The Economic Times

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

India achieved a silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay at the Asian Games, clocking 3:14.46. Vithya Ramaraj performed a strong anchor leg to help the team finish second. Bahrain won the gold medal with a time of 3:12.87, followed closely by the bronze medalist team. Indian athlete Seema Kumari also secured a bronze medal in the women's 10,000m event. She finished with a time of 32:50.

Feeding each others growth: AI needs chips. Chips need AI: Shree Harsha, Dassault Systmes India

India's latest free trade agreements are designed to foster long-term investments within global supply chains, also ensuring tariff stability, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said. By tapping into a massive $60 trillion market, these agreements bolster investor confidence, he noted.

India needs to strengthen its manufacturing sector while attracting foreign investment to support economic growth. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the importance of resilience amidst global challenges. He noted a focus on AI's impact on employment, particularly for entry-level jobs. Ensuring the creation of AI-enabled roles alongside traditional jobs will be crucial for social stability.

IND vs WI 2026 Schedule: India is set to clash with the West Indies in a thrilling three-match ODI series beginning on September 27, 2026. Captain Shubman Gill will lead the Indian side, while Shai Hope will helm the West Indies. The opening match is in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by exciting fixtures in Guwahati and New Chandigarh. Fans can catch all the action live on the Star Sports network or stream it on the JioHotstar app.

Germany has finalised an $8 billion deal with India for the construction of next-generation submarines. German ambassador Jasper Wieck stated that the agreement is ready for signing at India's convenience. He emphasised the importance of cooperation between India and Germany in the current global uncertainty. Discussions included Germany's understanding of India's energy needs and the implications of purchasing Russian oil.

In a push for collaboration, JSW Group is insisting that Volkswagen AG take on a significant tax liability that is still unresolved in India. While an initial agreement has been made, fundamental issues remain to be addressed prior to finalizing their partnership. Volkswagen is keen on tapping into Indias growing automotive market following unsuccessful earlier discussions.

India's men's badminton team faced China in the semifinals of the Asian Games this week. Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty struggled against their stronger opponents, resulting in a loss. Only Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty managed to secure a win in their doubles match. Despite the defeat, the team achieved back-to-back Asian Games medals for the first time in 40 years.

Pakistan affirmed its commitment to the Makkah defence agreement with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. The pact ensures collective deterrence against armed attacks on any member nation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated Pakistan will fulfill its obligations under the agreement. Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated the intent and spirit to uphold the defence deal.

School holiday tomorrow: On September 18, 2026, school holiday schedules will vary across India. While students in West Bengal observe a holiday for Vishwakarma Puja, schools in Maharashtra may remain closed as part of the Ganeshotsav break. However, September 18 is not a nationwide school holiday, so students and parents should check their respective schools official holiday calendar or latest notice for confirmation, including the reopening date.

Radha Ashtami, marking Radha Rani's appearance, will be celebrated on September 19, 2026. This Hindu festival occurs on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada. The festival holds special significance in Barsana and the Braj region. Ashtami Tithi begins September 18 and ends September 19, with main observance on the latter. The Madhyahna period for worship is expected between 11:00 AM and 1:27 PM.

A threat letter from the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi Gang to Canada police in 2025 has now emerged online which reads We are Indian gang Canada has no guts to stop us is that clear we will rule in CANADA now no one can stop us we are very powerful. The Bishnoi gang also claimed that they have more than 5000 gang member in Canada.

The Supreme Court suggested the CBSE consider deferring its three-language policy for Class 6 students. This policy mandates studying two native Indian languages and one other language. The board will consider the court's suggestion and present a fresh note. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and NCF-SE.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu. He conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reaffirmed India's commitment. Jaishankar handed over fifty-four electric vehicles to support Bhutan's sustainability goals. Discussions focused on development, energy, trade, and cultural cooperation between the nations. The minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for key development projects.

Canada will decide its own international agreements and partnerships. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated this in Strasbourg on Thursday. He responded to US President Trump's criticism of EU-Canada ties. Canada could be a better partner to the US through EU association. The substance of any new relationship matters more than its name.

Tata Trusts have declared N Chandrasekaran's reappointment as Tata Sons chairman a legal nullity. Noel Tata, a Trusts nominee, voted against the resolution, while four directors supported it. The Trusts cite the Articles of Association, requiring a majority of their nominee directors' votes. They maintain Chandrasekaran's earlier decision not to seek reappointment has already attained finality. This dispute deepens the leadership standoff within the prominent Indian conglomerate.

Noel Tata opposed N Chandrasekaran's reappointment as Tata Sons chairman. He argued the decision to step down was already accepted by shareholders. Chandrasekaran reversed his earlier decision to not seek another term. The Tata Trusts called the board's resolution a legal nullity. They remain committed to an orderly leadership transition process.

The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has expanded eligibility to adopted sisters of beneficiaries, while revised rules allow married dependent sons and brothers with critical, terminal or specified chronic illnesses to continue receiving medical benefits. The changes broaden family coverage without changing the contribution paid by the primary CGHS cardholder.

Vaishnaw says 'targeting at least 200 startups' for chip design, unveils 6-pillar SEMICON 2.0 plan

Quote of the day by Dwight D. Eisenhower offers motivation as an essential part of meaningful leadership. His message does not suggest that rules, authority or accountability are unnecessary; rather, it draws attention to something those tools cannot create by themselves: genuine commitment. The strongest sense of participation emerges when people understand a goal, see value in it and feel that their contribution matters.

N Chandrasekaran will continue as Tata Sons chairman for five more years. The board approved his reappointment after he reconsidered his earlier decision. This comes as the company faces a potential stock market listing requirement. Tata Sons is now preparing to comply with RBI regulations. The leadership continuity is crucial for navigating these upcoming changes.

An Ahmedabad advocate has sent a legal notice to PVR INOX Ltd after its Palladium Mall cinema refused to accept cash for a movie ticket and food, forcing him to pay via UPI. The notice cites the RBI Act on legal tender and the Consumer Protection Act, and seeks a response within seven days, failing which the advocate may move a consumer commission.

The Central Reserve Police Force's new headquarters in New Delhi is nearing completion. This expansive facility is expected to be operational by the end of December this year. The modern building will consolidate various scattered branches of the large paramilitary force. Construction began in 2019, with a revised completion target after initial delays. The new headquarters will enhance the force's operational capabilities and efficiency.

Word of the Day: Habituate means to make someone or something accustomed to a situation through repeated exposure or experience. Derived from Latin, the word is closely connected to habit and describes a gradual process of adjustment. Its usage can range from everyday routines to education, animal behaviour and scientific contexts, making it useful for describing adaptation to familiar conditions.

Cricketer Prithvi Shaw and social media personality Akriti Agarwal have ended their engagement. The couple announced their mutual decision to part ways after six months. They cited differing future goals and circumstances as the reason for separation. Agarwal confirmed the news via an Instagram statement, requesting privacy. Shaw had announced their engagement on March 8, 2024.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will deliver trainer aircraft and helicopters to the Indian Air Force and Pawan Hans. The handover ceremony is scheduled for September 18 in Bengaluru, with key ministers attending. This event highlights India's growing self-reliance in aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities. The induction of these platforms aims to strengthen domestic aerospace and reduce foreign dependence. Senior officials from defence and civil aviation ministries will also be present.

Climate finance for vulnerable communities and adaptation was discussed at the UN Human Rights Council. RSKS India called for finance linked to human rights and greater adaptation support. They proposed a Global Climate Finance Passport to track funds from donors. India is strengthening climate resilience as a key development priority.

German Proverb of the Day: Whose bread I eat, whose song I sing explores how dependence can influence loyalty and expression. The proverb uses bread as a metaphor for livelihood and song as a symbol of the views a person expresses. With roots in older patronage traditions, it offers a lasting reflection on support, obligation, influence and independence.

A Washington clerk bought a sheet of stamps with an upside-down airplane design. This rare error, the Inverted Jenny, was later sold for a significant profit. Colonel Edward Green divided the sheet into individual stamps for distribution among friends. One stamp remained in a bank vault for a century before selling for over two million dollars. The Inverted Jenny's value stems from its unique printing mistake and fortunate discovery.

Indian Teqball players Declan Marshall Gonsalves and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg lost their group matches. They were eliminated from the men's doubles medal competition at the Asian Games. The duo lost both their matches 0-2 against Vietnam and South Korea. Teqball, a sport combining football and table tennis, debuted at these games. This event marks the sport's first appearance in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

European nations are increasing defense spending and exploring alternatives to American military technology. This shift occurs as doubts grow about the durability of United States support for NATO. While allies meet spending demands, uncertainty about future U.S. troop presence persists. Russia's actions test NATO unity and European defense capabilities. This situation prompts a strategic reevaluation of transatlantic security partnerships.

Quote of the day by Norman Cousins is about participation: even when circumstances cannot be completely controlled, there may still be choices about how to engage with the days ahead. His big gun is a metaphor for the will to remain connected to life, hope and possibility. His own experience showed how strongly he believed in combining personal determination with professional medical care rather than treating them as opposites.

A protest over Niphads stray dog problem took an unusual turn when Yuva Sena district chief Vikram Randhave and supporters released four to five dogs inside the Nagar Panchayat chief officers office. Protesters alleged repeated complaints about dog bites, public safety and rising stray numbers had not resulted in effective action. The civic administration later assured them that sterilisation and population-control measures were underway.

Bank of America has hired Srijith Nair from Goldman Sachs for key Asia roles. Nair will lead financial institutions group investment banking and insurance in the region. He brings nearly twenty years of extensive investment banking experience to his new position. This strategic hire aims to strengthen Bank of America's franchise across the Asia Pacific. Nair previously held significant roles at Barclays, Daiwa, and Citigroup.

Republican candidates face challenges balancing President Trump's trade policies and voter concerns. Michigan and Maine economies are closely tied to Canadian trade, raising stakes for Senate races. Senator Susan Collins criticizes tariffs, while candidate Mike Rogers supports the president's approach. Canada's retaliatory tariffs aim to exert political pressure on the United States. Voters largely blame Washington for the ongoing trade dispute and higher costs.

The Ukraine conflict highlights NATO's struggle to adapt quickly to modern warfare. Cheap drones are rendering traditional military assets like tanks increasingly obsolete. Ukrainian officials are now teaching NATO valuable lessons from the ongoing battlefield experiences. Europe faces a critical air and missile defense vulnerability, relying heavily on US systems. New European initiatives aim to develop independent air defense capabilities for greater security.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed a European Union associate membership proposal. He stated this deeper integration aims to build resilience for both sides. This move seeks to reduce vulnerability to economic and geopolitical pressures. Carney clarified the intention is not to create a rival power bloc. The goal is to enhance sovereignty and independent decision-making capabilities.

iPhone 17 Pro at Rs 69,990: The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB can be bought at an effective Rs 69,990 at Croma, but the price is available only after combining exchange value, an exchange bonus and eligible bank cashback. Here's how the offer works and who can actually get the phone under Rs 70,000.

Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals without playing their match. Pakistan secured their semifinal spot after a close match against Thailand. Their quarterfinal match was abandoned due to wet outfield conditions. Thailand posted ninety-one runs, and Pakistan chased it down with difficulty. Both teams now await their next opponents in the semifinals.

One person may be highly productive in the morning, take an afternoon nap and return to work feeling recharged. Another may avoid naps altogether because sleeping during the day makes them feel sluggish or disoriented. These different preferences reflect individual sleep patterns and responses rather than revealing a particular personality type.

A 34-year-old West Delhi woman allegedly lost around Rs 1.2 crore after fraudsters told her a diplomatic parcel containing 7 lakh was stuck at customs. The alleged scam continued for nearly a year, with fake bank, high commission and international officials demanding customs, tax and transaction payments while promising a parcel, cheque and bank transfer.

The paper, titled the Ghost of Population Pastand co-authored by Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM, Aakanksha Arora, director, EAC-PM and Virat Singh, consultant, EAC-PM, said there is no need for India to suppress the total fertility rate (TFR) any further else we risk falling into a low-fertility trap sooner, citing historical experience of other countries.

The standard operating procedures laid out by the ministry comes after the Supreme Court directive to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in 2025 to devise a structured mechanism for the safe removal and coordination of stray animals on NHs and Expressways. As per the SOPs, the national highway agencies will be responsible for removal of stray cattle and other animals from NHs, and their transportation to a shelter or pound or gaushala, designated by the state government for the purp