The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Jakarta during his Indonesia visit. He emphasized India's growing economy as a major driver of global growth. Modi highlighted the deep civilisational heritage shared between India and Indonesia. He also spoke about receiving Indonesia's highest civilian honor. The Prime Minister thanked the diaspora for strengthening bilateral ties.
India's manufacturing growth has surpassed the global average, positioning it as an emerging leader. This rise is fueled by domestic demand and government initiatives like PLI schemes. Global companies are seeking diversification and resilience in their supply chains. Investor confidence is growing due to sustained reforms and strategic initiatives. India's economy continues its robust expansion, reinforcing its manufacturing strength.
An expert panel recommended monthly compilation of sectoral indices and releasing the ISP within sixty days. This new index will provide a comprehensive monthly measure of India's formal sector. The proposed ISP framework aims to strengthen statistical systems for the services economy. It will complement the Index of Industrial Production for better economic monitoring. The trial ISP series is scheduled for release on July fourteenth, twenty twenty-six.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics to name any car facing issues with E20 petrol. He stated that India's fossil fuel dependence is an economic and environmental burden. Higher ethanol blends reduce reliance on imported crude oil and cut carbon emissions. Ethanol production from corn has generated significant income for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The ministry is proposing wider use of alternative fuels like E85 and E100.
Living longer may have more to do with daily habits than genetics, according to longevity researcher Dr. Nichola Conlon. She says eating more plant-based foods can help reduce inflammation and improve health span, while regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management and strong social connections also play a key role. Her advice is supported by findings from Healthline and long-term research from Harvard University, which links healthy lifestyle habits to a longer life.
Psychology says people who read bedtime stories to their kids aren't simply helping children fall asleep. Research suggests this daily habit can support empathy and creativity. A study found that children who followed a bedtime reading routine for two weeks showed improvements in both areas. The findings explain how shared reading, conversations about stories, and regular family interaction help children understand emotions, imagine new ideas, and build skills that support learning and relations
Scientific analysis of 23,000-year-old footprints at White Sands National Park in New Mexico has strengthened the case for an unexpectedly early human presence in the Americas. Using fossilised pollen and quartz grain dating alongside earlier radiocarbon methods, researchers say multiple independent lines of evidence now point to the same ancient timeline.
Polish workplaces prioritize employee well-being, offering breakfast and dedicated coffee bars. A flat organizational structure fosters seamless collaboration and open discussions. Companies provide generous allowances for food and social events, and relocation support is extensive. Standard workdays are strictly eight hours, with scheduled leisure time for unwinding. Polish firms actively encourage time off, sometimes offering bonuses for extended breaks.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met the parents of an 11-year-old girl allegedly raped and murdered in Baruipur, assuring them of strict action and capital punishment for the culprits. The victim's body was found on Sunday, leading to protests and the subsequent lynching of a man suspected of involvement. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the incident, with three arrests already made.
IDFC First Bank has launched provident fund payment services through its EPFO integration. This integration allows establishments to initiate PF payments directly via the EPFO portal. Transactions can then be completed using IDFC FIRST Bank's digital banking platforms. Customers can now make provident fund payments quickly and securely. The bank served 38 million customers as of March 31, 2026.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted resignations from Champat Rai and Anil Mishra. Krishna Mohan was appointed interim General Secretary, with a permanent decision pending. Gopal Nagarakatte was also removed from the specially invited members list. Seers expressed mixed reactions to Champat Rai's departure from the trust. The trust plans to strengthen administrative and financial systems following these changes.
In a major legal battle, Phantom Studios has sued JioStar India Private Limited, claiming the production of the Queen sequel is occurring without their explicit consent. The studio is pursuing an injunction against the film's release alongside a request for damages. They reference an agreement that provides them with 50 percent rights on subsequent sequels or prequels, asserting that no consent was offered for related works.
The JBL Live 780NC headphones now feature adaptive ANC and LDAC support. These new headphones offer impressive battery life and comfortable wear for extended periods. The sound quality is energetic, and the companion app provides personalization options.
Nothing Phone (4b) enters India, offering signature transparent design and Glyph Bar features. This new handset boasts a substantial 6,000mAh battery, the largest ever for Nothing. It features a vibrant 6.77-inch Super AMOLED display and a powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor. Photography is handled by a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. The device runs Nothing OS 4.
Radhi Navani bought a luxury sea-facing apartment in Mumbai for Rs 162.2 crore. This transaction marks one of the country's costliest residential property deals. The apartment is located on the 18th floor of Naman Xana in Worli. The buyer benefited from a stamp duty concession for women homebuyers. This acquisition highlights continued demand for high-end homes in Mumbai.
SNN Estates targets Rs 1,000 crore revenue from its SNN Estates Felicity project. The developer is expanding the project after selling 75% of its first phase inventory. This expansion will add approximately 76 new residential units to the existing inventory. The project is located in North Bengaluru and offers various apartment configurations. Buyers are primarily families and IT professionals seeking well-planned homes.
Indian refiners are exploring Iranian crude purchases if US waivers extend beyond August. They have fully contracted shipments through August, limiting immediate buying options. Refiners may still buy Iranian oil if discounts are significant and competitive. Russia's oil is currently selling at steeper discounts, making Iranian oil less appealing. India's oil imports from Russia have surged to record levels recently.
A 70-year-old man continues his father's legacy at Kote Mane Idli. He prepares 1500 idlis daily using a traditional firewood stove. His secret recipe involves a precise blend of rice and urad dal. Customers enjoy the affordable and flavorful idlis served with spicy red chutney. Ramachandra finds fulfillment in his work and serving the community.
Experts predict an 8-10 percent growth for India's auto component sector this fiscal year, riding on robust domestic demand and export performance. However, the industry faces challenges, including a trade deficit driven by higher imports of electronics and EV components, as well as labor shortages affecting small to medium enterprises. Still, the long-term outlook of the sector is hopeful.
A startup founder's post about a relative declining a US job opportunity has gone viral after revealing that the decision was driven by lifestyle rather than salary. The employee reportedly did not want to give up conveniences such as quick grocery deliveries, household help and other everyday comforts available in India. The post sparked a debate on social media, with users divided over whether quality of life should take priority over career opportunities abroad.
Jimmy Fallon advises remembering past lessons but not staying there. He emphasizes honoring fellow humans and maintaining a positive outlook. Laughter is presented as essential for overcoming stress and strengthening relationships. Celebrating small victories helps appreciate life's moments of happiness. This message remains relevant for today's generation facing past mistakes.
Larsen & Toubro secured a Baa1 long-term issuer rating from Moody's Ratings. This investment-grade credit profile reflects the company's strong financial resilience and management. The stable outlook anticipates continued fiscal discipline and healthy operating margins. L&T Hydrocarbon Saudi Company also received a matching Baa1 rating from Moody's. This reflects the subsidiary's integration and the strategic importance of West Asia operations.
Chocolate is a versatile ingredient celebrated for its intricate taste and diverse forms. It's integrated into an array of products, from beauty and skincare to unique savoury dishes. Brands harness chocolate's popularity to elevate various culinary experiences. In India, it's particularly influential in gifting and mithai traditions, while also finding its way into innovative cocktails and aromatic fragrances, proving its universal allure.
DP World's Shipping Solutions acquired the container vessel DP World Indus. This acquisition strengthens its coastal shipping capabilities within the domestic Indian market. The vessel supports cargo movement, reducing road network pressure and promoting sustainable supply chains. DP World's network now spans fourteen ports with a dedicated fleet of ten vessels. This investment aligns with DP World's strategy to enhance India's logistics and maritime infrastructure.
India's office market recorded its strongest quarter ever in Q2 2026. Gross leasing reached an all-time high of 24.6 million square feet. Developers matched this pace with 21 million square feet of new completions. Global capability centers and flexible space operators drove significant leasing activity. This strong momentum is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2026.
MakeMyTrip has launched its new global rewards program called OneCircle. This program connects over thirteen thousand accommodation properties across one thousand cities worldwide. Travellers will earn a minimum of ten percent back on accommodation spending as reward points. Three in four participating properties are located in tier two and tier three Indian cities. This initiative aims to make every trip more rewarding for travellers and partners.
Kriti Sanon recently revealed that she froze her eggs before gaining 15 kg for Mimi, saying she did not want to feel pressured by her biological clock. Following her revelation, a gynaecologist spoke to ET and explained the egg-freezing process, the ideal age, common side effects, and important facts women should know. Read on!
Indian Hotels Company Ltd signed twenty new hotels during the first quarter. The company is well poised to reach seven hundred hotels by the year 2030. Seventeen of these signings focused on growth brands like Gateway and Ginger. Taj also reached a milestone of one hundred fifty hotels with three new signings. IHCL expanded its operating portfolio to over three hundred eighty hotels globally.
The Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 has issued over 4.11 lakh guarantees. These guarantees amount to more than Rs 1.55 lakh crore for affected businesses. Micro, small, and medium enterprises received the vast majority of these guarantees. The scheme aims to provide additional liquidity support to eligible borrowers. This initiative helps businesses manage disruptions from the West Asia crisis.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has partnered with thyssenkrupp nucera India for local manufacturing. This collaboration focuses on alkaline electrolyser systems for green hydrogen projects. The agreement aims for phased indigenisation and local production of these critical components. BHEL's project execution capabilities for green hydrogen will be significantly strengthened. This initiative supports India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and the Make in India program.
The 4th national steering committee under the under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, on Tuesday, also approved the nationwide roll-out of the scheme to all 200 ITIs, enabling states and union territories to take up implementation based on industry readiness and implementation capacity.
Telugu movie Nagabandham is currently running in theatres. The film has maintained a stable box office performance since its release. Its cumulative India net collection has reached an estimated Rs 9.47 crore. International earnings have also contributed to its worldwide gross collection. Read on to know where it will stream online after its theatrical run.
The workplace is evolving faster than ever, and experience alone is no longer enough to stay ahead. From AI leadership to strategic decision-making, here are five skills every mid-career professional should develop in 2026, and the ET Masterclass that can help build them.
Premier Energies secured orders valued at Rs 3,011 crore for solar cells and modules. These contracts are scheduled for delivery across fiscal years 2027 and 2028. The company will supply 1,846 MW of solar cells and modules to various clients. Premier Energies currently possesses significant manufacturing capacities for solar modules and cells. The firm is also investing Rs 6,000 crore to expand its integrated solar operations.
India's auto component industry saw strong growth in FY26, driven by OEM supplies and aftermarket expansion. Exports increased by five percent, while imports rose thirteen percent, widening the trade deficit. Supplies to the electric vehicle segment accounted for a notable portion of OEM sales. Geopolitical uncertainties and raw material price volatility present challenges to the sector. Government initiatives and infrastructure development offer significant growth opportunities for the industry
Investors today have more financial information at their fingertips than ever before, yet access to knowledge does not always translate into better decisions. The real difference lies in financial literacy, the ability to filter information, understand risk, manage emotions, and apply financial concepts to real-life choices. Heres why moving from simply knowing about money to using that knowledge effectively can shape better investment decisions.
Tata Power aims for Rs 1 lakh crore revenue and Rs 10,000 crore profit by 2030. The company will expand its solar manufacturing capacity by adding a new 10 GW project. Tata Power is also open to entering the nuclear power segment with small modular reactors. It plans to expand distribution footprints in states proposing privatization. The energy network currently serves over 13.1 million distribution customers.
GIFT City partnered with Vietnam's VIFC-DN to share financial hub development knowledge. This collaboration will focus on financial services and digital innovation. The Indian financial center also signed MoUs with Tata Communications. These agreements aim to boost GIFT City's appeal for global businesses. Additionally, CEPT University will collaborate on research and urban planning initiatives.
Today's love proverb of the day shows that passionate romances can be exhausting due to intense closeness. True intimacy requires sharing life without losing personal identity. Proverbs warn against becoming too consumed by another person. Maintaining separate interests fuels long-term relationship sustainability. Protecting individual sparks is essential for modern relationships.
India has launched its first export-import (EXIM) shipping container for global deployment, marking its entry into a sector overwhelmingly dominated by China, which controls about 90-97% of global container manufacturing.
Today's modern proverb of the day shows that true impact comes from quiet focus and diligent work, not loud self-promotion. Success is built through sustained effort and internal motivation, not external validation. Relationships thrive when individuals maintain autonomy and personal space. Shared passion can accelerate depletion if boundaries are not respected. Balancing togetherness with individuality ensures long-term fulfillment and connection.
Indian consumers now prioritize protein content and natural sweeteners in their snack selections. Quick commerce and ingredient transparency are reshaping how brands are discovered and trusted. Parents are willing to pay more for healthier snack options for their children. Women are seeking snacks tailored for period nutrition, creating new wellness opportunities. Packaging convenience and sustainability are increasingly influencing consumer purchase decisions.
Maharashtra will require domicile certificates for driving licences starting August 2026. This new policy aims to streamline the entire licensing process effectively. The government is also addressing unauthorized bike taxi services currently. A regulatory framework is being developed to legalize and manage this sector. This initiative will generate state revenue and create youth employment opportunities.
A new report suggests an 'India-Plus Contribution Scorecard' for foreign investment. This framework would rate investors on economic contributions like exports and technology. Companies scoring above seventy would receive a ninety-day single-window clearance. National security screening will remain a stringent requirement for all foreign investments. This approach aims to attract rooted, contribution-generating investment for India's economy.
A significant mudslide hit the Kalladi region of Wayanad, Kerala, during a tunnel road project, forcing locals to flee as mud cascaded over the roads and bridge. Rapid response teams, including NDRF personnel, have been dispatched to aid the situation. This disaster, resulting from relentless rains, has disrupted the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi route. Rescue efforts are ongoing to check for possible victims buried under the debris.
Prime Minister Modi will launch a conservation project for the ancient Prambanan Temple. This initiative highlights the deep cultural ties connecting India and Indonesia. The Archaeological Survey of India is partnering for temple restoration and conservation efforts. The upcoming year is declared the 'Tagore-Dewantara Year of Cultural and Educational Diplomacy'.
Suryakumar Yadav supports Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his international cricket debut. The 15-year-old became India's youngest T20I player, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. Yadav wished the young player an exciting journey ahead. He encouraged Sooryavanshi to enjoy every moment and make the country proud. Yadav himself was previously dropped after a lean batting period.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is now a brand ambassador for InsuranceDekho. This partnership highlights his fearless leadership and team-building qualities. The campaign will feature a new television commercial across various platforms. Insurance advisors on the platform will be encouraged to 'Khul Kar Khelo'. This initiative aims to connect with a wider audience through engaging content.

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