The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
US President Donald Trump downplayed reports that Chinese entities supplied Iran with satellite imagery of a US military base in Jordan before and after an Iranian strike that killed three American soldiers. Trump said China and the US both conduct espionage, as the report threatens to add friction ahead of Xi Jinpings planned White House visit.
North Korea said it conducted a joint live-fire drill involving missiles, artillery and drones, claiming the exercise demonstrated the huge destructive power of concentration fire. The drill marked Pyongyangs first publicly reported ballistic missile launches in about three weeks, as tensions persist over US-South Korea military exercises and stalled diplomacy.
Gold prices witnessed a slight decline, primarily driven by surging oil prices, raising inflation worries among traders. With an 86% probability of a US interest rate hike on the horizon, consumer prices saw a notable rise in August, further solidifying expectations of increased rates. As higher interest rates typically reduce gold's allure, other precious metals also faced downturns on Monday.
Indian stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, have extended their losing streak for a fifth week. Analysts suggest the indices have entered oversold territory, indicating a potential short-term rebound. Traders are advised to consider specific strategies like a Bull Put Spread for the September 29, 2026 expiry. Several top stocks, including Kotak Mahindra Bank and BHEL, are recommended for buying with defined targets.
An Iranian cargo vessel was struck off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one and injuring four, Iranian state media reported. The attack came as Tehran postponed a meeting with Gulf states on managing shipping through the strategic waterway, amid heightened regional tensions and continued attacks on vessels.
SS Retail plans a
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi used their first meeting on Indian soil in seven years to signal a thaw in ties and a willingness to manage shared challenges, including US President Donald Trump. But deep differences remain over the border dispute, trade imbalance, Chinese support for Pakistan and India's economic dependence on Beijing.
AI executives are calling for a deliberate slowdown in the pace of advanced model development. This plea may lead to short-term pressure on stocks of chipmakers and supply chains. However, experts suggest that the long-term repercussions will be minimal. The surging demand for computing resources and semiconductors remains robust, surpassing available supply. Investors are closely monitoring the expanding landscape of AI technology and its possibilities for monetization.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to remove the 10% tariff on Irish whiskey, responding to calls from Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and others. The move would address an imbalance created after Trump exempted UK whiskey from tariffs in April. Details on when the Irish whiskey tariff would be lifted remain unclear.
Shapoorji Pallonji bond yields are expected to tighten significantly after the RBI rejected Tata Sons' application. The Reserve Bank of India's decision mandates the listing of Tata Sons, ending regulatory uncertainty. This development provides a clearer path for monetizing the SP group's stake in Tata Sons. Investors who financed the SP group at high yields anticipate improved risk rewards.
Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to win the US Open title, six years after losing the 2020 final from two sets up. The German overcame Shelton's fightback to claim his second Grand Slam title, denying the United States its first men's major triumph in 23 years.
The primary market anticipates a busy week with five mainboard and six SME IPOs. NSE's substantial IPO will lead primary market activity, opening on September 17. Several other mainboard offerings and SME IPOs will also open for subscription this week. Ten mainboard companies and four SME firms are scheduled for their stock market debuts. This period marks the highest IPO value since October 2025.
Tata group stocks may see gains after recent declines. Investors anticipate Tata Sons' upcoming public listing and its impact. Several listed companies hold significant stakes in the group's holding company. These stakes are valued at substantial amounts relative to their market capitalizations. The potential listing is expected to influence the valuation of these group entities.
India's largest commodity exchange, the Multi-Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), will remain closed for the first session (9 am to 5 pm) on Monday. Trading will resume in the evening session between 5 pm and 11:30 pm, as per its website. The National Commodity
Gujarat led the charge in new investor registrations in August, surpassing all other states. It was trailed by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which also showcased impressive growth in investor numbers both on a monthly and yearly basis. Remarkably, West India spearheaded the rebound in new investor activity, with North India maintaining the largest share of new investors at the national level.
Shapoorji Pallonji Group is exploring debt options for a
Tata Sons' potential IPO valuation is estimated between
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against using technology and critical minerals for advantage. He emphasized that a cooperative approach would benefit all nations globally. Modi highlighted inclusivity in technology adoption during the BRICS session in New Delhi. He also discussed global tensions and their impact on ordinary people. Supply chain disruptions were noted as a significant concern affecting interconnectedness.
Tata Sons' potential IPO valuation is estimated between 9-12.5 lakh crore., reflecting a discount on its underlying portfolio worth 15-16 lakh crore. Investors will price listed stakes and unlisted businesses, applying a holding company discount. The Reserve Bank of India rejected Tata Sons' plea to remain private. This decision effectively mandates the conglomerate's public listing soon.
Shapoorji Pallonji Group is rethinking its Tata Sons stake sale plans. The Reserve Bank of India has directed Tata Sons to comply with listing requirements. SP Group will likely await clearer listing timelines and valuations before selling shares. A potential Tata Sons public offering offers a clearer monetisation route. This move could significantly reduce SP Group's future borrowing costs.
Quote of the day by Dolly Parton is a life lesson about resilience, patience, hope and perspective. We cannot control every storm that enters our lives, but we can influence how we respond to it. The rain may bring frustration, uncertainty and disappointment, yet it can also teach endurance and prepare us for moments of growth.
Globally, August was 1.65 degrees Celsius (nearly 3 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, far exceeding the longer term 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) threshold set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement. The eight hottest months on record have all been from July 2023 on, according to Copernicus data.
Quote of the day by Aesop, All men are more concerned to recover what they lose than to acquire what they lack, looks at how people respond to loss. The saying explores human nature, regret, gratitude and the scarcity mindset. It suggests that people may spend more energy recovering what is gone than building something new, while missing opportunities that remain available in the present and future.
Quote of the day by Maya Angelou asks people to give their kindness and warmth to those closest to them. The saying focuses on sincerity, family, friendship and emotional energy. It says people should not appear polite to strangers while being harsh at home. Maya Angelous words also remind readers to value loved ones, act with authenticity and make time for relationships that matter in life every day.
Quote of the day by Winona Ryder, Youve got to grow up sometime, reflects on growing older, accepting responsibility and dealing with change. The saying suggests that youth cannot continue forever and that people eventually have to face adult duties. Its message also focuses on accepting new stages of life, finding balance between enjoyment and responsibility, and moving forward instead of avoiding change.
Quote of the day by Leonardo DiCaprio offers a timeless lesson about career success, passion, gratitude and living in the present. Opportunities are valuable partly because they are not guaranteed to last forever. Whether someone is pursuing acting, business, education, sports, technology or another profession, the principle remains the same: recognize meaningful chances, prepare yourself to meet them and give your best when they arrive.
Quote of the day by Helen Mirren highlights the need to act on dreams instead of waiting for permission or certainty. The saying focuses on taking ownership, overcoming fear, being adventurous and moving beyond hesitation. Helen Mirrens words suggest that people can create their own impact by taking action, accepting risk, exploring new paths and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Twenty-five years after 9/11, Vanessa Minter, the American Airlines reservations agent who answered Betty Ong's historic call from hijacked Flight 11, finally met Ong's family. Here's what happened during the emotional reunion and why Ong's final phone call remains an important part of the history of the September 11 attacks.
Aluminum foil can help protect refrigerator shelves from minor spills and crumbs. It makes cleaning food messes easier by catching spills and preventing stains. Properly wrapped food can be protected from air exposure and odor spread. Always keep foil away from refrigerator vents to ensure proper airflow. Regularly change the foil and clean underneath to maintain hygiene.
In a compassionate response to last September's tragic violence, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has announced financial support for victims' families. Each family of the four deceased will receive 15 lakh rupees, while individuals with major injuries will be compensated with 3 lakh rupees. This initiative underscores a strong commitment to aid affected families during their difficult times.
Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. A timely virtual safety car intervention significantly altered the race's outcome. Lando Norris experienced misfortune, losing his commanding lead during the crucial period. Max Verstappen finished second, while Norris recovered to claim third place. Antonelli extended his championship lead with this significant win.
Quote of the day by Lena Headey highlights the link between freedom, sacrifice and courage. Spoken by Headey as Queen Gorgo in the 2006 film 300, the saying explains that freedom can come with a human cost. It also offers lessons about appreciating rights, understanding sacrifice, standing up for others, working for important goals and recognising the effort needed to protect peace, safety and independence.
China's troop deployment along the Line of Actual Control saw a significant reduction in 2025. The Ministry of Defence report noted ten combined arms brigades deployed opposite northern borders. This deployment translated to approximately 45,000 to 50,000 Chinese troops along the entire LAC. Indian Army deployments remain robust and prepared for any emerging contingency along the border. Border Personnel Meetings continue with the PLA to resolve ongoing issues of concern.
Kolkata has exported approximately 500 tonnes of hilsa fish to Bangladesh recently. Another 150 to 200 tonnes are expected to be shipped in the coming weeks. This marks a significant reversal of the traditional fish trade flow between the two nations. Bangladeshi traders are sourcing hilsa from Gujarat, which has high demand there. The fish is also being processed for export and sold domestically as salted hilsa.
Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced mandatory building safety audits after a recent collapse. The city aims for electric mobility transition with specific registration deadlines for vehicles. New electric three-wheelers and goods carriers will register from January 2027. Electric two-wheelers will be registered starting April 2028. The Yamuna River cleanup targets untreated sewage stoppage by 2028.
Home Minister Amit Shah stated the Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in all BJP-ruled states before 2029. He also confirmed plans to deport all illegal infiltrators, including Bangladeshis, from the country. The government believes the nation has progressed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Shah emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and a commitment to dialogue. Discussions are ongoing with allies and parties regarding the NRC in Manipur.
After returning empty-handed from the 2023 and 2024 editions, the 25-year-old World No 10 Army man produced a dominant run this time, powering through the quarterfinals and semifinals before overcoming world No. 20 Nakanishi 6-5 (28-28, 28-29, 29-28, 28-30, 28-27) in a hard-fought five-setter. After a 5-5 tie, Dhiraj prevailed 10-9 in the shoot-off.
Recent asset declarations from ministers reveal a diverse range of portfolios including cryptocurrency investments and foreign assets. While some officials claim livestock such as cows and sheep, others report ownership of older cars. Notably, several cabinet members hold properties in the Delhi-NCR region, yet declarations of firearms are largely absent. Overall, these disclosures highlight wealth accumulated through family means rather than just assets obtained in office.
India's Arunachal Frontier Highway project is now on track for construction. This strategic road aims to boost connectivity along the Chinese border. Land acquisition issues and compensation disputes have been largely resolved. The project completion deadline is set for the year 2029. This highway will facilitate rapid movement of defence forces in the region.
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating Trinamool Congress's aircraft charter payments. TMC paid substantially more per flying hour for an aircraft than other clients. This disparity was particularly pronounced in 2026, with rates over three times higher. The agency examined four years of aircraft operations and related financial transactions. The probe stems from a cyber crime police FIR and an ECIR under PMLA.
Talks between Tehran and Muscat over the waterway, a global chokepoint for energy exports, have progressed in recent weeks and the latter had been aiming to bring together foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council on Monday in Salala, a southern Omani city.
Congress questioned Prime Minister Modi's recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The party raised concerns about alleged Chinese territorial advances in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. They also asked about India's position on China's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Congress highlighted the significant trade deficit India maintains with China. The opposition urged the government to share details of the bilateral discussions.
Kashmiri leaders met Iran's foreign minister on the BRICS summit sidelines. They discussed the grave regional situation and the need for restraint. The leaders emphasized diplomacy and safeguarding unity within the Muslim Ummah. They conveyed solidarity with Iran and expressed deep concern over loss of lives. India could play a constructive role encouraging peaceful engagement and diplomacy.
Belarus seeks deeper industrial and agro sector cooperation with India. The nation is ready for joint ventures and local production in India. Potash fertilizers and Indian pharmaceuticals remain key business items. Belarus also expressed interest in expanding defense industry partnerships. This cooperation aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a new insurance mechanism for BRICS nations. He also suggested a collaborative initiative for the grain market among member states. These proposals aim to counter Western sanctions and ensure independent operations. Putin highlighted BRICS' significant contribution to global agricultural and food output. He also praised the New Development Bank's substantial project handling capacity.
Prime Minister Modi held discussions with key leaders, starting with Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, focusing on essential minerals and tech advancements, along with India's free trade deal with the Eurasian Economic Union. He further engaged Egypt's President El-Sisi on regional dynamics and fostered deeper ties with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto. Modi's meeting with South Africa's President Ramaphosa addressed collaborative efforts in tackling global challenges.

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