News for 'The Economic Times'

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Bangladesh's China-US Tilt Should Worry India

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Bangladesh-China and Bangladesh-US relations have evolved from reluctant engagement to increasingly consequential strategic partnerships.

CCI Chairperson Flags AI Risks In Digital Markets

CCI Chairperson Flags AI Risks In Digital Markets

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Competition Commission of India (CCI) chairperson Ravneet Kaur has warned that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could intensify anti-competitive practices in digital markets, including self-preferencing, discriminatory pricing, and market manipulation. She highlighted the CCI's ongoing study into AI's impact on competition and stressed the regulator's role in fostering growth while preventing abuse of dominance.

CPI(ML) Slams New UPI MDR Framework As 'UPI Tax'

CPI(ML) Slams New UPI MDR Framework As 'UPI Tax'

Rediff.com6 days ago

CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has strongly criticised the newly introduced Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI transactions, labelling it a "UPI tax" and demanding its immediate rollback. He drew parallels with demonetisation, arguing that the new framework would negatively impact small shopkeepers, MSMEs, and ordinary citizens by increasing prices.

With Saudi attacked, is Pakistan ready to join Gulf War?

With Saudi attacked, is Pakistan ready to join Gulf War?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reiterated the nation's unwavering commitment to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, underscoring its role in regional security following an attempted drone attack near the holy city of Mecca. The pact, signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, establishes a framework for collective deterrence against armed attacks.

Three Business Dailies Set to Launch

Three Business Dailies Set to Launch

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The last major business daily to launch in India was Financial Chronicle in April 2008, preceded by Mint on February 1, 2007.

Fintech 'Valuable Partner' in Building Future Financial System: RBI Governor

Fintech 'Valuable Partner' in Building Future Financial System: RBI Governor

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank consistently views fintechs as 'valuable partners' in shaping India's future financial system, crediting the sector with expanding financial inclusion, enhancing customer experience, and streamlining credit delivery, particularly for MSMEs.

'We Don't Want Any Country To Use BRICS To Further Their Geopolitical Agenda'

'We Don't Want Any Country To Use BRICS To Further Their Geopolitical Agenda'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

In recent years, China and Russia have pushed for de-dollarisation within BRICS, which India has resisted. One reason is that India does not want to hurt its relationship with the United States, and another is the fear of China controlling trade because the renminbi is considered the strongest currency in the bloc today.

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Left parties to fight Tamil Nadu bypoll separately from TVK front

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

The CPI and CPI(M) have announced they will contest one Assembly segment each in the upcoming Tamil Nadu bypolls, while continuing their outside support for the ruling TVK. This decision creates a five-cornered contest and highlights the Left parties' independent stance, aimed at preventing indirect BJP influence and addressing public issues.

'If Inflation Persists, MPC May Review Policy Rates'

'If Inflation Persists, MPC May Review Policy Rates'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'A balance had to be struck between the economic cost of taking action at this point against the need not to fall behind the curve in controlling inflation and anchoring inflation expectations.'

Why Ajit Doval Visited Dhaka On Thursday

Why Ajit Doval Visited Dhaka On Thursday

Rediff.com4 days ago

India's national security adviser was in Dhaka for roughly three-quarters of the day on Thursday to prepare the ground for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to New Delhi.

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

BRICS Summit 2026 Focuses On Practical Outcomes

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The highlight of the successful BRICS Summit was its ability to deliver a joint statement that all members, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates, embroiled in the war in West Asia, signed.

Trump announces deal for 'permanent US control' over Greenland

Trump announces deal for 'permanent US control' over Greenland

Rediff.com4 days ago

Trump has announced an 'Infinite Life' agreement with Denmark and Greenland, claiming it grants the United States permanent control over security and the ability to prevent adversaries from establishing a military presence or making sensitive investments on the strategically vital Arctic island.

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Modi, Putin bolster trade, defence, energy ties; discuss Ukraine peace efforts

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive discussions to strengthen bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and exploring avenues for peace and resolution, with Modi reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.

Iran would have wiped out Israel if...: Trump

Iran would have wiped out Israel if...: Trump

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is attempting to remove him from office, believing a Democratic administration would permit them to develop nuclear weapons. Trump vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and stated he has no regrets about his confrontational approach, claiming he would act the same way again. He also linked the ongoing conflict to rising stock markets and oil prices, and controversially suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz.

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

After ISRO, Oppn red flags corporatisation of statistics body ISI

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

A government bill proposing to widen the remit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is facing scrutiny from Members of Parliament. Concerns have been raised that the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, could reduce the premier institute's autonomy. The bill, currently under examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, aims to incorporate ISI as a 'body corporate' to strengthen governance and promote academic excellence, but critics fear increased government control.

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

The Taj's Hidden Story Is India's Wealth

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

In many ways, 17th century India occupied a position in the global economy comparable to that of the United States today. Just as millions of people now look towards America because of its economic opportunities, merchants, adventurers and trading companies once looked towards India.

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Xi by his side, Modi warns against 'weaponisation of tech'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against the 'weaponisation' of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit, advocating for cooperation to foster shared prosperity. Concurrently, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source AI ecosystem for BRICS nations, positioning Beijing as a key technology partner amid global AI competition.

Gulf Crisis: How India Avoided Economic Turmoil

Gulf Crisis: How India Avoided Economic Turmoil

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Not a single retail outlet ran dry. Every household that wanted a cylinder got one. India faced neither a 1991 moment nor a 2013 one. Macroeconomic stability held. This was not an accident, and it was not luck alone. It was the work of a government that chose to act as it had during the pandemic -- deliberately and gradually, building one measure upon another rather than reaching for a single dramatic lever, explains V Anantha Nageswaran, chief economic advisor to the Government of India.

Passenger Vehicle Exports Fall 17% in August Amid Domestic Sales Boom

Passenger Vehicle Exports Fall 17% in August Amid Domestic Sales Boom

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's passenger vehicle (PV) exports saw a 17 per cent year-on-year decline in August, contrasting sharply with a 36.5 per cent surge in domestic dispatches, which reached a record high for the month as automakers prepared for the festive season.

Why 9/11 Still Matters

Why 9/11 Still Matters

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

On the 25th anniversary of that world-changing morning in New York, it is also for the rest of to reflect. Not only on those who were killed but also on why the event happened and what led to it and what came after it, asserts Aakar Patel.

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

The High Cost Of Defending The Rupee

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Modi-Xi Meet: Why The Road Ahead Is Tough

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

'Xi is conveying that China is a pre-eminent power, and India should modulate its actions or approaches accordingly.'

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

India co-sponsors UN resolution to end child marriage

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by India, to designate November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. This global initiative aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to combat this harmful practice, which disproportionately affects women and girls, hindering their education, health, and overall human rights.

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

Rediff.com7 days ago

Economists widely anticipate the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will increase the repo rate by 50 basis points, likely split between the October and December meetings, as retail inflation is projected to peak at 6.1 per cent in the third quarter, exceeding the RBI's tolerance limit.

Criticism Of RBI's Swap Scheme Is Uncalled For

Criticism Of RBI's Swap Scheme Is Uncalled For

Rediff.com7 days ago

It is important to understand that the rupee's appreciation, driven by the 2013 special swap scheme, reduced India's import costs for petroleum, oil, and gold, points out Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch.

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

'UP Has Potential To Generate More Than 11 Million Jobs'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'Improved law and order and transparent governance have helped change UP's investment image.'

India Is A Maritime Nation In Geography, Not In Mindset

India Is A Maritime Nation In Geography, Not In Mindset

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

India may have a vast coastline and a strategic location, but it will become a true maritime nation only when its people understand, value and actively participate in the maritime ecosystem, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

How UPI Rewired India's Money Story

How UPI Rewired India's Money Story

Rediff.com6 days ago

Digital money is gradually starting to behave like software. It's no longer inert -- sitting passively in accounts. In the not-so-distant future, your money could become 'smart' and 'active,' understanding your preferences, paying your bills automatically, optimising your returns, and managing your risks -- all without you having to manage the details.

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

SEMICON India 2026: Unpacking India's Strategic Push For Chip Manufacturing

Rediff.com7 days ago

India is making a significant push to establish itself as a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, driven by strategic investments and policy support. The upcoming SEMICON India 2026 event will showcase the country's advancements and ambitions in this critical industry, which underpins virtually all modern electronic devices and has faced global supply chain vulnerabilities.

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

How AI And Cloud Are Democratising Capabilities For Indian Businesses

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Salesforce President and CEO for South Asia, stated that cloud and AI are democratising capabilities, offering India a unique opportunity to leapfrog in technology. Speaking at the IMC Chamber of Commerce, she emphasised that AI will create more jobs and urged Indian businesses to transform using technology, rather than merely digitising. She also highlighted the significant economic potential of AI adoption for India.

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

India-China Rivalry Tests BRICS' Future

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Vijay opens Mettur gates, Cauvery water flows to delta fields amid scanty rain

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay opened the sluices of the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur on Tuesday for irrigation in the Cauvery delta districts.

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

India cited Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' for no presser

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Indian government sources revealed that a 'cautious approach' was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June talks with then-US President Donald Trump due to concerns over Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' with foreign leaders, leading to a preference against a joint media interaction.

India Must Diversify Services Exports For Sustainable Growth

India Must Diversify Services Exports For Sustainable Growth

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighted the critical need for India to diversify its services exports beyond the dominant IT/ITeS and professional services sectors. Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, he emphasised the vast potential in the global financial services market, where India currently holds a small share, and stressed how fintech solutions, like UPI, can drive growth, reduce remittance costs, and support MSME trade finance, ultimately leading to sustainable economic expansion.

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Some Revealing Facts About India's States!

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

As the world's most populous country, India's economy looks large in the aggregate even as its average incomes stay modest.

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

'How Can You Grow At 7% With These Rates Of Private Investment?'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'You have to get private investment to somewhere between 35% to 36% of GDP. It is hovering about 30%-31%.'

SC to hear plea on ethanol content disclosure at petrol pumps

SC to hear plea on ethanol content disclosure at petrol pumps

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition seeking mandatory and uniform labelling of ethanol percentage at petrol pumps and a public database on vehicle compatibility with ethanol-blended fuel. The plea also calls for an expert committee to assess the impact of E20 fuel on vehicles, environment, and food security, and a consumer disclosure protocol.

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after talks at BRICS

Rediff.com13 Sep 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, announcing that Iran and the UAE agreed to move past previous tensions. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on the summit sidelines. Pezeshkian also met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia developments, with Modi emphasising dialogue for regional peace. The BRICS summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for global governance reforms and de-escalation in West Asia.

No more military strikes on Iran, Rubio informs US allies

No more military strikes on Iran, Rubio informs US allies

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

The US has informed allies it will avoid new military strikes on Iran, instead focusing on economic sanctions and maritime enforcement, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic shift aims to intensify pressure on Tehran's economy and oil exports while keeping the military option open if Iran initiates aggression. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst persistent regional tensions and maritime incidents.