The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Under the fortnightly quota, sugar mills will be required to sell at least 40% of the allocation in the first week and the remaining quantity in the succeeding week. It was observed that in certain cases, sugar sold by mills at the beginning of the month was being dispatched or lifted by buyers only towards the end of the month, leading to artificial scarcity, the government said in a statement.
India's industrial output saw a 6.7% growth in July. Manufacturing output increased by 7.3% year-on-year during the same period. Electricity generation also rose by 8.7% in July. Consumer durables surged to an eight-month high, driving overall growth. Capital goods output also showed a significant increase.
In a fascinating twist of music history, Supertramp recorded their famed song The Logical Song in a bathroom. Saxophonist John Helliwell opted to perform his parts while tucked away in the studio's toilet, a decision made due to the unavailability of other spaces. This unconventional backdrop added an unforgettable charm to the piece, showcasing how creativity can flourish in unexpected places.
Most Indians have a weakness for rice, ghee and bananas. In the summer, having a plate of piping hot ghee-soaked rice or snacking on a banana can be so satisfying. However, many avoid it out of fear of gaining weight or spiking their blood sugar. Kareena Kapoor Khans dietician, Rujuta Diwekar, recently shattered some myths about these foods.
For nearly 40 years, Sarah Winchester kept expanding a bizarre mansion in San Jose, California, filled with doors that lead nowhere, strange staircases and hidden passages. Legend says she believed the spirits of people killed by Winchester rifles were coming for her and that constant construction would keep them away. While the haunting story has never been fully proven, the 160-room Winchester Mystery House became one of America's most famous supposedly haunted places, where documented history
During World War I, a clandestine German telegram sparked a controversial proposal for Mexico to launch an attack on the United States. British intelligence successfully intercepted and decoded this crucial message, revealing offers to regain lost territories. The confirmation of the telegram's authenticity by Germany swayed public opinion in America dramatically, alongside escalating submarine warfare, ultimately leading the United States to declare war against Germany in April 1917.
Sarah Winchester built a sprawling mansion after family tragedies and spiritual advice. She continuously constructed the house for decades, which became a legend. The elaborate Victorian home featured 160 rooms and six acres of land. Construction finally ceased upon her death in 1922. The Winchester Mystery House now fascinates visitors with its history and folklore.
For nearly a century, massive rocks weighing up to 700 pounds appeared to move across Californias Death Valley without any visible force behind them. Their long, winding trails on the remote Racetrack Playa puzzled visitors and scientists alike, leading to several theories about what could be moving the stones. Despite years of observation, no one managed to witness the process firsthand. That changed when a team of researchers set up equipment to monitor the area and unexpectedly arrived at the
Who doesnt like to munch on a banana or two during the summer? Although a guilty pleasure for those with high blood sugar levels, it remains a favourite snacking item. However, apart from being our comfort food, bananas and us are also genetically related. According to a genome study that came out in 2013, we share 60% of our DNA with this yellow fruit!
The Enforcement Directorate froze bank deposits worth over fifty-one crore rupees. This action is part of a fresh probe into a massive bank loan fraud. The investigation involves Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited and its promoters. An immovable asset in the United Kingdom was also found to be involved.
In the early days of Alaska, wood was the primary source of heat and electricity. The gold rushes sparked a surge in power requirements across its remote communities. Gradually, aging engines began supplying electricity to various Alaskan towns. Today, hydropower has become essential in the state's energy strategy as Alaska pursues reliable energy sources across its expansive terrain.
IndiGo will commence direct flights connecting Guwahati and Bangkok starting October twenty-seventh. This new service marks the third international route from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport this year. The airline's expansion opens another gateway to Southeast Asia for travelers. This initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism and trade. The Assam Chief Minister announced this development on Friday via social media.
Ola Electric secured Rs 95.81 crore under the PLI-Auto Scheme for FY 2026-27. This incentive follows a previous sanction of Rs 366.78 crore for FY 2024-25. The company's manufacturing capabilities and commitment to EV technology are recognized. This reinforces Ola Electric's role in India's advanced automotive manufacturing ecosystem. The scheme aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and encourage advanced automotive technologies.
Zee Entertainment is investing in sports and animation to build new growth engines. The company is diversifying its portfolio to capture a larger share of the evolving media landscape. ZEEL has partnered with PhantomFX to strengthen its animation and VFX content creation capabilities. The broadcaster has also launched four sports channels and secured rights to international events. ZEEL's digital platform ZEE5 became profitable in FY26, aided by a language-focused strategy.
Mahindra Group has expanded its Battery-as-a-Service model across its entire eSUV portfolio. This flexible ownership option lowers upfront vehicle purchase costs for customers. Customers can now finance their vehicle and battery separately through a dual-financing structure. The company received an overwhelming response, validating demand for EV adoption solutions.
Over Rs 53 lakh crore has been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer to beneficiaries. Nearly 33 crore women now hold Jan Dhan accounts, enhancing financial inclusion. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has completed twelve years of successful operation. This initiative provides basic banking access and financial security to millions. Banking outlets now reach nearly every village, improving accessibility for all.
Monowi, a tiny village in Nebraska, was left with just one resident after Elsie Eilers husband died in 2004. Instead of leaving, Eiler stayed on and continued running the Monowi Tavern while also serving as the villages mayor, clerk, treasurer and secretary. Once home to more than 100 people, Monowi gradually declined as residents moved away and local businesses closed. Eiler also turned her late husbands collection of around 5,000 books into Rudys Library.
Maharashtra FDA cancelled Cipla's Pune unit drug sale licences. Serious irregularities in storage and recall procedures were cited by the regulator. The company failed to fully comply with market recall directions for Reactin Plus Tablets. Further non-compliance was discovered in the unit's distribution and sales system.
For a woman managing type one diabetes, brisk walking becomes a key strategy for regulating high blood sugar. During physical activity, the body's muscles draw on stored sugar, improving insulin responsiveness. To lessen the impact of glucose spikes after meals, waiting about thirty minutes after eating is advisable. It's essential to monitor ketone levels before working out when glucose is high.
You can indeed manifest your dreams to come true. According to neuroscience, there is a process called neuroplasticity, which trains the brain to align itself with your desires and help you achieve your goals more quickly. However, that requires positive thinking and developing certain habits.
Quote of the Day by Burt Lancaster: Burt Lancasters quote, I judge a restaurant by the bread and by the coffee, explores the importance of quality, simplicity, and attention to detail when experiencing food and hospitality. The quote suggests that a restaurants true standard can often be recognized through its simplest offerings rather than only its expensive or elaborate dishes. Good bread and well-prepared coffee can reveal the care, consistency, and quality that go into the overall dining exp
India and China will implement an eight-point consensus from recent Special Representatives talks. Both nations will now determine how to operationalize the agreed agenda points. Discussions focused on maintaining peace and creating conditions for stable bilateral relations. Expert groups will advance discussions on boundary delimitation and border management. Future meetings and hotline channels were also agreed upon for better communication.
Bihar faces significant flood threats as river water levels continue to rise. Heavy rainfall and flash floods in Nepal have caused major rivers to swell. Authorities have opened barrage gates and are monitoring river embankments closely. People are being moved from low-lying areas to safer locations. Disaster response teams are on standby for any emergency situations.
A powerful storm swept through New York's Capital Region on Thursday. Downed trees and scattered debris caused significant disruptions in several communities. The Washington County Fair closed early for safety due to the severe weather. Power outages created traffic problems and darkened intersections in Wilton. Rensselaer County also continued recovering from earlier storm damage.
India's entertainment and media industry will grow to $36.7 billion by 2030. Digital advertising and video OTT will lead this significant expansion. Gaming and esports revenue is also projected for substantial annual growth. Traditional TV and print media will remain resilient and continue to grow.
Just before turning eighteen, Alicia Mae Holloway discovered an unexpected bond. For seventeen years, her adoptive mother shared updates and photos with Holloway's biological mother, allowing her to watch her daughter's journey from a distance. The discreet connection was maintained through a friend's address due to family worries. When Holloway eventually met her biological mother, she reflected on her adoption as a profound act of love.
Banking sector saw deposits withdrawn and credit outstanding decrease in the fortnight. Banks are not renewing bulk deposits, opting for foreign currency funds instead. This shift slowed year-on-year deposit growth to 14.7 percent. Outstanding bank deposits stood lower at Rs 269.31 lakh crore.
India sees new export chances in Canada as economic ties strengthen. Bilateral trade aims for fifty billion dollars by twenty thirty, with talks ongoing. India's goods exports to Canada grew significantly, showing market momentum. Canada's tariffs on US products create openings for Indian suppliers. This shift offers Indian companies a chance to expand their market share.
In July 1990, a small community in Idahos remote Salmon River Canyon said goodbye to a telephone system that had survived for decades. Seventeen households shared a hand-cranked, 20-party line that connected residents to one another and the outside world. John Booker made the final call before the old magneto system was replaced by private-line, touch-tone service, marking the end of Americas last known operating hand-cranked telephone system.
NBCC and NHPC have signed an agreement for infrastructure project execution. NBCC will provide project management consultancy and undertake specific NHPC projects. This collaboration covers buildings, structures, and allied works across India. The scope includes design, engineering, and construction of completed projects.
Energy Efficiency Services and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board have signed an initial pact. This collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of smart domestic piped natural gas meters. The agreement will create a structured ecosystem for smart meter adoption. Both entities will facilitate demand aggregation and large-scale deployment across the sector. This initiative promotes standardization and efficient implementation for smart metering.
GMR Group chairman G M Rao sees significant international airport opportunities. The company will explore growth in West Asia and Central Asia. Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia also present expansion possibilities. GMR Airports aims to scale up its asset-light portfolio globally. This strategy supports sustainable growth and financial discipline for the group.
Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan advocates for higher US Federal Reserve interest rates. He believes current financial conditions remain too loose for controlling inflation. Rajan points to strong investment and fiscal deficits as growth drivers. The US economy shows little sign of being constrained by borrowing costs. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee has shown unexpected resilience recently.
India's foreign exchange reserves surged by over twelve billion dollars. This sharp build-up pushed reserves to an unprecedented $729.328 billion. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves significantly drove this latest increase. The country's external buffers are now strengthened against global shocks. These reserves are now higher than both end-March and a year earlier.
A graduate student made an astounding discovery of the ancient Maya city of Valeriana through online environmental data. This hidden city boasts intricate pyramids and expansive plazas, along with countless structures veiled under dense forest. Utilising LiDAR technology, researchers unveiled vital urban and agricultural infrastructure elements, hinting at the potential for numerous other ancient sites within existing datasets waiting to be uncovered.
IndiGo Ventures is investing in Sarvam, an Indian artificial intelligence company. This investment supports their ongoing partnership focused on AI applications. They will continue developing AI for customer experience and operational improvements. The collaboration aims to create a platform for AI-driven innovation. This venture deepens engagement exploring further enterprise AI applications.
An Alliance Air flight experienced a tyre burst while landing at Bilaspur airport. The aircraft was carrying thirty-seven passengers and four crew members safely. All individuals on board were evacuated from the plane without any injuries. The airline subsequently cancelled the onward journey of the affected flight. Further details regarding this incident are still awaited by officials.
Late Malayalam star Salim Kumar was a passionate farmer who spoke about his love for farming and growing vegetables even when the endeavour didnt turn out to be very profitable for him. The actor-director breathed his last in June. He had worked in over 300 movies in an illustrious career spanning over three decades.
Retail sugar prices are easing as ex-mill rates decline significantly. The government will now allocate sugar fortnightly to mills from September. This new system aims to prevent artificial scarcity and ensure smooth supply. Mills must dispatch sold sugar within seven days of sale.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has achieved unparalleled impact and transformative outcomes. This initiative has significantly reshaped India's financial landscape and global financial inclusion efforts. Millions of unbanked adults now have access to basic banking services and digital transaction tools. Women's participation in the financial system has increased substantially through these accounts. Rural and semi-urban areas are now better served by this extensive banking network.
Norway's new King Haakon VIII ascended the throne after his father's death. He once sought distance from royal life and its constant public attention. Haakon found freedom and a sense of self while living in California. His marriage to Mette-Marit brought him closer to public engagement. The new king now faces family scrutiny and institutional challenges.
Norway mourns the passing of King Harald V at age 89, a monarch who reshaped royal traditions over his remarkable 30-year reign. His commitment to modernizing the monarchy is reflected in his choice to wed commoner Queen Sonja, illustrating a shift towards greater inclusivity. As Crown Prince Haakon ascends the throne as King Haakon VIII, King Harald's profound legacy of love and duty will continue to resonate.
The income-tax tribunal ruled in favor of Spencer Stuart International BV. Executive search fees were not treated as technical services under the tax treaty. The tribunal deleted a tax addition related to expense reimbursements. A separate dispute concerning management fees was sent back for fresh examination.
An Indian grandmothers innocent conversation with ChatGPT has gone viral after she was led to believe that the AI voice assistant was a foreign woman who could become her grandsons bride. While many viewers found her warm and genuine reaction adorable, others criticised the prank, saying it was unfair to make fun of an elderly woman who did not understand she was speaking to AI.
Tea Association of India said that the auction Price figures of North Indian Tea Industry recently reflect a precarious state of affairs in the industry, coupled with the onslaught of flash floods, excessive heat and severe pest and disease infestations hampering production of the crop during the current cropping season.

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