The Economic Times

Banks mobilised $132.9 billion through FCNR(B) deposits under the RBIs special forex swap window, taking total inflows, including ECBs and OFCBs, to $143.5 billion by September 18. The inflows are more than five times those raised under a similar 2013 scheme, with banks raising a significant portion in the final 10 days. While the FCNR(B) facility continues to support dollar inflows, rising global bond yields may weigh on further overseas borrowing through ECBs and OFCBs, which remains available

India-New Zealand FTA kicks in from October 20: The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will come into force on October 20, giving Indian exporters duty-free access to New Zealand across all tariff lines from day one. The pact aims to double bilateral goods and services trade to around Rs 35,000 crore by 2030, while protecting sensitive Indian sectors such as dairy and several agricultural products. It also provides greater market access for select New Zealand products and includes provisions

CMF, the budget sub-brand of Nothing, is transitioning to become an independent company based in India. With ambitions to design and sell 100 million smartphones globally each year, CMF will be largely owned by Indian investors and headquartered domestically. Through this partnership, Nothing will lend its engineering expertise and supply chain relationships, aiming to create a significant homegrown player in the global consumer electronics market.

Retail associations are voicing concerns that the proposed UPI charge will inevitably be transferred to consumers, either as new fees on bills or by incentivizing the use of cash payments. Small businesses, already operating with tight margins, find it difficult to absorb these costs, leading to fears that additional financial burdens will further strain their operations.

Bharat Biotech is back in action after a two-year post-Covid reset, founder Krishna Ella says, with the company expanding beyond vaccines into cell and gene therapy and monoclonal antibodies. The vaccine maker is advancing programmes for TB, Nipah, Ebola, chikungunya, malaria, Zika and antimicrobial resistance, while exploring an IPO to fund new therapies and potential acquisitions. Ella says the company, which currently has around Rs 2,000 crore in revenue and is debt-free, is focused on accele

This year's Ganesh Chaturthi witnessed a 15% drop in gold sales volume compared to the previous year. Consumers opted for lighter gold pieces and exchanged old jewelry amid high prices. Nonetheless, sales of bullion coins and bars reflect cautious optimism among investors. Despite the decline, both wedding and self-purchase demands from younger buyers remain robust, signaling a potential increase in demand as the wedding season approaches.

The government is considering tougher medical device rules that could give regulators explicit powers to stop the manufacture, sale or distribution of unsafe, defective, substandard or spurious products and order their destruction. The proposed amendment to Rule 30(1) of the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, is aimed at strengthening enforcement, reducing ambiguity and ensuring potentially harmful devices are removed from circulation more quickly.

National highway contractors must obtain government permits for hiring foreign workers. Any change in concessionaire ownership requires prior designated authority approval. Such employment is subject to regulatory approvals, including visas and work permits. Refusal of permits will not excuse concessionaires from their contractual obligations. The ministry issued a revised model concession agreement for national highways.

For years, Bogots Doa Juana landfill simply accumulated city waste while quietly leaking methane into the atmosphere. That changed in 2009 when the site launched a major gas-capture operation. Engineers drilled network pipelines across the facility to collect biogas generated by two million tonnes of rotting trash each year. Instead of flaring the fuel, workers route it into heavy engines that supply clean, continuous electricity directly to Colombias national grid. The effort turns a massive ur

India's revamped GDP calculation incorporates extensive corporate filings and GST data, as revealed by the statistics ministry. This update emphasizes the integration of company-level information for a more precise estimation of private corporate sector activities. Furthermore, an innovative methodology leverages corporate filings and LLP records to enhance industry classification, while surveys are used for direct assessments of the household and unincorporated sectors.

Bandhan Financial Services will reduce its stake in Bandhan Bank gradually. The promoter aims to comply with RBI regulations by 2030. Recent share sales occurred on the open market, lowering holdings. A proposed stock split will divide shares to attract retail investors. Shareholders will review this plan at the upcoming annual general meeting.

The prolonged suspension of TV ratings has intensified pressure on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to restore audience measurement, with broadcasters seeking greater revenue visibility and advertiser confidence ahead of the festive season. BARC is working to meet the governments TV rating guidelines, including expanding its panel to 80,000 and increasing independent representation on its board, while TAM India and Chrome DM have also applied to offer measurement services. Industry b

Government may end UPI subsidies for small transactions as merchant fees are introduced. Taxpayer-funded incentives for UPI and RuPay transactions are being phased out. No new subsidies have been paid for transactions since April 2025. This shift aims to make the payment ecosystem self-sustaining and reduce taxpayer burden. Incentive disbursements have significantly decreased in recent fiscal years.

In 2021, Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge adopted 50.8 hectares of Kenya's Kaptagat Forest for rehabilitation. 5 years later, more than 1,277 hectares of the wider ecosystem had been rehabilitated. The restoration covers five forest blocks and involves government agencies, communities, conservation groups and sponsors. The programme aims to restore 2,000 hectares and protect the Kaptagat water tower.

The Supreme Court rejected the Centre's plea regarding private complaints in fraud cases. Special courts cannot take cognisance of such complaints filed under the Companies Act. The court allowed the Centre to authorize officers to file complaints in these matters. This ruling ensures further scrutiny before fraud allegations are considered. The decision stemmed from a case involving former directors of Shreemukh Namitha Homes.

The power ministry is considering extending specific provisions to the Mundra power plant, allowing it to function at maximum capacity until December. This decision stems from the heightened power demands nationwide. Additionally, supplementary power purchase agreements are in the works with multiple states to address the ongoing energy shortages across the country.

The government is prioritizing demands from the material recycling sector and aims to fast-track reforms. A new incentive scheme for recycling critical minerals is in the pipeline. The minister stressed the importance of adopting innovative technologies and promoting environmental sustainability in recycling practices. Additionally, the association advocated for the elimination of the Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate for metal scrap imports, along with the removal of import duties on aluminiu

New guidelines for high-speed access-controlled national highways have been released by NHAI. These standards aim to ensure uniformity and improve road safety across the network. The move will apply to all upcoming four and six-lane greenfield and brownfield projects. India plans to develop 50,000 km of these corridors by 2047. This initiative seeks to boost connectivity and reduce logistics costs nationwide.

India's core sector output growth slowed to 4.8 percent in August. This easing was due to contractions in energy sectors and an unfavorable base. Fertilizer production declined significantly for the sixth consecutive month. However, electricity and cement sectors showed strong growth during this period. Cumulative core sector growth for April-August rose to 4.3 percent.

In 2013, John and Jennifer Church bought a 120-year-old textile mill planning to sell the land, but changed plans after discovering its historic brickwork. The Chronicle Mill in Belmont, North Carolina, was converted into a mixed-use development with 238 apartments, commercial space and a public coworking area. The $60 million adaptive reuse project opened in 2023 after construction, environmental and pandemic-related delays.

The Finance Ministry urged bank employees to resolve demands through dialogue and avoid strikes. Most union concerns have been addressed, and welfare measures are being introduced. A three-day strike is planned from September 28, impacting banking services. This strike coincides with the half-yearly closing of the banking sector. The government remains committed to employee welfare and constructive engagement.

India will study the US sanctions act and its potential trade impact. Exports are growing at a healthy rate despite global complications. India and Canada aim to fast-track their economic partnership negotiations. The India-EU trade pact is expected to come into force soon. Good news is anticipated regarding India's trade pact with Chile.

Quote of the Day by Oscar Wilde: A timeless observation by Oscar Wilde offers a different way of looking at love, romance and the desire to feel special in someones life. His witty words draw a striking contrast between being a persons first love and occupying a very different place at the other end of their romantic journey. The idea raises an intriguing question about whether being first is really what matters most in a relationship.

Inox Clean Energy is close to acquiring Athena Renewables from Actis. This transaction is nearing conclusion with an in-principle agreement reached. The acquisition would significantly boost Inox Clean Energy's renewable capacity. Athena Renewables operates four solar power plants with over 554 MW. These assets have a strong operational track record and long-term agreements.

Maharashtra FDA faces systemic pressures amid pushback from large restaurant chains. The agency is proceeding with hygiene crackdowns based on data and inspections. Licenses have been suspended for various violations, including unhygienic kitchens. Food safety requires a public movement and a 360-degree approach. The FDA is examining all establishments with the same impartial lens.

Ichor Biologics is seeking eighty to one hundred million dollars from private equity investors. The Hyderabad-based company operates in the specialized plasmatherapy segment. Promoters Ananda Reddy Sudini and Sujana Sudini hold significant stakes in the firm. Ichor manufactures therapeutic protein products derived from human plasma. The company's products serve various critical therapeutic areas.

Dinesh Thakkar acquired a luxury residential tower in Mumbai for over Rs 711 crore. This significant transaction marks a record for residential properties in Juhu. The entire G+7 storey tower, Embassy Terazza, spans 63,000 sq. ft. Demand for ultra-luxury homes remains strong among high-net-worth individuals. Limited inventory in prime areas supports these high-value residential markets.

Indias plan to surpass Japans E10: India is developing indigenous high-speed bullet trains, with B28 trainsets designed for 280 kmph and expected to begin trials in 2027, while the proposed B35 aims for a design speed of 350 kmph by 2030. The move comes as the Rs 2 lakh crore-plus Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project progresses, with India also working on domestic train-control technology and planning seven additional high-speed rail corridors.

Facial symmetry is often considered one of the main signs of an attractive face, making small differences between the two sides something many people tend to notice. But a large study involving 1,550 faces from 10 different populations has challenged this familiar idea. Researchers found an unexpected pattern when they looked at several aspects of facial shape together, suggesting there may be more to attractiveness than simply having perfectly balanced features.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated Merchant Discount Rate charges will not be passed to consumers. She clarified these charges are between payment service providers for system improvement. Opposition parties were accused of spreading misinformation regarding the UPI MDR framework. Sitharaman also criticized mimicry at a recent Congress event in Indore. She further denied allegations of discrimination in fund allocation to Punjab state.

A job candidates experience during a panel interview has sparked discussion online about why people sometimes struggle to communicate their own work experience under pressure. What started as an ordinary interview question quickly became a reminder of how easily candidates can get caught up in trying to give the right kind of answer.

Airfares to Kolkata are set to surge around Durga Puja, with tickets for October 16 priced 71% higher than fares for the following week, according to an analysis of 53 domestic routes. The median fare for flights into Kolkata on October 16 stood at Rs 14,117, compared with Rs 8,259 for the following week, while Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru recorded the steepest increases.

New Orleans is using crushed glass to build new islands and strengthen wetlands. This innovative approach tackles waste and coastal erosion simultaneously. Researchers are testing recycled glass sand's effectiveness in supporting plant growth. The project aims to restore vital coastal ecosystems and habitats. This method offers a potential blueprint for other vulnerable coastal cities.

Kindness is usually associated with trust, warmth and genuine care, but there can be situations where it serves another purpose. Certain seemingly thoughtful behaviours can subtly influence how people think, feel and respond without making the manipulation obvious. Understanding what to watch for can help reveal when a person's generosity or affection may not be as straightforward as it appears.

Under the India-New Zealand trade pact, goods from third countries will not be eligible for tariff concessions, with preferential treatment limited to products originating in India and New Zealand. India has protected sensitive sectors such as dairy and gems and jewellery from duty reductions. The agreement also introduces a temporary employment visa pathway for skilled Indian workers, along with provisions aimed at promoting student mobility and post-study work opportunities in New Zealand.

In 1976, American animator Bob Boyle helped launch a campaign against Hudson River pollution. The record shows that Robert H. Bob Boyle was a Sports Illustrated writer and environmental activist. His work with Hudson River fishermen helped build a campaign against pollution. PCBs became a central issue. The EPA later designated the river a Superfund site, while a 20092015 cleanup removed about 2.75 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment.

T-Mobile and Jio have made history by achieving what they describe as the worlds first 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection, enabling a more seamless international 5G experience for travellers. The technology uses a dedicated 5G core network and is designed to deliver faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connectivity while users are abroad. Syniverse played a key role in enabling interoperability between the two networks, marking a significant development that could pave the way for n

Liz East transitioned from criminal defence law to a thriving dog-walking business. She now cares for many dogs daily, earning significantly more income. This career change offers her more personal time and job satisfaction. Her story reflects a growing trend of people seeking fulfilling outdoor careers. East's experience redefines professional success beyond traditional corporate achievements.

Toxic, starring Yash, Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Rukmini Vasanth and Huma Qureshi, is now heading towards its digital premiere after its theatrical release. The Geetu Mohandas-directed psychological gangster thriller had generated major buzz before its release but received a mixed response in cinemas. Heres the latest update on Toxics OTT release date, streaming platform and what the Yash starrer is about.

Paramount Skydance has settled with California and 11 other states that sued to block its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, removing a major US antitrust hurdle to the deal. Under the settlement, CNN and CBS would get independent editorial boards, while Paramount would face a $30 million penalty per film for falling short of its commitment to release 30 movies annually. The deal still faces remaining regulatory and closing steps, with Paramount also seeking to avoid a $

Bill Gates' quote offers a powerful reminder for an information-saturated world: abundance is not the same as wisdom. Having access to millions of webpages, constant notifications and endless opinions does not guarantee that we possess accurate knowledge or meaningful relationships. The real challenge is learning how to filter, verify, understand and apply what we encounter.

Avoiding a confrontation can be the safest and most sensible choice when a situation feels threatening. The pattern becomes more psychologically meaningful when someone consistently struggles to voice their needs, set necessary boundaries or communicate disagreement even in situations where speaking up is both safe and reasonable.

Quote of the Day by Cindy Crawford: Cindy Crawfords quote, If you only love 70% of yourself, thats what is going to come back to you, explores the importance of self-love, confidence, and personal acceptance. The quote suggests that the way people value and appreciate themselves can influence what they expect and receive from their relationships and experiences. It encourages people to embrace themselves more fully rather than allowing self-doubt, insecurity, or the opinions of others to determi

RBI revised FCNR(B) deposit collections upwards to USD 133 billion. The scheme's closing date was advanced by one month following a strong response from the Indian diaspora. The special forex swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits was launched on June 8, 2026. Total inflows under the facility reached USD 143.596 billion by September 18, 2026, with FCNR(B) deposits accounting for USD 132.980 billion of the total.

RNFI Money, a wholly owned subsidiary of RNFI Services, has received RBI approval to undertake cross-border trade remittances. The licence will allow it to expand regulated foreign exchange, remittance and trade-payment services through RNFIs existing last-mile network, alongside the parent companys recent in-principle authorisation to operate as a Payment AggregatorPhysical (PA-P). The company said the licence has perpetual validity.

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will come into force on October 20, 2026, providing duty-free access to all Indian exports to New Zealand. The pact includes a $20 billion investment commitment over 15 years, excludes sensitive sectors and aims to double bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion by 2030.

R Madhavans son Vedaant Madhavan missed the Asian Games mens 4x200m freestyle relay final by just 0.2 seconds after India finished ninth in the heats. As Vedaant now turns his attention to his remaining events, his narrow setback brings back Madhavans own philosophy on dealing with failure. The actor has often called failure his greatest teacher and said setbacks can act as data points that reveal what needs to change rather than define a persons talent.

A womans warning against sharing exact salary figures has sparked debate over financial privacy, workplace comparisons and pay transparency. While revealing income casually can create unwanted expectations and pressure, research suggests salary discussions can help workers understand market rates and negotiate better compensation. The key distinction is between strategic pay conversations that provide useful information and indiscriminate oversharing.

The Reserve Bank of India said foreign exchange inflows under its special USD-INR forex swap facility rose to USD 143.596 billion as of August 31, up about USD 7.22 billion from the earlier provisional figure of USD 136.377 billion. FCNR(B) deposits accounted for USD 132.98 billion, while OFCBs and ECBs contributed USD 5.32 billion and USD 5.296 billion, respectively. The RBI had introduced the facility on June 8, 2026, with the FCNR(B) window closing on August 31, while the ECB and OFCB windows

In 1941, China lost Peking Man fossils during wartime evacuation. 85 years later, the missing remains have not been recovered despite searches and historical investigations. The fossils represented about 40 Homo erectus individuals and included 14 skulls. Their disappearance during World War II remains unexplained, while scientists continue research using casts, measurements and new discoveries at Zhoukoudian.