The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
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.
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.
The Indian Federation of Green Energy wants to expand compressed biogas blending obligations. This move aims to include large industrial gas consumers beyond city distributors. The union cabinet recently approved a scheme to boost domestic CBG production significantly. This expansion will help reduce India's dependence on imported natural gas. The federation proposes sector-wide purchase obligations and tradable certificates.
Employers can now contribute $2,500 each year to Trump Accounts designed for children's savings. Alongside this, employees have the option to make pre-tax payroll contributions to these accounts. Known as Invest America accounts, the initiative seeks to boost awareness and encourage responsible savings for the future. Additionally, Michael Dell's foundation has pledged a whopping $6.25 billion to enhance savings programs for children across the U.S.
India's urea import offers dropped significantly, signaling market easing after war-driven tightness. Offers for the soil nutrient were twelve percent below June's purchase price. State-run producers received bids for millions of tons against tender requirements. Prices have crashed to less than half of earlier war-driven levels. Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has held below normal.
In an exciting development, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu unveiled new IndiGo flight services that link Vijayawada with Varanasi and Kolkata. The flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, generating considerable enthusiasm among passengers. Local MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry expressed interest in having direct international flights to Dubai and a connection to Kochi, as the Ministry of Civil Aviation aims to enhance Vijayawada's transport options.
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Air India chief Campbell Wilson urged staff to do the right thing even when unobserved. He highlighted instances of employee travel privilege misuse and other violations since privatization. Around one thousand employees have been terminated for various rule breaches since January 2022. Systems and controls are being tightened to prevent and address abuse within the airline. Wilson will depart next month after leading the company through these changes.
Socrates' quote of the day, If you wish to be loved, you must first show yourself worthy of love by performing deeds of true goodness, offers a simple lesson about love, kindness and character. The ancient Greek philosopher suggests that people should not only expect affection and respect from others but also show through their actions that they are worthy of it. The quote also reflects Socrates' wider interest in virtue, morality and the question of how a person should live a good life.
Leicester City's Thai owners, King Power, have reportedly placed the club up for sale. This comes after successive relegations from the Premier League and Championship. The club was also docked six points for financial rule breaches last season. A US investment bank is assisting in finding a buyer for the club. The Foxes begin their League One campaign this Saturday.
Warner Bros. officially announced that a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy is currently in the works. The first installment achieved remarkable success, selling over forty million copies globally. Anticipation is high for this new chapter, which is expected to enhance the company's profit outlook significantly. While fans eagerly await updates on gameplay and release schedules, a fresh television adaptation of the franchise is also being undertaken.
Somali referee Omar Artan officiated the UEFA Super Cup after missing the World Cup. He was denied entry to the United States due to alleged terrorist ties. UEFA offered him the Super Cup match after the Miami incident. Artan expressed gratitude to UEFA and the Confederation of African Football. This appointment also signifies a political gesture by UEFA towards FIFA.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the Navy can maintain an indefinite blockade of Iran. Ships will be rotated in and out of the region as needed for sustained pressure. President Donald Trump asserted complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. The US Navy has redirected over fifty commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade. Military forces have also disabled and boarded several ships during operations.
Israeli troops occupied Palestinian homes in Qusra village on Thursday. Settlers had trapped Palestinian families in a siege since the weekend. The United Nations reported some fifteen Palestinians were trapped without water or electricity. The Israeli military stated soldiers were deployed to protect residents and maintain security. The U.S. Ambassador called the settlers Israeli terrorists and their actions criminal.
An explosion struck an ammunition manufacturing plant in Colleferro near Rome on Thursday. Local authorities confirmed the incident at the former Simmel Difesa facility, now KNDS Ammo Italy. Initial reports indicated no injuries and all workers were safe following the blast. The explosion may have originated in the plant's powder-pressing department. Emergency crews responded to the site as the fire continued to burn.
Bangladesh has enforced earlier closing times for businesses to save electricity. Severe gas shortages are significantly impacting the nation's power generation capacity. Load-shedding now extends for up to twelve hours daily across several regions. Global energy market volatility, including the Iran crisis, exacerbates import challenges. The country faces a persistent gap between its energy demand and available supply.
Quote of the Day by Cher: Chers quote, If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen, explores the importance of determination, ambition, and persistence in achieving personal goals. The quote suggests that when a person genuinely wants something, they can look for solutions, overcome obstacles, and find ways to turn their dreams into reality rather than allowing difficulties or setbacks to stop them.
Quote of the day by Lewis Carroll: Lewis Carroll's quote distinguishes genuine joy from mere amusement. He believed true happiness aligns with life's deeper aspects. Constant mockery can diminish the importance of serious matters. Finding a balance between humor and seriousness is a key life lesson.
The quote of the Day by Nikola Tesla, I do not think you can name many great inventions that have been made by married men explores the famous inventors provocative views on marriage, creativity, ambition and the sacrifices behind extraordinary achievement. Nikola Tesla meant that he believed great inventions often require intense focus, and marriage could bring responsibilities that divide that attention.
Career coach Simon Ingari recently shared a brilliant post on how a Gen Z employee, whose manager was trying to pressure him into attending a client call after work hours, outwitted his boss and established that he would not be expected to work after hours.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against Harvard University. The administration alleged Harvard failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from harassment. Judge Richard Stearns ruled the lawsuit did not show an ongoing civil rights violation. This decision means the legal challenge against the university has been unsuccessful. The court found no plausible evidence of current federal law breaches on campus.
Quote of the day by Tom Holland: Tom Holland's famous quote, I think the most important thing is to be grateful for what..., is a simple reminder to be grateful for what we have. The Spider-Man stars words carry a message about happiness, family, love, and meaningful relationships. In a world that moves fast, this quote asks us to pause. Sometimes, appreciating the people and moments in our lives is the greatest lesson of all.
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Generation Z is often unfairly condemned as lazy and entitled. Taking to X, a popular career coach explained how the current generation of employees is far from being entitled. They are just establishing boundaries when there were none before
How AI is saving elephants: Gajraj AI technology is helping strengthen wildlife protection near Coimbatore by reducing the risk of elephant-train collisions. With thousands of real-time alerts, the system enables train drivers to slow down or halt, allowing elephants to cross the railway tracks safely. The system has facilitated nearly 9,500 safe elephant crossings, with zero reported elephant fatalities on the monitored railway stretch. The AI-powered network also helps detect other wildlife sp
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has brought Tom Holland back as Peter Parker, with Zendaya also returning in the latest chapter of the MCU's Spider-Man story. The film continues the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and introduces a new phase in Peter Parker's life as he faces fresh challenges. While the movie is currently playing in theatres, fans are already waiting to know when they can watch it from home. Here is what we know so far about its OTT release plans, expected timeline and possible strea
India is embarking on a transformative journey with plans for four specialized critical mineral processing parks in strategic states, emphasizing lithium and nickelessential components for battery production. Spearheaded by state governments, this initiative aims to harness central technical support and is in line with the National Critical Mineral Mission's vision for self-reliance, propelling the country toward a sustainable green energy future.
Sometimes, we are to blame for all of our own suffering. Russian literary master Fyodor Dostoevsky once shared a bitter truth that, a lot of times, people are to blame for the misery in their lives.
In 1870, William Gladstone Steel came across a newspaper story about Crater Lake in Oregon while the paper was being used to wrap his lunch. The unusual discovery stayed with him for years, and after finally seeing the lake in 1885, he became determined to protect it from development. Steel spent the next 17 years petitioning, lobbying and building support for its preservation. His long campaign finally paid off in 1902, when Crater Lake was officially established as a national park, protecting
Olaus and Mardy Murie dedicated their lives to protecting America's wild landscapes. Their research and advocacy significantly influenced conservation efforts in Alaska. The couple's work was instrumental in the passage of a landmark conservation act. This legislation preserved millions of acres of vital natural areas. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire environmental protection movements.
Twenty bids were received for the government's rare earth magnet manufacturing scheme. This initiative aims to establish 6,000 metric tonnes of domestic production capacity. The scheme will support industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors. It seeks to build a complete value chain from oxide to finished magnets. The program will run for seven years after facility setup and incentive disbursement.
Grievances against pesky calls and messages have risen significantly since 2022. Most complaints are filed against unregistered telemarketers, data shows. Telecom connections of pesky callers were disconnected, but numbers fell recently. Action on sponsoring entities has seen a continuous rise in blacklisting. Registered telemarketers also faced blacklisting actions by authorities.

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