The Economic Times

JioStar launched a deep product integration with ChatGPT during the IPL that went beyond conventional search. Viewers could ask questions about players and matches in natural language while watching the game and receive contextual information without interrupting their viewing experience.

Entertainment company Eloelo Group has unveiled Dolphin AI, an agentic AI studio designed to handle video production from scripting and planning to generation and editing. The AI agent's main proposition is to maintain continuity across multiple shots. The platform was developed initially to address Eloelos own high-volume video production requirements and is now being offered to external users.

Getting a better seat on a flight does not always mean paying extra or using airline miles. One traveller has revealed a simple approach he used while speaking to airline staff, while travel experts explain why being flexible, travelling alone, choosing quieter flights and making the right request at the gate can sometimes improve your chances of a free or discounted upgrade.

Prabhat emphasized the need for India's media and entertainment industry to create enduring economic value. He noted that overwhelming scale of content production is insufficient for sustainability and growth in creative enterprises. Greater investment in original intellectual property and improved protection against piracy were highlighted as essential.

Wednesday Season 3 will make a comeback on Netflix in 2027. The show will take a dark turn in the much-awaited Season 3. Currently in production in Ireland and France, the new season will take a more deeper dive in the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.

Through the investment, CPP Investments will acquire around 27% stake in PHVL, with the majority of the capital supporting the platform's continued expansion.

Keerthy Suresh and Radhika Apte's much-awaited series Akka takes viewers into a fictional South Indian town in the 1980s, where a powerful sisterhood of women controls an underground criminal empire. Their carefully built world comes under threat when a mysterious outsider arrives with a personal vendetta, triggering rivalries, betrayal and a wider struggle for power. The period gangster thriller marks Keerthy Suresh's OTT debut and also stars Tanvi Azmi in a key role.

Indias Sustainable Aviation Fuel readiness is estimated to be approximately 52 percent, showing modest growth in adoption. The country plans to reach blending targets of 1 percent by 2027 and 5 percent by 2030. Coordinated action across stakeholders will be important to support the development of the SAF market in India.

The season ends with Stuart Bloom and his friends trapped in yet another bizarre reality. There, they come across a TV production called Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. They soon realize alternate versions of themselves are acting out their lives as a sitcom. A studio audience watches it all unfold.

IHH Healthcare aims to raise its stake in Fortis Healthcare to 51 percent within three to five years. The company intends to increase Fortis' total capacity to around 10,000 beds by 2031. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling concerning a forensic audit of Fortis. IHH confirmed it was not involved in ongoing disputes between Fortis and prior management.

Advent International's Rasmalai Limited has sought Competition Comission of India's (CCI) approval to acquire a stake in Yatharth Hospitals. Meanwhile, CCI has approved four deals across agrochemicals, marine engineering, insurance and renewable energy. Rasmalai, incorporated in Cyprus and indirectly controlled by funds managed or advised by Advent, has proposed buying shares in Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services, an Indian super-specialty hospital chain.

Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil has a long-standing connection with Tamil star-turned-politician Vijay. Speaking to director KS Ravikumar on Behindwoods TV, Fahadh recalled that Vijay was the first person to tell him he could become an actor. Their first meeting took place on the sets of Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, directed by Fahadhs father, when he was 12.

Harvard-trained gut doctor Dr Saurabh Sethi highlights the significance of adopting proactive lifestyle habits to avert health complications associated with ageing. Engaging in regular strength training is crucial for preserving muscle mass and promoting metabolic wellness. A sufficient intake of protein and fibre facilitates effective muscle recovery and gut health. Additionally, moderate coffee consumption may aid in mitigating chronic disease risks, while adding chia seeds can boost nutrient

This decision comes due to continued maritime security issues in West Asia and surrounding regions. Indian seafarers on vessels may face issues with certificate renewal or revalidation as a result of these challenges. The extension applies to various statutory certificates held by Indian seafarers working onboard.

Power Mech Projects has secured an operation and maintenance project worth Rs 549.37 crore from Moxie Power Generation. This contract involves providing complete services at the 2x600 MW Tuticorin TPP. The duration of the contract is set for 60 months. The project will commence on October 1, marking a significant partnership in the energy sector.

Competition Commission of India approved BNP Paribas Cardif's proposal to acquire a 26% stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd. The stake will be purchased from private equity company Warburg Pincus. The insurance firm said step in its international growth and diversification strategy and strengthens its presence in India. In a separate deal, CCI authorised Crystal Crop Protection Ltd to acquire FMC India Pvt Ltd.

During the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2026, significant business agreements were established. A total of 4,400 Memorandums of Understanding were signed, amounting to approximately Rs 6,500 crore. Various nations including Russia and Japan participated, showing interest in diverse sectors. The event concluded with projections of potential business worth around Rs 15,500 crore. FIEO emphasized the potential of Uttar Pradesh in enhancing Indias export capabilities.

Chinese electronics trader Jay Chens comments about working with Indian buyers have triggered an online discussion about international sourcing practices. Chen said some prospective customers negotiate heavily on prices and request samples, while also mentioning concerns among some sellers about fraudulent buyers. Indian users responded by discussing price comparisons, quality checks, factory visits and their own experiences with Chinese suppliers.

Spotify users across the US and UK reported an outage on Tuesday, with thousands facing problems while using the music streaming platform. The disruption appeared to affect some features more than others, leaving users wondering what was behind the sudden issue. Spotify acknowledged the problem but did not immediately provide details about its cause or when it would be resolved.

KKR has announced a majority investment in Cisternina Logistics, which focuses on bulk liquid and gas storage. This investment will facilitate Cisternina's acquisition of Ganesh Benzoplast Limited's liquid storage terminal business. Additionally, the partnership aims to expand infrastructure across India, capitalising on long-term growth potential in the sector.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said that the Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project should not be viewed merely through the prism of a conventional hydropower project, but as a national project with wider strategic and security implications.

What led to a price cut for this famous actor's extravagant mansion in Bel Air? At nearly $5 million loss, the estate was sold to mining billionaire Robert Friedland in December 2020 for $16 million.

A GoFundMe campaign aimed at assisting a Texas couple with medical bills was taken down after it was revealed that their daughter, the organizer, had falsified her identity. Don Johnson, who was working to cover his wife Josephine's pancreatic cancer treatment, saw the funds raised vanish as GoFundMe refunded all contributions, stressing the necessity of transparency in fundraising practices. The couple regrettably did not benefit from the donations collected.

Consumer confidence in the US experienced a notable decline in September, reaching its lowest level since 2014. This drop suggests households envision a weakening economy and labor market in the coming months. The Conference Board's index fell by 6.7 points, significantly below economists' expectations. While perceptions of the current labor market worsened, they still remained in positive territory for now.

A clinical trial involving 1,200 adults evaluated the safety of standardised ashwagandha root extract. Participants took either ashwagandha or a placebo for 24 weeks without adverse effects on liver or kidney function. The study monitored participants' immune responses following COVISHIELD vaccination. Results indicated that ashwagandha did not impact virus-neutralising activity compared to the placebo group. This trial adds to the evidence supporting the safety of Ayurveda interventions.

PwC India has appointed Rajan Pental as the new Financial Services Sector Leader to drive growth. He will lead initiatives aimed at boosting demand and collaborating within the firm. Pental brings over 35 years of experience from prominent financial institutions in India.

State Bank of India presented to the Joint Parliamentary Committee regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill. Officials raised concerns about gaps in foreign donation handling when registration lapses occur. They suggested that clear banking procedures be established for affected organizations. The bill proposed transferring compliance responsibilities to a government-designated authority in certain cases. Opposition parties criticized the bill for potentially disadvantaging

India has announced a reduced foodgrain production target of 373.93 million tonnes for the 2026-27 crop year. The decision comes amidst concerns over El Nio weather patterns impacting agricultural conditions across the country. Sowing operations for kharif crops have been completed, while rabi crop planting will start in October.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi and suggested the bank expand its focus to include newer infrastructure that centres on AI, MSMEs, and skilling. She reiterated that the bank's regional centrality should continue to remain a defining institutional characteristic and an important anchor of its mandate. Both leaders discussed AIIB's robust pipeline of projects in India and its expanding global presence.

After living in the same Madrid apartment for 71 years, 87-year-old Mara del Carmen Maricarmen Abascal was evicted and taken away on a stretcher, sparking protests across Spain. Her rent had risen far beyond her monthly pension after the property changed hands. Now, following public outrage and negotiations with the property owner, a preliminary agreement could allow her to return to the home she has known for most of her life under a new eight-year rental arrangement.

The panel has also recommended an annual review of the WMA corpus capping annual upward revision at 4%. The extent of upward revision could be based on the last three years of accounts while there would be no reduction in the existing limit.

The government plans to extend the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme to support exporters. This initiative aims to provide refunds for various embedded taxes, which could otherwise raise costs for Indian goods abroad. The commerce ministry is consulting with the finance ministry regarding the extension of the scheme. The RoDTEP scheme was introduced in 2021 and has varying refund rates from 0.3% to 3.9%.

NEDFI maintained a strong financial performance during the year, with gross income growing by 4.40% to Rs. 270.82 crore. Interest income increased by 9.73% to Rs. 214.94 crore, while profit before tax stood at Rs. 127.77 crore and net profit at Rs. 92.23 crore.

Anne Hathaway's stunning country residence in California, once the home of Yves Saint Laurent, is a testament to her refined aesthetic. The living area boasts a charming stone fireplace paired with colorfully upholstered furniture, fostering a warm ambiance. A spacious music room, formerly a dance hall, features a vintage disco ball, while the kitchen, vibrant in hues, serves as a beloved gathering spot for family meals.

Average smartphone selling prices in India rose by 16% year-over-year in the first half of 2026. OnePlus, however, managed to keep its price increase to just 8%, distinguishing itself from competitors. Entry-level devices saw an average price increase of 32%, resulting in a significant 65% drop in shipments. Meanwhile, premium smartphones priced above Rs 20,000 continued to grow, benefiting from trade-in programs.

The Principal Secretary-2 Shaktikanta Das outlined the challenges and opportunities facing Global South economies during recent discussions. Energy shocks, trade barriers, and geopolitical uncertainties pose significant risks for these nations as they adapt. Strategies focused on food security, trade diversification, and job creation are essential for future resilience. Additionally, rising protectionism complicates access to global markets and technologies for low- and middle-income countries.

Banwarilal Chandiwala is expanding beyond Bihar through an all-India franchise model, with three franchises finalised, while its Jewellery on Wheels mobile showroom brings its silver retail offering to customers in Patna and supports wider expansion.

KPI Green Energy received an order worth 2025 crore from NACOF Oorja for a turnkey 500 MW/550 MWp solar photovoltaic power project. The project is to be developed by NOPL at Dantoor village in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The company would be completely responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction of the order and is scheduled to be completed within 12 months of handing over the project site.

Australia referring to the WTO panel in the India sugar and sugarcane dispute which found in 2021 that Indias sugar support regime was inconsistent with its WTO obligations and subsidies were in excess of levels permitted under WTO rules.

TVS Motor Company has secured a long-term lease for over 500,000 sq ft of office space in Bengaluru. The lease will span more than ten years and aims to consolidate existing operations. This transaction reflects the growing trend among companies seeking larger office spaces. Bengaluru's office market continues to thrive, with demand extending beyond traditional business districts.

China rolled out new measures to help its sluggish property sector amid rising pressure to hit the government's year-end growth goal. China's central bank, the People's Bank of China is lowing its interest rates for its pledged supplementary lending (PSL). The central bank will also increase the quota of relending for technological innovation by 200 billion yuan (about $30 billion) to a total of 1.4 trillion yuan ($208 billion). Chinese leaders are targeting a 4.5%-5% growth rate for the country

Rocky became a generation-defining hit when it was released in 1976. Aside from receiving ten Academy Award nominations, the movie also became a major box office success and made Sylvester Stallone a global star. However, this fame and overnight success came at a steep price. The superstar recently revealed how he developed bulimia, an eating disorder,, in order to become Rocky, a club fighter.

Lock Upp will return for another season on Netflix, as announced by Monika Shergill during FICCI Frames 2026. Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan will reprise their roles as the show's jailors for this upcoming season. Although Netflix has yet to announce the premiere date, anticipation for the new contestants remains high. The reality show format includes contestants confined together, competing in various challenges and audience interactions.

Drishyam: The Conclusion is heading towards its October 2 release with strong advance-booking numbers, crossing Rs 18 crore in gross sales before hitting theatres. Ajay Devgns return as Vijay Salgaonkar has generated significant interest, with opening-day bookings accounting for a major share of the total. Early trade estimates are now pointing towards a Rs 40 crore-plus opening.

Ranbir Kapoor recently marked his 44th birthday by slicing into 3 cakes outside his latest residence in Mumbai. Ignoring family suggestions, he candidly announced that he has never relied on sunscreen or moisturiser. He also shared Alia Bhatt's sage advice to adopt yoga for better skin health. While preparing for his role in Ramayana, Ranbir engages in yoga and breathing exercises to embody Lord Ram's serenity.

Index of Services Production: In July, India's services sector experienced significant growth, with 17 of 19 sub-sectors reporting year-on-year increases. Administrative and support services demonstrated the highest growth rate at 20.9%, while retail trade followed closely at 18.5%. The newly introduced Index of Services Production provides timely insights into economic activity within this sector. Although many services grew, some areas like air transportation and repair services faced contract

Moody's Ratings indicates that India's fertility rates have fallen below replacement level, affecting its population structure. As a result, India is expected to have a much older population by the end of the century. This demographic shift may lead to a smaller working-age population, limiting productive capacity. It also suggests that such trends could weaken household and consumer demand across the economy.

The Reserve Bank of India is projected to increase its repo rate by 25 basis points in October and December. Inflationary pressures, primarily from food and energy prices, are influencing this expected change. Nomura forecasts consumer inflation rising before gradually declining over the next few quarters. Economists predict this rate cycle might be relatively short due to potential consumption slowdowns.