The Economic Times

Quote of the day from George Bernard Shaw is a famous observation on marriage that takes a witty and unconventional look at why people continue to be drawn to the institution. Taken from his 1903 play Man and Superman, the quote, Marriage is popular because it combines the maximum of temptation with the maximum of opportunity, reflects Shaw's habit of using humour and sharp social commentary to question everyday beliefs.

The road transport ministry has mandated that motor vehicle aggregators eliminate any tipping prompts that appear before or during trips. This decision is based on the need for adherence to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, especially after instances of deceptive tipping practices were noted. Tips should only be suggested post-trip to ensure all funds go directly to drivers without any reductions.

The MSME ministry is set to announce new regulations for small businesses next month. These amendments focus on improving invoice financing through the Trade Receivables Discounting System, ultimately aiming to bolster cost efficiency and global competitiveness. As Parliament has recently addressed issues of delayed payments, digital platforms will play a crucial role in overseeing the effective implementation of this law.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the challenges faced by BRICS nations in mobilizing private capital. She urged multilateral institutions to draw investors into infrastructure projects, as India needs ample private investments alongside its public capital. A substantial pipeline of infrastructure projects is being cultivated through public-private partnerships, allowing the group to target resilient and sustainable growth through meaningful cooperation outcomes.

Microdrama is now a mainstream Indian entertainment format, with most audiences preferring it. Viewers spend over fifteen minutes daily watching these short, episodic stories. Social media feeds are the primary source for discovering new microdrama content. This format shows strong brand recall and purchase intent for advertisers. Microdrama offers creators and brands opportunities for deeper audience engagement.

The Securities Appellate Tribunal reserved its order on interim relief for Zee Entertainment and Punit Goenka. They are challenging a Securities and Exchange Board of India order which they deem punitive. Lawyers argued the order should not take effect until future resolutions are completed. These resolutions are for the company's overall benefit and future operations. Parties must file their replies and submissions within the next six weeks.

Hotel chains plan substantial expansion, expecting many new openings soon. This growth will create thousands of new jobs across India. Radisson Hotel Group anticipates a 75% increase in hotel openings. ITC Hotels aims for over 2,000 new hires for its upcoming properties. IHCL's guidance indicates about 6,000 direct employment opportunities.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2027, India's pharmaceutical exports soared to $8.10 billion, showcasing remarkable strength in drug formulations and biologicals, which together made up roughly three-quarters of the total. Both bulk drugs and vaccines saw substantial double-digit growth. North America and Europe served as vital markets for Indian medicines, indicating a promising future for the nation's pharmaceutical sector.

Television broadcasters anticipate a challenging festive advertising season ahead. This comes as ratings remain withheld following a ministry directive. Advertising demand is already subdued due to economic pressures and digital shifts. Free commercial time consumption has fallen to a three-year low. This situation impacts the entire TV broadcasting ecosystem significantly.

General insurers face higher motor third-party claim reserves due to Supreme Court rulings. A recent ruling fixes homemakers' notional income, increasing claim payouts. This interpretation is expected to raise claim outgo significantly over eighteen months. Insurers also face policy standardization for occupant and pillion-rider coverage. Motor third-party insurance remains challenging with rising claim costs and slow premium growth.

The government has initiated 950 enforcement actions against pharmaceutical companies since December 2022. These actions aim to improve the quality of locally made medicines and prevent spurious drug sales. More than 1,100 cough syrup manufacturers are facing intense audits due to quality concerns. Drug manufacturing premises are inspected periodically to verify compliance with good manufacturing practices. Risk-based inspections are now prioritized based on a company's risk profile.

South Indian banks have seen their gold-loan portfolios nearly double in three years. This significant growth is driven by rising gold prices and increased demand for credit. Federal Bank, CSB Bank, and others experienced substantial portfolio expansions. CSB Bank recorded the fastest growth, more than doubling its gold loan book. Gold loans now represent a significant portion of advances for these regional lenders.

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed new lending rate guidelines. Regulated entities must declare lending rates monthly and reset floating loans quarterly. Total charges for microfinance and small loans will be capped by the regulator. These new norms aim to harmonize interest rate determination methods. Final guidelines will take effect from April 1, 2027.

People who genuinely enjoy spending time alone are not necessarily introverts, psychologists say. Research suggests that a preference for solitude may instead be linked to a strong sense of autonomy, where people feel comfortable making their own choices, following their interests and spending time without needing constant social approval. For some, alone time can also help them process emotions, think clearly and recover from overstimulation. The key difference is that chosen solitude can feel

Rumis quote, Half of life is lost in charming others. The other half is lost in going through anxieties caused by others. Leave this play. You have played enough, offers a simple but powerful reminder about how much time can be spent trying to please people and worrying about their opinions, actions and reactions. The passage encourages stepping away from the constant need for approval and focusing instead on living with greater awareness.

10 Cute Baby Names Inspired By The World's Most Beautiful Islands

Daniel Freeman made history in 1863 when he became the first person to file a claim under the Homestead Act, taking 160 acres of land in Nebraska. A year later, his life took a personal turn when he began exchanging letters with Agnes Suiter, who had once been engaged to his brother James, a Civil War casualty. Their correspondence slowly grew into a romance, and the two married in 1865. Agnes moved to Nebraska, where they raised eight children and built a life on the homestead.

10 Unique Baby Names For Little Ones Inspired By Zodiac Signs

India and the Southern African Customs Union have commenced discussions by signing Terms of Reference for a trade agreement. Expected to finalize within a few months, this preferential trade pact is designed to enhance bilateral trade significantly. India plays a pivotal role as a key supplier to SACU nations across a range of industrial sectors, promising to cultivate stronger economic ties throughout Africa.

Indian Railways has launched two new train services and is extending several existing routes. The new daily services, Kasganj-Aishbagh Express and Valsad-Surat MEMU, will enhance connectivity. Additionally, the Varanasi City-Gorakhpur Express will now reach Nepalganj Road, thus improving travel options for passengers across various states and fostering greater convenience and accessibility.

NCERT faces over half its sanctioned posts vacant, impacting its key educational roles. CBSE also has 44 percent of its positions unfilled, a significant concern. This major shortage of permanent staff risks the safety and quality of national board exams. The parliamentary committee urged fast-track recruitment to fill these critical vacancies. Urgent attention is needed to address these staff shortages at both bodies.

Bank of America will invest up to $1.9 billion in Jio Credit. This significant foreign investment aims to acquire nearly fifty percent of the lending subsidiary. The transaction will provide substantial capital for Jio Credit's expansion plans. It will combine Jio's digital network with Bank of America's financial expertise. This partnership seeks to enhance credit access for all Indians.

An Air India pilot on sleep medication tested positive for marijuana after an incident. The aircraft rapidly lost altitude, injuring seventeen passengers on its flight. The pilot reported sleep difficulties and personal circumstances affecting his rest. Aviation experts stated prescribed sleep medication would not detect THC. The incident is now under investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau.

Bank deposits saw their fastest growth in nearly ten years by July. Overseas Indians deposited about $37 billion in foreign currency accounts. Bank credit growth also accelerated to its fastest pace since June 2024. This surge was driven by corporate demand and MSME lending programs. India garnered nearly $41 billion in total inflows by July 31.

The Reserve Bank of India is harmonizing interest rate determination methods for regulated entities. New guidelines will define internal benchmarks and loan pricing components for banks. Floating rate loans will have benchmark resets not exceeding three months. Existing loans must migrate to the new framework by April 2029. These draft guidelines are open for public comment until September 11.

JSW Dulux reported strong June quarter volume growth and expects demand to continue. The company targets double-digit volume growth for the remainder of fiscal year twenty twenty-seven. Premium products are driving growth, with the company aiming for market share expansion. Manufacturing synergies are being implemented after the acquisition by JSW Group. Raw material costs remain a focus, with potential calibrated price increases considered.

In 2018, entrepreneur Brent Underwood spent millions to buy Cerro Gordo, an abandoned California mining town. What began as a bold investment soon became an unexpected adventure when he moved there during the COVID-19 pandemic. Surrounded by historic buildings, old mine shafts and reminders of the towns violent past.

Walter Strauss was sentenced to prison in New Jersey in the 1960s after a drug conviction, but his time behind bars set him on an unexpected path. He began studying law, helped other inmates with their cases and continued his education after release. Years later, despite the barriers created by his criminal record, Strauss became a lawyer and eventually a New York Housing Court judge.

Kia India plans to expand its manufacturing capacity to meet future demand. The automaker targets annual sales of 410,000 vehicles by the year 2030. Kia will introduce ten new vehicles, with eight being electrified models. The company is also expanding its network into smaller Indian cities. This expansion aims to serve both domestic customers and increase exports.

The comments, which Putin made as he oversaw navy drills in Russia's far east, come as the EU tries to ratchet up pressure on Russia's so-called shadow fleet, expanding sanctions against hundreds of vessels and detaining some ships and their crews for checks. Some European governments have said they are exploring tougher maritime enforcement measures against ships suspected of sanctions evasion.

The Delhi High Court questioned Meta's copyright tool access policy. A content creator alleged misuse of the tool by unauthorized users. The court directed Meta to provide guidelines and eligibility criteria for the tool. Meta stated that disputed copyright strikes against the creator were reversed. The court will hear the matter again on September 24.

Viral posts falsely claimed Earth would experience a seven-second gravity blackout. Scientists confirmed this physics-bending anomaly is impossible due to Earth's mass. Astronomical events like eclipses do not affect planetary gravity significantly. Hypothetical scenarios show a gravity loss would eject the atmosphere. The hoax exploited public interest in celestial events for engagement.

Old mobile phones contain valuable metals such as gold, silver and copper, with some metals found at higher concentrations in e-waste than in conventional ore. Global e-waste generation is rising rapidly, creating a significant opportunity for recovering these valuable resources. Recycling these metals can help reduce the need for virgin mining and its associated environmental impact. However, recovering metals from electronic devices requires specialised industrial processes and facilities. Con

Jio Financial Services and Bank of America announced a significant joint venture agreement. The US banking major will acquire up to 49.9% in Jio Credit. This investment could reach Rs 18,268 crore, approximately $1.9 billion. Bank of America will initially hold a 26.5% stake in the NBFC. The transaction is subject to necessary regulatory and statutory approvals.

Rescuers saved 211 people from a ferry fire near Bali island. One passenger's body was recovered after the blaze erupted at sea. The Putri Yasmin ferry was carrying vehicles and motorcycles when the fire started. Rough seas and high waves complicated the extensive rescue operation efforts. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and passenger number discrepancies.

An employee's exit from a company took an unexpected turn after management informed him that his position would soon be taken over by someone else. Instead of leaving immediately, he was asked to spend weeks passing on his knowledge and helping the new employee understand the role. The unusual situation has led to a discussion online about workplace loyalty, layoffs, notice periods and how companies handle employees who know they are being replaced.

Retail inflation in India is projected to increase in upcoming months. Food prices are the primary driver, though inflation should stay below six percent. Analysts anticipate the Reserve Bank of India will maintain its current policy stance. Supply-side factors like tomato and onion costs are influencing current price increases. Geopolitical easing could lead to inflation undershooting official projections.

The Road Transport Ministry has directed ride aggregators to immediately remove all pre-ride tipping prompts from their apps, saying tips must remain voluntary and can only be offered after a journey is completed under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Gold prices have surged significantly, encouraging consumers to buy the yellow metal. Expectations of further price increases are driving purchases ahead of the festive season. Consumers are adapting by choosing lighter designs and lower-carat gold options. Jewellery purchases for festivals remain driven by tradition and sentiment. Buyers are increasingly focusing on a fixed budget rather than weight.

Maharashtra FDA suspended four Domino's Pizza outlet licenses for hygiene violations. This action follows a recent suspension of a Blink Commerce facility due to infestations. Reliance Retail also faced scrutiny after live larvae were found in a sweet. The food authority has intensified statewide inspections and crackdowns on food outlets. Ayurvedic drug manufacturers received show-cause notices for serious compliance issues.

Jenna Ortega revealed childhood struggles as an actor. She neglected basic needs like food and water to avoid inconveniencing others. This behaviour is not a healthy fast, especially for children. Research on intermittent fasting shows adult benefits, but not for prolonged deprivation. Ortega's experience highlights pressures faced by young performers.

A series of vicious storms ravaged the Midwest, unleashing tornadoes and heavy rainfall. The storm's fury left hundreds of thousands without power, as fallen trees and wires littered the area. Sadly, several lives were lost due to the unforgiving weather. In response, emergency teams executed water rescues as flooding affected numerous states. Forecasts suggest that severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall may persist in the coming days.

Best baby boy names with B: Parents seeking boy names beginning with B have many options. Bodhi, meaning enlightenment, offers a modern Sanskrit-rooted choice. Classic Benjamin, meaning son of the right hand, remains popular. Bruno, with meanings like armor and brown, has diverse origins. Bennett, meaning blessed, provides a traditional yet current feel.

Quote of the day by Confucius explains how personal discipline can shape family life and influence society. The teaching, found in The Great Learning, presents a chain that begins with the heart, moves to personal conduct and family life, and then extends to leadership, social order and harmony. Its message focuses on responsibility, self-control and daily choices.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar allocated portfolios to nineteen ministers. Senior minister Ramalinga Reddy moved to Forest, Environment and Ecology. Health Minister UT Khader received additional charge of Minority Welfare. Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra was allotted Planning and Statistics portfolio. AS Ponnanna was appointed political secretary with Cabinet rank.

Yokohama India plans a USD 100 million investment over the next three years. This expansion aims to meet rising demand for SUV tyres following GST reforms. The company will increase its tyre production capacity from 4.5 million to 6.3 million units. Yokohama India will focus its growth strategy on tier three and four markets. A new premium tyre range, GEOLANDAR X-CV, has also been launched.

Psychology suggests that the real challenge is not making decisions we will never regret. It is developing enough psychological flexibility to recognize when an old justification has stopped serving us, and allowing ourselves to choose differently without treating that change as an admission that we were foolish all along.