The Economic Times

Unlike millennials, Gen Z workers are in no mood to sacrifice work-life balance at the cost of their own well-being. A viral post on X shared a funny anecdote about how a clever employee exploited an unfair company policy for his own benefit.

Independence Day: Story of India's technological rise now focuses on indigenous manufacturing and ambitious future goals. Digital public infrastructure and affordable smartphones fueled this significant technological evolution. Production linked incentive schemes drive electronics and semiconductor manufacturing growth. India aims to build, own, and export future technologies.

American woman Kristen Fischer, who lives in India, compared moving homes in India and the USA. She said Indian households can hire affordable packers and movers for around Rs 10,000-Rs 30,000, while professional movers in America can cost thousands of dollars. As a result, DIY moving is more common in the US, where people often rent trucks, call friends and family, and offer pizza in return for help.

Iraqs oil marketing company SOMO says Abu Dhabis Adnoc is one of the companies buying Iraqi crude and moving shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Adnocs trading arm is also offering Iraqi oil to Asian buyers, while Iraqs crude exports through Hormuz have risen to around 2 million barrels per day. The increase underscores how heavily Iraqs oil trade with Asian markets depends on the strategically important waterway.

Funds are partnering with Delhi NCR developers to acquire land and finish projects. This provides essential liquidity amid rising costs and market slowdown. Several developers are securing credit lines to maintain steady cash flows. Alternative Investment Funds are crucial for land acquisition in key growth hubs. Private equity inflows show a significant surge in the domestic real estate sector.

The company said that the partnership will combine Shraddha Diagnostics' regional presence, clinician relationships and expertise in routine diagnostics with LifeCell's scientific capabilities, specialised diagnostic portfolio and technology-enabled laboratory infrastructure.

Delhi-based entrepreneur Kanika Jain shared how she hired a candidate who arrived 15 minutes late with an average resume and limited experience. During the interview, he honestly admitted, I dont know when asked a technical question. He explained that he would seek help rather than risk giving the wrong answer. Jain said honesty mattered because skills can be learned, but honesty is harder to teach.

Having a tooth fall out can be painful. However, you should never just wrap a fallen tooth in a piece of tissue and visit the dentist. Taking to X, internal medicine expert Dr Priyam Bordoloi explained why doing so would be futile.

Nikhil Kamaths conversation with Chinese battery experts explores whether India should build electric vehicles or focus on batteries. The discussion examines safety concerns around LFP batteries, the potential of sodium-ion and nickel-based technologies, the limitations of solid-state batteries and what India could do to reduce dependence on Chinas battery supply chain.

Gland Pharma has appointed Deepak Sapra as its new chief executive officer, with his tenure set to begin on November 16, 2026, subject to his acceptance of the offer. Sapra brings 27 years of executive experience, including over 23 years in pharmaceuticals, and currently leads API and Services at Dr Reddys Laboratories.

In 1968, Indias Gold (Control) Act restricted gold ownership and capped jewellery purity at 14 karats to curb imports and conserve foreign exchange. Instead of reducing demand, the law pushed gold underground, with households hiding jewellery and smugglers building a parallel market.

Frances Benjamin Johnston entered photography in the 1880s when few women pursued professional careers. Gifted a Kodak No. 1 by George Eastman in 1887, she trained at the Smithsonian and later photographed US presidents, political figures and socialites. She also documented workers, farmers, coal miners and African American students. By 1900, her photographs were displayed at the Paris Exposition, establishing her as one of America's pioneering female photographers.

India faces rising fertilizer costs, prompting a review of its subsidy system. Global supply chain issues and war have doubled procurement expenses for the nation. Farmers are urged to reduce excessive chemical fertilizer use for soil health. A new distribution system is being tested to manage nutrient sales. This situation risks impacting food inflation both domestically and abroad.

Government debt servicing remains positive, with loan accumulation below GDP expansion. However, irregularities worth 603 crore were found in the export incentive scheme. Inadmissible benefits and systemic failures led to significant financial gaps. The tax dispute scheme also showed lapses in calculations and revenue recovery. These issues resulted in prolonged delays and revenue losses for the government.

The CAG identified 1,902 tax lapses involving over twenty-five thousand crore rupees. These cases involved incorrect tax rates and faulty income computations. Many lapses occurred after demonetisation during the 2017-18 assessment year. Assessing officers failed to apply relevant sections in numerous unexplained transaction cases. This resulted in under-assessment of tax in the majority of identified instances.

A parliamentary committee suggests penalizing banks for mule accounts and KYC lapses. It also highlighted delays in merchant discount rates impacting payment providers' investments. The government is exploring a self-reliant revenue model for UPI's financial sustainability. Amendments allow charges on UPI and other digital payment modes. This aims to address a significant funding gap impacting infrastructure development.

India remains in regular contact with the United States regarding their proposed trade deal. Both nations are committed to the framework agreement reached earlier this year. The US recently imposed a ten percent duty on Indian goods due to labor concerns. Washington is also considering further tariffs on India for Russian oil imports. India continues to actively engage US authorities to resolve outstanding trade issues.

India's goods exports grew significantly in July, driven by engineering and electronics sectors. Imports also increased, leading to a wider trade deficit compared to last year. Gold and silver imports saw varied performance after a customs duty hike was implemented. Exports to West Asia showed recovery, and border trade resumed through Nathu La. Overall goods exports for April-July also registered a substantial year-on-year increase.

A 24-year-old female biker from Mumbai named Riddhi Thakkar died after her motorcycle collided with a trailer truck. The accident occurred on National Highway 30 near Markatola Ghat in Chhattisgarh. She was traveling with a group of bikers towards Bastar when the truck crossed lanes. Riders and locals assisted her, and she was taken to a hospital. Doctors declared her dead on arrival, and police are searching for the truck driver.

Six people died and 14 were injured after water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel at the THDC hydroelectric project in Pipalkoti, Uttarakhands Chamoli district, on Thursday, officials said. Twenty of 22 trapped workers were rescued, while information on the remaining two was unavailable.

An Air India A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi briefly lost hydraulic control across all three systems, causing the aircraft to plunge about 300 feet and injure 24 people. Airbus initial flight-recorder assessment found the pressure drop occurred within one second, briefly affecting the ailerons and elevators and leaving pilots struggling to control the aircraft.

Indias passenger vehicle sales rose 34% year-on-year to a record 457,810 units in July, supported by improved affordability and strong CNG demand. Two-wheeler sales increased 23%, while three-wheeler volumes grew 33% during the month.

Air India plans to add over 100 aircraft across the group in 2027 and 2028 while continuing its $400-million fleet retrofit programme. The expansion comes as the airline tackles higher operating costs, disrupted international routes and profitability pressures.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles June-quarter net profit fell 80% to 775 crore as JLR faced supply disruptions and weaker volumes, while higher commodity costs squeezed margins. Strong domestic passenger vehicle and electric vehicle sales helped consolidated revenue rise 9.3%.

Maya Angelou's powerful quote, Forgive yourself for not knowing what only time could teach, offers a simple lesson about self-forgiveness, mistakes and personal growth. The quote reminds us that we often judge our past decisions using knowledge and experience we gained later in life. Her own journey, from a difficult childhood to becoming a celebrated author, poet and civil rights activist, reflects how experiences can shape a person's understanding and strength.

Kerala will oppose the Centre's mining law amendments which affect state revenue. The state argues curbs on tax powers erode constitutional authority and cause losses. Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced formal protest and legal remedies exploration. Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026 recently. This amendment invalidates state levies not yet deposited or recovered.

Hillhouse Investments plans to double its India investments over the next few years. Real estate is a key focus area for the global investment firm. Data centers represent a significant long-term opportunity for substantial growth. The firm has already deployed over two billion dollars in India. Hillhouse aims to build a full-stack platform supporting India's macro drivers.

Bank of America is set to invest a substantial $1.9 billion into Jio Financial's Jio Credit, marking a significant show of confidence in India's booming retail loan sector. This collaboration merges Jio's innovative digital capabilities with the seasoned financial knowledge of Bank of America, enabling a strategic expansion in the rapidly growing Indian economy. Regulatory approvals will be required to finalize this impactful venture.

Out-of-home food and beverage consumption is increasingly shifting towards group occasions. Solo consumption has declined while larger group consumption has significantly risen in recent years. Consumers are also prioritizing healthier snacks and drinks in their out-of-home choices. This trend indicates a more selective approach to eating outside the home. Companies are now focusing on unmet nutritional needs to drive future growth.

Most sugar mills will not advance their crushing season by fifteen days. A significant shortage of migrant labor remains the primary obstacle for mills. This labor is typically available only around Diwali in November each year. Mechanized harvesting cannot adequately compensate for the missing workforce. Industry bodies had promised the government an earlier start to crushing operations.

The Delhi High Court upheld a single-judge order against Alder Biochem. This ruling prevents them from using the 'Biochem' trademark. Alder Biochem's claim of the term being public property was rejected. Zydus Healthcare has held the registered trademark since 1959. The court's decision protects Zydus Healthcare's established brand.

Insurance rates for fire, cyber, professional indemnity and directors liability fell sharply in the June quarter as abundant capacity intensified competition. Marsh India expects the buyer-friendly market to persist, with companies using lower prices to secure broader coverage and higher limits.

Motilal Oswal Group committed 1,500 crore to Inox Clean Energy for growth initiatives. The investment uses compulsorily convertible debentures, offering hybrid capital benefits. This funding will support acquisitions and expansion of renewable power generation businesses. Inox Clean Energy plans a potential initial public offering within the next two years. The company has raised 5,300 crore in total funding since early 2026.

India's new urea tender is expected to secure the nutrient at lower prices. Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers received bids significantly below previous rates. This development offers relief to the nation's substantial fertilizer subsidy bills. Global urea prices declined in May after an initial surge following the West Asia crisis. India, a major importer, sells urea to farmers at heavily subsidized rates.

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Competition Commission of India and others. This follows an appeal by the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies against KSBC. The industry body alleges unfair trade practices and discrimination in the liquor market. KSBC is accused of unilaterally fixing prices and levying additional charges. The court will hear the matter again on September 23.

Wholesale onion prices have surged significantly in the past week. The government plans to sell buffer stock onions to control rising prices. A delayed kharif crop from southern India is expected to further increase costs. Onion quality has suffered globally due to erratic weather conditions. Future price trends will depend on September rainfall and new crop arrivals.

India's edible oil imports decreased by eight percent in July compared to last year. Vegetable oil imports also saw a seven percent decline during the same period. Over nine months, vegetable oil imports rose, while edible oil imports increased by five percent. The import basket saw refined oil share drop to four percent from fourteen percent. Crude oil imports consequently increased to ninety-six percent from eighty-six percent.

Fresh coriander prices have significantly increased due to heavy rains. Supplies from key producing regions like Nashik were disrupted by flooding. Wholesale prices reached 175 per kg, while retail prices climbed higher. Limited arrivals from Karnataka offered some relief but with lower quality. Transport disruptions further contributed to the sharp price movements this week.

Indian restaurants face regulatory crackdowns and calls for greater transparency. Regulators in Mumbai and Bengaluru have suspended licenses for hygiene and storage violations. This situation prompts consumers to consider cooking at home more often. Industry leaders emphasize prioritizing consumer safety and improving operational standards. Despite concerns, dine-in numbers are not significantly declining at present.