The Economic Times

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal met EDF Chairman and CEO Bernard Fontana to discuss deploying the French utilitys EPR nuclear reactor technology in India, the power ministry said. The talks also covered the evolving regulatory framework for the nuclear sector and cooperation on pumped hydro storage projects, with senior officials present.

States have sought more than 10,000 additional electric buses beyond the 14,028 units planned under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, officials said. The demand exceeds the schemes permitted 20% variation from initial estimates and may require a fresh government initiative. Several states are also seeking e-buses for inter-city routes.

India will keep taxation outside the framework of bilateral investment treaties, with a revised model BIT expected to be considered by the Cabinet soon. The Finance Ministry has circulated a note, while negotiations with four-five countries are underway. Foreign investors will also have to exhaust local remedies before seeking arbitration.

Indias metal recycling industry has urged the government to take up the countrys exclusion from an EU draft list allowing metal scrap exports to non-OECD nations. MRAI warned the move could disrupt scrap supplies, raise raw material costs for recyclers and increase dependence on virgin materials, particularly affecting MSMEs.

India and Australia are working towards a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty to deepen trade and investment ties, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. The countries are also expanding cooperation in critical minerals and education, while addressing cross-border taxation and compliance issues affecting businesses and service providers.

India is revisiting a proposed trade secrets law and will soon consult industry and startups on whistleblower safeguards, contract enforcement and compliance. DPIIT is weighing whether a dedicated law is needed or whether amendments to the Indian Contract Act can address contract fulfilment, while protecting confidential business information.

A senior US State Department official said the India-US trade pact is 90-per cent-plus complete, with only final issues being resolved. The official said the agreement could unleash another level of bilateral ties, while highlighting upcoming diplomatic engagements, including Marco Rubios India visit and the next Quad foreign ministers meeting.

Marvel fans celebrated the re-release of Avengers: Endgame as Avengers Endgame: Encore in theaters. The movie opened on a good note across 3,635 shows. Most of the revenue for the film came from the English version during its opening day collection. New Encore version include four post-credit scenes and a preview of Avengers: Doomsday. Read on!

Since its release on August 21, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit has stolen the show and minted over Rs 325 crore at the global box office. The film is generating buzz as it gears up for its digital release following its successful theatrical run. Actor Nivin Pauly is thrilled with the films success, highlighting the audiences enjoyment of the lead actors chemistry and the overall charm of the movie.

Indias new wealth creators are looking beyond traditional investments, exploring alternatives, global markets, and more diversified portfolios as their financial goals evolve towards more sophistication.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for a Delhi High Court-appointed forensic auditor to examine transactions involving Fortis Healthcare, Malaysias IHH Healthcare and entities linked to former promoters Malvinder and Shivinder Singh. The audit will trace assets linked to the brothers and examine the dilution of their Fortis shareholding.

The Paradise, featuring Nani, Kayadu Lohar, and others, dropped in box office collections on its second day. Amid this, Nani expressed gratitude for mixed audience reactions and acknowledged both love and criticism from viewers. Directed by Srikanth Odela, the film revolves around a marginalized tribal community seeking justice. Read on to know how much it earned on day 2.

Car prices have risen about 3% in the past year, but faster growth in household disposable incomes has kept cars affordable after GST 2.0 cuts, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD Shailesh Chandra said. Passenger vehicle demand has surged, particularly in the 18% GST category, while Tata Motors expects strong festive-season growth, backed by new products and SUVs.

The Centre has cut FY27 gross market borrowing to Rs 15.99 lakh crore from Rs 17.2 lakh crore budgeted, seeking to limit pressure on bond yields amid global uncertainty. It will borrow Rs 7.86 lakh crore in the second half, including Rs 15,000 crore through sovereign green bonds, while extending debt maturities.

Mindset of the day: Accepting a favor can bring joy and gratitude, but it may also create feelings of obligation. This obligation can lead to discomfort when making future decisions. A Japanese proverb suggests that accepting favors impacts personal liberty. It is important to recognize whether there's an expectation attached to a favor.

Tata Cliq narrowed its net loss by 19% to Rs 253 crore in FY26, marking the third consecutive year of improvement, while revenue from operations rose 20% to Rs 354 crore. The company attributed the progress to stronger growth, improved contribution margins and monetisation. Tata Cliq Fashion grew 7%, while Tata Cliq Luxury recorded 26% growth during the year.

Indian destination wedding bookings in Dubai and other West Asian destinations are showing signs of recovery after cancellations earlier this year amid Iran war concerns. Wedding planners are reporting increased enquiries for January-March 2027, while destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah are offering incentives including complimentary visas, airport transfers and charter flight benefits to attract Indian couples.

Adani Energy Solutions has proposed an acquisition of IntelliSmart Infrastructure for 3,050 crore. The Competition Commission of India has deemed the combination's status as information incomplete after two months. The acquisition aims to establish Adani Energy Solutions as Indias leading smart metering platform. IntelliSmart is among the top players in smart metering, providing over 2.2 crore smart meters across several states.

Charan said falling production costs and the use of artificial intelligence would lead to more stories being produced at greater speed. As the number of similar stories increases, he said, the algorithm will determine which ones get viewed.

Actis LLP has consolidated 11 road assets worth around Rs 10,000 crore into its NXT-Infra Trust after raising Rs 1,180 crore from investors. The fundraising reduced Actis stake to 71%, with domestic investors holding the remainder. The move comes amid growing investor interest in Indias operating road assets, while Actis also sees opportunities in digital infrastructure, electric vehicles, waste recycling and water services.

The Reserve Bank of India has reversed a previous decision allowing exporters 15 months to repatriate earnings. The new deadline set is 9 months for bringing back export proceeds into the country. This change aims to increase dollar liquidity and support the Indian rupee in the foreign-exchange market. Additionally, the RBI has provided banks with expanded powers concerning trade transactions before the new rules take effect.

SRKs splendid house, Mannat, is now a cultural landmark in Mumbai. The house reportedly had royal origins. Before the superstar bought the house in 2001 for Rs 13 crore, Gujarati entrepreneur Nariman Dubash owned it, registered it under the Bai Khorshed Bhanu Sanjana Trust, and it was known as Villa Vienna. Raja Bijai Sen, the ruler of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, is said to have built it in the 1800s.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conducted meetings in New York regarding several bilateral issues. He raised concerns about the potential effect of Russia and Iran sanctions on India-US relations. Misri's discussions with US Undersecretary of State Allison Hooker focused on energy security and civil nuclear cooperation. India is awaiting the Trump administration's decision on tariffs for purchasing Russian oil.

A Special Investigation Team has unveiled a significant case of embezzlement involving donations meant for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The investigation has produced a chargesheet documenting 105 instances of illicit cash withdrawal recorded on CCTV. Eight suspects have been apprehended and are in judicial custody, while additional witnesses are being interviewed.

Nick Bosa's calf injury during practice will prevent him from playing in upcoming weeks. Bosa had been recently recovering from an ACL injury suffered the previous year. Without Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers face additional depth challenges on their defensive line. The decision on whether to place Bosa on injured reserve will be made considering roster implications. The team must manage injuries while striving for continued performance during his absence.

Taylor Swift has released her latest single 'Patient Zero', which is about escaping toxic relationships. This song features on 'The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore', an expanded version of her album. The song explores themes of past experiences and emotional healing while engaging with a narrative of support. Swift announced the single and its music video premiere during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Yvon Chouinard joined a significant conservation effort in Chile which led to the creation of new national parks. In March 2017, an agreement between Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Tompkins Conservation facilitated this initiative. The collaboration resulted in the addition of over ten million acres of land to national parks across Chile.

The Centre has notified four ports: Deendayal (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva), Paradip and Adani Groups Mundra, as mega ports, introducing the nomenclature for the first time. The status, valid for five years, is based on cargo handling thresholds of 150 MMT annually for bulk ports or 7.5 million TEUs for container ports.

Melania Trump addressed the difficulty of family time with her son Barron, citing their busy lives. During a recent appearance, she emphasized the importance of scheduling family time in advance. Barron, studying at New York University, has reportedly become more private and withdrawn lately. Its less and less family time, [and there's] suffering because of it, Melania Trump said in an interview.

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Department of Homeland Security to use the SAVE database for voter eligibility checks. This ruling follows a lower court's decision that blocked the expanded use of the system. Critics are concerned about the accuracy of federal records and the potential for wrongly flagged citizens. States can decide if they will utilize this federal resource as they prepare for elections.

India's economy is showing resilience despite global uncertainties and high geopolitical tensions affecting financial markets, RBI's bulletin said. Crude oil prices have sharply increased due to escalating conflicts in West Asia, prompting concerns over inflation. The Reserve Bank indicates a strong GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026-27, with moderate current account deficits. Credit and deposit growth are also accelerating, while FDI inflows have reached a five-year high.

In 2014, Kobe Bryant made a bold $6 million investment in BodyArmor, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the brand's success. By 2021, Coca-Cola recognized BodyArmor's worth, purchasing the company for an impressive $5.6 billion, generating a staggering 67-fold return on Bryant's investment. His strategic marketing contributions accelerated BodyArmor's rise, further solidifying his reputation as a savvy investor alongside his stellar basketball career.

Silver was trading at $64.78 per ounce on September 25, remaining range-bound amid high interest rates. Analysts predict continued strength for silver due to increasing demand and limited supply. Key price levels are identified at $63 for support and $70 for resistance. A break below $63 could lead to a decline toward $60, while a rise above $70 indicates potential upward movement.

The CEA said that trade has been weaponised well beyond the US, pointing to export licensing, supply-chain chokepoints and similar moves by China and the EU.

Indias organised retail real estate market is evolving, with larger malls, experience-led categories and office-linked retail driving growth across major cities. Bengaluru leads the top 12 markets with 29.2 million sq ft of organised retail stock, followed by Gurugram, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Shopping mall supply is also set to expand, with 40.4 million sq ft in the pipeline through 2030.

India's Zee Entertainment has initiated contempt proceedings against JioStar for violations of a court injunction. The injunction prohibits JioStar from using Zee's copyrighted music and content in its programming. Despite the court order, Zee claims JioStar continued to exploit this content after the injunction was issued. JioStar previously argued that any violations were unintentional and residual. The conflict reflects the growing competition for content rights in India's media landscape.

The CBIC has made it easier for importers to claim preferential tariffs under the India-UK trade agreement. A valid origin declaration from UK exporters will generally suffice to prove origin. Previously, Form-I was necessary with every Bill of Entry for claiming preferential treatment. Now, this documentation is not required for routine import declarations. This change aims to streamline the customs process and reduce import barriers.

Americas former First Lady Michelle Obama once opened up on one habit that has kept her family together having meals together. Having dinner together is a great way to strengthen relationships in your family. As per a Johns Hopkins report, eating together can not just help develop healthy bonds among families; it can also make you healthier.

Paradip Port has been designated as a Mega Port under the Indian Ports Act, 2025. This recognition is a significant milestone for its development and operational capabilities. The governments decision aims to strengthen maritime connectivity and support infrastructure growth. Paradip Port's strategic location enhances its importance as a key gateway for trade. The designation is expected to promote its development as a globally competitive maritime hub.

JioStar has confirmed 15 sponsorships for the upcoming West Indies tour of India in 2026. The sponsors represent various categories including banking, wellness, and automotive. This series will consist of three ODIs and five T20Is starting in late September. The broadcaster aims to engage audiences through targeted advertising during the festive season. JioStar plans a six-month cricket calendar featuring multiple series with various touring teams.

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Paraguay, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK and the US are other countries that have reserved their third-party rights in the dispute, the Geneva-based official said.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said it has taken serious note of certain media reports and social media posts claiming that CAIT has announced or endorsed a nationwide No UPI Day on October 2, related to the proposed MDR levy on specified UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 from October 15.

Karnataka intends to strengthen its economic collaboration with Singapore, particularly in advanced industries. Minister MB Patil highlighted cooperation opportunities in aerospace, defence, and semiconductors. CapitaLand Investment plans to enhance data centre capacity in Karnataka, while ST Telemedia Global Data Centres is expanding its operations. TVS Motor Company is encouraged to increase investments in electric mobility and automotive technologies.

An Airbus spokesperson on Friday said during some standard rework a surface protection deviation on stringers located at the lower front section of the fuselage was identified affecting a number of A321 aircraft.

Public sector banks and older generation private banks have issued advisories to customers, urging them to complete essential banking transactions ahead of the three-day strike from September 28 called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). To meet customers' banking needs before the three-day nationwide strike, the government has already instructed public sector banks to stay open on Sunday.

In India, infrastructure initiatives monitored by 17 ministries have faced significant cost overruns, totaling approximately Rs 2,88,122 crore. The updated project expenditure has escalated to Rs 33,60,069 crore from an initial estimate of Rs 30,71,947 crore. Impressively, out of 1,731 active projects, 38 percent have achieved more than 80 percent physical completion. The Transport and Logistics sector stands out with 1,191 projects worth Rs 16.

Tata Steel has announced a five-month extension of its sustainable steel production agreement with the Province of North Holland. This extension will allow further discussions to address outstanding matters necessary for a final investment decision. The Green Steel Project aims to achieve healthier and cleaner steel production while improving the living environment. Additionally, Tata Steel is focusing on the safe closure of its coke and gas plants.

The Reserve Bank of India has set the WMA limit for the second half of 2026-27 at Rs 50,000 crore. This decision aims to assist the central government in managing temporary financial mismatches. Furthermore, the RBI may issue new market loans when 75 percent of this limit is utilised. The RBI retains the flexibility to adjust the WMA limit as conditions change.

Mumbai Port Authority successfully managed three heavy over-dimensional cargo packages through a specialised Roll-Off operation. These packages weighed a total of 1,452 MT and were transported from Dahej to Mumbai Port. Due to their dimensions, conventional discharge methods were not suitable for handling the cargo. The Barge Roll-Off method was used, allowing safe discharge while maintaining alignment between the barge and the quay.

Purvah Green Power Private Ltd (PGPPL) signed a power supply agreement with Prism Johnson Ltd to develop a 49.5 MW wind project in Madhya Pradesh. The project will be established by KUS Renewable Ltd (KRPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of PGPPL. The date of commercial operation is January 25, 2028. The project will supply renewable power to Prism Johnson's manufacturing operations in the state for 25 years.