The Economic Times

Q1 GDP: The release of the latest data coincided with the significant assertion at the SCO meet, of Indias vision of transforming shared geography into shared opportunities through the three pillars off Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

Hawaii's officials have embarked on an innovative experiment to blend recycled plastic into road asphalt, effectively repurposing nearly 200,000 plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. This pilot project focuses on assessing the pavement's functionality and the long-term impacts of microplastic dispersion. A parallel control section was created for reference, highlighting efforts to convert waste materials into valuable infrastructure for the country's transportation networks.

Tata Play Binge Shots has integrated Klip, a micro-drama platform, into its content offerings. This new addition features over sixty shows and three thousand episodes of diverse Hindi content. Klip, founded by Vicky Bahri and Harman Baweja, adds approximately fifteen new shows monthly. It joins other platforms like STAGE and Pocket Films on Tata Play Binge Shots. Klip will also be accessible through the Tata Play Mobile App.

Japanese Credit Rating Agency has upgraded India's sovereign rating to A- from BBB+. This upgrade reflects solid economic growth and effective policy implementation by the government. Robust private consumption and public investment are also key factors supporting this positive assessment. The economy is projected to maintain a growth rate exceeding six percent in FY27. India's financial system has shown improvements, with declining nonperforming loan ratios.

India's auto component sector aims for $200 billion turnover by FY30. Achieving this goal requires greater resilience against rising costs and shortages. The industry has seen significant growth over the past decade despite disruptions. Strong domestic demand and increasing exports will support future expansion. Companies must focus on capability building and technological advancements for sustained growth.

Want your home to smell fresh without relying on artificial air fresheners? Fragrant plants can add natural floral, herbal or citrusy aromas while bringing greenery indoors. Jasmine, gardenia, lavender, mint, rosemary, lemon balm and scented geranium are among the options worth considering. Their fragrance depends on factors such as light, flowering and airflow, so choosing plants suited to your space and caring for them properly is key.

Indian artists saw a 29% rise in Spotify royalties during 2025. Telugu music experienced over 120% growth, with other regional languages also growing. More Indian artists are earning significant income, with a 21% increase in those earning over one crore rupees. International listeners discovered Indian artists more, contributing significantly to their earnings.

Cindy Crawford quote of the day: Cindy Crawford's legendary beauty mark defied the rigid beauty norms of her era. She embraced her unique appearance, turning her mark into a celebrated emblem of individuality. This empowering quote resonated with women everywhere, encouraging them to love their distinct features. In an age dominated by perfect digital images, Crawford's message of authenticity remains powerfully relevant, inspiring confidence in embracing one's true self.

Indian refiners face disrupted oil shipments from the Middle East. Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil experienced delayed crude oil deliveries. These disruptions force refiners to seek costly alternative oil supplies. Simultaneously, Russian oil flows are also under pressure. This situation highlights ongoing challenges for India's energy security.

India aims for 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047. Financing rules and green bond frameworks need review for nuclear investments. A significant talent shortage exists within the clean energy sector. Specialized education and training programs are currently lacking across India. Government and industry are forming committees to address these crucial expansion needs.

Flex office operators in India achieved over Rs 2,250 crore revenue in Q1 FY27. Revenue growth for these companies ranged between 26% and 44% year-on-year. Three operators reported profits, while others significantly narrowed their losses during the quarter. Enterprise demand and GCC expansion are strengthening the sector's dependence on corporate relationships. The market is entering a mature phase, focusing on efficient scale and sustainable margins.

Taylor Swifts husband Travis Kelce is now the proud owner of a brand new home. His mansion in Ohio is not just large but also aesthetically pleasing. According to reports, the new house, which has cost the Kansas City Chiefs a staggering $5 million, is located bear Lake Erie and has 11 rooms.

A parliamentary committee will meet on September 3 to discuss direct tax reforms. The meeting will focus on simplification, rationalization, and ease of compliance. Discussions will also cover the Income-tax Act, 2025, and revenue performance. This session follows a previous cancellation regarding virtual digital assets. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance will attend the important deliberations.

Kuki MLAs Kimneo Haokip Hangshing and Haokholet Kipgen attended the Manipur Assembly session in Imphal on Wednesday for the first time since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. Their attendance came despite a Kuki Inpi Manipur directive against travelling to Imphal. Manipur currently has nine Kuki, Zomi and Hmar MLAs.

Nepal seeks climate compensation from worlds biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. Deadly floods killed over a thousand people and left many missing. The nation demands justice for climate-related losses and damages. Nepal is pressing wealthier nations for climate funding ahead of a UN summit. This push highlights the global debate over disaster costs.

In 1998, saltwater toadfish participated in the Columbia's Neurolab mission, offering insights into the effects of microgravity on the nervous system. Their inner ear adaptations revealed how their vestibular system modified its sensitivity in the absence of gravity. Upon returning to Earth, the adjustments mirrored the disorientation experienced by astronauts, further enhancing our understanding of balance and safety in space exploration.

African proverb of the day: This African proverb highlights how stories often favour the tellers viewpoint. The hunters tale can overshadow the lions experience when the lion has no historian to tell its side of the story. It shows how history can be shaped by those who record and share it. Listening to diverse voices is crucial for gaining a fuller understanding of events, while considering missing perspectives can offer a more balanced view of reality.

This year, a well-known Kolkata Janmashtami celebration is undergoing a noteworthy organizational change. The event, which has historically embraced multicultural involvement, will now be exclusively managed by Hindu members. This decision comes in light of comments made by a local BJP representative regarding religious festivities. The Muslim community has been a vital part of this celebration for many years, marking its significance in the 58th iteration.

Tim Cook leaves Apple after 15 years with India as a key part of his supply-chain legacy. What began with assembling older iPhones in 2017 has grown into a major global manufacturing hub, with India now making about one in four iPhones and potentially expanding into MacBooks and iPads.

Small finance banks anticipate improved asset quality by March 2027. Gross non-performing assets are projected to decline significantly from current levels. This improvement stems from microfinance portfolio recovery and non-microfinance growth. Tighter underwriting practices have strengthened borrower selection in microfinance portfolios. The non-microfinance segment now forms a larger share of total advances.

SBI General Insurance will not chase fire insurance business at unsustainable prices. The company aims to improve profitability and maintain a healthy expense of management ratio. Health insurance penetration is a key focus, leveraging SBI's extensive branch network. Addressing mis-selling requires suitability, transparency, convenience, and fairness for customers. SBI General Insurance is considering a potential public listing in the future.

IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company has appointed Tatsuya Fujimoto as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Subrata Mondal. Fujimoto previously served as Director (Operations) and Senior Executive Director-Chief Risk Officer. He brings 28 years of experience with Tokio Marine Group across Japan, the US, Malaysia and India.

Bookings are now open for the electric Range Rover in India, courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover. A token amount of ten lakh rupees will allow customers to reserve this high-end SUV. It promises an extended range of six hundred kilometers and supports rapid charging, reaching eighty percent in merely twenty-two minutes. True to the Range Rover legacy, it combines luxury with exceptional off-road capabilities.

Indias television broadcasting industry is undergoing a structural reset as 114 channel licences were surrendered between 2022 and 2026 amid weakening advertising, declining pay-TV homes and audiences shifting to OTT, connected TV and short-form video. Broadcasters including JioStar, Zee Entertainment, NDTV and B4U Networks are rationalising portfolios as industry economics come under pressure.

Janmashtami home decor does not have to be expensive. A few simple additions can transform a small corner into a festive Krishna setup without stretching your budget. Decorate a jhula with flowers, use colourful dupattas as a backdrop, add diyas and fairy lights, and incorporate peacock feathers, matkis and handmade rangoli. Reusing festive decorations and household items can help create a beautiful, traditional and welcoming space without unnecessary spending.

Indian refiners sharply increased edible oil imports in August to build stocks ahead of the festive season. Palm oil imports rose 7% to 780,000 tonnes, while soyoil imports jumped 21% to a record 601,000 tonnes.

Shree Shakti Engineering (SSEGPL) has evolved into a specialised manufacturer and exporter of pipeline construction equipment. Its portfolio includes bending machines, clamps, mandrels and handling equipment. The companys engineering, manufacturing and quality capabilities support projects across global markets, while emerging energy and infrastructure sectors offer opportunities for further international growth.

India and Afghanistan have agreed on follow-up measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including enhanced customs and data-sharing cooperation, improved trade connectivity and regulatory coordination in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, the Commerce Ministry said on Wednesday.

The auto sector must become stronger due to disruption in the next decade. Deep localization, people development, collective learning, and technology are key enablers. Companies should view workforce development as an investment, not a cost. Digital tools help anticipate and manage supply chain bottlenecks effectively. Cybersecurity and contingency plans are crucial for operational recovery.

IFS officer Parween Kaswans X post has sparked discussion about why leopards are increasingly seen in tea gardens. A study on leopard habitat use in northeastern India found that dense ground vegetation, connected tea plantations and nearby livestock can make estates suitable habitats. Leopards use these areas as shelter and movement corridors, while avoiding densely built-up settlements.

Mrunal Thakur leads a highly structured lifestyle, prioritizing fitness with consistent gym sessions and a disciplined diet. Her coach has disclosed her ambition to enhance her combat skills and athletic performance. Mrunals workout regime features kickboxing, boxing, and agility exercises, favoring progressive resistance training and Pilates over traditional cardio. Her nutrition emphasizes wholesome, home-prepared meals to support energy levels and recovery.

The Supreme Court allowed Oil India to withdraw its application and file a new plea. This plea seeks to overturn the government's rejection of its drilling proposal. The project involves hydrocarbon extraction beneath Assam's Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. Oil India argues its Extended Reach Drilling differs from conventional mining. The company seeks approval for forest land diversion for this crucial energy project.

Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has upgraded Indias sovereign rating by one notch to A- from BBB+, with a Stable outlook, citing sustained economic growth, stronger financial-sector soundness and policy measures supporting development. India grew 7.7% in real terms in FY2026, while its fiscal deficit narrowed and banking-sector asset quality improved.

Congress criticizes the government's GDP figures citing former finance secretary Subhash Garg. Garg stated real GDP growth is closer to 2.6 percent. He explained that revising previous year's numbers inflated current growth. The opposition demands the government acknowledge economic realities and implement reforms. They believe PR cannot fix the actual economy's condition.

Reliance Consumer Products has entered Indias ice-cream market with Bombay Creamery, pricing cups, cones and sticks from 10. The brand is initially rolling out across western India before a planned nationwide expansion, bringing Reliances low-price, high-distribution strategy to another consumer category.

India's fiscal position remains comfortable in early FY27 months. Slower nominal GDP growth could pressure the fiscal deficit target. Government spending increased significantly, and capital expenditure rose nearly thirty percent. Tax collections remained strong, with income and corporate tax showing growth. Rising subsidy costs and disinvestment receipts will need close monitoring.

The maker of Mansion House is expanding beyond its traditional spirits portfolio, making its first foray into tequila as Indias premium alcohol market continues to broaden.Tilaknagar Industries Ltd (TI) is entering the tequila category through a strategic investment of 22 crore in Black Tiger Distilleries, the Indian spirits company behind Bodega Suprema No. 5. TI will acquire a 30% stake in the company on a fully diluted basis.The investment will be made in two tranches, with 6 crore to be inve

Are you completely exasperated with unwanted guests such as red ants, cockroaches and other termites in your home? Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumars wife author of best-selling books Mrs Funnybones, Twinkle Khanna recently shared a DIY pest control spray made with kitchen ingredients that can keep your home pest-free, without tainting it with chemicals.