The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Fyodor Dostoevskys quote of the day from The Brothers Karamazov explores the complicated relationship between falling in love and truly loving someone. Through Dmitri Karamazovs troubled confession, the Russian novelist explores how intense attraction can exist alongside anger, bitterness and even hatred. The quote offers a glimpse into Dostoevskys deeper exploration of human emotions, morality and inner conflict.
Adani Airports is facing resistance from airlines over its plan to temporarily shift international flights from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai as Terminal 1 undergoes redevelopment. MIAL plans to discontinue 265 of 770 weekly international departures from October 25, affecting 46 airlines, as it creates capacity for displaced domestic passengers.
The civil aviation ministry has asked Adani Airport Holdings to defer its plan to shift more than a third of Mumbai airport's international departures to Navi Mumbai airport from October 25. The ministry has also sought a fresh Terminal 1 redevelopment roadmap after airlines raised concerns over disruptions and commercial losses.
Titan Company experienced a 25% year-on-year growth in consumer businesses during the second quarter of FY27. Strong demand for jewellery and watches contributed significantly to this growth, despite a slowing trend at quarter's end. The company expanded its retail presence by adding 78 stores, reaching a total of 3,758 outlets. Among its brands, Tanishq and CaratLane showcased particularly impressive growth statistics.
The Tata Sons board has sought legal advice on a restructuring proposal from Tata Trusts aimed at avoiding a mandatory listing of the group holding company, people familiar with the matter said. The board is unlikely to formally consider the proposal until its validity as a shareholder mandate is established.
The HSBC India Services Business Activity Index rose to 55.2 in September from 54.1 in August, although it remained below the 60.9 recorded in September 2025. A reading above 50 indicates expansion in activity, while a figure below that signals contraction.
Indian airlines have warned the civil aviation ministry that elevated ATF prices, longer flight paths, airspace restrictions, higher crew costs and a weaker rupee are straining finances and could make some routes unsustainable. The ministry is discussing relief measures, including a possible price stabilisation fund, with airlines and OMCs.
The World Bank has increased the growth forecast for India's FY27 to 7.1% from earlier estimates. This revision is attributed to strong domestic demand and solid exports, despite global challenges. Growth is expected to moderate later in FY27 but rebound in the medium term. However, risks such as higher global oil prices and El Nino-related disruptions could impact performance.
This would be the second year when the company has procured from commercial mines. In FY25, it had procured around 4 mt. India's largest power generator is expected a coal requirement of around 300 mt in FY27, up 11% from FY26. Most of the company's supply comes from fuel supply agreements with state-run miners.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the tax rate applicable to a product must be determined by its physical form at the time of sale, not its eventual use. The court dismissed revenue appeals seeking to tax Cadila Healthcare's GRD Powder and GRD Mix as non-alcoholic beverages at 10%.
India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on institutional stability and sustained economic reforms. Former European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet emphasizes the importance of resilient democratic institutions. He cautions against the risks posed by global over-indebtedness and market corrections. Trichet believes AI will bring challenges and benefits in the long run but highlights the need for global regulations.
The government is preparing to transition the GST regime toward a trust-based tax administration. This shift includes introducing sweeping decriminalisation for tax offenses, suggesting fewer notices for invoice mismatches and doing away with arrests without evidence or prior to prosecution, aiming for enforcement to work through money rather than custody.
India's industrial sector has seen significant growth under Modi's leadership, emphasising infrastructure development and reforms. The Vibrant Gujarat Summit initiated a strategic approach to enhance ease of doing business. Recent trade agreements have expanded access to global markets for Indian manufacturers.
Adani Power and Bhutan's state-owned Druk Green Power Corporation have signed an agreement to jointly develop the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. The project will be built through a 49:51 equity partnership under the BOOT model, with construction expected to begin in the first half of 2027 and commissioning within six years.
In the evolving world of private credit, the availability of high-yielding deals is dwindling, thanks to intensified competition and new regulatory measures. During the first half of 2026, a considerable volume of private credit transactions was listed below the 18% mark. With banks now venturing into acquisition financing, the capital landscape for borrowers has transformed, urging lenders to identify areas for superior returns.
The ministry of rural development said the new schedule under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) Gramin Act, 2025, divides the works into four areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and special works for extreme weather events and disaster preparedness.
New Delhi | Mumbai: Swedish private equity firm EQT Partners, Emami Ltd and Balaji Wafers have joined the fray to acquire Crax snacks owner DFM Foods, competing alongside other strategic and private equity suitors such as ITC, ChrysCapital and TPG, according to people with direct knowledge of the development.Talks are in early stages and non-binding bids for the deal are expected by the end of October. Advent International, which started the process to sell its entire 96.63% holding in Noida-bas
In the second quarter of FY27, India's manufacturing sentiment showed improvement as factories raised capacity utilization to 75.5%. According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, firms planned to hire more workers, indicating recovery. The survey noted that most sectors are not facing labor shortages at factories.
IndusBridge Ventures has triumphantly raised Rs 2,000 crore, a remarkable achievement in the realm of private equity focused on defence. Co-founders Ravi Kapoor and Rahul Devjani intend to channel this funding into Indian defence firms, aiming to harness the increased global defence budgets and support India's efforts towards self-reliance. Kapoor forecasts that defence exports could soar to 50,000 crore soon, enhancing the security technology supply chain.
The statistics ministry plans to expand the monthly Index of Services Production to cover education, healthcare, public administration and defence, raising its coverage to 78.4% of services GVA from about 60%. The proposed framework could use UPI transaction data to track private education and healthcare activity and government expenditure data for public services.
Australia faced an unusual crisis when up to 20,000 emus moved into Western Australias wheat-growing region in 1932 and damaged the crops and fences. The government responded by sending soldiers armed with machine guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition. What followed was an unexpected military setback, as the fast-moving birds proved quite difficult to target, forcing the army to withdraw and return for a second attempt.
S&P Global forecasts a 12-14% increase in financial sector lending despite potential slowdowns in rural areas. Concerns about weak monsoon rains may negatively impact rural incomes and lending. A projected GDP growth of 7% for India in FY27 reflects steady public investment and improved private sector investments. Economic activity remains strong, although headwinds like inflation could constrain momentum.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has suggested regulatory changes that may significantly affect insurance brokerage firms. With compliance costs rising and commission limits introduced, smaller brokers might consolidate to survive. Notably, Alliance Insurance Brokers is contemplating a stake sale, while InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy eye initial public offerings.
The Indian government has approved a 10,000-crore SME Growth Fund aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises. Additionally, an Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority has been established to enhance transport infrastructure planning. This fund is intended to address equity capital gaps currently faced by SMEs and facilitate their growth. ITLA will create a comprehensive National Transport Master Plan to improve coordination across various transport sectors.
Farmers' organizations in Maharashtra and Karnataka are resisting the government's early sugarcane crushing proposal. They demand compensation for low recovery and higher prices for sugar and ethanol. A meeting with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has been scheduled to discuss these concerns. Crushing immature sugarcane may lead to substantial financial losses for both farmers and sugar mills.
In a heartfelt gesture, Michael Jordan has pledged $10 million to the University of North Carolina, intending to support the School of Social Work. This donation not only honours his beloved mother, Deloris P. Jordan, but also aims to launch the Jordan Family Scholars programme, designed to aid aspiring social work students and tackle the anticipated shortage of social workers in North Carolina.
In an exciting move, JioHotstar has unveiled its streaming platform for the Middle East and North Africa, partnering with STARZPLAY. The collaboration opens the door to JioHotstar Originals and a diverse range of Indian content in various languages, aimed at regional audiences. Monthly packages are available at AED 34.99 and AED 49.99, addressing the needs of the South Asian diaspora for varied entertainment options.
In a significant investment, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company has finalized the purchase of a prime commercial property located on Kanakapura Main Road in Bengaluru for about Rs 626 crore, acquiring a 56% share in the Purva Zentech tower. This acquisition targets the growing demand for top-grade office space fueled by technology companies and global capability centers.
At the premiere of the biography of legendary Carnatic singer M. S. Subbulakshmi, the Animal star attracted attention. A stunning blue Kanjivaram silk saree that paid homage to the musician captivated her. The saree was a Shankarabharanam Kanjivaram silk saree from Aikyatha's Suswaram Raga Edition,
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles aims to ramp up production to 100,000 vehicles monthly from the next financial year. The company has been selling around 65,000 units monthly but faces supply constraints. Six new models are planned to enhance product offerings, aiming to meet robust demand. An investment of 37,500-40,000 crore is intended to boost market share significantly. Tata Motors expects a domestic market growth to 6.4 million units by FY31.
Freddie Jackson has died, leaving behind a string of R&B classics including 'Rock Me Tonight' and 'You Are My Lady'. But before becoming a Grammy-nominated star, Jackson was working a regular word-processor job after an early music setback. His career changed when singer Melba Moore saw him perform at a New York club.
Residents of North Yorkshire raised funds to buy Long Lands Common and prevent its development. About 3,000 individuals invested in community shares costing 50 each, surpassing their fundraising goal. They transformed the former farmland into a wildlife habitat with tree planting and creation of ponds. The initiative expanded to include an additional 60 acres known as Knaresborough Forest Park.
Neuberg Diagnostics has consolidated its operations with NM Medical in Maharashtra to enhance diagnostic and preventive healthcare. This partnership combines their strengths in advanced radiology, pathology, and genomics, providing comprehensive diagnostic services. Neuberg aims to raise significant funds through an IPO in the coming financial year. The collaboration will facilitate the establishment of integrated diagnostic and wellness centers across Maharashtra.
Keerthy Sureshs Dorothy, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is moving to its next phase after its theatrical release in September. The 1980s-set Tamil crime drama, which also stars Sananth and Rishikanth, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has led to mixed reactions for its storytelling and portrayal of queer and transgender themes.
Amazon India revealed that the demand for premium and AI-powered consumer electronics is rising across Assam ahead of the Amazon Great Indian Festival (AGIF) 2026, which begins on October 8.
Goa is set for a major winter tourism connectivity boost, with 84 additional domestic flights each week across Mopa and Dabolim airports. Airlines will also expand international services from the UAE, UK, Kazakhstan, Poland and Russia, adding new routes, seasonal connections and higher frequencies ahead of the peak tourism season.
During August 2026, non-banking financial companies enjoyed a boost in credit expansion, with gold loans seeing remarkable growth alongside consumer durable loans. Housing loans remained a critical component of the retail lending portfolio. Conversely, lending to the services sector declined, highlighting slower growth in certain segments. This overall increase in several sectors points to an encouraging trend in the credit market.
The surge in luxury vehicle sales in India stems from an urgent need for replacements and a trend towards electrification. Mercedes-Benz India has celebrated its strongest quarterly sales to date, fueled by solid macroeconomic trends. Anticipating a future dominated by electric vehicles, the company reports escalating demand. Meanwhile, BMW India sees a similar enthusiasm among its clientele, marking a continued positive trajectory for the luxury car market in 2023.
Grard Mestrallet emphasized the significance of developing diverse routes for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, especially in light of the ongoing tensions in Iran, which have led to a reassessment of connectivity strategies. There is growing interest from Oman, Egypt, Lebanon, Greece, and Cyprus in contributing to the projects expansion.
Abhishek Bachchan attended an Ariana Grande concert with his daughter Aaradhya and wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He was initially unfamiliar with her music but was impressed by her singing talent. The experience highlighted the generational differences and connections regarding music preferences in their family. Abhishek acknowledged the tendency of older generations to dismiss contemporary music without exploring it.
At 75, Rajinikanth continues to perform action-heavy roles and maintain the energy expected of a much younger star. Ahead of Jailer 2 release, let's have a look at the habits behind his fitness, from a strict food rule involving everyday items to weight training, walking, yoga and meditation. The actor has also spoken about his own food choices, offering a glimpse into the routine he has followed to stay active over the years.
Delhi High Court has granted a stay on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of Indias orders related to energy drinks. The court found that FSSAI's orders lacked proper procedures including the issuance of show-cause notices. Both Monster Energy India and PepsiCo India Holdings argued that not following due process would lead to significant financial losses.
MoSPI began compiling the ISP on a monthly basis for the formal services sector on a trial basis in July 2026. The exercise uses 2024-25 as the base year and was designed to provide a higher-frequency measure of services-sector performance.
Amid rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions, trade negotiations between India and the United States have reached an impasse. The US has voiced concerns over India's ongoing acquisition of Russian oil, which could trigger higher tariffs. India aims to safeguard its vital agricultural sectors during talks while advocating for enhanced export conditions. Future discussions, particularly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's upcoming visit, may provide an opportunity for resolution.
The Election Commission of India refused to meet a delegation of 240 MPs led by Rahul Gandhi. This decision followed a day of protests in the national capital against the Chief Election Commissioner. Congress leaders, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, were detained during the protests. The Commission stated that no formal meeting request had been submitted by the deadline.

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