Digital highway fuelling Indias business and economic growth, says Jyotiraditya Scindia
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 15 Feb 2026, 5:30AM IST
India's economy is transforming thanks to its digital highway. This connectivity acts as essential infrastructure, much like transport during the industrial revolution. Broadband subscribers have surged from 60 million to over one billion. Data costs have dramatically fallen, making access widespread. This digital shift fuels commerce and the economy.
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Ring Ends Deal to Link Neighborhood Cameras After Backlash to Super Bowl Ad
GLOBAL NEWS | Sun, 15 Feb 2026, 3:03AM IST
A commercial about a lost dog being reunited with his family ignited concerns that a Search Party feature posed privacy risks. Ring parted ways with the tech company Flock Safety.
Continue reading at The New York Times
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ET Now GBS 2026: Beauty tip to woo Gen Z, Alpha: keep your promise
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 15 Feb 2026, 12:21AM IST
Chief executive officer Mike Jatania defined The Body Shop's core messaging. "I would say the Body Shop is a purpose-led brand and has been a purpose-led brand for the last 50 years," he said at the summit, pointing to the ethos first shaped by founder Anita Roddick, encompassing ethical sourcing, diversity and fair trade.
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India will strive to fulfil its climate goals: Nirmala Sitharaman
INDIA BUSINESS | Sun, 15 Feb 2026, 12:06AM IST
India is making significant progress in clean energy. The nation has already met two-thirds of its renewable energy goals, years before the deadline. India aims for 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The country is also investing in carbon capture technologies. Climate security and resilience are key priorities for India's strategy.
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'Japanese FDI in India crosses Rs 2.7 lakh cr'
INDIA NEWS | Sun, 15 Feb 2026, 12:05AM IST
New Delhi: Japanese foreign direct investment in India has crossed 2.7 lakh crore, with around 1,400 Japanese companies operating in the country, said Akiko Okumura, executive vice president of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Japan is a key partner for India in investment, infrastructure, and human resource development."Japan has helped train approximately 24,000 young Indians over the past seven years through Japanese-style manufacturing programs," Okumura said at the summit, adding her country has supported India's metro systems, high-speed rail, and dedicated freight corridors through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).She said the Japan-India economic partnership is entering "a new phase." Okumura described a jointly developed action plan created last year by JETRO, CII and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India, calling it a framework built after analysing the "strengths and vulnerability of both countries." She said the plan aims at strengthening economic security and expanding bilateral collaboration."I am confident that Japan and India can create strong synergies by working together and building on each other's strengths," Okumura said, adding the two nations must increase joint investment in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, solar energy and battery technologies.India's position as a global hub for information technology (IT), engineering, and research and development (R&D), she argued, places it in a unique position to complement Japan's technological prowess. "By bringing together the respective strengths of Japan and India in technology, research and innovation, we can create significantly greater value," she said, noting that the growth of global capability centres is already driving that shift.For Japanese companies, she said, India has evolved beyond being a low-cost destination. "India is increasingly becoming not just a cost-efficient location but a strategic partner that plays a central role in value creation and innovation," she said. But for this cooperation to be sustainable, both countries must focus on strengthening intellectual-property protection and preventing technology leakage, Okumura said. Creating an environment where innovation can be shared confidently, she said, will help "strengthen mutual trust" between the two nations.Okumura pointed to the more than 170 memoranda of understanding signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in August last year as evidence of the expanding partnership. The agreements cover a wide range of sectors, including semiconductors, IT and artificial intelligence (AI), hydrogen, startups and healthcare. "The next stage is to translate these agreements into substantive collaboration in advanced industries," she said.
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INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:50PM IST
The Commerce Minister finds himself on the frontline when the government is busy defending the U.S. trade deal which critics say is one-sided
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Whats in store for garment exporters to the U.S.? | Explained
INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:43PM IST
What has the U.S. promised Bangladesh with respect to textiles? What are the conditions laid down by the U.S. to give Bangladeshi exporters unprecedented access to American markets? What is the assurance that Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal gave Indian textile exporters?
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Haryana unveils manufacturing mega push
INDIA NEWS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:35PM IST
New Delhi: Haryana is set to sharpen its industrial edge with a forward-looking framework designed to position the state as a global manufacturing hub. The policy promises capital subsidies, employment-linked incentives and tailor-made sectoral packages aimed at boosting competitiveness across industries.Framed as Make in Haryana for the World, the initiative reflects the state's intent to move beyond incremental growth and actively court large-scale investments in manufacturing, logistics and sunrise sectors.Amit Agarwal, Haryana's industries and commerce secretary, outlined how the new policy fits into a broader economic strategy anchored in scale, productivity, and prosperity at the summit.Haryana's economic fundamentals already provide a strong foundation, he said. With a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of $79 billion in real terms and an average annual real GDP growth of 6.8%, the state has demonstrated consistent performance. Despite accounting for just 1.3% of India's land and 2.1% of its population, Haryana contributes 7.1% of the country's GST collections-an indicator of both industrial depth and formal economic activity.The state's per capita income is 70% higher than the national average, reflecting strong consumption demand. Additionally, 65% of Haryana's population falls within the working-age bracket, giving it a structurally strong demographic profile that supports sustained economic expansion.Location remains one of Haryana's decisive advantages. Situated at the heart of the National Capital Region (NCR), the state ensures that all its districts are connected via national highways or expressways and are within roughly three hours of NCR markets. Major infrastructure projects-including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, two dedicated freight corridors, the Rapid Rail Transit System and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor-further enhance connectivity.The entire state lies within 300 kilometres of three international airports--Indira Gandhi International Airport, Chandigarh International Airport and Noida International Airport--giving exporters seamless access to global markets.On the industrial infrastructure front, Haryana has developed more than 40,000 hectares of industrial land, hosting clusters across automotive, textiles, engineering, agro processing, pharmaceuticals and emerging sectors. The state's incentive-driven regime, Agarwal noted, is designed to reduce friction and accelerate decision-making.The broader philosophy, he emphasised, is simple: investors should focus on production, innovation, and job creation, not paperwork. By combining strong macro fundamentals, strategic geography, and a proactive policy regime, Haryana aims to consolidate its position as one of India's most competitive sub-national manufacturing economies.
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India becoming backbone of global clinical research
INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:32PM IST
India has emerged as a key player in international clinical trials, showcasing resilience even in the face of global hurdles. With research and innovation on the rise, firms like Parexel recognize India's crucial contribution to ensuring consistent business operations. Instead of threats, artificial intelligence presents avenues for professionals to expand their roles and skillsets.
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Southern Petrochemicals clock Q3 consolidated PAT at 54.07 crore
INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:27PM IST
The city-based agri-nutrient and fertiliser company had earned a net profit of 38.50 crore during the corresponding quarter of the last financial year
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How ICE Is Pushing Tech Companies to Identify Protesters
GLOBAL NEWS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:24PM IST
The DHS is flooding social media companies with administrative subpoenas to identify accounts that are protesting ICE. Social media companies have pushed back but are largely complying. Our tech reporter, Sheera Frenkel, explains.
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How is U.S.-India trade deal being tweaked? | Explained
INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:22PM IST
What are the areas that have come under scrutiny? Has India stopped buying Russian oil as Donald Trump has claimed? What is happening in the agricultural sector? Has the reference to pulses been removed from the draft? When is the formal agreement expected to be signed?
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Cabinet nod to multi-tracking projects will reduce logistical cost: PM
INDIA NEWS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:15PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the decisions of the Union Cabinet last evening will strengthen infrastructure and enhance ease of living of people.
The Union Cabinet had met on Friday evening where multiple decisions were taken on infrastructure projects.
In a series of posts on X, Modi said the Cabinet approval for three multi-tracking projects covering various districts across Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Karnataka will strengthen rail infrastructure, reduce logistic cost and create job opportunities for our youths.
He also noted that the nod of the Union Cabinet for the upgrade of Dhamasiya-Bitada/ Movi and Nasarpore-Malotha sections of National Highway-56 to "four-lane standard" will further connectivity, especially in remote and tribal areas of Gujarat.
"At the same time, it will enable more people to visit Statue of Unity," he said.
Modi highlighted that in a boost to 'Ease of Living' for the people of Noida, the Cabinet has approved the extension corridor
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Xiaomi to strengthen its mid-segment growth, stay accessible in 2026, amid price hikes
INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:04PM IST
The brand entered the year 2026 with a clear intent to stay accessible to a large number of consumers in the country despite shifting market dynamics, says Sudhin Mathur, COO, Xiaomi India
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INDIA MARKET | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:02PM IST
George Dockrell provided Ireland with a late surge scoring an unbeaten 35* off just nine balls to make it a perfect finish, while Richie Berringtons 49 helped Scotland reach a challenging total.
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'Indian consumer brands have a 20-yr opportunity to expand into global markets'
INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:00PM IST
Indian brands are ready to take the world stage! With favorable geopolitics and new trade agreements with regions such as the EU and the US, opportunities abound. Crafting billion-dollar brands from India is not just a dream; its within reach. The winning formula includes a deep understanding of global markets, product adaptations, and savvy use of technology. Brnd.
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RBI Clears Bain Capital's Proposed 41.66% Stake Acquisition In Manappuram Finance
INDIA MARKET | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:00PM IST
The Reserve Bank of India has approved Bain Capital-linked entities to acquire up to a 41.66% stake in Manappuram Finance, paving the way for joint control alongside existing promoters. The clearance comes with conditions on future shareholding and group NBFC exposure, while approvals for key subsidiaries remain pending.
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Anti-fragility is about flexibility, not inefficiency: IOC's Sahney
INDIA BUSINESS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:00PM IST
During an engaging panel discussion, leaders from Akasa Air and Indian Oil Corporation exchanged valuable perspectives on fortifying resilience in their industries. They highlighted the importance of establishing adaptive strategies to weather market fluctuations. Akasa Air is championing a workforce-focused environment while ensuring operational redundancies.
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H'yana unveils 10 industrial model townships
INDIA NEWS | Sat, 14 Feb 2026, 11:00PM IST
New Delhi: Haryana will establish 10 new industrial model townships (IMTs) as part of its push to accelerate growth and contribute decisively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Saturday. Work has already commenced on six of the proposed townships announced in the last state budget, Saini said at the ET Now Global Business Summit. A new policy framework for the IMTs will soon be unveiled, under which industries will not be required to obtain Change of Land Use (CLU) approvals separately. "All approvals will be granted online to ensure ease of doing business," he said. "Once Haryana was called the poor cousin of Punjab. Today, it has carved out a strong identity in multiple industrial sectors," he said, noting it's now among the leading states in goods and services tax (GST) collection. He cited the rapid development of areas such as Kharkhoda as examples of the state's industrial expansion. Saini also underlined Haryana's contribution to national service and sports, noting that nearly 10% of India's armed forces personnel hail from the state and that it produces the highest number of international medal-winning sportspersons. Infrastructure PushEmphasising Haryana's strategic advantage, Saini said the state boasts superior connectivity. "From Indira Gandhi International Airport, any part of Haryana can be reached in less than four hours," he said. The government has prioritised road upgrades and drainage systems. To address recurring waterlogging in low-lying areas of Gurgaon, a new drainage system is being planned, he said. After the recent monsoon season, six agencies handling road networks across the state were convened to review infrastructure gaps. An allocation of 4,500 crore has been earmarked to improve the road network. The government would ensure "not a single pothole" remains on any state road, the chief minister promised. Measures are also underway to ensure there is no shortage of drinking water in the state for the next 50 years. New initiatives have been introduced to strengthen garbage collection and sanitation systems in Gurgaon, he said. Addressing environmental concerns, Saini said Haryana "has done fabulous work in managing stubble burning." He said 95% of farmers in the state are not involved in stubble burning. He noted that textile manufacturers in Panipat had expressed concern over the 50% US tariff. However, subsequent agreements have eased their apprehensions, he said, adding that the state government is actively engaging with stakeholders to safeguard industrial interests. The chief minister said the state budget was prepared after extensive consultations with industrialists, women self-help groups, farmers, professionals and other stakeholders. "People feel this budget is theirs," he said, describing it as a participatory exercise reflecting grassroots inputs. Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks describing India as a "dead economy," Saini said the opposition should play a constructive role in national development.
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