The Economic Times

India awaits US tariff advantage for trade deal finalization. The agreement was announced on February 3, 2026, reducing US tariffs on Indian goods. New Delhi seeks a clear tariff edge over competing manufacturing economies. India has protected its agriculture and dairy sectors under the agreement. Sectors like MSMEs and textiles will benefit from lower tariffs.

The child rights commission has advised removing sugar from Amrutham Nutri Mix. It suggested replacing sugar with a small quantity of jaggery for children. A high-level committee will scientifically determine the nutritional composition of products. Guidelines will be prepared on Nutri Mix quantity based on children's age.

India can unlock a wheat export opportunity of more than USD 1.5 billion as the gradual reopening of exports coincides with strong domestic production, comfortable stocks and efforts by major global buyers to diversify their sources, an ASSOCHAM report said.

Ongoing tensions involving Iran are pushing major oil importers to develop alternative supply routes, which increasingly bypass the supply hubs that previously dominated global energy trade.

AI prompts: Janmashtami is inspiring a wave of captivating AI photo trends across social media, with users transforming their everyday pictures into enchanting portraits inspired by Radha Rani. Using tailored AI prompts that incorporate traditional attire, intricate jewellery and spiritual backdrops, people can create unique and artistic festive portraits that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India.

Bengaluru tops the charts for household income and savings among Indias major cities, while Chennai records the highest debt-to-income ratio, driven largely by housing demand. Delhi-NCR, meanwhile, emerges as the countrys biggest consumption hub, thanks to its large household base. Mumbai and Delhi-NCR also have the highest number of affluent households, while urban spending patterns are increasingly shifting towards housing, healthcare and education.

SpiceJet is adding twenty aircraft to its fleet by mid-November. These planes will enhance capacity for the upcoming winter schedule and holiday travel. The airline aims for two hundred daily flights during this peak period. This expansion will strengthen both domestic and international network operations. The new capacity will help stabilize the market and ease airfare pressures.

Dulquer Salmaan's highly anticipated film I'm Game has finally hit the cinemas after multiple delays. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, praising Dulquer's outstanding performance and the fresh storyline. Many are also delighted with the mix of fantasy elements and Jakes Bejoy's enchanting score. Read on!

Global investors are reassessing India's economic prospects due to its strong growth. US investors see confidence boosted by India's infrastructure and reforms. More regulatory opening is needed to attract greater foreign direct investment. Policy predictability is crucial for attracting large, long-term capital commitments. India's ambition to become a developed economy shows strong momentum.

India's services sector saw a slight acceleration in August, though new business growth remained subdued. Overall activity stayed near its weakest point in over four years, despite increased hiring. Firms reported cautious optimism for future market conditions and demand improvements. Cost pressures nudged up modestly, with businesses passing on higher operating expenses. India's composite PMI held steady as manufacturing growth slowed significantly.

Economist Neelkanth Mishra defended India's GDP growth numbers against revision claims. He stated economic indicators point to a stronger economy with improving credit growth. Mishra highlighted personal vehicle dispatches and tax collections as real economic activity signs. He also noted robust construction indicators suggest strengthening private investment activity. However, weak real-wage growth indicates some economic slack remains.

Uber employee Gabbe L shared that she was laid off just days after celebrating her four-year work anniversary on August 29, following the elimination of her Chicago department. Despite the unexpected setback, she expressed gratitude for her experience, colleagues and friendships. Gabbe said she is using the transition to spend time with family, focus on herself and consider her next career move.

GIFT IFSC banking units are channeling foreign-currency deposits into financing. These units funded fifty-two billion dollars of FCNR(B) deposits under a swap facility. International Financial Services Centres Authority highlighted strong performance in foreign-currency mobilization. Indian banks also raised eleven billion dollars through bond listings on IFSC exchanges. These developments connect global capital pools with India's financing needs.

The trailer for HBO's Harry Potter series unveils an exciting new adaptation, featuring fresh talent as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. This adaptation promises to delve more deeply into character relationships and nuances, set to premiere worldwide on December 25, 2026. Read on to know more about it.

Social media user Ria shared how she saved Rs 7.2 lakh over 18 months by cutting eating out, OTT subscriptions, shopping, weekend trips and social commitments to prepare for quitting corporate life. However, she refused to compromise on health, time with her partner and quality food. Her approach sparked debate online about whether cutting social connections goes too far.

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is drawing large audiences to theatres and performing strongly. The film has crossed Rs 103 crore in India and Rs 205.20 crore worldwide. Its second weekend collections surpassed the opening weekend, showing continued audience interest. Overseas markets have also contributed significantly to its blockbuster run. Read on to know where to stream the movie after its theatrical run.

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged state governments to permit bike taxis for private two-wheeler owners, saying the move could create livelihood opportunities. He also announced a proposed negative point system for traffic violations that could lead to suspension or cancellation of driving licences.

Delhi's roads show monsoon damage with potholes and broken surfaces. Poor drainage exacerbates water accumulation, weakening the bituminous pavement structure. Experts cite inadequate stormwater drains designed decades ago as a primary cause. Road quality continues to deteriorate without significant system upgrades. PWD officials state repairs are underway on damaged city stretches.

New York City public schools will ban generative AI for younger students next year. This one-year moratorium aims to assess student interaction with the technology. High school students will receive AI literacy classes and supervised pilot programs. Companion chatbots are prohibited across all school grades. The city also recommends daily screen time limits for students.

Germany and India are deepening their environmental cooperation and strategic partnership. Both nations are committed to climate adaptation and clean energy initiatives. They will collaborate on circular economy and sustainable resource management practices. This collaboration aims to enhance economic resilience and secure future livelihoods. Discussions at the Indo-German Environment Forum solidified future joint efforts.

Krishna Janmashtami in 2026 is set to fall on Friday, September 4. This joyous occasion will see families and friends engaging in devotional bhajans and lively Raas Leela performances. The festival embodies the spirit of faith and cultural celebration, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna. Heartfelt wishes and messages will be exchanged, spreading blessings of love, peace, and prosperity, as innovative celebration ideas inspire devotion and happiness.

Boeing paid a $3.1 million fine to the FAA this year for safety violations. These violations included actions tied to the 2024 Alaska Airlines MAX 9 mid-air emergency. The FAA also cited interference with safety officials' independence and unairworthy aircraft. Hundreds of quality system violations were found at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems factories. A Boeing employee pressured a co-worker to approve a MAX aircraft for delivery.

IIT-Kanpur graduate Kanak Agrawal opened up about the emotional disorientation she experienced after returning from Sri Lanka. She said travellers often celebrate leaving but rarely discuss the strange feelings that follow coming home. Despite struggling with the transition, Agrawal believes the discomfort is temporary, while the memories and experiences gained from travel last much longer, making it worthwhile.

Iraq's oil exports increased significantly in August and September. This rise followed wide profit margins and Iranian tanker passage approvals. Buyers were incentivized by substantial discounts offered on Iraqi crude oil. Major importers like China and India are receiving more heavy crude. Shipments are improving supply to key Asian markets.

India's 7.8 percent GDP growth solidifies its status as the world's fastest-growing large economy. Ambassador Vinay Kwatra highlighted this economic and technological transformation at Nasdaq. He emphasized the growing partnership between India and Nasdaq's technology leadership companies. India seeks an even stronger collaboration with American businesses and investors moving forward. The opening bell ceremony symbolized confidence in enterprise and future India-US partnerships.

Hanuman Ansh achieved significant box-office success on a small budget. The film's earnings surpassed 20 times its production cost, showing a high return. Shobinaw Satyaa unexpectedly stepped into the lead role after the original actor fell ill. This film's journey talks about a different kind of box-office triumph. Read on to know about the journey.

Hanuman Ansh, a spiritual drama, achieved significant box-office success on a small budget. The film's earnings surpassed 20 times its production cost, showing a high return. Shobinaw Satyaa unexpectedly stepped into the lead role after the original actor fell ill. This film's journey talks about a different kind of box-office triumph. Read on to know about the journey.

Zohos Sridhar Vembu shared a childhood lesson that continues to shape his approach to problems. He recalled helping friends with mathematics, which also strengthened his own understanding. Vembu said he was taught to take responsibility for fixing what is broken rather than simply complaining. If a problem cannot be solved immediately, he believes in accepting it while remembering to address it when possible.

Indian refiners face mounting crude supply disruptions from the Gulf region. Rising vessel attacks and transit bottlenecks are causing significant delivery delays. A tight tanker market further complicates securing necessary crude oil shipments. Refiners may be forced into unplanned refinery run cuts due to these issues. However, domestic fuel supply is not expected to be impacted significantly.

After a strong debut, Yash's film Toxic is now facing a downturn in box office revenue. The gangster drama has seen a marked decrease in daily collections as it enters its second week. So far, it has made over Rs 234 crore net in India, with international earnings enhancing its global total. The film's future success depends on the response during the next weekend.

Big Branchs recovery is ultimately a reminder that environmental restoration is often measured in years rather than weeks. The stream did not improve because of a single cleanup project; its progress followed years of watershed planning, agricultural conservation, technical assistance, local participation and public funding.

Russia and India have established a functioning payments infrastructure using roubles and rupees. This system now accounts for ninety-six percent of their bilateral trade transactions. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached seventy billion dollars in 2024. The payment mechanism is considered one of Russia's most reliable with other countries. Most transactions are processed within ten minutes, with many completed in under a minute.

Quote of the Day by Maya Angelou: Maya Angelous quote, The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned, captures the universal desire for belonging, emotional safety and unconditional acceptance. Her words suggest that home is not defined only by a building or location, but by the feeling of being accepted without having to explain, defend or change who we are.

Small finance banks anticipate improved asset quality this financial year. Gross non-performing assets are projected to decline significantly by March 2027. This improvement stems from microfinance portfolio recovery and stable non-microfinance growth. Tighter underwriting practices have strengthened borrower selection in microfinance portfolios. Borrower over-indebtedness caused past credit stress in microfinance books.

India is discussing partnerships with the UK and EU for critical mineral processing. The nation collaborates with the US on resilient supply chains for critical minerals. Trade deals with the Gulf Cooperation Council and Israel are pending regional stability. Component makers are encouraged to expand their local businesses globally. High-tech firms may receive exemptions from BIS certification for manufacturing.