The Economic Times

Competition Commission of India approved BNP Paribas Cardif's proposal to acquire a 26% stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd. The stake will be purchased from private equity company Warburg Pincus. The insurance firm said step in its international growth and diversification strategy and strengthens its presence in India. In a separate deal, CCI authorised Crystal Crop Protection Ltd to acquire FMC India Pvt Ltd.

Chinese electronics trader Jay Chens comments about working with Indian buyers have triggered an online discussion about international sourcing practices. Chen said some prospective customers negotiate heavily on prices and request samples, while also mentioning concerns among some sellers about fraudulent buyers. Indian users responded by discussing price comparisons, quality checks, factory visits and their own experiences with Chinese suppliers.

KKR has announced a majority investment in Cisternina Logistics, which focuses on bulk liquid and gas storage. This investment will facilitate Cisternina's acquisition of Ganesh Benzoplast Limited's liquid storage terminal business. Additionally, the partnership aims to expand infrastructure across India, capitalising on long-term growth potential in the sector.

PwC India has appointed Rajan Pental as the new Financial Services Sector Leader to drive growth. He will lead initiatives aimed at boosting demand and collaborating within the firm. Pental brings over 35 years of experience from prominent financial institutions in India.

Average smartphone selling prices in India rose by 16% year-over-year in the first half of 2026. OnePlus, however, managed to keep its price increase to just 8%, distinguishing itself from competitors. Entry-level devices saw an average price increase of 32%, resulting in a significant 65% drop in shipments. Meanwhile, premium smartphones priced above Rs 20,000 continued to grow, benefiting from trade-in programs.

Australia referring to the WTO panel in the India sugar and sugarcane dispute which found in 2021 that Indias sugar support regime was inconsistent with its WTO obligations and subsidies were in excess of levels permitted under WTO rules.

School assembly news headlines for September 30 cover major developments across India and the world, including political updates, flood concerns, global diplomatic developments, AI news and major achievements by Indian athletes. The bulletin also highlights key business developments, including pharmaceutical tariff exemptions, a legal challenge by Red Bull and Essar Groups proposed US steel project.

Index of Services Production: In July, India's services sector experienced significant growth, with 17 of 19 sub-sectors reporting year-on-year increases. Administrative and support services demonstrated the highest growth rate at 20.9%, while retail trade followed closely at 18.5%. The newly introduced Index of Services Production provides timely insights into economic activity within this sector. Although many services grew, some areas like air transportation and repair services faced contract

Moody's Ratings indicates that India's fertility rates have fallen below replacement level, affecting its population structure. As a result, India is expected to have a much older population by the end of the century. This demographic shift may lead to a smaller working-age population, limiting productive capacity. It also suggests that such trends could weaken household and consumer demand across the economy.

On Tuesday, Indian government bonds rebounded, marking the end of a four-day downturn spurred by softer US Treasury yields and declining crude oil prices. Despite this rally, apprehensions linger over persistently high global yields and the risk of inflation. The Reserve Bank of India may soon increase rates, complicating the bond landscape further. Additionally, significant factors like banking system liquidity and debt supply continue to challenge the market.

India Mobile Congress 2026 will showcase the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence in revolutionizing telecom network operations. Focusing on AI-native frameworks, experts will address advancements like zero-touch networks and digital twins. The event promises engaging discussions on AI's impact on network performance and strategic decision-making, with sovereignty and control over AI systems also featuring significantly in the dialogue.

High gold prices, combined with increased taxes, are encouraging more buyers to engage in cash transactions. This trend allows buyers to save significantly compared to official market prices based on reported cases. As import levies have doubled, the informal gold market is thriving, especially leading up to wedding season. Retail customers are discovering varying discounts, influencing their purchasing decisions significantly.

A recent report highlights that nearly 80 percent of home shoppers in India discover products via social media. The home and household market is projected to grow 1.6 times and reach USD 260 billion by 2030. Consumers, especially younger ones, are increasingly using digital channels for their purchases and research. Retailers leveraging augmented reality technology are seeing improved revenue and reduced returns.

India's economy is reportedly stable despite ongoing global uncertainties and tensions affecting many countries. Domestic demand is a significant factor contributing to this stability, as stated by principal secretary Shaktikanta Das. The active performance of industrial and services sectors further supports this positive outlook on economic growth. Additionally, there is a pressing need for India to decrease its reliance on oil and gas imports.

JioStar is betting that Indias next phase of sports viewing will combine live matches with AI, commerce, regional languages and interactive features. With Indian-language viewing accounting for 90% of watch time and integrations such as Swiggy driving transactions, the broadcaster is looking beyond eyeballs to turn its growing sports audience into a broader digital commerce opportunity.

In a thrilling encounter, the Indian men's volleyball team triumphed over Qatar with a close 3-2 win at the Asian Games. This hard-fought victory marks their third straight win, securing a slot in the quarterfinals. After trailing by two sets, India made a remarkable comeback, thanks to Jerome Vinith's stellar performance with 27 points, along with strong support from Amit Singh Balwan and Joel Benjamin Jebaraj.

The new NCERT class 9 social science textbook outlines invasions of the Indian subcontinent from the 7th century. These invasions were primarily driven by territorial expansion and religious motives, impacting various communities. Indian rulers and communities engaged in resistance against Arab, Turkish, Mughal, and European forces during these periods. The textbook emphasizes the resilience and resistance shown by groups such as the Jats and Sikhs.

Five smallcap mutual funds delivered over 19% annualized returns over three years, led by ITI Small Cap and Bandhan Small Cap. Investors should consider risk appetite, investment horizon and financial goals rather than chasing past performance.

According to an EY India report, India could add over 100 million long-term investors by 2035 as investing expands beyond metros and affluent households. Despite having more than 550 million active UPI users, only around 62 million people invest in mutual funds and about 50 million actively participate in equities, highlighting the large untapped investor base.

Indian government bonds experienced a rise after a sharp selloff raised benchmark yields. US Treasury yields decreased, leading to investors unwinding their short positions. Reports of potential US-Iran talks contributed to the buying momentum observed in the market. Concerns over inflation and global borrowing costs have influenced expectations for a Reserve Bank of India rate hike.

India's golf contingent, featuring experienced players like Aditi Ashok and Yuvraj Sandhu, is set for the Asian Games. The event will take place at Kasugai Country Club's East Course from September 30 to October 3. With no cuts in play, both men's and women's teams can focus on securing medals. South Korea's Tom Kim and Japan's Keita Nakajima are among the top players in the competition.

Ruias, following the bankruptcy of Essar Steel, are planning a new steel venture in Iowa. This project involves a $15 billion steel plant, aiming to produce 10 million tonnes annually. Financing has already been secured for the Minnesota iron-ore mine, which is integral to the operation. The Iowa plant is expected to create around 1,750 permanent jobs alongside thousands of construction jobs.

Uday Shankar, at FICCI FRAMES, discussed the media industry's responsibility in building Brand India. He highlighted the need for diverse storytelling in news, entertainment, and sports. Shankar emphasized that media shapes society's imagination and aspirations for a better future. He acknowledged the industry's changes with a younger generation bringing innovative ideas and solutions. Overall, he believes the media's role is critical in shaping India's narrative and identity.

Trump endorses India's Essar group's $18 Bn steel plant in US, but targets same in Delhi; here's why

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured Indian Oil Corporation of land for its petrochemical complex. The company requires 175 acres for its expansion, with 85 acres already arranged by the Haldia Development Authority. The remaining land can possibly be sourced from the Haldia Dock Complex. This expansion aims to enhance profitability through the integration of petrochemical projects with the existing refinery.

The INDIA bloc is planning a high-level meeting to address recent disagreements within the Election Commission. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav will not attend as he has prior commitments at a farmers conference in Lucknow. A senior leader from his party will represent him at the upcoming meeting. Earlier, Congress leader KC Venugopal responded to Union Minister JP Nadda regarding allegations against the Election Commission.

Neeru Dhanda secured the gold medal in women's trap shooting at the Asian Games, marking a historic achievement. She entered the competition with strong form after winning a World Cup title in Lonato, Italy. Dhandas qualifying scores positioned her as a joint leader, showcasing her skills throughout the rounds. Alongside teammates Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer, India contended for a team medal as well.

India cannot risk its industrial ambitions and environmental commitments by having a static framework, particularly when the global order is fragmenting and protectionism is rising.

Menander said there was a very strong positive momentum in India-Sweden ties and that the focus now should be on delivering on the existing agenda.

Kashi Ropeway: Trial runs underway for Indias first urban transport ropeway

The second edition of multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is underway in Jodhpur, featuring advanced fighter jets like the US F-35A. Running until October 12, the drill promotes interoperability, joint training, and strategic defence cooperation among participating global air forces.

A new US import ban on various Canadian products including alcohol has recently taken effect. This ban follows months of escalating trade tensions between the US and Canada. According to Spirits Canada, the impact of this ban on the alcohol sector could be significant. The ban was initiated after Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth about $20 billion.

Bose wired earbuds launched: Bose has brought back wired earbuds after eleven years, launching a 99 dollar pair with active noise cancelling and a USB-C connector in place of the usual headphone jack. The earbuds are up for preorder now, with shipping expected in October.

On Tuesday morning, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, which is below normal. This temperature marks the lowest for September since 2008, according to the India Meteorological Department. Other weather stations in the area reported similarly low temperatures, with some as low as 16.9 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is anticipated to be around 32 degrees Celsius with a partly cloudy sky.

CBSE Date Sheet 2027: CBSE is likely to release the Class 10 date sheet for 2027 anytime soon. Students should refer to the official CBSE website for accurate information, avoiding unofficial sources. The previous year's timeline gives insight into expected release dates and patterns. A two-board-examination format was introduced for Class 10 exams starting in 2026. Students are encouraged to continue their studies and follow school schedules in preparation.

On Tuesday, the Indian stock market faced a substantial downturn. This sharp decline came after a previous drop exceeding 1.5% the day before. A staggering Rs 4 lakh crore was wiped off in market capitalisation, as investors reacted to rising oil prices and climbing bond yields.

Lovely Professional University faced an unfortunate incident recently that prompted Pro Chancellor Dr Rashmi Mittal to address students. She urged students to remain calm and verify any information they encounter on social media. Mittal emphasized the importance of responsible decision-making concerning social media usage and expressed disappointment over students acting on a circulating rumor.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will hold an important meeting of their office-bearers in Mathura on October 3 and 4 ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, sources said on Tuesday.

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Asian Games 2026 silver medalist returns home

Mohanlals Drishyam 3 revisits Georgekutty five years after the events of Drishyam 2 , as journalists and old adversaries reopen questions surrounding Varuns death. The Malayalam thriller, directed by Jeethu Joseph, became a commercial success, earning Rs 239 crore worldwide. Meanwhile, Ajay Devgns Drishyam: The Conclusion will release on October 2, 2026. The film will have an original story and is not narratively linked to the Malayalam film.

The Indian rupee has fallen to a two-month low, now at 96.1450 per dollar. Contributing factors include rising oil prices, which have heightened economic worries among investors. Brent crude oil has escalated by over 1.5%, hitting $107 per barrel amid disruptions in the Middle East. Furthermore, September saw foreign investors retreating with a $3.