The Economic Times

India has eased export payment rules, allowing rupee settlements with non-Asian Clearing Union countries. This move aims to promote wider use of the local currency in international trade transactions. Eligible rupee export receipts will now qualify for trade-policy benefits and count towards exporter obligations. The changes align with recent Reserve Bank of India foreign-exchange rules permitting broader rupee usage.

Charlie Chaplin's early years were marked by relentless poverty, yet his dreams of acting greatness never faltered. Living in an orphanage, he envisioned a future where he would shine as a leading actor. This deep-rooted confidence, existing long before the accolades poured in, highlights how self-assurance can pave the way for achieving one's dreams, no matter the obstacles faced along the way.

Aditya Birla Capital will enter Indias competitive gold loan market with 200-300 dedicated branches by March 2027, followed by a target of around 1,000 branches over three years. The move comes after Tata Capital and Godrej Capital entered the segment, as diversified non-bank lenders expand secured lending portfolios.

Private credit deployments saw a sharp 61 percent drop in early 2026. This decline occurred amid a volatile macro economic environment and shifting fund dynamics. Domestic funds led nearly three-fourths of the deployments during this period. Real estate remained a favored investment sector for private credit funds. Regulatory changes and bank credit growth also influenced private credit volumes.

Local currencies will increasingly drive cross-border trade and payments, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Technology will be leveraged across the entire customer transaction chain for digital origination and reporting. India's foreign exchange reserves have significantly grown, and domestic forex market turnover has doubled recently. The market faces challenges with skewed participation and unauthorized online trading platforms operating outside regulations.

India has signed a long-term supply arrangement with Mauritius for petrol, diesel and aviation fuel, strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries. The agreements, signed during Oil Minister Hardeep Puris visit, include a government-to-government MoU on oil and gas cooperation and a sales agreement with Indian Oil. Mauritius disclosed no volumes.

Tara Sutaria is an avowed foodie who loves to gorge on delicious food such as biryani and butter chicken. Yet, she flaunts a perfect ten figure with no hint of flab. In several interviews, the Toxic star revealed how she keeps fit despite being perpetually in love with good food.

A food safety inspection revealed non-permitted colours in sweets and expired dairy products. Unhygienic food preparation and fungal growth on vegetables were also discovered. Officials found plastic material used in preparing idlis at Mysuru Railway Station. Chutney was stored in unsuitable plastic buckets, posing a health risk. Railway authorities will be informed about these violations for further action.

Bajaj Finance provides an EMI calculator for loans against property, making it easier to budget for repayments. This tool allows users to estimate monthly payments and overall borrowing costs, as well as compare different loan amounts and repayment durations. By illustrating possible financial commitments, it equips borrowers to make informed choices. The loan application process is also streamlined online for convenience.

Tata Power Renewable Energy launched its 'Har Ghar Solar' initiative in Bihar on Thursday. This program aims to facilitate rooftop solar adoption in five lakh homes over three years. The initiative is backed by the state government and offers significant combined subsidies. Awareness and affordability are key drivers for solar power adoption in Bihar.

India and the European Union have finished legal scrubbing of their trade pact. This significant agreement is expected to be signed sometime this year. Ninety-three percent of Indian shipments will gain duty-free access to the EU bloc. Luxury cars and wines imported from the EU will also become less expensive. Together, India and the EU represent a quarter of global GDP.

Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of the Veanta Group, has launched two new alloys for the automotive sector. The Copper-Doped Alloy enhances durability for high-performance engine components. The Vedanta Foundry Alloy offers lightweighting and improved strength for vehicles. These advanced materials support the industry's demand for efficient and resilient vehicles. The company aims to be the world's largest primary billet producer.

A Bengaluru BBA student spent three months working as a Rapido captain during his college vacation to understand the gig economy from a worker's perspective. He said he earned up to Rs 1,200 on a good day and turned to food deliveries during slow periods. His earnings reached Rs 16,660 in June, while the experience exposed him to fuel costs, waiting time and platform pressures.

When considering a bike purchase, it's vital to ensure it fits within your financial landscape. Assess your income alongside current obligations before determining your loan amount. Using a two-wheeler loan EMI calculator can simplify your comparison of repayment scenarios. Maintaining an equilibrium between your initial contribution, monthly payments, and savings is essential for your financial wellness. Bajaj Finance presents flexible tenure options and financing solutions for qualified buyers

A British warship carrying Soviet gold sank in the Barents Sea during World War Two. Decades later, a determined diver located the wreck using historical records and new technology. Saturation divers then worked at extreme depths to retrieve the valuable treasure from the dangerous vessel. The successful operation recovered 431 gold bars, which were valued at approximately 45 million.

Latin proverb of the day: Turning a blind eye to harsh realities might provide a fleeting sense of comfort, but ultimately it only postpones the fallout, suggests today's Latin proverb. Ignoring crucial truths does not erase their impact. In today's world, many retreat into the ease of denial, stifling real personal development. Embracing the daunting aspects of life fosters true strength and constructive change, while confronting difficulties directly ensures lasting serenity and averts potenti

India's infrastructure output grew 5.4% year-on-year in July 2026. This growth moderated from the revised 6% expansion recorded in June. The July figure shows a 0.6 percentage-point slowdown from the previous month. Data covers nine key infrastructure sectors under the revamped Index of Core Industries. The new series uses 2022-23 as its base year.

HealthEdge has leased office space across eleven floors in Thiruvananthapuram. This expansion signifies global companies increasing their technology and operations footprint. The leased area spans approximately 1.62 lakh sq ft within Brigade Square. This new campus will house engineering, product development, and operations teams. Brigade Group is also developing a World Trade Center within Technopark.

Life will always, despite all best-laid plans, defy us. At every stage of life, there will be unexpected losses, setbacks and disappointments lurking, and theres nothing we can do to avoid them. Renowned Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami once warned readers of this bittersweet fact of life in one of his hit novels.

Smartphone prices are increasing due to higher component costs for manufacturers. Several brands like Realme and Samsung have already raised prices on select models. Consumers are becoming more cautious about spending and waiting for discounts. Sales have remained below previous levels, with promotions offering temporary relief.

Betty White quote of the day: Betty White championed the idea that true vitality stems from an open mind paired with unending curiosity. Rather than grasping for youth, she encouraged individuals to maintain a zest for life. Her quote serves as a refreshing counter to societys fixation on anti-aging. Her words advocate for lifelong education and a celebration of lifes marvels, allowing for deeper joy and fulfillment as we age.

Delhi's Master Plan 2047 targets 40 lakh new homes and a 695-km metro network by 2047. It includes redevelopment for unauthorized colonies and housing for slum dwellers. The plan aims to revive the Yamuna river by treating 22 drains and restoring floodplains. Green buffers and afforestation will address noise pollution and enhance the environment. This plan shifts urban planning towards development, investment, and improved liveability for residents.

Delhi's Master Plan 2047 proposes forty lakh new homes for its growing population. The city's metro network will expand to six hundred ninety-five kilometers by the year 2047. This plan aims to balance urban development with environmental preservation efforts. Affordable housing will be supported through transit-oriented development policies. The plan seeks to make Delhi a world-class, inclusive, and economically vibrant city.

YouTube is offering significant payments to popular creators for exclusive content. This move aims to counter Netflix's aggressive efforts to attract top YouTube stars. Netflix has been signing creators and pursuing others for simultaneous video releases. YouTube warns that dual distribution could harm its platform's viewership and advertiser appeal. The competition intensifies as both platforms vie for viewers and the creators who draw them.

Ada Lovelace, a visionary ahead of her time, imagined programmable machines long before electronic computers came into being. In 1843, she published the first-ever set of instructions for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine. Lovelaces genius lay in her belief that computers could manage not only numbers but also symbols and music, a legacy that continues to shape modern computing principles.

Indian Oil Corp has finalized a deal with Algeria's Sonatrach for LPG imports. This agreement will supply one very large gas carrier monthly starting in 2027. India is diversifying its LPG sources to reduce Middle East reliance. The nation is also increasing intake of United States LPG supplies. This move aims to ensure stable energy flows and meet domestic demand.

Your gut health relies heavily on your daily habits and dietary choices, explains Harvard-trained gut doctor Saurabh Sethi. Engaging in distracted eating and failing to maintain regular meal times can harm digestion and overall digestive health. Frequent meal skipping and mindless snacking can throw off bodily functions. Additionally, neglecting bathroom needs and indulging in late-night snacks create further digestive issues. Adjusting these habits can lead to improved gut health and comfort.

Highlighting a remarkable legacy, Discovery India covered the P.C. Chandra Group and its 85 years of diversified business growth. Initially rooted in jewelry, the group now excels in chemicals, hospitality, and real estate. Committed to customer loyalty and quality, P.C. Chandra is also passionate about corporate social responsibility, contributing to community development through scholarships, knowledge centers, and healthcare programs.

Dale Carnegies quote, Dont ask a man what is important to him. Watch how he spends his time, suggests that actions often reveal priorities more clearly than words. Our routines show where we direct our attention, whether towards relationships, health, learning or career goals. Carnegies own journey from poverty on a Missouri farm to becoming a bestselling author adds context to his enduring lessons on behaviour and personal change.

Niva Bupa Health Insurance received an order from the regulator to halt new business. This action stems from failing to meet expense management limits for the 2024-25 financial year. The company is currently evaluating the order and will take appropriate steps. Niva Bupa stated compliance for the 2025-26 fiscal year and the first quarter. Shares of Niva Bupa closed lower on the BSE following the announcement.

Facing mounting frustrations in his corporate role, a seasoned employee weighs the prospect of leaving his job to pursue a personalized food venture hes passionate about. On Reddit, users advise him to create a solid financial cushion before quitting, emphasizing the importance of a well-laid plan in an intensely competitive market. They suggest launching the food business as a side project to ensure stability while chasing his entrepreneurial dream.

Novonesis will likely expand its Patalganga manufacturing facility with this capital. New yeast technologies can reduce fermentation time and improve production yields. Biological solutions are also being introduced to boost sugarcane output in Karnataka. Regulatory challenges remain a key hurdle for wider adoption of these bio-solutions.

Rose Wilder Lanes quote, Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we dont even remember leaving open, suggests that joy can arrive unexpectedly, rather than only through planned achievements. Her words encourage us to notice overlooked opportunities, relationships and everyday moments that bring contentment. Lane, daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder, overcame financial hardship, became a successful freelance writer and was reputedly among Americas highest-paid female writers.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved four major railway projects aimed at improving freight movement and passenger connectivity across several states. The projects will add around 410 kilometres to the Indian Railways network and are expected to support an additional 76 million tonnes of freight traffic annually. The expansion is being carried out under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, with a focus on improving connectivity and logistics efficiency.

A Rajasthani folk band has created a unique musical fusion. They blended Shakira's popular song 'Hips Don't Lie' with traditional Indian melodies. This innovative crossover has captured the attention of music lovers worldwide. The Ismail Langa Group performed this refreshing rendition for Independence Day. Their performance showcases rich cultural heritage and vocal harmony.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Siliguri for three days starting Thursday. He will attend programs and chair meetings concerning border security matters. Shah will also interact with Sashastra Seema Bal personnel during his visit. High-level reviews of India's borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh are planned. This visit continues efforts to strengthen national border security arrangements.

Man declared HIV positive by AIIMS Rishikesh was found to be HIV negative when retested at another hospital. A consumer commission has upheld a ruling of medical negligence against AIIMS Rishikesh, ordering it to pay Rs 60,000 in compensation after finding the institution could not justify repeated HIV positive entries in its own discharge records.

Artificial intelligence tools are helping Indian small businesses advertise more effectively. Nearly nine in ten businesses report AI enables access to new audiences and formats. AI-powered advertising has supported business growth for three-quarters of surveyed companies. These tools also simplify creative processes and enhance advertising strategies for businesses.

Tata Consumer Products anticipates sustained double-digit revenue growth through strong consumer demand. The company's fast-growing food and beverage segments are key drivers of this expansion. Calibrated price adjustments may occur if commodity and energy costs remain elevated. Volume-led growth across categories indicates a fundamental increase in base consumption. The company aims to enhance profitability through premiumization and innovation strategies.

Hindustan Power secured Rs 1,135 crore for its 300 MW solar project. This significant financial closure supports the Lalitpur district development. The project progresses as planned, strengthening Uttar Pradesh's renewable energy capacity. A long-term power purchase agreement is in place with UPPCL. This initiative contributes to the state's clean energy requirements.

Kutch Copper anticipates stable quarterly operating profit between Rs 750-800 crore this fiscal year. Higher utilization and revenue will offset expected moderation in profit margins for the company. The copper smelter reported Rs 749 crore EBITDA on Rs 10,922 crore revenue in the June quarter. India's copper imports are expected to decrease as Kutch Copper ramps up its production capacity.

Reliance Industries has proposed a Rs 2.73 lakh crore, 30-year investment to develop an underground coal gasification complex in Andhra Pradesh. The project could convert deep coal into syngas for hydrogen, methanol, ammonia and synthetic natural gas, helping India reduce dependence on imported LNG and chemical feedstocks. However, commercial viability, geological risks and UCG technology at scale remain major challenges.

Nestled in Mumbai, the iconic Irani cafes reflect the rich tapestry of Parsi heritage, with Cafe Colony standing as a testament since 1933. Known for its classic Parsi baked goods and revitalising beverages, the caf quickly became a beloved local spot. Throughout the years, its menu blossomed, embracing a variety of beloved non-vegetarian dishes that honour traditional Parsi culinary artistry in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Coder Vishakhaa shared on X that scoring 58% in Class 12, two points below many companies 60% cutoff, continues to affect her job opportunities. She lost her father during COVID, faced relocation and difficult travel during board exams, yet later improved her academics, built technical skills and worked on projects. After being rejected from campus recruitment without her resume being assessed, she said she deserves a chance to prove she is more than a marksheet number.

The Economic Times AI Business Transformation Masterclass & ET Most Innovative AI Product Awards 2026 brings together leaders from NVIDIA, PepsiCo, IndusInd Bank, PhonePe, Pine Labs, Gnani AI, Perceptyne Robots and Shadowfax to examine how AI is being deployed across enterprise infrastructure, financial services, commerce, supply chains, voice and robotics.