The Economic Times

Sushmita Mukherjee opened up about doing films she was not proud of, revealing that financial struggles influenced her choices. After her media company went bankrupt in 2002, she and her husband faced a Rs 1 crore debt. She also worked to fund her children's expensive education abroad. Mukherjee said she now chooses projects that satisfy her creatively and align with her values.

Donald Trump touts economic successes, but facts present a mixed picture. Job growth has slowed considerably in recent years, despite record highs. The stock market has seen new records, driven by company profits and AI. Manufacturing activity shows improvement, though job creation remains limited. Investment figures cited by Trump appear implausible and lack clear substantiation.

Nxtra Data is acquiring stakes in Rochak Systems and Rovision Tech Hub. This move aims to expand its data centre capacity significantly over coming years. The company plans to increase capacity to one gigawatt from current levels. This expansion will be supported by capital expenditure and external funding. Airtel is also enhancing its fibre network across many Indian cities.

CA Nitin Kaushik warns that comparing a Rs 50,000 EMI with Rs 35,000 rent can hide the true cost of homeownership. A 20-year loan may cost more than double the borrowed amount after interest. Buyers must also consider maintenance, property taxes and the opportunity cost of the down payment. Kaushik says evaluating a home as a wealth-building asset requires looking beyond monthly EMI and calculating its total financial cost.

An Iranian parliamentary committee is reviewing a bill to bar hostile vessels from the Strait of Hormuz. This preliminary legislation proposes significant fines for any ships violating these new restrictions. The draft bill is currently undergoing expert review and recommendations are being sought. Specialists have been invited to submit their suggestions before the draft is finalized. This proposed measure could impact international maritime transit through a vital waterway.

The White House has established price floors and a fifteen percent tariff on polysilicon products. This action aims to bolster domestic chip and solar supply chains for national security. The new trade protections will officially take effect on December fourth this year. Minimum import prices are set for polysilicon, ingots, wafers, cells, and modules. An incentive program will also encourage domestic production of polysilicon and its derivatives.

The government is set to replace the 1940 Drugs and Cosmetics Act with a new law covering drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. The draft bill strengthens the powers of the DCGI, introduces stricter bail provisions for serious drug offences, enables faster approvals and recalls, and creates dedicated regulatory and advisory bodies for medical devices.

Tata Sons is now an upper-layer NBFC, requiring its stock market listing. The Reserve Bank of India is reviewing its deregistration application. This classification mandates stricter regulations for at least five years. Tata Trusts wants Tata Sons to remain privately held. The Shapoorji-Pallonji Group seeks to unlock value through a listing.

Cant have enough of energy drinks? An eminent cardiologist recently warned people against consuming too many energy drinks; it can make your heart rate much faster than normal and increase palpitations even among healthy individuals.

Postpartum psychosis is mental health disorder that can happen to anyone after giving birth, but the chances are higher for people with certain mental health conditions.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed ongoing import tariff rationalisation efforts. Further measures are expected in the budget for the year 2027-28. She also outlined the Viksit Bharat vision for the year 2047. This vision includes zero poverty and universal access to education and healthcare. India's destiny is to become a developed civilisation with prosperity and responsibility.

India's per capita income could rise six-fold by 2047. This growth would make the nation a developed economy. Higher investment and domestic savings are critical for sustained economic growth. Structural reforms are needed to remove investment obstacles. Achieving this goal requires attracting investment and boosting savings.

Britannia Industries saw net profit rise fourteen percent in the June quarter. Sales increased eight percent to five thousand crore rupees during the period. Profit growth outpaced revenue growth as the company managed costs. E-commerce and general trade channels saw rapid scaling and robust expansion. The company remains agile to deliver sustainable revenue growth amid improving demand.

Emcure Pharmaceuticals reported a 23% revenue increase in the first quarter. Ebitda grew 25.8% with improved margins, reflecting productivity gains. Net profit saw a significant 36.2% rise during the period. The company began its five-year plan on a strong footing for FY27. Emcure also completed the acquisition of a minority stake in Gennova Biopharmaceuticals.

Pidilite Industries has raised prices across its product portfolio due to rising raw material costs. The company implemented between one and three price hikes, depending on product categories. With recent raw material price cool-offs, Pidilite is open to price reductions for consumers. Sales volumes grew over eleven percent in the June quarter, showing strong company performance. Pidilite is also diversifying raw material sourcing to enhance supply chain resilience.

JSW Energy's renewable arms secured over four thousand crore rupees in long-term loans. These funds will finance ongoing and future renewable energy projects for the company. Axis Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and NaBFID provided the substantial financing. The loans feature competitive interest rates and extended repayment periods. This move highlights a preference for bank financing over corporate bonds.

Manipal Hospitals plans future growth through acquisition integration and market expansion. The company will focus on improving clinical complexity and patient experience. Large hospital acquisitions are becoming scarce, shifting focus to organic growth. Manipal aims to increase bed capacity and utilization over the next three years. Affordability will be managed by enhancing complexity rather than raising prices.

Vehicle registrations saw a significant 26% year-on-year increase in July. This performance marked the best-ever July for all vehicle segments combined. Two-wheeler sales grew 28%, while passenger vehicles climbed 19% last month. Rural markets outperformed urban centers across most vehicle categories. Electric vehicle adoption also reached new record highs in July.

ReNew plans to sell its hydropower unit for approximately 1,000 crore. This move aligns with the company's asset recycling strategy for new projects. The unit, acquired from Larsen & Toubro, houses projects in Uttarakhand. Several firms engaged in hydropower generation are likely to be approached. ReNew is recovering from a failed bid to go private last year.

Renewable energy developers are urgently requesting comprehensive financial assistance from the government due to significant delays in essential transmission projects, resulting in major curtailment of power generation. This mishap has led to severe revenue losses and heightened difficulties with loan obligations. In response, they are advocating for bridge financing and temporary moratoriums to alleviate the financial strain. The government is currently evaluating these challenges to form suit

CreditAccess India, the promoter of Indias largest pure-play microfinance lender CreditAccess Grameen, has sold a 2.28% stake through block deals to provide a partial exit opportunity to long-term investors. The stake sale is part of a broader plan to increase the companys free float, bring in new investors and broaden institutional ownership, while the promoter continues to back CreditAccess Grameens long-term growth plans.

Trent's net profit increased twenty-two percent in the June quarter, reaching five hundred eighteen crore rupees. Strong growth from Westside and Zudio fashion brands fueled this significant financial performance. Revenue climbed eighteen percent to five thousand seven hundred fifty-five crore rupees during the same period. The company aggressively expanded its store network, adding nine new cities and over one thousand three hundred locations.

Global investment firm KKR has acquired Medicover India's hospital network for $1.39 billion. This acquisition marks KKR's third hospital purchase in recent years. Medicover India operates 24 multi-specialty hospitals across South and West India. The European healthcare chain will now focus its operations solely within the continent. This transaction allows Medicover to strengthen its financial position and pursue European growth.

Indian luxury hotel chains are investing heavily in wellness tourism. The Oberoi Group plans twenty new lifestyle resorts across India and abroad. Indian Hotels Company is expanding its Atmantan wellness brand with new centers. Developers are integrating wellness facilities into luxury hospitality projects. This expansion caters to growing traveler demand for wellness experiences.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has ordered lenders to proceed with prosecuting their officers implicated in a questionable alliance with builders. The court's directive includes the allocation of extra police forces to bolster the CBI's ongoing probe. Additionally, pertinent case details will be handed over to the Enforcement Directorate, as the CBI scrutinizes allegations tied to certain real estate firms.

Approximately sixty percent of Kolkata's real estate projects will soon receive clearance. Most remaining projects are expected to be approved before August fifteenth. This follows mandatory scrutiny of buildings taller than four floors by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The government has made significant progress in reviewing these development proposals. Restarting construction activity will benefit the sector's supply chain and workforce.

India's real estate IPO market is diversifying into new asset classes. Companies are exploring listings in co-working spaces and student housing. Institutionally managed platforms are increasingly tapping public markets for capital. Industrial and logistics parks are also seeing significant investor interest. This evolving pipeline signals a new phase for real estate listings.

Hero MotoCorp posted a 29% net profit increase for the first quarter. Revenue from operations rose 36% to Rs 12,999 crore during the period. The company sold 16.77 lakh motorcycles and scooters, showing strong consumer demand. VIDA and global business segments also experienced substantial year-on-year growth. Hero's strategy focuses on premiumization, electric mobility, and global expansion.

Our time on earth is limited and like all the good things in life, life too is short and can come to an end without warning. Since life is so transient, we should do all we can to celebrate it as well as cherish the people we love. We never know when they will be gone forever.

We have begun FY27, the second year of our five-year planon a strong footing. FY26 was about putting the building blocks in place across teams, portfolio, integration and operating discipline. FY27 is about delivery, and Q1 is an encouraging early signal, said Satish Mehta, Managing Director and CEO Emcure Pharmaceuticals.

Banks cannot disable borrower mobile phones and laptops for loan recovery. This new rule applies unless the devices themselves were financed by lenders. The Reserve Bank of India announced these regulations will take effect January 1, 2027. Banks must adopt a gradual approach when disabling devices, not immediately. Essential functions like incoming calls and emergency services remain accessible to borrowers.

July saw vehicle registrations hit an all-time high, fueled by strong consumer demand after the GST cuts. Sales of two-wheelers climbed by twenty-eight percent, while other vehicle types also showed considerable improvement. Notably, rural markets outpaced urban areas in most categories. Additionally, electric vehicle sales reached new milestones within the two-wheeler and commercial sectors, and dealers are optimistic about ongoing growth leading into the festive season.

The panel suggested the commerce department prepare a time-bound roadmap to achieve the objectives of the Mission 500 initiative by promoting trade in goods and services, encouraging investment, enhancing cooperation in critical technologies, improving supply chain and addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers faced by Indian exporters and prepare a long-term strategy to increase India's share in the American market. The two countries aim to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 bi

Mumbai fitness coach Vanshika Khurana shares a protein-rich cheesy soya kebab recipe. This recipe offers a healthy alternative to fried snacks. It uses soya chunks and whole wheat bread for a nutritious base. The kebabs are pan-fried and served with a fresh coriander chutney. This snack provides approximately thirty grams of protein per serving.

In a recent announcement, the Reserve Bank of India has introduced fresh regulations for non-banking financial companies. Moving forward, NBFCs will be restricted to providing only term loans, effectively barring revolving credit offerings, though those currently authorized to issue credit cards are not affected. Standalone NBFCs will require prior permissions and significant funding to independently offer credit cards. The central bank is actively seeking input on these upcoming policies.

EIH Limited has announced impressive revenue and net profit growth for the first quarter, showcasing its robust business performance. The executive chairman conveyed optimism regarding forthcoming investments and developmental endeavors.

Approval from the Union Cabinet has been secured for the construction of the 4-lane Baihata CharialiTezpur Highway project, covering a stretch of 135 km with an investment of Rs 8,970 crore. The highway promises to cut down travel durations significantly and enhance connectivity, thus fostering economic activity across the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River. This endeavor is part of Assam's ongoing efforts to uplift its infrastructure.

Nitin Sharma, an MBA dropout from Pune, developed a waterless car cleaning method to address water scarcity. His eco-friendly venture now saves significant water daily and generates substantial revenue. Sharma invested personal savings and mortgaged jewelry to fund his innovative business idea. After years of research, he created a plant-based cleaner that protects car paint effectively. This sustainable business model proves that environmental consciousness can be highly profitable.

India's primary energy import dependence has decreased to forty-two percent by FY25. Crude oil imports still meet nearly ninety percent of domestic demand. Natural gas import dependence has increased to about fifty percent. Coal import dependence has fallen to around eighteen percent due to production. Energy security requires clean energy and domestic production for resilience.

ixigo's group CEO Aloke Bajpai sees hotels as the company's fastest-growing segment. The company is poised to lead the mid-market hotel segment in four to five years. Brevistay acquisition strengthens ixigo's flexible and short-stay accommodation offerings. Hotels are achieving critical mass, supported by a large existing user base. ixigo targets winning the mid-market and budget hotel segments as an online travel agency.

The government will likely not sell more LIC shares for eighteen to twenty-four months. LIC has until 2032 to meet minimum public shareholding norms. The company recently saw a 6.5 percent stake sale well received by markets. LIC achieved ten percent public float ahead of its May 2027 deadline. The insurer reported a twenty-three percent profit increase and premium income growth.

India has dismissed claims regarding United States ethanol imports for fuel blending. All ethanol procurement for the blending program is sourced domestically by India. No concessions or commitments were made to the US for ethanol imports. Reports suggesting a policy shift allowing large-scale imports are misleading. India's fuel blending program adheres strictly to domestic policy requirements.

How to build confidence in yourself when you seem to have none? In an old interview, tennis player Venus Williams explained how, when you are being overwhelmed by self-doubt, it is good to make an attempt to believe in yourself.

India's finance minister announced plans to streamline customs tariffs, aiming for a significant overhaul by the fiscal year 2027-28. This move is expected to simplify trade procedures and potentially boost economic activity by making imports and exports more predictable and cost-effective for businesses across various sectors.

The company said the production demonstrates The Netflix Effect by generating employment, supporting local businesses, advancing creative technology and investing in talent.

Brazil's Industry Minister urged India to jointly defend multilateralism and the WTO. He highlighted the need to counter unilateral tariff impositions by the United States. Brazil seeks to diversify export markets, with India being a key priority. Brazilian companies are also keen to invest in Indian energy and infrastructure projects. Cooperation on fertilizer supply and green ammonia for agriculture is also sought.

Life lesson quote by Friedrich Nietzsche serves as a reminder that life is not measured by a single day, a single achievement, or a single failure. Instead, it is defined by the courage to keep growing, the wisdom to remain patient, and the determination to stay true to one's values throughout the journey. When success is built on character, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement, today's genuine laughter becomes the foundation for tomorrow's enduring fulfillment, proving that the most me

Japanese Mindset: Japanese philosophy introduces Honne and Tatemae, a nuanced balance between inner truths and social harmony. Honne refers to ones authentic sentiments, while Tatemae embodies the outward persona presented to society. This dualistic approach emphasizes politeness and strives to avert conflict, fostering interaction based on empathy rather than deception. Ultimately, embracing this philosophy cultivates respectful connections that enhance interpersonal relationships.

Primary steel producers expect steady operating profitability this fiscal year. Higher global steel prices and safeguard duties will support profit margins. Domestic steel demand is projected to grow between five and seven percent. This growth will be driven by infrastructure and other key sectors. Strong demand and steady profits will strengthen cash accruals for companies.