The Economic Times

The government is discussing a 50 basis point reduction in interest subvention for Kisan Credit Card loans. This move aims to align subsidies with recent policy rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India. Banks currently receive a 1.5% subsidy to offer loans at a 7% interest rate. Discussions are preliminary and part of extending the scheme until 2031-32. Farmers repaying promptly will continue to receive additional interest benefits.

Ferrari's first all-electric vehicle sold for forty million dollars at auction. This sale established a new record for the most expensive new car ever sold. The Luce, a tailor-made electric model, faced criticism upon its unveiling in May. Ferrari's share price saw a drop after the initial announcement of the vehicle. The company recently raised its full-year guidance due to strong demand for limited-run models.

Bankers said some lenders now plan to borrow more short-term funds, possibly at a higher rate, to finance the promised leverage to FCNR(B) clients after the Reserve Bank of India advanced the deadline for swap support. These funds will have to be replaced with a long-term loan or bond later, leading to a temporary mismatch between banks' foreign deposits and borrowings.

Goods and services tax cuts offer carmakers a crucial buffer against rising commodity prices. Companies are employing various strategies to minimize product price increases and sustain demand. Internal cost reductions and selective price adjustments help absorb commodity shocks. Automakers are working to further reduce production costs for future resilience. Industry growth is expected to moderate from October onwards.

Draft rules for the SHANTI Act are now public, opening India's nuclear power sector. A single licence will cover building, operating, and decommissioning nuclear plants. Private companies must provide mandatory insurance and financial security for waste management. Foreign reactors require certification from their country of origin or another trusted nation.

Senior representatives of some of the country's largest NBFCs met on August 14 to discuss the issues they intend to raise with the RBI. The lenders will make a formal representation through the Finance Industry Development Council, the industry body representing NBFCs, this week, according to the people.

Blue Dart Express plans a new international cross-border ecommerce delivery product. This initiative aims to capture a larger share of India's growing global trade. The company will initially focus on major ecommerce corridors with strong existing trade flows. Regulatory changes, like the removal of a value cap, support this expansion. Blue Dart expects this new venture to become a meaningful contributor within five years.

Parag Sharma expects the company, India's second-biggest non-bank lender by market value, to sustain 18-20% credit growth annually and maintain 8.5% margins, without having to raise capital every few years to expand its asset base.

Between 2020 and 2025, more than 1,100 society-level redevelopment agreements were recorded in Mumbai, unlocking around 432 acres of land. The financing requirement begins before construction, including society payouts, transit accommodation, premiums and approvals, while banks and NBFCs typically participate later at the construction finance stage.

The financial services landscape is evolving, emphasizing the importance of software and data infrastructures. In India, digital payments are surging, showcasing a strong shift toward online transactions. However, institutions grapple with legacy systems and fragmented data. As global account ownership climbs, theres a pressing need for speed and security in financial systems. The future hinges on leveraging AI and building robust infrastructures for continued growth and innovation.

The Reserve Bank of India has instructed rating agencies to refrain from categorizing it as the regulator overseeing bank deposits. This recent directive raises the possibility that these credit assessment organizations may halt the evaluation of bank deposits entirely. With threats of deposit outflows and potential bank instability stemming from any downgraded ratings, the landscape of retail deposit reactions remains mixed.

In a recent proposal, a parliamentary committee has recommended that hospital room charges not exceed the rates of three-star hotels. The substantial growth of private healthcare as an industry has attracted considerable private equity investment, resulting in valuation spikes and shifts in ownership among hospital chains. However, this raises important questions about the accessibility of healthcare for the average person.

According to the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, the copyright of a film expires 60 years after its release. After the copyright expires, an IP owner loses exclusive rights to the film, which then enters the public domain. This makes the film's IP vulnerable, as anyone can colourise the film.

Amid increasing concerns over food safety and hygiene, Indian malls are ramping up their oversight of restaurant operations. Major mall operators have sent out new warnings to food and beverage tenants, responding to recent enforcement actions by food and drug authorities across various states.

Mahala Ashley Dickerson moved from Alabama to Alaska in 1958 after being drawn to the territory during a vacation. She became the first Black homesteader in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and, months later, Alaskas first Black woman lawyer. She went on to spend decades fighting racial and gender discrimination and advocating for poor and underprivileged people.

At just 16, Michal Sklar experienced a sudden medical episode that changed something about the way her brain worked. What she noticed in the days that followed was unusual enough to leave her confused, and even after years, the strange effect has not completely disappeared. Today, what began as a frightening experience has become an unexpected part of her daily life and something she has found a way to share with her family.

India reached 460 for 9 after two days of play in Galle. Devdutt Padikkal scored 167, his highest score in Sri Lanka. Dhruv Jurel provided stability with a crucial 51 runs. Rain interruptions limited play, impacting the overall match duration. India remains confident in their bowling attack to secure a result.

There are some diseases that are silent killers meaning, they often do not exhibit symptoms until it is too late. Taking to X, internal medicine expert Dr Priyam Bordoloi explained why kidney diseases scared him the most and five foods that can cause irrepairable damage to your kidneys.

First of its kind in the country, the plant will be developed under HPL's subsidiary Adplus Polymers & Chemicals. The facility is set to house the country's first on-purpose propylene plant based on olefin conversion technology and the country's largest phenol production unit in West Bengal's Haldia.

A video of an 88-year-old woman who is robust and at the peak of health, even at an advanced age, has gone viral on Instagram. In the video she talks about how eating healthy and removing sugar from your diet can help you live long.

Hamas officials were present at some of the meetings between mediators and with Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, the diplomat said. A senior Israeli official said Kushner and Mladenov were scheduled to meet on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on August 9 said Trump's latest roadmap for Gaza peace was 'unacceptable'.

A traditional Mexican proverb serves as a critical reminder against complacency in our ever-evolving world. It underscores the importance of seizing opportunities to avoid future regrets and being outpaced by change. By recognizing moments that demand action, we can adapt and thrive amidst the shifting tides of modern life. This timeless wisdom still resonates today, highlighting the necessity of awareness and prompt decision-making in navigating lifes challenges.

Sheeps wool may soon have a surprising medical purpose. Scientists at Kings College London turned wool-derived keratin into a bone regeneration scaffold. In rat skull injuries, the material helped new bone grow with a more organized structure than conventional collagen scaffolds. The finding gives regenerative medicine a sustainable biomaterial from an abundant agricultural resource. It also raises a bigger possibility: waste wool could become a useful tool for future bone repair and tissue engi

Prithviraj Sukumarans I, Nobody is now set for its digital release after its theatrical run earlier this year. The Malayalam thriller follows an ordinary government employee whose routine life takes an unexpected turn after he gets caught up in a serious crime, putting him and his family in a difficult situation. Directed by Nisam Basheer, the film also stars Parvathy Thiruvothu and Hakkim Shajahan in key roles.

In an old interview, pop diva Lady Gaga opened up on a rather unconventional diet she once followed to keep in shape. She also admitted she drank often.

A young immigrant arrived in America at a time when starting over meant leaving behind everything familiar and facing a very uncertain future. What followed was a difficult life far from the cities, shaped by family, survival and the challenges of settling in a new part of the country. Decades later, her own words would offer a rare glimpse into a world that had almost completely disappeared.

Believe it or not, water is not the most hydrating drink you can have. In a recent interview, eminent nutritionist Joy Bauer revealed that water and not milk can do a much better job in keeping you hydrated than water here's why.

The new actions also include replacement of water tanks and strict compliance on regular water quality testing at source and outlet points. There will also be centralised monitoring and accountability, besides scheduled cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks.

Nearly four hundred infrastructure projects have been recommended for approval under the PM GatiShakti initiative. These projects, valued at approximately eighteen lakh crore rupees, aim to boost national connectivity. The Network Planning Group has evaluated these proposals, with many already sanctioned and under implementation. This initiative seeks to integrate infrastructure and reduce overall logistics costs across the country. Experts believe Gati Shakti will enhance business competitivene

Jinny Lu, a once-overlooked pug rescued from South Korea, took home the title of World's Ugliest Dog in a competition that values uniqueness and highlights the importance of adopting pets in need. Having previously placed second, her triumphant win showcases that a dog's worth transcends mere appearances. This event not only celebrates diverse beauty but also advocates for providing every dog with a loving forever home.

Iran's economy shows signs of recovery from recent war impacts. Economic activity is gradually resuming, according to the Iran Chamber of Commerce. Purchasing Managers' Index reports indicate relative improvement in economic conditions. Private sector efforts and government engagement are contributing to this positive trend. Sustaining this recovery requires greater international engagement from Iran.

You do not need to have a crash diet or diet at all to lose weight or maintain a great figure. Taking to Instagram, Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai star Saumya Tandon revealed five rules she follows without fail to keep slim and look young.

A 28-year-old man earning 2.5 lakh a month says he feels poorer and more stressed than when he earned 30,000, sparking a Reddit debate over whether rising responsibilities, higher expectations and the cost of living are behind the feeling. His experience has led users to discuss savings, lifestyle choices, job insecurity and whether earning more actually brings greater financial freedom.

New research suggests that when gut bacteria do not get enough fibre and certain plant-based nutrients, they may begin breaking down the protective mucus lining of the intestines. The studies also found that indigestible plant proteins can give these microbes another food source, potentially shifting them towards producing more beneficial compounds.

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar linked festival restrictions to urban Naxalism. He spoke at a Dahi Handi event, defending traditional Hindu celebrations. The government supported Govinda groups in legal battles over festival rules. Shelar stated concerns should not curb cultural events. He pledged to protect Marathi and Hindu festivals with precautions.

Sohail Khan candidly shared his reality show journey, highlighting his significant weight loss and the challenges he faced, including a stomach infection during his first week. The support from his fellow contestants compelled him to endure five weeks in the house. Notably, Sohail refused claims of using Ozempic or fat burners for his transformation, while his brother Salman Khan previously mentioned a twelve-kilogram weight loss.

Aluminum foil is a versatile tool for gardeners, offering a range of cost-effective solutions. For instance, reflective ground cover enhances sunlight exposure for plants, while strips hung around the garden can keep pesky birds at bay. By creating foil collars, gardeners can shield tender seedlings from crawling pests and minimize soil moisture loss.

A carefully built reputation can be destroyed within minutes through a rumour. An old Korean proverb warns us about the power of words. Just like a great underground buzz can help an upcoming artiste, rumours of problematic behaviour can destroy a reputation within minutes.

Sometimes ambitious projects that start with great hype often fizzle out midway or crash and burn. An old Japanese proverb explains why it is not just important for a project to have a promise; you also need to have consistency for it to work.

Navi Mumbai International Airport welcomed its first international freighter flight. This marks a significant expansion of its cargo operations. The airport is adding thirteen new freighter services to its network. These services will connect Navi Mumbai to key Asian and European markets. This development strengthens the airport's role as a major logistics gateway.

Amber Enterprises will begin smartphone production for Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme in 2027-28. The company plans to produce eight million units in the first year of operations. Production is expected to scale to sixteen million units in the subsequent year. This move aligns with Chinese brands deepening their asset-light manufacturing models in India. Amber also anticipates margin pressure in its bare printed circuit board business.

Construction on India's first bullet train corridor shows significant progress. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is nearing its August 2027 launch. Underground work at Mumbai's BKC station is nearing completion. Surat station's structure is finished, with interior work now underway. This corridor will connect major cities and industrial hubs across three regions.

The way you look at someone while speaking can influence how confident, attentive and comfortable you appear, especially when meeting someone for the first time. A simple technique that has recently gained attention on social media offers a different way to approach eye contact without making conversations feel forced or awkward. While it has often been discussed in the context of attraction, the idea can also be useful in everyday social and professional situations, where making a good impressi

Geneva: A horse-drawn carriage carrying tourists ran out of control in a Swiss resort killing one person and injuring 12, police said Sunday.About 40 people were on two carriages in woods in Val Roseg, near the border with Italy, on Saturday when the driver lost control, police said. A 73-year-old woman was killed and two of the injured were in serious condition.Also Read: Four Antonello da Messina artworks stolen in Renaissance painter's hometownOn a sloping stretch of the route, the driver rea

In an insightful revelation, Farhan Akhtar shared that Aamir Khan was initially sceptical about his directing prowess for the film Dil Chahta Hai (2001). Khan's doubts emerged because this was Akhtar's debut as a director. However, Akhtar's unwavering determination to helm the project ultimately won Khan over, leading to his participation in the film. This collaborative effort later earned the prestigious National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Six food companies have corrected misleading labels and trademarks after FSSAI notices. Livyor Ventures Pvt Ltd withdrew its 'vegan and healthy' claims on edamame beans. Honest Innovations For You Pvt Ltd and Heliostone Specialities Pvt Ltd revised their trademarks. Rajasthan Agro and General Industries removed all misleading claims and stopped PPM usage. Iota Nanotechnology Pvt Ltd removed claims and stopped non-standardized water production.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will lead an official delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai from August 31 to September 3 to deepen trade, investment, education and cultural ties with India. The visit will focus on sectors including clean energy, critical minerals, technology, tourism, agri-food and advanced industries.