon Musk built Tesla and SpaceX, he was saving his allowance for months to buy a computer. With the help of his father covering part of the cost, Musk bought a Commodore VIC-20 and taught himself programming from books. At 12, he created and sold the video game Blastar, earning his first significant money from software.

Known for several popular serials such as Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Shweta Tiwari stays in a lovely Mumbai home which is reportedly worth a whopping Rs 12 crore. It is spacious and is decorated with lamps, indoor plants and wooden furniture and chandeliers.

Jio-bp and Nayara Energy have capped diesel purchases at their petrol pumps as industrial and bulk buyers shift to cheaper retail fuel, widening pressure on station inventories. The price gap between retail and bulk diesel has reached up to Rs 40 a litre, with IOC, BPCL and HPCL likely to follow.

Speaking at the National Conference on Industrial Relations and Labour, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry on Monday, Mandaviya said the campaign, which starts from Monday, will cover industrial clusters across 316 districts in all 36 states and union territories over the next 90 days.

The FASTag Annual Pass has reached a significant milestone of over 1 crore users since its launch. This initiative offers a one-time payment option for toll access on designated national highways and expressways. The pass is available for non-commercial vehicles and provides fixed-cost toll payments for a year. Users activate the pass through the Rajmargyatra app linked to their existing FASTag.

American author Dan Koe advocates for a transformative six-month journey of solitude, promoting significant personal growth across mental, physical, spiritual, and financial dimensions. Social media reactions reveal diverse viewpoints, with many arguing that embracing solitude should prioritize active engagement over passive content consumption. Overall, this approach encourages a serious dedication to self-betterment and intentional focus on individual goals.

The shift towards larger retail assets is also driving greater concentration among leading developers. The top three listed developers currently account for about 14% of operational retail stock in tier 1 markets as of the first half of 2026, a share that could rise to around 21% by 2031, showed JLL assessment.

Arisinfra Solutions will acquire an additional 16% stake in material subsidiary Buildmex-Infra for Rs 60 crore, raising its holding to 92%. The deal, expected to close by September end, comes as Buildmexs revenue surged nearly tenfold over two years to Rs 179.03 crore in 2025-26, strengthening Arisinfras materials business.

TATA.ev has unveiled an exciting extension of its Battery-as-a-Service program across all electric vehicles. This innovative initiative is designed to enhance affordability by separating battery costs from the vehicle price, significantly reducing initial expenses. Customers can choose to purchase the vehicle outright or select the Battery-as-a-Service option, with monthly payments varying based on battery size and duration.

Indias wireless subscriber base rose by 5.5 million in August to 1.29 billion, with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel accounting for more than 4.5 million additions, TRAI data showed. Urban subscriptions grew significantly faster than rural connections, while the overall telephone, broadband and wireline subscriber bases also expanded during the month.

During a candid discussion with Farah Khan, Mithun Chakraborty reflected on the many hardships he endured in his early career. He recounted the experience of living in a car and sometimes sleeping on the streets. Even after winning a National Award, challenges persisted, leading him to run a hotel as a fallback. Yet, through perseverance, he eventually rose to prominence in the film industry.

During the third quarter of 2026, India's real estate, data centre, and hospitality sectors attracted a record USD 9.5 billion, marking a notable rise from the previous year. Data centres alone accounted for 57 percent of these investments, signaling a change in investor focus. Additionally, foreign entities represented roughly 59 percent of all inflows, contributing to an impressive doubling of total capital compared to early 2025.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India has so far insulated itself from crude oil and natural gas supply disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz volatility. He said logistics remained the key challenge, while India has diversified crude sourcing to 41 countries and strengthened domestic LPG production.

Kautilya Finance has successfully exited its investment in New Delhi-based Dasnac, realizing cash proceeds of Rs 550 crore. The investment relationship initiated in 2017 involved multiple financial years through various investment routes. Dasnac had raised Rs 420 crore from Kautilya Finance, which has now been fully repaid. The capital supported Dasnacs residential development projects in Noida, including significant developments.

Samsung has announced a price increase of up to 17% for its Galaxy S26 smartphone range in India. The base model is now priced at Rs 1,02,999, significantly higher than its initial price. Other variants of the Galaxy S26 series have also seen price revisions, with every model exceeding Rs 1 lakh. This increase is attributed to rising costs of electronic components impacting the smartphone industry.

Air India and Adani Airports have launched an integrated online duty-free shopping platform for international travellers, allowing passengers to browse, pre-order and pay for products through Air Indias website and app before travel. The service offers discounts of up to 25%, Maharaja Club loyalty points and airport collection at select airports, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Navi Mumbai.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the United States from September 29 to October 5 and participate in the G20 Trade Ministers meeting, the Commerce Ministry said. The visit comes as India continues engagement with the US on trade and economic issues, with Goyal set to hold official engagements.

Radhikka Madan recently starred in Netflix's anthology series Lust Stories 3, which premiered on September 18. She lives in a lavish 3BHK Juhu apartment valued between Rs 15-20 crores, showcasing a blend of Delhi and Mumbai aesthetics. The minimalist design features pastel shades, marble flooring, and an unobstructed view of the Arabian Sea from the balcony. A unique kitchen design includes handle-less cabinets and built-in appliances, creating a seamless look.

Both Indian men's and women's squash teams successfully qualified for the quarterfinals in the Asian Games. The women's team achieved a victory against Japan while the men's team comfortably defeated South Korea. Anahat Singh lost her match against Satomi Watanabe, but Joshna Chinappa and Tanvi Khanna secured wins for India. The men's team displayed strong performance with several decisive victories over their opponents.

India and the UAE are working towards enhancing bilateral trade by adopting local currency transactions and payment system integration. The two countries aim to reduce transaction costs, improve payment access, and settle international trade using Indian rupees and UAE dirhams. Various sectors, including energy and technology, will see increased investment opportunities as a result of these initiatives.

SpaceX's Starship Flight 14 is set to attempt orbital insertion and deploy next-generation Starlink V3 satellites. The mission will also involve testing the spacecraft's heatshield during atmospheric reentry. Starship will work in conjunction with the Super Heavy booster to complete multiple objectives. The launch window opens later today and lasts for about 75 minutes. Successful execution of the mission is essential for future SpaceX operations in space.