The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Mumbai fintechs must treat user data as a fiduciary responsibility, not a business asset. RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra stressed trust is key for financial system adoption and endurance. Firms growing significantly must take systemic responsibility beyond their balance sheets. Operational resilience and cybersecurity are essential prices for achieving scale.
The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir concluded with calls for more local participation. Organizers and attendees emphasized the need for training programs and infrastructure development. The festival screened over 130 films and featured master classes and celebrity appearances. Government officials acknowledged the success while planning future initiatives for filmmaking in the region. The aim is to foster a vibrant film culture and discover local talent.
New e-commerce rules will mandate displaying prior prices alongside discounts. Platforms must clearly identify sponsored listings and avoid manipulating search results. Grievance redressal mechanisms will be strengthened and integrated with the National Consumer Helpline. These amendments aim to curb deceptive pricing and dark patterns effectively. Consumer information usage will be restricted without explicit consent from January 2027.
Sigmund Freuds quote explores the complicated relationship between love, fear and emotional vulnerability. It suggests that people may deeply want to be with someone they love but hesitate to express their feelings because they fear rejection or discovering that their affection is not returned. The quote also examines why people sometimes remain emotionally connected to someone even when the attachment causes them pain.
Coca-Cola will not overreact to rivals' pricing strategies in India. The company focuses on fundamentals like brands and revenue growth management. Reliance's Campa Cola has emerged as a significant challenger in the market. Newer entrants are increasing their market share with popular price points. Coca-Cola plans to boost marketing and distribution spending to compete.
Central banks must monitor energy price impacts and potential second-round inflation effects. Global regulatory coordination is crucial for advanced AI technology challenges. Stablecoins require careful regulation to mitigate negative economic spillovers. Economies can build inventories, diversify, and develop technology for resilience. The BIS supports tokenization within traditional banking systems for stability.
Commercial vehicle sales growth projections have been sharply revised upwards by manufacturers. Demand in the first five months far outstripped early estimates, surprising industry executives. Several senior executives now expect sales to grow ten to fifteen percent this fiscal. This upgrade follows strong sales growth, with August seeing forty percent increases. Industry stakeholders expect momentum to sustain through the rest of the fiscal year.
Advent International and Temasek Holdings are reportedly in talks to acquire Fairfax Financial's stake. Fairfax is looking to exit IIFL Finance as part of its IDBI Bank acquisition plan. This stake sale will help Fairfax comply with regulations and fund the IDBI Bank buyout. Fairfax currently holds a significant stake in IIFL Finance, which is valued at approximately 3,500 crore.
A robust economic framework is evident in fifty districts that drive India's unincorporated enterprise GVA and businesses. Impressively, 280 districts surpass the national average for GVA per worker, indicating heightened productivity. Notably, women dominate ownership in over 25 districts, particularly in Telangana, and comprise a vital segment of the workforce, underscoring the critical contributions of both the sector and female entrepreneurs.
Indian Railways will procure new energy-efficient locomotives for passenger trains. These powerful engines will operate in a push-pull format, enabling smoother and faster journeys. The modern locomotives will also eliminate the need for separate power generator cars. This upgrade will bring more comfortable travel to non-Vande Bharat trains.
Organised apparel retailers anticipate revenue growth slowing to twelve to thirteen percent this fiscal year. Profitability faces pressure as costs rise and competition limits price increases. Value fashion is a key growth driver, increasing its market share significantly. Retailers are expanding into smaller cities and investing in omnichannel capabilities. The festive season remains critical for annual apparel sales performance.
Riley Courtright, a lifelong atheist diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, says two near-death experiences over 18 months completely changed her beliefs. During the second experience, she claims she encountered God, witnessed the creation of the universe and returned to her body feeling physically transformed. Courtright says doctors later told her they could not explain her condition, while she believes she had been healed.
Port City Colombo is attracting technology companies from India seeking to diversify risks. This special economic zone offers a lower cost of doing business compared to Singapore. Indian firms can leverage Port City Colombo for access to the RCEP trading bloc. The US dollar and Indian rupee are designated currencies for transactions within the zone. Substantive conversations are underway with large technology firms exploring this location.
Prime Minister Modi's meeting with Azerbaijan's President Aliyev raises INSTC corridor hopes. This multimodal corridor connects Mumbai with St Petersburg via Iran and Azerbaijan. India and Russia have traded using this key connectivity initiative over four years. Russia is also exploring a rail link to India via Central Asia. Future meetings will further discuss these important Eurasian connectivity plans.
Indian Oil Corporation is proactively bolstering its leadership and succession strategies while undergoing a vital board restructuring. This initiative includes a forward-thinking program to identify and nurture high-potential executives for senior roles and revamped recruitment for entry-level technical talent. These strategic adjustments are integral to achieving IOC's ambitious objectives for revenue growth and emissions reduction.
App-based mobility firms want GST exemption on their platforms. They argue the five percent tax applies unfairly to technology connectors. Drivers often collect fares directly from passengers, not the app. This tax burden impacts drivers and passengers, the industry body stated. Conflicting state rulings add to the sector's prolonged uncertainty.
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company received a 1 crore penalty from IRDAI. The fine was imposed for mis-selling a deferred annuity policy to an 88-year-old individual. IRDAI identified several procedural and disclosure deficiencies in the sales process. The insurer subsequently refunded 4.09 lakh to the affected customer. This action highlights regulatory scrutiny over insurance sales practices.
Reserve Bank of India governor Sanjay Malhotra stressed data fiduciary responsibility for fintechs. He stated that user data must be treated as a trustee asset, not a business asset. Firms must use data strictly within user consent, protecting it diligently. He warned that eroding trust through data misuse leads to irreversible damage. Operational resilience and cybersecurity are essential for firms achieving significant scale.
Saudi Arabia's crude oil output significantly dropped last month to its lowest point since 1990. Renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran impacted the kingdom's export routes. This production slump illustrates the fallout of the prolonged Iran conflict on West Asia energy producers. Saudi crude exports also fell by about a third in August, according to data. The kingdom may have drawn down some inventories to meet market supply.
Jaykumar Vaidya currently works at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as an electrical engineer. But in contrast to the majority of his contemporaries, his path to NASA was not an easy one. It started in Mumbai's slums rather than a posh classroom. No stranger to financial struggles, once he had a menial job that paid just Rs 4,000 per month and survived on vada pavs and samosas.
Oil prices climbed over one hundred dollars per barrel on Thursday amid escalating attacks on shipping lanes. The surge was driven by fears of supply disruptions sparked by the Houthis' capture of a Yemeni port, posing significant risks to Red Sea navigation. Market analysts suggest that China's oil buying habits will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of future prices.
Stephen Kings Carrie is returning to screens as an eight-episode Prime Video series, 50 years after the iconic 1976 film adaptation. Created by Mike Flanagan, the new supernatural horror-drama follows Carrie White as she enters high school after being homeschooled and faces bullying, social pressure and a difficult relationship with her mother.
A horseback ride on Mount Shasta turned into a bizarre mystery when a California mother and daughter discovered hundreds of speakers hidden across the mountain, broadcasting eerie sounds through the trees. The strange discovery quickly sparked theories about supernatural activity, aliens and other unexplained possibilities. But after the story spread online, a follow-up investigation revealed that the speakers had a much more unexpected purpose.
Apples first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, starts at Rs 2,99,900 in India, significantly higher than its $1,999 US starting price. However, the gap is much smaller after accounting for Indias 18% GST and around 28% import duty on the first-generation device, which is currently imported rather than locally manufactured. Analysts say future generations could become more competitively priced if Apple eventually shifts production to India, while rising component costs are also pushing up prices a
Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been battling myositis, a chronic autoimmune condition since 2022. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Ye Maya Chesave star revealed how suffering from chronic illness made her more resilient and taught her several invaluable lessons.
Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank deposits are significantly enhancing banking liquidity, providing an essential boost for lending opportunities. This heightened liquidity is expected to meet the anticipated consumer demand during the festive season. To avoid financial losses from idle deposits, banks must judiciously allocate these funds. Additionally, this surge in inflows has contributed to stabilizing the rupee against the US dollar.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Group President and Head of Commercial Bank Manish Kothari has resigned after 31 years. He will leave on September 30, 2026, with Kotak initiating a planned transition and integrating his commercial banking portfolio into its retail and institutional business segments. Kothari has indicated that he may explore an entrepreneurial venture.
Commercial vehicle sales growth projections have been sharply revised upwards by manufacturers. Demand in the first five months far outstripped early estimates, surprising industry executives. Several executives now expect sales to grow ten to fifteen percent this fiscal year. This upgrade follows strong sales growth, with August seeing a forty percent increase.
Karnataka's industries minister actively engaged with Safran, urging them to invest in avionics and space electronics, while the conversation with EssilorLuxottica revolved around pioneering lens manufacturing advancements. With the construction of Safran's electronics facility in Bengaluru approaching its final stages, Royal De Heus is keen to collaborate with the state's milk federation, and Nexperia has been invited to establish an assembly and testing plant.
State Bank of India Chairman CS Setty addressed concerns regarding foreign currency deposit inflows. He stated these funds will be absorbed gradually over the coming months. The central bank's swap facility attracted significant foreign capital inflows. Commercial banks received substantial FCNR(B) deposits, exceeding market expectations. Setty also highlighted structural shifts towards asset tokenization in capital markets.
A recent study by the University of Minnesota reveals that trees may emit less carbon dioxide with rising temperatures as young trees, subjected to a 3.4C rise, showed only a five percent increase in carbon release. The surprising result do not suggest that warming has little impact on forests. Instead, they show that trees may be better able to adapt to long-term changes in temperature than scientists previously thought.
Amid the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, crude oil prices in the U.S. have surged past one hundred dollars, leading to marked increases in global oil benchmarks that ripple through international markets. This surge coincides with a decline in U.S. stock futures, attributed to rising wholesale inflation in August. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank has raised its key interest rate to address mounting inflation, directly affecting household budgets and shipping costs.
Through a combination of education and innovative green infrastructure projects, water quality in the Passaic River has seen remarkable improvements. Led by Rutgers Cooperative Extension and various partners, these initiatives focused on managing stormwater runoff effectively, ultimately leading to the removal of the Lower Passaic River from the impaired waters list. This success highlights the effectiveness of nonpoint source pollution control in urban environments.
The Delhi High Court has directed Beco to halt its advertising campaign targeting the products Surf Excel and Vim from Hindustan Unilever Limited. The court ruled that Beco's ads not only compared but also disparaged these products. Hindustan Unilever claimed Beco's ingredient assertions were misleading, while Beco defended itself by emphasizing its right to fair comparison between competing brands.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi announced on Thursday the suspension of three engineers as part of a broader crackdown on negligence in unauthorized construction. This decision follows the prior suspension of a Deputy Commissioner and four engineers related to similar issues. The corporation is reinforcing its commitment to safety by focusing on dangerous buildings, instructing officials to stay alert and respond immediately to any breaches of regulations.
Lenders led by State Bank of India will provide Vodafone Idea $3.5 billion debt financing. This funding aims to help the mobile operator rebuild its business and improve its network. Conditions include Kumar Mangalam Birla remaining chairman for the loan's tenure. Indian authorities previously provided a lifeline by capping past spectrum payouts. These actions have helped Vodafone Idea's shares climb significantly this year.
India's aviation sector offers immense opportunities for MSMEs and global integration. Indian airlines have placed orders for over 1,600 aircraft, creating significant demand. The country's aerospace market is projected to nearly double by 2035. Indian MSMEs currently supply over USD 4 billion in components annually. Efforts are underway to design, certify, and manufacture components within India.
A nearly 90-year-old painting has sparked a bizarre time-travel conspiracy after social media users spotted an Indigenous man holding a small rectangular object that looks strikingly similar to an iPhone. While some believe the 1937 artwork could show a phone decades before its invention, historians and researchers say the object is something else.
India's economy stands out as a powerhouse of global growth, as noted by the IMF. The second quarter showcased an impressive 7.8% growth, surpassing expectations. This surge was driven by vibrant services and robust exports. The IMF is currently observing how oil prices might affect Indias financial landscape, with an updated forecast set to release next month.
A customer base of more than 12 million, rapidly diversifying product suite, and AI integration at enterprise scale perfectly positions digital lender Kissht to become a financial services company with a broad range of products and services. The companys Founder & CEO, Ranvir Singh, says financial prudence and deeper understanding of the customers was a necessity moving forward. He spoke to ET at the Global Fintech Fest. Read on!
IndiGo issued a travel advisory for passengers flying to and from Delhi airport. Traffic management and diversions are expected across the city for the upcoming BRICS Summit. Passengers should plan ahead and allow additional travel time for their journeys. Delhi Police recommends using Metro services due to potential road restrictions and convoy movements. Other major airlines have not yet issued similar advisories for the event.
The viral 80s AI photo trend is taking over social media, but AI-generated images can sometimes get important period details wrong. From modern objects and inaccurate clothing to exaggerated retro styling and unrealistic film effects, these mistakes can make images look artificial. Here are five AI prompts that can correct these issues, improve the authenticity of 80s-style pictures and help users create images that stand out from the crowd.
Kia India has opened pre-bookings for three new powertrain options, further expanding its line-up. The Carens and Carens Clavis are now available with factory-fitted CNG technology, while the Carnival Limousine gets a hybrid powertrain. The move underlines Kias focus on offering a wider range of mobility options to Indian customers. Prices for all three models will be announced soon.
The CBI has registered five new criminal cases against builders and financial institutions. These cases stem from alleged links that defrauded numerous homebuyers across India. Searches were conducted at twelve locations in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune for evidence. Incriminating documents and digital devices were seized during these searches. The agency has now registered fifty-five cases against builders on court orders.
The Reserve Bank of India plans a significant 26-day auction this Friday, targeting the withdrawal of Rs 5 lakh crore from the inter-bank market. This extended operation aims to manage persistent liquidity by giving participants the chance to reclaim lent amounts. This proactive measure is a direct response to the surplus liquidity caused by foreign investments.
Tata Steel has commissioned a coke oven gas injection project at its Meramandali plant. This initiative supports the company's Net Zero by 2045 target and low-carbon production goals. The project utilizes coke oven gas, reducing dependence on external fossil fuels for operations. This innovation enhances operational flexibility and efficiency while lowering environmental impact. It demonstrates Tata Steel's leadership in deploying advanced green steel technologies.
An IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Dammam made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad airport. A crew member found a note with the word Bomb written on it onboard the aircraft. All 107 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated from the plane. Security personnel conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft after the incident. No suspicious items were discovered during the comprehensive security checks.
TRAI has repealed its regulation capping television advertisements at twelve minutes per clock hour. This action follows the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's decision to remove the existing ceiling. The regulator's move aligns with the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, after a key rule was omitted. The Delhi High Court had previously upheld the twelve-minute ad cap as constitutionally valid.

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