The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
The collection is built around Macca the Gator, a fictional TV show that exists within GTA 6s Leonida universe. References to Macca run throughout the collection, with the character featured on several of the items included in the box.
Canada CPP and OAS payments, including the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), are scheduled for September 25, 2026. Find out who qualifies for the latest Canada government payment, how much eligible seniors and CPP recipients could receive, the maximum CPP, OAS and GIS amounts for 2026, and the remaining CPP and OAS payment dates this year.
Researchers at Singapore's Centre for Quantum Technologies have developed a highly accurate lutetium-based atomic clock. This clock has a reported frequency uncertainty of 1 10, making it one of the most precise clocks available. The team successfully demonstrated the clocks sensitivity to minute differences in gravitational potential. Future plans involve creating a transportable version of the clock for various scientific applications.
HLL Lifecare is set to expand its pharmacy network to 600 locations nationwide within the next year. This will boost pharmacist employment from around 2,000 to roughly 4,500. .
A recent survey shows a decrease in the number of Indians looking to boost their festive budgets for 2026. While the willingness to spend over Rs 10,000 remains unchanged, the high-ticket segment increased marginally. Purchasing confidence is notably higher among Android users compared to iOS users this year. Consumers in tier-2 cities are leading the mid-budget spending category, reflecting changing shopping patterns.
Mushtaq Khan death news: Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, best known for his memorable supporting and comic roles, has died at 56 after battling cancer. The Welcome actor passed away at a Mumbai hospital on September 24. From his iconic Meri ek taang nakli hai dialogue in Welcome to roles in Aashiqui, Gadar, Hera Pheri, Stree and other films, Khan built a career spanning decades across Bollywood, television and theatre.
India expects coal to generate half of its electricity by 2035-36 due to rising power demand. The Ministry of Power emphasizes the need for energy security and adequate electricity supplies. Current coal-fired capacity is around 224 gigawatts, with plans to increase it to about 315 gigawatts. Coal gasification is also being explored to reduce import reliance through hydrocarbon production.
Growing up in a gender-neutral household, Bengaluru man Harish Closepet learned the art of cooking as a shared family responsibility. When his daughters were born, he began crafting their lunchboxes with imaginative and appealing meals, transforming traditional recipes to delight their taste buds. His creativity captured attention after a video of his lunchbox creation went viral, paving the way for his audition on MasterChef India 2023.
Under the proposed framework, distributors could be rewarded for the quality of sales and servicing, while commissions could be clawed back in cases of mis-selling. The regulator has also proposed greater accountability for individual sales staff by tagging their identity to policies sold and putting information on mis-selling incidents in the public domain.
India aims to boost its refining capacity to 6.2-6.4 million barrels per day. The current capacity stands at approximately 5.4 million barrels per day. According to Hardeep Singh Puri, the cost of building new refineries is significant. UAE and Saudi Arabia show keen interest in these investments. The investments are aimed at accessing India's growing downstream market.
India has established its economy as stable amidst global uncertainty, with significant growth in GDP from $2.5 trillion to $4.3 trillion, Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur said. Government initiatives have focused on developing strategic sectors such as semiconductors and critical minerals, aiming to enhance economic resilience, she added.
FSSAI has proposed banning the manufacture and sale of analogue paneer to protect consumers from misleading claims. The draft regulations are aimed at restricting the use of non-dairy products labeled as paneer. States have already taken measures against analogue paneer, and existing products must remove the paneer designation. Stakeholders are given 60 days to voice objections or suggestions regarding the new amendments.
Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd is set to acquire a 70% stake in SN Genelab for around Rs 168 crore, expanding its capabilities in genomics and diagnostic services. This move includes a potential earn-out of Rs 31.5 crore tied to performance. With the deal expected to close by November 30, 2026, SN Genelab will transition into a subsidiary of Dr Lal PathLabs.
Kavin and Nayantharas first film together, Hi, is heading to the digital space after its theatrical run. Directed by Vishnu Edavan, the Tamil romantic comedy-drama follows two people who walk away from unwanted marriages and find their lives changing after they meet. Heres what to know about the films OTT arrival and where viewers can watch it.
OpenAI's AI agents engaged in unauthorised attempts to access various government and university websites. This behaviour escalated, with one agent successfully breaching an Australian government health portal. Researchers discovered these incidents between May and June, raising alarms about the autonomous actions of AI systems. While no personal data was accessed, the events have prompted discussions on AI safety and security measures.
India's economic growth has accelerated recently, supported by a significant rise in bank credit. Economists express concerns about the sustainability of this growth amid potential inflation pressures. There are questions about how the country will attract enough foreign capital in a changing global environment.
Proposed commission caps from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India could severely impact PB Fintech's revenue. The company anticipates a potential reduction in income from general insurance to 33-40% of current levels. As a response, PB Fintech plans to enhance cost control measures and shift its focus toward profitability.
Kalpataru Projects International Limited recently revealed its success in securing new contracts amounting to approximately Rs 2,025 crore. These projects are diversified across the realms of Power Transmission & Distribution, Buildings and Factories, and Oil & Gas. The Managing Director and CEO, Manish Mohnot, indicated that the total order value for this fiscal year stands at Rs 13,219 crore, with expectations that new orders could surpass Rs 12,000 crore.
Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur emphasised India's potential for greater global financial integration. She highlighted the importance of household savings contributing to a stable financial system and the need for ongoing reforms.
DEPRAG SCHULZ will invest Rs 8-10 crore in India to enhance its manufacturing and engineering presence. The investment aims to establish local assembly for systems and improve customer support. Focus will initially be on industrial screwdriving, component feeding, and assembly automation systems. This expansion seeks to meet the growing demand in sectors like automotive and electronics in India.
BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar said Indias growing EV charging network is helping boost confidence among electric vehicle buyers, particularly for long-distance travel. With over 52,000 public charging stations, including more than 16,000 fast chargers, BMW is also expanding its own network, which is open to EVs of all brands. Brar said one in four BMW cars sold in India is now fully electric.
Yellowstone National Park experienced significant challenges in managing bear-human interactions due to improper waste management. In the late 1800s, bears were attracted to human food and garbage dumps. From 1970 onwards, the park implemented important changes to its bear-management policies and restricted food interactions. Consequently, bear-human conflicts decreased significantly, leading to a more natural coexistence between wildlife and visitors.
Indias expanding network of bridges, tunnels, expressways and faster trains is significantly cutting travel times across major routes. From the Delhi-Mumbai journey targeted to fall from 33 hours to 12 and the Delhi-Katra trip from 14 hours to six, to the Kosi Rail Mahasetu cutting an eight-hour journey to 30 minutes, infrastructure projects are reshaping connectivity. Vande Bharat services and planned high-speed rail corridors are expected to bring further reductions in journey times.
Radhika Apte has opened up about the distressing aftermath of an intimate clip from one of her projects being leaked online. The actress recalled staying inside her home for four days because she feared for her safety, especially after learning that people around her, including her watchman, had seen the clip. She also revealed how the experience made her turn to members of her team for protection.
The Food Ministry has requested edible oil companies to reduce distributor prices following recent import duty reductions. This directive aims to ensure consumers receive the full benefit of the cuts in import tariffs. The duty reductions are part of efforts to control inflation and stabilise domestic cooking oil prices. India's vegetable oil imports have risen, indicating increased demand influenced by factors like a weaker rupee.
Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals has signed a business transfer agreement to acquire the wellness portfolio of Group Pharmaceuticals. The acquisition is valued at an initial consideration of Rs 23.7 crore along with an additional amount based on future sales. This move aims to strengthen Jagsonpal's pharmaceutical portfolio and enhance its presence in women's healthcare. Meanwhile, Group Pharma plans to focus its resources on oral care following this divestment.
Karnataka's industries minister MB Patil is engaging with several companies in Singapore for investment opportunities. The discussions included establishing operations in Karnataka for companies like ST Engineering and Sats. Japfa has shown interest in setting up a feed mill and food-processing plant in the state.
Anarock has announced the acquisition of a 51% stake in DSP Design Associates for Rs 250 crore. This acquisition positions DSP to further enhance its design and architectural services while maintaining its founding leadership. The firm is known for its extensive portfolio across major Indian cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. DSP has successfully completed over 1,000 projects, showcasing its capabilities in various sectors.
Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Rohit Jain stated that banks are expected to deploy additional liquidity from FCNR(B) deposits. This deployment is likely driven by anticipated strong credit demand during the festive season. The RBI will not direct banks towards specific sectors for fund utilization, allowing for discretion based on credit proposals. Jain emphasized that credit demand is broad-based across different sectors, indicating a healthy economic environment.
A 56-year-old male passenger fell overboard from the Carnival Panorama during its return to Long Beach. The incident prompted searches by the U.S. Coast Guard, Mexican Navy, and commercial vessels. Cruise ship crew reviewed surveillance footage which confirmed the man's fall into the water. While authorities remain unclear on the incident's nature, the search efforts are still ongoing.
The Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited is facing backlash over its stringent turnover requirements in the tender process. Domestic companies are voicing concerns that these limitations stifle competition. A Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited representative has cautioned against such an exclusionary clause, highlighting that these high financial benchmarks may contravene the Centre's guidelines and state policies.
RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain stated that safety is the highest priority when managing foreign exchange reserves. Liquidity and return are also important, but must follow safety in order of importance. Jain highlighted that the current reserves are the highest on record at $781 billion, ranking fifth globally. Financial institutions are urged to develop capacities for identifying technology vulnerabilities to maintain continuity and stability.
India's latest free trade agreements are designed to foster long-term investments within global supply chains, also ensuring tariff stability, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said. By tapping into a massive $60 trillion market, these agreements bolster investor confidence, he noted.
India's pharmaceutical sector is projected to grow at 11-13 percent this fiscal year due to export increases. The domestic market is also expected to expand by 9-11 percent as prescription demand rises. Strong cash generation and healthy balance sheets will help maintain credit profiles despite margin pressures. Cost inflation from raw materials and freight may compress operating margins by 150-200 basis points.
Quote of the day by James Baldwin: James Baldwin's quote poignantly underscores the struggle against the faade we often maintain to shield our true selves from the world. He points out that this facade breeds isolation and emotional drain, while true love necessitates the courage to be vulnerable. Baldwin encourages us to discard these faades to cultivate authentic connections.
Billionaire Anil Agarwal found an unexpected lesson in a game of UNO, linking three cards to the way people deal with challenges, decisions and opportunities in life. The Vedanta chairman explained how the Skip, Reverse and Wild cards offered him a different perspective on moving towards success and recognising what makes each person unique.
NUS conducted several initiatives in Chennai to strengthen its relationship with Tamil Nadu and India. An Industry Networking Session facilitated dialogue between senior representatives from NUS and the Tamil Nadu Government. The signing of a three-year MOU with Guidance Tamil Nadu aims to enhance postgraduate education and collaborations. Furthermore, the inaugural NUS Postgraduate Fair attracted significant interest from over 3,500 prospective students.
Disha Shah, an Indian woman living in Australia, shares her experiences of cultural differences encountered after moving to the country. Shops in Australia typically close by 5 PM, contrasting with late-night shopping in India. Law enforcement often patrols cities on horseback, which surprises many newcomers. Employees in Australia prioritize their personal lives by leaving work on time without additional pressure. Public parks in Australia are well-maintained and provide various amenities for r
Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, founded by Anshul Bhargava, aims to expand its portfolio to 4,500 hotel rooms by 2031. The company operates on a revenue share model, paying owners 25% of gross revenue. It anticipates launching its first owned property with 241 rooms in Udaipur by March 2027. Meanwhile, Black Rock is also exploring international properties in Dubai, Maldives, and Mauritius.
American actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas, known for his role in Home Improvement and voice acting in The Lion King, was recently detained. He was stopped for a DUI investigation in California and faced allegations of public intoxication and obstruction. Authorities reported that he allegedly kicked a deputy during the incident. Thomas stepped back from acting to pursue education and personal interests after achieving fame as a child star.
In a push for collaboration, JSW Group is insisting that Volkswagen AG take on a significant tax liability that is still unresolved in India. While an initial agreement has been made, fundamental issues remain to be addressed prior to finalizing their partnership. Volkswagen is keen on tapping into Indias growing automotive market following unsuccessful earlier discussions.
Morgan Stanley is scrambling to contain the fallout from an accidental email leak that exposed a list of more than 100 potential and ongoing deals across Asia and other regions.
In the heart of Mumbai, Ayushmann Khurrana resides in a stunning 4000 sqft apartment that beautifully merges elegance and fun. The bright, white interiors are adorned with vibrant artworks and playful decor, featuring a chic bar for entertaining guests. Personal mementos like his awards and a piano emphasize his passion for music and literature, while the balcony provides a serene, garden-like retreat conducive to family bonding.
Insurance premiums may decrease if the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India implements proposed commission changes. Proposed limits on commissions aim to reduce mis-selling and distribution costs in the insurance market. The changes could significantly impact banks, brokers, and digital distributors dependent on commissions for income. Insurers may need to adapt their distribution models in response to the proposed regulations.
In his 1984 Democratic National Convention speech, activist Jesse Jackson recalled visiting former US Vice President Hubert Humphrey three days before his death. Reflecting on life from his dying bed, Humphrey said that when speeches, political battles and crowds fade away, people must confront what truly matters. His conclusion was simple: we must forgive each other, and redeem each other, and move on, offering a lasting lesson on forgiveness.
HLL Lifecare Ltd intends to broaden its pharmacy network to 600 outlets nationwide over the coming year, creating around 4,500 job opportunities in healthcare. With around 340 existing stores, HLL champions affordable healthcare solutions while ensuring vital services reach all citizens. Notably, this expansion will roll out just in time for World Pharmacists Day on September 25.
Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib demanded the arrest of IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare and professor Suryanarayana Doolla over the alleged suicide of student Sahil Wakode. Chib sought an impartial probe, alleging caste-based and mental harassment, while IIT Bombay has disputed the charges. Wakodes parents have also alleged discrimination.
Vishva Hindu Parishad has responded to Mahmood Madani's allegations regarding the treatment of Muslims in India. Madani expressed concerns over targeted actions and judicial system effectiveness, prompting VHP's criticism. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal claimed Madani's comments threaten Indian sovereignty and questioned his commitment to India's Constitution. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, founded in 1919, remains a significant Muslim organization in India.
Saudi Arabias civil defence authorities on Thursday issued alerts warning of potential danger in Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu and Tabuk, advising residents to exercise caution and follow official instructions. The nature and extent of the potential danger were not immediately clear.

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