| 09 September, 2025, 00:17 AM IST |

ET Magazine

Sunday paper has revamped form, content & style to become more personal. Stories bridge macro-micro divide, connecting business & economy to everyday decisions and offer incisive analysis & encourage fresh thinking.

Spectrum Sprint: Musk-led Starlink starts to lay groundwork in IndiaStarlink is actively establishing its terrestrial infrastructure in India, engaging in advanced discussions with data center operators, telcos, and internet exchange providers. These strategic partnerships aim to create a robust ecosystem for satellite connectivity at scale, aligning with Indian regulations that mandate local routing and storage of downlink traffic.

MCA likely to simplify process for transfer of unclaimed sharesThe corporate affairs ministry plans to simplify documentation for transferring unclaimed shares and dividends to investors through the IEPFA. A panel's report suggests reforms for claims up to ₹5 lakh for physical securities, ₹15 lakh for dematerialized securities, and ₹10,000 for dividends. This initiative aims to reduce timelines, improve transparency, and provide hassle-free services to investors.

Corporate climbers are scaling new heights, literallyCaptain Swadesh Kumar guides working professionals to Himalayan summits. These climbers are swapping laptops for ice axes. Kang Yatse II and Nun Kun are popular choices. Corporate groups embrace climbs for team building. Nepal waives royalties for 97 peaks. Mountaineering traffic redistributes to Nanda Devi and Nun Kun. Climbers are progressing from trekking to summiting.

GST reforms could add Rs 20 lakh crore to GDP: Ashwini VaishnawUnion Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced upcoming GST and income tax reforms. These changes are expected in the 2025-26 budget. The reforms aim to boost India's economy significantly. Vaishnaw clarified that these reforms are unrelated to US tariffs. He highlighted the potential for increased consumption to drive GDP growth.

Potus undoes some knots in ties; PM Modi responds in kindDespite recent trade tensions, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump express mutual appreciation for the India-US partnership. Trump acknowledges their "special relationship," even while expressing disappointment over India's oil imports from Russia and imposing tariffs. Modi reciprocates Trump's positive assessment, emphasizing the forward-looking nature of their strategic alliance, signaling a potential thaw in relations.

SIS to widen security perimeter with Rs 650 crore APS Group buyoutSIS Limited, India's largest business services company, plans to acquire APS Group for approximately Rs 600-650 crore. This acquisition will be the largest buyout in the Indian private security industry. The deal will likely be completed in stages, with SIS acquiring an initial 51% stake. This move will significantly increase SIS's headcount and revenue, solidifying its position in the market.

VinFast bets on ecosystem, not volumes, for India: Asia CEOVietnamese EV maker VinFast has officially entered the Indian market. The company plans to build a complete ecosystem beyond just selling cars. This includes electric cars, buses, two-wheelers and charging infrastructure. VinFast has launched two models, the VF 6 and VF 7, assembled in Tamil Nadu. The company aims to offer benefits like free charging, maintenance, and a ten-year warranty.

Car cos turn on incentive engine to drive demand, spend ₹8,426 cr in 2024 to boost demandIndian carmakers face challenges like rising costs and regulations. They are using incentives to attract buyers amid slow demand. Companies spent heavily on discounts to maintain sales. Focus is shifting to higher-margin models. GST rate changes offer hope, but dealers grapple with inventory issues. Automakers are carefully balancing costs and sales strategies during this period.

How to stay ahead of everyone else by (not-so-simply) using your headFrom sun hats at Wimbledon to MAGA caps at rallies, headwear is making a statement this season. Alia Bhatt's bandana-lehenga combo highlights the bandana's unexpected couture moment. Beyond sun protection, these accessories signal status and identity. The sun hat embodies effortless wealth, while the MAGA cap represents populist aggression.

Home interiors market to double to $24.5 billion by 2030: MagicbricksIndia's home interiors market is set for significant growth. Experts project the sector will double by 2030. The current market value of $12.33 billion is expected to reach $24.52 billion. This expansion is fueled by rising incomes and urbanization. Well-designed interiors can boost property resale value. Demand is high for 2 and 3 BHK homes.

Indian flavour set to spice up Australia’s Hockey One LeagueMelbourne is a highly saturated market for sports franchises. “In a city of just 4.5 million people, there are 56 franchise teams,” Hockey Victoria CEO Andrew Skillern said in an interaction with ET Sport. To stand out, Hockey Victoria decided to tap into the Indian diaspora, an audience yet to be targeted by professional sports leagues.

Jammu & Kashmir: FIR over Ashoka Emblem damage at Hazratbal shrineJammu & Kashmir Police have filed a case following the vandalism of the Ashoka Emblem on a Waqf Board plaque at Srinagar's Hazratbal shrine, sparking controversy and protests. Political leaders have condemned the act, with some demanding investigations into the Waqf Board's operations and accusing the BJP of exploiting the situation for political gain.

Novak Djokovic embraces the joy of agonyAfter his latest evisceration at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semi-final, Djokovic conceded the gap between him and the top two on the circuit is all but impossible to bridge. It will take a minor miracle for the 24 slams he owns to tick over to 25, but when the definitive record of his journey is tabulated, the final tally would be imposing enough either way.

Max Estates buys Rs 534 cr land in Gurgaon, eyes Rs 3,000 cr projectMax Estates has acquired a 7.25-acre land parcel on Golf Course Extension Road in Gurgaon for Rs 534 crore, potentially developing 1.3 million sq. ft. with a revenue of Rs 3,000 crore. This acquisition expands Max Estates' Gurugram portfolio to nearly 10 million sq. ft.

'14 terrorists, 400 kg RDX': Astrologer held from Noida for threatening to bomb Mumbai, wanted to frame friend-turned-foeMumbai Police apprehended a 50-year-old man from Noida for allegedly sending a hoax message to the traffic police WhatsApp helpline, claiming that 14 terrorists had entered Mumbai with 400 kg of RDX. The message, which mentioned a group called 'Lashkar-e-Jihadi,' prompted a thorough investigation involving the Crime Branch and ATS.

Adani Power, Druk Green Power to set up a 570MW hydro power project in BhutanAdani Power and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have partnered to develop the 570 MW Wangchhu hydroelectric project in Bhutan, with an investment of approximately Rs 6,000 crore. This project will meet Bhutan's winter power demand and export surplus energy to India during summer.

Kerala Congress social media head quits amid Bihar backlashFollowing a contentious tweet linking bidis and Bihar, which sparked outrage from political parties, including ally RJD, the Congress party's Kerala unit social media head resigned. The controversial post, deemed a misfired attempt to connect tobacco tax hikes with the Bihar election, led to apologies and a decision to revamp the Kerala Congress social media wing after backlash.

Kuki groups reaffirm demand for Union Territory, SoO pact extendedThe Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) will continue to demand a Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people, as the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was extended.

Big discounts ahead of GST 2.0: Firms eye fresh demand, clear old stockAhead of the festive season and the implementation of revised GST rates on September 22, manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms are offering discounts on cars, TVs, ACs, apparel, and footwear to clear inventory and reduce GST input credit.

US reciprocal tariffs: Donald Trump signs order granting exemptions to some goodsIndia’s exports of the newly-exempt 50-odd items amount to about $20 million annually. The products include highly specialised: nitrile compounds used in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals; nickel waste and scrap recycled into stainless steel and batteries; lidocaine, a local anaesthetic; nick el powders for catalysts and 3D printing; nickel flakes used in conductive coatings; and high-purity precious metal articles used as bullion and inelectronics.

Bodoland Territorial Council polls to test BJP ahead of 2026 assembly pollsThe Bodoland Territorial Council elections are scheduled for September. The BJP will contest independently. Nearly 26.6 lakh voters will participate. The UPPL currently leads the council with BJP as partner. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma anticipates a BJP victory. In 2020, the BPF won the most seats. However, the BJP, UPPL, and GSP formed the government.

Unity call sparks fresh rift in AIADMKAIADMK witnesses renewed calls for unity following election defeats. Senior leader K.A. Sengottaiyan demands E. Palaniswami to reconcile with O. Panneerselvam and V.K. Sasikala. He sets a 10-day ultimatum. EPS swiftly removes Sengottaiyan from party posts. The BJP also favors reconciliation. Internal rifts deepen due to poor election performances. Efforts for unity are expected to continue within the party.

Bihar Assembly Elections: After SIR uproar, time to move on with trust in poll processBihar's special electoral roll revision nears completion, facing scrutiny over voter deletions. Despite concerns, limited objections suggest either endorsement or indifference. The Election Commission emphasizes purification, while the Supreme Court urges vigilance. With enhanced facilitation, the focus shifts to officials verifying the rolls, aiming for a fair process amidst ongoing debate and the need for continued citizen engagement.

Ajit Doval, Iran's Ali Larijani hold talks ahead of proposed Delhi visitAjit Doval and Ali Larijani discussed bolstering economic cooperation, security, and defense ties during a phone call, focusing on the Chabahar Port project. Iran praised India's support for the SCO Tianjin formulation, which condemned actions by Israel and the US against Iran, ahead of Larijani's visit to New Delhi.

JDU faces dissent over possible return of Anant SinghAhead of Bihar elections, JD(U)'s potential induction of Anant Singh, a controversial figure from Mokama, faces internal resistance. While Singh's recent activities suggest an impending alliance, senior leader Neeraj Kumar openly opposes his entry, citing Singh's criminal history and past accusations against Nitish Kumar, raising concerns about the party's image.

Trump's aide Sergio Gor seen as bridge-builder in India-US tiesDonald Trump's pick of Sergio Gor, a close aide, as the next US ambassador to India could significantly impact the relationship amid existing challenges. Gor's direct access to Trump could help bridge divides created by others and facilitate open communication regarding India's concerns. His strong ties with the Trump family further solidify his potential to strengthen India-US ties.

GST cuts to benefit 10 crore dairy farmers: Ministry of CooperationThe GST rate cuts on dairy products, farm inputs, and food processing items are set to positively impact over 10 crore dairy farmers and bolster the cooperative sector, according to the Ministry of Cooperation. This restructuring addresses inverted duties in fertilizer manufacturing, aiming to stabilize prices for farmers and ensure timely input availability.

India’s aviation boom: Mumbai and Delhi to get secondary airports; more cities likely to join soonNavi Mumbai and Noida are getting new airports soon. These projects have been in the works for a long time. Many global cities have multiple airports. Mumbai's current airport is very busy. Delhi's airport is expanding. Goa already has a successful secondary airport. Other cities like Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune may also get new airports in the future.