The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
India is unlikely to back a common BRICS currency at the September 12-13 summit, instead favouring links between national payment systems and CBDCs to make cross-border transactions faster and cheaper. The story traces Indias opposition to a new BRICS currency, Trumps tariff threats, the RBIs push for CBDC interoperability, and the technical and trade hurdles that could stand in the way.
Marengo Asia Hospitals has secured Rs. 400 crore funding from LeapFrog Investments. This capital will fuel expansion into tier one and two Indian cities. The company plans to double its hospital bed capacity to 4,000 beds. Marengo Asia Hospitals aims to consolidate its leadership and enter new geographies. This investment reinforces LeapFrog's commitment to healthcare platforms across Asia.
Hyderabad's prime office rents now exceed Bengaluru's, driven by global capability center demand. New-age Grade A+ buildings in Madhapur command higher monthly rents. This growth is fueled by talent, infrastructure, and lower operating costs. However, infrastructure strain and traffic congestion are becoming significant concerns. Future GCC expansion will likely sustain rental pressures and demand for office space.
Veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee once admitted about his biggest sacrifice and regret how he didnt spend much time with his elderly parents in the quest for becoming a Bollywood star. In an interview with Mahesh Bhatt, the Satya, Veer Zara star, admitted that even though he managed to establish himself as an actor, he was sometimes tormented by guilt that he had somehow betrayed his parents.
BRICS business leaders view India as a significant investment destination for growth. South African and Russian executives highlighted India's economic potential and partnership opportunities. They emphasized collaboration in engineering, technology, and trade between nations. Increased information exchange is needed for entrepreneurs to identify growth sectors. The BRICS Summit in India attracted attention due to this economic development.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged BRICS nations for predictable business environments. He called for resilient supply chains and diversified trade relationships among the grouping. The minister highlighted the need to absorb global shocks while remaining competitive. He stressed that cross-border business facilitation is a key priority for economic growth. The forum should focus on connecting businesses and accessing new markets.
Maharashtra FDA has intensified food safety enforcement across the state. Eleven food manufacturing units in Thane were raided, seizing products worth over twenty lakh rupees. Licenses for prominent eateries in Mumbai and other cities were suspended due to major violations. The administration also took action against dark stores and dairy suppliers for hygiene issues. Further actions will continue against those violating food safety laws.
Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar's Haiwaan premiered today. After watching the first day first show, netizens lauded Akshay Kumar's representation of the antagonist, alongside memorable moments from Mohanlal's cameo. Saif Ali Khan also received praise from them. Read on to know what netizens have to say about the movie.
A nationwide bank strike disrupted services at public sector banks on Friday as unions pressed for a five-day workweek and resolution of wage and pension issues. Branch-based services, including cash transactions and cheque clearances, were hit, while UPI and internet banking continued to operate.
Apple has raised prices for older iPhones in India after the iPhone 18 launch. This shift is driven by surging memory chip costs for AI data centers. Component inflation is forcing electronics makers to rethink long-held pricing assumptions. Consumers now face higher costs for previously affordable smartphone alternatives. This trend signals a broader change in the global electronics business landscape.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged BRICS nations to open markets and cut non-tariff barriers. He called for linking payment systems to foster deeper economic integration among members. Goyal emphasized building resilient supply chains with trade flowing in both directions. He highlighted non-tariff measures as significant impediments to export growth and well-being. India seeks to leverage its BRICS chairship for enhanced trade and economic cooperation.
Soori's latest Tamil sports action film Mandaadi made its debut in cinemas on September 10, achieving an impressive Rs 6.55 crore in global box office sales on its first day. The film, which focuses on a competitive sailboat racing rivalry, has reportedly secured its digital streaming rights, leaving audiences excited for the forthcoming announcement.
US has restricted Iran's oil exports and loosened its Strait of Hormuz control. This ongoing conflict, however, is nowhere near resolution and its costs are only rising. Iran's leaders have shown no signs of backing down and may even escalate military actions further.
Pocket Entertainment has achieved a $500 million revenue run rate, showing significant growth. Pocket FM, its audio drama platform, drives this expansion and improved retention. The company utilizes AI extensively for content creation and market launches. Over 550,000 creators contribute to Pocket FM's vast library. This growth enables stories to reach listeners across many countries and languages.
Clearing smartphone notifications offers a sense of completion and control. Research indicates these alerts disrupt attention and create uncertainty for users. Managing notifications can become an appealing routine for restoring order. Predictable notification batches improve attentiveness and reduce user stress. This habit reflects responses to digital clutter and a desire for manageability.
Savannah Guthrie spoke about her mother Nancy Guthrie in the past tense during a recent broadcast. Her mother, Nancy, vanished from her Arizona home in February 2026. The search for the 84-year-old continues seven months after her disappearance. Authorities are actively investigating the kidnapping with the FBI's assistance. DNA and video analyses are ongoing, supported by nationwide laboratories.
SberMedAI's GigaDoc smart mirror provided free express health assessments at Innoprom India. This innovative solution analyzes key health indicators and potential risk factors conveniently. Companies can integrate GigaDoc into their employee prevention programs for proactive health monitoring. The technology utilizes artificial intelligence and computer vision for accurate health readings.
During the BRICS summit this weekend, Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in India, aiming to strengthen Sino-Indian ties. A meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated, especially following the recent de-escalation of border tensionsan effort deemed pragmatic by analysts. While core grievances like territorial disputes and relations with Pakistan persist, the visit is designed to enhance mutual trust and explore engagement strategies.
Get ready for Nobody Wants This Season 3! Joanne and Noah take a step towards stability as they settle into a new home filled with fresh experiences. Companions Sasha and Esther are back on the dating scene, while Morgan enjoys a surge in her professional life. Read on to know when and where to watch the American rom-com series online.
Gurgaon-based CEO Jasveer Singh questions the social pressure surrounding Indian wedding invitations. He points out that people often invite guests they barely know because they fear offending them, while invitees attend despite not wanting to go for the same reason. Singh argues that this cycle turns celebrations into obligations and suggests normalising genuine invitations, voluntary attendance and politely declining weddings.
A viral AI trend is turning everyday photos into vintage 1980s-style portraits, with social media users experimenting with retro hairstyles and outfits. But before AI could recreate the decade, Indian cinemas biggest stars were already defining its look. From Rajinikanth and Sridevi to Anil Kapoor, Mammootty, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, heres a look at their real 1980s screen images.
In an ambitious move, the government unveiled DILRMP 3.0 with an investment of Rs 565.5 crore set for 2031. The initiative focuses on crafting a unified land management system under a digital approach. Each state will implement its own 'land stack', linking to a national framework. Additionally, all land parcels will receive a 14-digit Bhu-Aadhaar for clear identification, facilitated by updated registration offices and scanned archival documents.
Mumbai's civic body has launched an amnesty scheme for older buildings. This initiative aims to regularize around twenty thousand occupied structures. Eligible buildings will receive discounts on various regularization charges. The scheme covers residential, hospital, and school buildings with specific area limits. Applications must be submitted online through the AutoDCR system.
CA Nitin Kaushik explains why Gen Zs expensive-looking lifestyle does not necessarily indicate higher wealth. iPhones, branded sneakers, cafs, holidays and cabs may be funded through EMIs, credit and frequent small purchases. Social media has also changed perceptions of normal spending. While Gen Z has more earning opportunities, Kaushik says the real challenge is keeping enough income to build wealth.
Jennifer Lawrence has officially entered the world of Instagram, making her feelings known about technology and the vastness of the online space. In her first post, she emphasised the need for positivity and stated that she would exit if negativity emerged. This move talks about the significance of digital well-being and personal boundaries. Read on!
Get ready for a streaming extravaganza this Friday as multiple new films and series make their debut. From engaging family drama Vishwanath and Sons to a gripping action thriller Ghamasaan to viewers can look forward to The Revolutionaries, a historical drama focused on Indias fight for independence, read on to know where to watch them online.
India's proposal for food health warning labels ignites a national discussion. Companies sell less nutritious versions of brands in India compared to other markets. The food safety regulator plans tougher red warning labels on unhealthy products. This move comes after public anger and industry opposition to front-of-pack warnings. India's packaged food market continues its rapid growth trajectory.
India is increasing domestic cooking gas production to address supply gaps. Local refiners aim to add over ten percent to current output levels. Imports through the Strait of Hormuz are now less reliable due to renewed attacks. Domestic consumption has also significantly decreased since the war began. This shift helps meet demand while mitigating import risks.
Apple's new iPhone Duo pricing in India is significantly higher than in other markets. Retailers fear this price difference will encourage grey market sales and personal imports. Market researchers have lowered their outlook for Apple's iPhone unit sales in India. Higher prices for existing models also impact demand for older iPhones. This situation creates challenges for Indian retailers and the government's revenue.
By 2027, leadership transformations are set to take place across several key Indian banks, with HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank leading the way. This wave of changes creates a competitive landscape for experienced banking professionals. It is vital for the boards to ensure they maintain continuity while injecting innovative strategies. As a result, succession planning has emerged as an essential concern for bank leadership.
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.

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