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The Economic Times

Economy / The Economic Times

Streaming overtakes TV in Indias content investment for first time: MPA

India's video content investment is shifting towards online streaming as it accounts for 46% in 2025. Television's share declines to 42%, marking a significant change in the video industry. Local films are also seeing growth, with strong box office performances reported in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Consolidation is taking place in the market, particularly in India and Korea, impacting production economics.

25 Sep 2026 12:35 am
LPG customer base dips after a decade

India's LPG customer base had been expanding steadily, with the adoption of cooking gas accelerating over the past decade. The active LPG customer base more than doubled to 333.9 million at the beginning of the current fiscal year from 148.6 million at the start of 2015-16. Growth ranged between 11.9% and 19.6% in the four years to 2018-19, before slowing to around 5% or less as the overall customer base expanded. This fiscal year, the customer base has shrunk by 1%.

25 Sep 2026 12:10 am
ET Graphics: Where Indians travel and why

Religious travel accounted for the largest share of overnight trips at 47.7%, followed by health and medical travel (29.6%), and holidaying, leisure and recreation (22.1%). On an average, Indians spent Rs 11,723 per overnight trip on holidays, with transport accounting for around 30% of the expense.

25 Sep 2026 12:08 am
New Yorks dreamy life looks perfect on screen, but what does it really cost? Rent, living expenses and the price of the big-city fantasy explained

New Yorks glamorous lifestyle has been romanticised by Hollywood and shows like Friends and Sex and the City. But a recent conversation between financial influencer Sharan Hegde and NYC-based creator Khushi Jain has highlighted how expensive that dream can be, from Manhattan rents to the broader yearly cost of living.

25 Sep 2026 12:04 am
Sugar imports likely for second year

The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.

25 Sep 2026 12:00 am
Tender floated to import 1.7 mt urea ahead of rabi season

India's urea imports more than doubled to 4.75 mt during April-August from 2.04 mt during the same period in 2025, even as domestic production increased 4.4% to 12.54 mt, industry insiders said, citing FAI data.

24 Sep 2026 11:55 pm
Ministry of Finnace to engage with banks and traders to allay Merchant Discount Rate concerns

In an effort to shield consumers from additional Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges, the finance ministry is set to consult with the Indian Banks Association. Meetings with traders' organizations are also scheduled to directly address their concerns about the recent MDR levy. Effective from October 15, transactions exceeding 2,000 will incur a 0.

24 Sep 2026 11:52 pm
Fertiliser sales slide as poor rains cloud kharif season

The decline came amid rainfall deficiency and drought-like conditions in several parts of the country, which weighed on farmers' spending on soil nutrients even as overall kharif sowing remained only about 2% below last year's level, industry executives said. Sales of NP/NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) complex fertilisers fell even more sharply, declining 19.4% while sales of muriate of potash (MOP) dropped 13.6%, according to provisional data from the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI)

24 Sep 2026 11:47 pm
Reliance to raise Rs 10,000 crore next week as companies rush to tap surplus bank liquidity

Reliance Industries Limited is planning to raise 10,000 crore next week through a ten-year maturity bond. Other firms, including Adani Airport Holdings, will raise significant funds as well this Friday. The increasing number of companies tapping debt indicates the surplus liquidity in the banking system. This trend is occurring ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy decision on October 7.

24 Sep 2026 11:46 pm
Indias external pressures persist despite forex swap inflows, says Nageswaran

India's Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlighted ongoing balance of payments pressures amid increased foreign capital inflows. The Reserve Bank of India's special forex swap window has facilitated significant foreign currency inflows. However, these inflows are seen as a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution to external pressures. Factors like rising imports and intensifying global competition for capital could worsen the external account situation.

24 Sep 2026 11:44 pm
Irdai commission curbs spark sharp selloff in insurers, banks and NBFCs

Shares of insurers, banks, and non-banking finance companies dropped sharply following proposed commission caps by Irdai. The proposals raised concerns over the outlook for businesses reliant on insurance distribution. Major companies such as PB Fintech and Max Financial Services experienced significant declines. Analysts indicate that banks and NBFCs could face negative impacts from the changes in commission structures.

24 Sep 2026 11:39 pm
Credit card spending falls 2.8% in August as new card additions slow

In August, credit card spending decreased by 2.8% to 2.02 lakh crore from July's 2.08 lakh crore. While year-on-year spending saw an increase of 5.9% compared to August 2025, the trend indicates moderation. Additionally, banks added 1.19 million new credit cards, down 5.6% from July's figures. This brings the total credit card tally to 124.1 million at the month's end.

24 Sep 2026 11:36 pm
FSSAI plans to ban use of 'paneer' tag on non-dairy items

Products already licensed or registered under the 'analogue in dairy context' category will have to stop using 'paneer' in their product name, labelling or marketing, according to the draft regulation notified in the Gazette of India. The move would effectively reserve the term paneer for products meeting the dairy definition, preventing businesses selling non-dairy analogues from presenting or marketing them as paneer.

24 Sep 2026 11:27 pm
Print media holds ground as advertisers back reach, credibility and premium audiences

Print media in India has shown resilience amid global downturns with increased advertising revenue and volumes. As brands continue to invest in print, the festive season is expected to boost spending significantly. Data indicates that English dailies experienced a rise in advertising revenue from accredited agencies, marking a growing trend. This year's festive season is anticipated to drive higher advertising volumes in various sectors.

24 Sep 2026 11:27 pm
'Transparency' packs the punch: Sales of packaged health foods with clean ingredients surge 60% in 2 months

Sales of packaged products with transparent healthy ingredient claims have increased significantly in recent months. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is proposing a new front-of-pack labeling system. Surveys show parents are willing to pay more for healthier snack options for their children. Consumer engagement with food transparency is rising, leading to higher demand for guilt-free snacks.

24 Sep 2026 11:21 pm
Air India pilot removed from Zurich flight over alcohol violation

An Air India pilot was removed from his aircraft in Zurich due to alcohol consumption before take-off. Authorities conducted sobriety tests that revealed blood alcohol content exceeding the permissible limit for pilots. As a result, the flight AI 151 to Delhi was grounded, leading to an investigation by Swiss aviation regulators. Both Air India and IndiGo enforce strict zero-tolerance policies for alcohol violations among crew members.

24 Sep 2026 11:17 pm
Quote of the day by Agatha Christie: 'Any woman can fool a man if she wants to and if he's in love with her...' - Life lessons on what love teaches about trust, deception, emotional attachment and how being emotional can cloud judgment by the iconic British author

Quote of the Day by Agatha Christie: Any woman can fool a man if she wants to and if he's in love with her is a line from Agatha Christies Witness for the Prosecution, spoken by the character Sir Wilfrid while discussing how love can affect a persons judgement. It explores the connection between strong emotional attachment, trust and the possibility of overlooking warning signs.

24 Sep 2026 11:07 pm
Fans found a Leonida Map inside Rockstars new GTA 6 Box, but where is the game?

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.

24 Sep 2026 11:06 pm
UPI fee could recover up to Rs 15,000 crore annually while keeping most transactions free

National Payments Corporation of India plans to introduce a 0.4% merchant discount rate for UPI transactions. This could help recover about 13,000-15,000 crore of annual costs while most transactions remain free. According to CEO Dilip Asbe, 80% of the MDR would come from large businesses already accepting credit cards. He noted that reintroducing charges after six years of zero MDR is necessary due to slowed investments.

24 Sep 2026 11:02 pm
Canada CPP, OAS payment tomorrow: Who gets the September 25 payment and how much could you receive?

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.

24 Sep 2026 11:02 pm
This atomic clock is so precise it can detect how gravity changes time. Scientists now want to take it outside the lab and measure tiny shifts across Earth

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.

24 Sep 2026 11:01 pm
India-US trade pact 'done and dusted'; execution after India gets competitive advantage: Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the US-India bilateral trade agreement is on the verge of completion, showcasing significant progress. He also emphasized positive developments in the India-EU trade negotiations, particularly regarding climate regulations, and mentioned advancements in talks with Canada, Mexico, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

24 Sep 2026 10:49 pm
Rockstar Games unveils $400 special edition collection. Does not include GTA 6 game; heres what fans get

Rockstar Games has unveiled the Grand Theft Auto VI: The Goodtime State Vice City Collection, now available for pre-order at $399.99. This exclusive collection features an array of themed merchandise, although the game itself is not included. Gamers can opt to buy the game separately, starting at $79.99 for the Standard Edition. Shipping coincides with the game's launch, showcasing Rockstar's commitment to captivating collectors and fans alike.

24 Sep 2026 10:21 pm
Axis Bank readies major customer-connect initiative to mark World Tourism Day

Axis Bank is set to launch an extensive outreach program across India, spotlighting tourism and hospitality sectors in Goa. The initiative plans to engage over 5,000 customers and honour approximately 1,000 entrepreneurs.

24 Sep 2026 10:17 pm
GST Council to take view on 18% levy on UPI merchant fees: Report

The GST Council will meet on October 7 to discuss GST levy on UPI merchant fees exceeding Rs 2,000. The government has proposed a 0.4 percent merchant discount rate that will apply from October 15. This merchant discount rate will be capped at Rs 300 and is considered a taxable service under GST. Merchants will be able to claim Input Tax Credit on the GST paid on the merchant fees.

24 Sep 2026 10:09 pm
Sanofi Healthcare buys 15.2% stake in Sanofi India for Rs 1,068 crore

Sanofi Healthcare India acquired a significant 15.2 percent stake in Sanofi India through an open market transaction. The company purchased 35 lakh shares at an average price of Rs 3,052 each. The bill was approximately Rs 1,068 crore in total.

24 Sep 2026 9:44 pm
Californias oldest family-owned winery files for bankruptcy after more than 160 years. Why exactly this winery went out of business?

Gundlach Bundschu Winery, a landmark in California's rich vinicultural history, has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings due to mounting debts. The winery's expansion prior to the pandemic backfired, leading to a financial crunch amidst a struggling wine market marked by decreasing demand and surplus inventory. Nevertheless, the family-led establishment plans to explore investment opportunities to ensure a resilient future while embarking on a restructuring process.

24 Sep 2026 9:42 pm
The 30-Minute Medicine Problem

How India's largest ePharmacy is building an in-house quick-commerce engine across cities and why moving medicines in under an hour is far more complicated than it looks

24 Sep 2026 9:37 pm
Canon EOS R6 V review: A full-frame camera built for video first

Canons EOS R6 V is a full-frame camera built primarily for video creators and professional videographers, with features such as active cooling, 7K open-gate recording, uncropped 4K 120p and dedicated vertical-shooting controls. Its video-first design worked well during tech shoots, including outdoor filming, while the absence of an electronic viewfinder can be a drawback for photographers, especially in bright sunlight.

24 Sep 2026 9:33 pm
Miniratna PSU HLL Lifecare marks 15-year milepost with big new plan for nationwide push

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. .

24 Sep 2026 9:18 pm
Fewer Indians plan to raise festive budgets in 2026, but high spenders grow: Survey

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.

24 Sep 2026 9:15 pm
Mushtaq Khan dies at 56: Welcome actor's death shocks fans. A look at his diverse Bollywood, TV and theatre career; what happened to him?

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.

24 Sep 2026 9:09 pm
Coal to supply half of Indias power through 2035-36 as demand surges

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.

24 Sep 2026 9:08 pm
Bengaluru man used to make tiffin for his daughters. Years later, he became a MasterChef India finalist. How a fathers love for cooking set off a remarkable journey

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:47 pm
IRDAI proposes clawback of commissions in case of mis-selling

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:43 pm
UAE, Saudi Arabia keen to invest in Indias refining sector: Hardeep Singh Puri

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:38 pm
India is a stable economy with the ability to withstand external headwinds, says DEA Anuradha Thakur

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:35 pm
FSSAI proposes ban on sale, manufacture of analogue paneer

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:33 pm
Dr Lal PathLabs to acquire 70 pc stake in SN Genelab for Rs 168 crore

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:29 pm
Hi OTT release date locked: When and where will the Tamil romantic drama starring Kavin and Nayanthara stream online

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:27 pm
OpenAI: AI agents tried to hack government agencies and universities. What happens when a simple internet search fails?

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:24 pm
Economists raise concerns as India's growth increasingly becomes credit expansion-led

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:19 pm
PB Fintech forced to rethink business plan as India insurance commissions cap comes as a major shocker

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.

24 Sep 2026 8:10 pm
Kalpataru Projects International Limited projects bags new orders worth over Rs 2,000 crore

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.

24 Sep 2026 7:58 pm
Economic Affairs Secretary underlines need for household savings to be channelled into India's financial system

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.

24 Sep 2026 7:31 pm
German automation firm DEPRAG to invest Rs 8-10 crore, assemble systems in India

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.

24 Sep 2026 7:30 pm
BMW India CEO Hardeep Singh Brar reveals whats changing in Indias EV scene

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.

24 Sep 2026 7:27 pm
Why Wyomings Yellowstone Park stop feeding bears? How garbage dumps once became an attraction

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.

24 Sep 2026 7:10 pm
33 hours to 12, 14 to 6 and 8 to 30 minutes: How Vande Bharat trains, expressways, bridges & new-age infrastructure are shrinking travel times

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.

24 Sep 2026 7:05 pm