The Economic Times

India's financial framework is undergoing a significant evolution as digital resources, advanced data analytics, and innovative technology pave the way for broader credit opportunities, particularly benefiting MSMEs. Lentra's Growth Alliance Program (GAP) is designed to enable an emerging lenders growth ambition and offer them the infrastructure necessary to support that journey.

Indias infrastructure ambitions are outpacing the availability of industry-ready professionals. Ashwani Awasthi, MD, RICS South Asia, explains the skills, technology, and sustainability capabilities the sector urgently needs.

On Friday, 14 vessels passed the strait including a very large crude carrier laden with 2 million barrels of Qatari oil that exited with its transponder switched off.

Rural healthcare will not be transformed by building more of the same. The next phase will require private companies, entrepreneurs, and technology providers to make rural healthcare more accessible, investible, and outcome-driven.

The personal consumption expenditures price index, excluding food and energy, rose in line with expectations in July.

A tanker set a new benchmark by paying an unprecedented $5.3 million for expedited transit through the Panama Canal. This payment not only guarantees quick passage before El Nino triggers further shipping limitations but also comes as Panama declares a state of emergency over drought-induced low water levels.

On Thursday, investor appetite for Indian government bonds dwindled amidst fears of increased supply and concerns over RBI's liquidity stance. The results from the treasury bill auction reflected weak demand, driving yields upward. Speculation is building that the Reserve Bank of India may take steps to curtail excess liquidity, preparing for possible policy adjustments as inflationary pressures rise. Market analysts predict interest rate hikes within the next year.

Refined sugar stocks are entering the domestic market, helping ease supply concerns, while duty-free imports of raw sugar are expected to further strengthen availability ahead of the festive season. Ex-mill sugar prices have already fallen by around 20%, suggesting that speculation, rather than an actual shortage, was behind the recent price rise. Consumers can therefore expect sugar prices to become more reasonable in the coming days.

Sonal Dinusha's unbeaten 133 guided Sri Lanka to a draw in the second Test. India secured the series 1-0 after winning the first match at Galle. Dinusha displayed remarkable resilience, batting for over 420 minutes to save the match. He became the third batter to score twin hundreds in a follow-on Test. Sri Lanka's tailenders supported Dinusha, blunting India's attack effectively.

Over the last decade, India has witnessed a significant growth in its domestic defence production, nearly quadrupling its output. Defence exports have also flourished, hitting close to Rs 39,000 crore. The nation is on a promising journey toward complete self-sufficiency in the defence arena. A new battle tank overhauling facility is being launched at the Vehicle Factory in Jabalpur, aimed at boosting manufacturing skills and providing local job opportunities.

India Inc's revenue growth is projected to contract to fifteen percent in the September quarter. Operating profit margins are expected to compress by over one percentage point. Domestic consumption sectors show better growth than export-linked ones. Below-normal monsoon may impact rural consumption and food inflation. Corporate earnings will show healthy revenue growth and constrained operating profit margins.

India is emerging as a global manufacturing and innovation platform for exports. Canadian capital and technology can partner with India's scale and talent. The nation's reforms and digital infrastructure strengthen the investment environment. Opportunities exist in financial services and clean energy value chains. Bilateral trade aims for seventy billion dollars annually by twenty thirty.

During Operation Sindoor, India's S-400 air defence systems played a critical role by thwarting attempts from Pakistani fighter jets to approach the Indian border, Jeetendra Mishra revealed. Pakistan's efforts to locate these systems through intel proved futile, he added.

Singapore Airlines will carefully consider Air India's capital requests. The airline group evaluates investments considering its own capital needs. A Singapore Parliamentarian raised concerns about further funding for Air India. Air India seeks USD 1.5 billion from its co-owners for transformation. The airline's transformation journey is expected to take up to a decade.

Nepal flood fury: MEA MoS confirms 130+ Indians unaccounted for as IAF steps up relief

Sadhgurus quote, The more conclusions you make, the less Alive you become, encourages people to remain curious and open-minded. Fixed opinions and assumptions can limit how we experience people, situations and even ourselves. Instead of treating every experience as a permanent truth, his message suggests leaving room for uncertainty, observation and change. Staying open can help us experience life more fully.

Nepal's hydropower generation capacity has been significantly reduced by recent flash floods. This disaster has damaged several key power plants, impacting electricity supply. The country may now turn to India for electricity to bridge the shortfall. Meanwhile, rescue operations continue for those missing after the devastating glacial collapse. Concerns are also resurfacing regarding hydropower development in the fragile Himalayan region.

Most Indian office occupiers see no major impact from AI on leasing decisions, CBRE says. Many firms are in early AI implementation stages, laying foundational groundwork. Advanced AI adoption is driving changes in talent deployment and workspace use.

Lauren Snchezis helping direct Amazon founder Jeff Bezos $10 billion climate fund. In July this year, the fund announced a $100 million investment to turn unused spaces into parks and green community hubs in eight US cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cleveland and Indianapolis. Jeff Bezos launched the Bezos Earth Fund in 2020 with a $10 billion commitment.

India's electric vehicle market is projected to reach twenty lakh crore rupees by 2030. This significant growth is expected to generate five crore new employment opportunities across the nation. The government aims to make India's automobile industry the world's number one within five years. Current logistics costs are being reduced, aiding global market competitiveness. Bio-fuel is identified as a key component for the future of transportation.

India will compete in Group E of the AFC U-17 men's Asian Cup Qualifiers. The team faces Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam in the upcoming tournament. These qualifiers are scheduled to take place in Malaysia during November. India aims for a second consecutive appearance in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The group winners will advance to the 2027 tournament in Uzbekistan.

India's new plan aims to reduce reliance on Chinese producers and boost local manufacturing. The government sees fostering a domestic battery supply chain as a strategic priority. Existing incentives for cell manufacturing have faced delays due to supply chain issues.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reviewed Indias response to devastating floods in Nepal with senior MEA officials and Indian ambassadors in Kathmandu and Beijing. India is working to locate Indian nationals, coordinating with Nepal on relief and dispatching 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian supplies after an initial 10-tonne consignment on Wednesday.

India has emerged as a major global smartphone manufacturing hub, but it is yet to build a home-grown brand of comparable scale. A new Rs 62,500 crore government scheme aims to bridge that gap by incentivising Indian-owned brands, design, R&D and domestic sourcing, with companies such as Lava positioned to benefit.

JK Tyre has made a groundbreaking partnership with eleven-year-old karting star Atiqa Mir, who boasts a remarkable track record of international victories. By being the first Indian participant in the F1 Academy program, Atiqa follows in the footsteps of motorsport icons Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. This collaboration underscores JK Tyre's ongoing commitment to fostering the next generation of racing talent.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday concluded his four-day visit to Japan, saying the trip generated strong interest among Japanese businesses and also produced early investment outcomes, including a potential robotics manufacturing investment in India.

Egg prices jump 40%: Whats scrambling Indias breakfast budget?

Systematix has initiated coverage on Timex Group India with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 820, implying around 30% upside. The brokerage expects strong growth through FY29, with revenue, EBITDA and adjusted PAT projected to grow at CAGRs of 29.1%, 37.3% and 40.5%, respectively, supported by premiumisation, margin expansion and strong cash generation.

India's fiscal position has improved significantly from earlier concerns. The government is set to exceed its asset sale target for the first time in eight years. Stronger tax collections and easing global fertilizer costs are bolstering government finances. This positive fiscal outlook contrasts with earlier revenue challenges faced by the nation. Officials anticipate a positive outcome for the nation's financial year.

German auto parts maker Mahle GmbH is revisiting plans to list its Indian business in Mumbai, according to people familiar with the matter. The potential IPO could raise around $300 million to $400 million, with the company expected to appoint advisers and begin preparations soon. Mahle had previously considered an India listing in 2024 but did not proceed.

Gabriel India has formed a strategic joint venture with South Korea's HL Klemove. This partnership aims to expand Gabriel India's presence in high-growth automotive segments. The collaboration will focus on autonomous driving solutions and advanced driver assistance systems. Gabriel India will acquire a 30 percent stake in HL Klemove India for US$98.44 million. This venture will develop and sell advanced mobility and automotive electronic products.

Hindalco Industries has commissioned India's first Superfine PPT ATH manufacturing plant. This new facility at Belagavi will meet domestic demand for the specialty alumina product. The plant utilizes in-house technology and operates entirely on renewable energy sources. This development strengthens Hindalco's specialty alumina portfolio and enhances fire safety solutions. The indigenous production reduces import dependence and supports the wire and cable industry.

Power capex stocks such as Hitachi Energy India, GE Vernova, TD Power and CG Power witnessed an uptick on Thursday, tracking Nvidias strong data-centre growth and bullish revenue outlook. Expectations of sustained AI infrastructure spending boosted sentiment, while US restrictions on Chinese power equipment added to optimism over demand for Indian suppliers.

Indias private space sector is shifting from prototypes to commercial operations, with the government targeting a fivefold expansion of the space economy to $4045 billion by 2030. The startup ecosystem has grown to over 400 companies, with Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel, Agnikul Cosmos and Digantara emerging as key private players.

Nepal Flash Flood News Updates: At least 168 people have died and more than 1,100 are reported missing after a glacial collapse triggered flash floods and mudslides along the Nepal-China border. Nepal has recovered 165 bodies, while Tibet reported three deaths. India placed Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on alert as rescue teams searched for survivors.

Indias 12-match multi-format tour of New Zealand is driving record demand for international cricket tickets, with 26,000 sold in the first 48 hours of pre-sale. Matches at Aucklands Eden Park and Christchurchs Hagley Oval are among the strongest sellers, while Wellington sales are also robust. New Zealand Cricket expects several fixtures to sell out before the September 7 public sale.

The schedules for cricket competitions at the Asian Games 2026, set to take place in Japan, have just been announced. Indias mens and womens teams, defending champions for both tournaments, will mark their participation soon. The women kick off their campaign on September 17, facing hosts Japan the following day, while the mens squad enters directly into the quarter-finals on September 28.

Ananta Game Release Date in india Mobile: Ananta, the highly anticipated open-world action RPG from NetEase Games and Naked Rain, will launch on January 15, 2027. The game is expected to release in India as part of its global launch across PS5, PC, iOS and Android.

India and Russia's FTA negotiations are in an advanced stage, aiming for sustainable trade growth. This agreement will grant India access to the Eurasian region's rich energy and mineral deposits. Bilateral trade has significantly increased, with both nations pursuing a $100 billion target by 2030. Connectivity initiatives, including the Northern Sea Route, are also being explored for mutual benefit.

On August 28, 2026, a breathtaking deep partial lunar eclipse, known as Chandra Grahan, will grace the night sky. Observers in North and South America will have the prime view, with glimpses also available in parts of Europe and Africa. Some western Asian regions may catch a glimpse as well. As with many celestial events, it's said that certain activities are best avoided during the eclipse.

India's Embassy in Nepal delivered ten tons of humanitarian aid materials. This assistance supports relief efforts after devastating flash floods struck the Bhotekoshi River region. Prime Minister Modi spoke with Nepal's Prime Minister, conveying condolences and offering support. India's HADR and medical assistance have reached Kathmandu, with more aid mobilized. Teams from both nations are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's strengthening economy and defence production. India is now exporting defence equipment worth approximately fifty thousand crore rupees. Our armed forces are equipped with modern technology and protect borders with integration. Operation Vijay and Operation Sindoor exemplify national resolve and military capability. India stands among powerful nations, with its voice heard internationally.

In December 2025, Mallya had questioned the Central government and public sector banks over what he described as inconsistent statements on the amounts recovered from him, and demanded the appointment of a retired judge to investigate the matter.

India-EU relations are stronger than ever due to increased strategic understanding and comfort. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations progressed with realism and pragmatism from both sides. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism aims to prevent carbon leakage and incentivize lower emissions. Both India and the EU seek to de-risk supply chains and build greater resilience. Cooperation will be strengthened through agreements and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council.

Sembcorp Green Infra has announced its intention to launch an initial public offering in Mumbai, aiming to gather as much as 37.5 billion rupees. Of this amount, around 30 billion rupees will be allocated toward settling debts. This move marks the company's second shot at making its Indian energy division public, with several financial institutions overseeing the upcoming share sale.

India's data-centre market is experiencing rapid growth and expansion. Mumbai and Chennai are emerging as significant hubs for this industry. Artificial intelligence is expected to drive future demand for these facilities. The country's expanding digital economy and large internet user base support this growth. Data centres require substantial land, power, cooling, and resilient infrastructure.

India & Japan can lead world in Semicon & AI: Goyal woos Japan, highlights 40K compliance reforms

India and China agreed to advance boundary delimitation and border management talks. They reached eight points of consensus during Special Representatives talks in Beijing. Both sides committed to a fair and mutually acceptable solution for the boundary question. Existing diplomatic and military channels will address ground situations promptly. Future talks will focus on improving border management and cooperation.

India has rejected a United Nations report alleging discrimination against various groups. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination flagged concerns over human rights violations. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson called the report politically motivated and malicious. The ministry highlighted India's constitutional safeguards and legal framework. India remains committed to combating racial discrimination and will respond through established procedures.