The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Wholesale sugar prices have seen a significant 15% fall due to recent government import decisions. Traders are optimistic about further reductions as fresh supplies are set to arrive shortly. However, consumers will not notice a drop in retail prices just yet as old inventory needs to be sold off first.
Marriott sees India as a key growth market, planning significant expansion and new hotel openings. The company is adapting its brands and products to suit Indian consumer preferences. Innovation is a focus, with India serving as a testing ground for new initiatives. Artificial intelligence is being integrated into operations to enhance efficiency and guest experiences. Marriott remains committed to long-term growth and adapting to evolving travel trends globally.
Salman Khan is an ace amateur farmer. The superstar reportedly grows various vegetables potatoes, tomatoes, and pumpkins at his luxurious 150-acre farmhouse in Panvel without the help of any artificial fertilisers. He also feeds guests dishes cooked from these organically grown veggies. However, he has no plans to become a professional farmer. The produce is only for private consumption.
At 11, Rukhmabai was married to a 19-year-old relative but refused to live with him, choosing education and independence instead. Her husband took her to court, where she chose imprisonment over returning to him. Her landmark case influenced Indias 1891 Age of Consent Act. She later studied medicine in England, returned to India in 1895 and became a pioneering practising female doctor and public health worker.
House of Abhinandan Lodha is teaming up with NITCO Ltd to develop an impressive mixed-use project in Alibaug that promises to generate revenues around Rs 4,500 crore. This ambitious venture will include high-end apartments, exquisite townhouses, and a boutique hotel. With a planned investment of Rs 1,000 crore dedicated to construction, HoABL is enhancing its footprint in the premium real estate market.
Indias total fertility rate has fallen to 1.9, below replacement level, even as the working-age population remains dominant. The country may confront ageing at a lower income level than China did. Economists say the next two decades are critical for creating jobs, improving skills, expanding care infrastructure and raising productivity.
The Delhi High Court has asked FSSAI to pause its decision on ITC's licence cancellation. ITC challenged the regulator's advisory regarding '100%' claims on food product labels. The court sought FSSAI's response to ITC's petition and will hear the matter again. ITC argues existing regulations permit such claims on its atta product. The court directed no decision be taken until the next hearing on September 9.
In a major announcement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on August 25 that the state government will issue appointment letters to one lakh young people over the next six months.In his speech at an appointment letter distribution programme, the CM highlighted the govt's record on recruitment since 2017. He said more than 9.30 lakh government jobs had been provided in Uttar Pradesh over the past nine-and-a-half years. He claimed that none of these appointments had faced a challen
India's aviation regulator is considering mandatory annual random drug tests for all pilots. This proposal follows a recent Air India incident, prompting policy review. Currently, only ten percent of pilots undergo random drug testing each year. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is consulting stakeholders on potential rule changes. Any new policy will balance aviation safety with airline operational impacts.
The Scandal, a new K-drama, will premiere globally on September 18. This period drama is set in Joseon-era Korea and features a dangerous wager. Son Ye-jin, Ji Chang-wook, and NANA star in this complex story. The series reimagines a classic literary tale with contemporary themes. Read on to know where to watch it online.
Tamil Nadu plans to establish a new international airport near Chennai to meet growing passenger and cargo demand, with alternative sites to be identified and assessed by the Airports Authority of India. The plan follows the state government's decision to abandon the proposed Parandur airport project over environmental and livelihood concerns.
The Indian School of Business presents PGP MAX, designed specifically for senior leaders boasting over ten years of experience. This modular program is crafted to enhance leadership skills at the enterprise and C-suite levels through thorough learning. Participants will acquire a global viewpoint and vital decision-making skills required to navigate complexities, thereby aligning their functional expertise with strategic insights for influential leadership in today's ever-evolving landscape.
Rooftop solar and KUSUM scheme are driving India's solar capacity growth. These initiatives accounted for forty percent of additions in the current fiscal year. Utility-scale projects face transmission challenges, impacting their expansion. India added significant renewable capacity in the previous fiscal year. Future additions may moderate as transmission infrastructure develops.
India's capital market is on the brink of a transformative shift as more investors engage actively. The Metropolitan Stock Exchange (MSE) is dedicated to cultivating a resilient financial framework, improving accessibility, and mitigating costs for emerging investors throughout the nation. With a versatile platform powered by advanced technology, this initiative aspires to broaden wealth generation opportunities and contribute to the countrys overall prosperity.
Cement firm NU Vista received a 15.41 crore notice alleging input tax credit irregularities. The notice covers four fiscal years from 2020-21 to 2023-24. It proposes denying input tax credit for civil construction and canteen expenses. The company also faces proposed denial of output tax credit reduction from sales returns. NU Vista claims sufficient evidence and expects no major financial impact.
Puravankara has signed a joint development agreement for a 7.83-acre residential project in southeast Bengaluru with an estimated 1,100-crore development value. The deal takes its FY27 Bengaluru land additions to nearly 50 acres, with potential GDV of 6,300 crore.
A Reddit user refused when his neighbour asked him to let his cousin buy an iPhone using his credit card on a 12-month EMI. Bengaluru CA Meenal Goel reacted to the incident, warning about the growing focus on monthly affordability. She pointed out that consumers often ask whether they can pay Rs 10,000 a month instead of whether they should spend Rs 1.2 lakh, highlighting the risks of EMI-driven spending.
India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat and wheat product exports. This move is expected to help temper rising global prices for the staple food. Small and medium enterprises can now export their brands overseas after the ban removal. Global wheat prices had risen due to geopolitical tensions and the Russia-Ukraine war. Increased demand from Bangladesh is anticipated following the export restrictions being eased.
In a significant advancement, Biocon Biologics has gained marketing approval for its pegfilgrastim biosimilar in Japan. This vital cancer supportive care drug is designed to mitigate infection risks following chemotherapy. Developed as a rival to Neulasta, Sandoz KK will handle its exclusive promotion and distribution. This approval marks a pivotal step in expanding Biocon's biosimilar range and improving patient accessibility worldwide.
A company executive struggled with daily bloating and heartburn despite undergoing endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging and laboratory tests that were reportedly normal. Dr Saurabh Sethi recommended five lifestyle changes: 38 grams of fibre from breakfast, coffee with food, three regular meals, a 10-minute walk after the largest meal and at least seven hours of sleep. Sethi said the symptoms resolved within 30 days.
Yash's eagerly awaited movie Toxic is set to hit theaters worldwide on August 26. Fans can already book their tickets in advance, with some premium options priced quite high. The Kannada version is leading in advance sales, outperforming its dubbed versions. Designed for a wide-ranging audience, the film is available in several languages.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday termed the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) a major turning point in the country's digital payments journey, as the interface completed 10 years since its launch.
Indias food regulator has dropped plans for colour-coded front-of-pack nutrition warnings after industry opposition, opting instead for simpler disclosures. The decision faces Supreme Court scrutiny amid concerns over obesity, high sugar, salt and fat levels, and differing product formulations across countries.
India's ports will temporarily accept foreign-bound cargo diverted from the Strait of Hormuz. Under this measure, unloading, storage, and transshipment will be allowed until October 31, 2026. As per the rules, cargo must remain under customs control and is strictly for onward international transit.
IIT Delhi students protested the death of a 31-year-old MSc Physics student on campus. They are demanding an independent inquiry into alleged administrative lapses and system reforms. Classes were suspended as thousands of students gathered for a sit-in protest seeking answers. Students allege the deceased faced difficulties with accommodation and academic support. The protest highlights concerns about student mental health and institutional support systems.
Marathwada's cultivation area has shrunk by nearly 3.5 lakh hectares this year. Rainfall is 20.3 percent below average, impacting the region's agriculture significantly. Cotton and sugarcane acreage have dropped sharply, while farmers shift crops. Soybean, maize, and sunflower cultivation has seen an increase. This shift reflects adaptation to current weather conditions and market demands.
Japan's government is considering tax breaks on non-core business sales. This move aims to accelerate corporate restructuring and industry consolidation efforts. The plan would defer corporate tax on sale gains if proceeds are reinvested. This initiative is modeled on Germany's successful tax reforms from the early 2000s. Such changes could boost already active merger and acquisition deal activity in Japan.
In the fight for the South Carolina Republican Senate nomination, Senator Darline Graham has secured major support from MAGA Inc., while Representative Ralph Norman intensifies his campaign efforts. Norman voices his worries regarding the role of super PACs in shaping elections. With rallies and endorsements from President Donald Trump on her side, the winner of this runoff will square off against Annie Andrews, the Democratic candidate, in November.
Ankur Warikoo, who has been with his wife Ruchi for more than two decades, shared three lessons for building lasting relationships. He believes strong bonds grow through small, consistent acts of care rather than grand gestures. His advice is to show up during difficult moments, listen without always trying to fix problems and remember little details about loved ones. He also stressed that relationships can fade when people stop making an effort to stay connected.
The government has extended the processing window for duty-free raw sugar imports. This move aims to increase domestic sugar availability before the festive season. Domestic sugar prices have risen sharply due to tighter supplies and increased demand. The government is also curbing hoarding by reducing stockholding limits for bulk consumers. These measures seek to stabilize sugar prices and ensure adequate supply for consumers.
Malini Sharma, once known for her performance in Raaz, has transitioned away from the spotlight of Bollywood. She founded The Slow Local, a project devoted to culinary delights and community interactions. Relocating to the picturesque Sahyadri Hills, she embraced farming and the hospitality sector, welcoming visitors to her charming homestead. Read on!
A Gurgaon-based professional left an Rs 18 LPA IT job fearing AI-driven layoffs and took an Rs 10 LPA public-sector bank role in Chandigarh for greater stability. According to financial content creator Amit Arora, his friend now regrets the move after a year, citing lower pay, frustrating work culture and bureaucracy. Returning to IT could mean better earnings but also performance pressure, longer hours and renewed layoff concerns.
During a fun segment on a quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati, Amitabh Bachchan opened up about his tactical approach to avoid the occasional scolding from Jaya Bachchan. He ensures to communicate any late shoots to his family, deflecting their questions upon his late arrival. He also pitches in with housework when the staff is absent. Read on!
With I, Nobody bringing a crime thriller to JioHotstar, Aakali Rajyam tackling unemployment on Aha Video, Kerala Underground exploring Malayalam hip-hop on ZEE5 and Pluto mixing science fiction with comedy on Saina Play, this week's South Indian OTT lineup covers very different genres. Read on to know when and where to watch them on OTT.
Singtel plans to enter Indias emerging satellite communications (satcom) market, targeting public and private enterprises through its Indian subsidiary Singapore Telecom India.
As of June 2026, CLINT had approximately S$1.7 billion (roughly 8,820 crore) of borrowings. As of June, CLINT's assets under management stood at S$3.5 billion.
India has mobilised $73 billion in foreign exchange inflows in less than 11 weeks, surpassing the scale and pace of the RBIs 2013 FCNR(B) swap scheme, the finance ministry said.

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