The Times of India
Elections 2026Business / The Times of India
Over time, the interest earned on the accumulated balance earns interest, allowing compounding to steadily increase your retirement savings. With regular contributions maintained over a long period, an employee can potentially build an EPF corpus of Rs 1 crore or more.
In August, Unified Payments Interface hit an all-time high for monthly transaction volumes, largely fueled by festive celebrations like Raksha Bandhan that encouraged peer-to-peer transfers. As transaction values approached previous peaks, the digital payment landscape continued to evolve, with UPI now being embraced in eleven countries worldwide. The potential for further growth is promising as innovative use cases, such as credit options within UPI, start to gain traction.
Global tech giant Microsoft has put around 500 employees in India on performance improvement plans (PIPs), while Oracle is preparing to cut roughly 3,000 jobs in the country as technology companies reorganise their workforces and redirect spending towards newer areas.
In August, India's manufacturing sector experienced its most significant slowdown in five years, with production and new orders seeing a decline. This downturn marked the lowest activity level since August 2021, causing a contraction in employment for the first time in two and a half years. Although there was a slight increase in purchasing activity, overall overseas demand weakened, and while business confidence grew, it remained below historical averages.
In the first quarter, India showcased impressive economic resilience with a remarkable 7.8% GDP growth. The surge was notably driven by a surge in domestic demand and the services sector. Additionally, investment activity picked up pace, enhancing the overall economic landscape. This achievement stands out amid global geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations, reinforcing India's status as the fastest-growing major economy in the world.
His financial journey, however, did not begin with a large salary or a carefully constructed investment portfolio. He claims he started investing small amounts in mutual funds soon after college, when he first became interested in financial independence.
The Centre has expanded its discounted onion sale to nineteen cities. Onions are now available at Rs 35 per kg, down from retail prices. Mobile vans will distribute affordable onions across Delhi's thirteen districts. This intervention aims to ensure essential food items remain accessible. The government monitors availability and prices to prevent shortages.
Sugar prices have surged notably, straining household budgets throughout India. This dramatic increase is attributed to lower domestic production coupled with heightened festive demand. Although government actions, such as permitting duty-free imports and implementing stock limits, have helped reduce mill gate prices, retail prices still soar as adjustments trickle through the supply chain. Looking ahead, improving future crushing seasons and imports should enhance sugar availability.
The most important point to note in this matter is the proof of the financing for the first property. If you have a clear trail and adequate documentation that can establish the money to buy the first property was entirely yours, then the new property need not be purchased in joint names.
On Tuesday, the Indian Rupee showcased its strength, appreciating against the US dollar. This upward shift is attributed to vigorous domestic economic growth alongside strong portfolio inflows. Notably, the rupee found temporary support from MSCI-related investments, overcoming the initial sluggishness in domestic stocks and foreign institutional selling. This performance reflects India's robust economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties.
On Tuesday, oil prices saw a significant uptick, driven by escalating tensions between the US and Iran and looming risks to supply chains. Brent crude hit $91.04, while WTI crude climbed to $86.55 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz is a focal point of concern for global oil supply stability. Additionally, there are efforts in Venezuela aimed at replenishing US oil reserves.
The latest growth figure was also higher than the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) earlier projection of 7 per cent for Q1 FY27. The central bank had estimated quarterly growth at 7 per cent earlier this month, while raising its full-year FY27 growth forecast to 6.7 per cent from 6.6 per cent.
Russias seaborne gasoline imports climbed to a record level of around 125,000 barrels per day (kbd) in August, which would amount to about 470,000 tonnes for the month. Reports suggest that Indian refiners supplied as much as 1 million barrels of gasoline to Russia over the past two months.
Tamim Iqbal, the president of Bangladesh Cricket Board, expresses optimism about arranging a white-ball series against India. He acknowledges that the earlier management regarding the withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup could have been more prudent. Both cricket boards are diligently searching for an appropriate time for this tour.
Delhi's innovative approach to environmental management has resulted in the reclamation of 100 acres by converting legacy waste from landfills into usable land. This remarkable step not only mitigates previous waste challenges but also highlights the need for ongoing daily waste management to prevent the formation of new refuse piles.
Enjoy the latest Marathi song 'Chimna' sung by 'Badshah', 'Divya Kumar' and 'Nagesh Morwekar'. The music for this captivating track has been composed by 'Hiten', with heartfelt lyrics penned by 'Badshah' and 'Nagesh Morwekar'. The music video for 'Chimna' features 'Neha Khan'. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Marathi video song 'Chimna' and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing melodies. For more Marathi songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Marathi ETimes. Experience t
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing the Hindu Vishwa Bandhu Embrace the World in Friendship gathering in Toronto, spoke about Indias global influence and its civilisational approach to the world.Bhagwat said India became a Vishwaguru through service to humanity, rather than by pursuing superpower status. He emphasised Indias tradition of sharing knowledge, helping those in need and respecting diversity.Watch the full report and Bhagwats key remarks from Toronto.
'Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups' continues to hold strong at the box office as it moves into its sixth day of release, even as collections settle into the more modest pace typical of a film's second week. Having comfortably crossed the Rs. 200 crore domestic mark and edged toward Rs. 300 crore worldwide, Yash's gangster epic remains firmly in record-chasing territory despite the mixed critical reception it has drawn since release.
Get ready to be swept away by the latest hindi track 'Chimna' beautifully sung by Badshah, Divya Kumar & Nagesh Morwekar. This captivating track feature mesmerizing music given by Badshah & Divya Kumar and beautiful lyrics are penned by Badshah, Gayatri Karekar, Tanvi Joshi & Traditional. Don't miss the chance to witness Badshah, Divya Kumar & Nagesh Morwekar's performance in the captivating hindi video track 'Chimna'. Dive into a world of musical excellence by exploring more hindi tracks in the
On Monday, the Indian rupee began its trading session lower versus the US dollar. The decline was influenced by rising crude oil prices and increasing geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, the prospect of a Federal Reserve rate hike has strengthened the dollar. In response, the Reserve Bank of India is taking measures to stabilize the rupee, while domestic stocks face downward pressure from foreign investors offloading shares.
A fierce flash flood surged through Arizona's Grand Canyon on August 29, transforming Bright Angel Canyon and the Colorado River into raging torrents of debris-laden water. Reports confirm that at least twenty people are missing following this alarming occurrence. Over sixty individuals were evacuated from Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground, leading to the closure of affected park areas, with officials requesting assistance from the public.
Following a U.S. military strike on Iranian launchers in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, oil prices have surged. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on two U.S. air bases in Jordan. Jordan's military successfully intercepted eight missiles aimed at its territory early Monday, escalating the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, now entering its sixth month. Shipping activities through the Strait of Hormuz have notably dipped due to rising tensions.
Praggnanandhaa has completed a remarkable comeback after his disappointing 2026 Candidates campaign, winning the Grand Chess Tour Finals in St Louis by beating Fabiano Caruana 15-13. He became the first Indian to win the title. Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand praised his resilience and said, I think at the moment, I would say he's the number one player in the world.

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