FUTURE OF SECURE PAYMENTS

CA shares story of how a Rs 2.8 lakh monthly earning couple's 'smart investment' turned into financial stress
A couple earning Rs 2.8 lakh per month purchased two properties, anticipating rental income to cover EMIs. However, their EMIs severely strained their finances, leaving minimal funds for other investments, even for their child's education. CA Nitin Kaushik warns against prioritizing real estate without considering liquidity and future financial needs.

Meta’s backstop is linchpin for $26 billion AI data-center deal
Meta secured $26 billion in off-balance-sheet financing for its massive Louisiana Hyperion data center, using a joint venture and a rare residual value guarantee to protect investors from losses if AI-driven obsolescence lowers asset value. Led by Pimco and Morgan Stanley, the deal sets a precedent for future AI infrastructure funding.

Why did Elon Musk not attend Trump's dinner with high-profile tech CEOs? Tesla CEO has this to say
President Trump held a big White House dinner with top tech CEOs to talk about AI and U.S. investments. Leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Bill Gates joined the event. Elon Musk was missing, saying he could not attend. The meeting showed how Silicon Valley is now working more closely with Trump’s administration.

Urban Company IPO risks explained: 12 warnings on operations, regulations and valuation
Urban Company's upcoming IPO, opening September 10, carries inherent risks for investors. The Red Herring Prospectus highlights concerns including sustained losses, intense competition, and high marketing costs. Dependency on gig workers, legal and regulatory challenges, and potential data security breaches also pose threats. Furthermore, reliance on limited service categories and geographic concentration could impact business.

Amazon completes $200 million cash acquisition of Axio, adds an NBFC licence via deal
While the company did not disclose the deal size, sources pegged it at around $200 million, with all the existing investors of Axio making an exit and the founders continuing to run the show.

MGNREGA 'chronically underfunded' for last 11 years to 'throttle' scheme: Congress
The Congress party criticizes the Modi government for allegedly underfunding MGNREGA, hindering its demand-driven nature. Jairam Ramesh highlights the scheme's 20th anniversary, expressing concern over its future due to budget constraints and delayed payments. The party demands increased funding, a minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, and a halt to exclusionary technologies impacting worker access and payments.
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Nasdaq, S&P 500 end higher with Alphabet, Apple, rate-cut hopes; Dow dips
The Nasdaq and S&P 500 closed higher Wednesday, propelled by Alphabet's surge following a favorable ruling and optimism surrounding potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Alphabet's shares soared, boosting tech indices, while Apple also benefited. Investors are anticipating further economic data, particularly the upcoming jobs report, amidst ongoing concerns about tariffs and their impact on corporate earnings.
Ray Dalio predicts financial chaos — debt crisis looms under Trump 2.0
Ray Dalio predicts a US economic crisis. He cites rising debt and interest payments. Dalio believes Trump's policies worsen the problem. National debt is currently at $37.3 trillion. Interest payments exceed tariff revenues. Economists worry about Trump's proposed tax cuts. These cuts could add trillions to the national debt. Demand for US debt may not keep pace with supply.
Urban Company bets on quick service Insta Help as a growth driver
Urban Company is betting on its new Insta Help service, which offers quick access to trained house-helps, to boost user engagement and repeat usage. Currently available in select cities, Insta Help aims to fulfill service requests within 15-30 minutes, targeting situations where regular help is unavailable. This launch occurs amidst growing investment in the quick house-help sector.
DoT rejects Trai plan to charge 'paltry' Rs 500 urban satcom levy
The Telecom Department has turned down the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's proposal. The proposal suggested charging satcom companies extra for urban subscribers. This was to boost rural connectivity. The department also rejected using Digital Bharat Nidhi to subsidize satellite terminals. The department will ask the regulator to review the proposal.
CA gets the craziest client request ever while ITR filing: 'No money, bro. You pay my tax. Going for Europe vacation'
Chartered accountant Nitin Kaushik shared financial advice after a client's audacious request to cover his income tax. He urges the middle class to prioritize financial discipline, spend wisely, diversify investments, and build additional income streams. Kaushik also emphasizes the importance of insurance, avoiding lifestyle comparisons, and distinguishing between good and bad debt for long-term financial security.
The Tianjin declaration: Signals from a multipolar world
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin aimed to reshape global order. Xi Jinping proposed a new vision challenging U.S. dominance. India, China, and Russia signaled alignment. India emphasized 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' and demanded action against terrorism. The summit addressed digital governance, energy cooperation, and financial self-reliance.
Stablecoins surge 150% in global use — could they replace your credit card and bank account?
Stablecoins are changing the way we think about money. Unlike traditional credit cards or bank accounts, these digital currencies are fast, low-cost, and accessible worldwide. Whether sending remittances, shopping online, or managing personal finances, stablecoins offer a simpler, more efficient way to move money—without the usual banking delays or high fees.
India, Africa to work to double bilateral trade by 2030: Piyush Goyal
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal stated that India and Africa will collaborate to double bilateral trade by 2030, with a focus on value addition, technology-driven farming, renewable energy, and healthcare. While addressing the valedictory session of the 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, Goyal stated, "Together, we can move from raw material exports to value-added production for global markets."
RERA Impact: Arrest warrant issued against builder who failed to pay compensation to property buyer for 14 year delay in possession
Haryana RERA has directed the arrest of a builder's directors. This action follows their failure to compensate a property buyer. The buyer faced a 14-year delay in property possession. Despite a 2022 order for Rs 8.6 lakh compensation, the builder did not pay. The arrest warrants target directors, including one abroad. Read below to know how the property buyer won.
Festive lift for etailers; Elevation’s late-stage push
Happy Friday! Online sales this festive season are expected to reverse three years of slowdown. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Scorpio Horoscope Today, 28th August 2025: Intuition guides you toward progress
Scorpio Daily Horoscope, 28th August 2025: With the Moon in the Libra sign and Mars energising the Virgo sign, your focus sharpens, and your instincts are strong. Mercury and Venus in the Cancer sign boost communication and emotional balance. This can help you connect deeply with others. Saturn retrograde reminds you to slow down and reassess long-term plans.
Resurgent India files insolvency plea against Future Consumer
Future Consumer Ltd, part of the debt-ridden Future Group, is facing an insolvency plea filed by Resurgent India Special Situations Fund before the NCLT, claiming defaults. The company, already grappling with a significant liquidity crunch and defaults on loan repayments totaling Rs 558.73 crore, acknowledged the filing and stated it would make appropriate representations.
The ET Startup Awards 2025: Nominees for ‘Startup of the Year’ are here
Happy Wednesday! We at ETtech have been hard at work to bring you the 11th edition of The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA).
Unlock true financial freedom by rewriting subconscious 'scripts': CA’s money lessons for new generation
Financial freedom is not only about wealth accumulation but also about breaking inherited money habits, says Chartered Accountant Abhishek Walia. In a LinkedIn post, he explained that many financial behaviours—such as over-saving, mistrust of financial products, or fear of debt—are shaped by family beliefs rather than personal choice. While these patterns may have worked in the past, they often clash with today’s economy of digital payments, startups, and rising education costs.
Social Security payments update: will SSI beneficiaries get two payments in August? here’s who qualifies for $5,000+ checks
Social Security payments are a lifeline for millions of Americans, helping cover rent, groceries, and medical expenses. This August, some SSI beneficiaries will receive two payments in one month, while a select group of retirees may qualify for the $5,108 maximum benefit.
Bitcoin Crash Explained: What happens if cryptocurrency falls to zero and how to survive? Here’s how investors, financial system, other cryptocurrencies will react to a crash
Bitcoin Crash could impact not only cryptocurrency holders but also global markets. With its $2.31 trillion market cap, a collapse would ripple across institutions, investors, and the wider economy.
From Sahara to Dream11: Harsh Goenka calls India's cricket jersey as 'real brand survival test'
Harsh Goenka's comment highlights the risks of sponsoring the Indian cricket team. Dream11 ended its jersey deal after a new gaming law. Many past sponsors like Sahara and Byju's faced financial or legal issues. The Board of Control for Cricket in India seeks a new sponsor for the Asia Cup. Despite the 'jersey jinx,' the sponsorship remains highly desirable.
ADB comes to Pakistan’s rescue after China financing stalls
The Asian Development Bank will fund a $2 billion upgrade of a key 500-km railway stretch in Pakistan, replacing delayed Chinese financing. This revamp is crucial for transporting copper ore from the Reko Diq mine, a major investment project. Despite diplomatic sensitivities, the deal aims to modernize Pakistan’s rail system, supporting mining and economic growth amid ongoing security challenges.
Gen Z savvy investors but 55% living paycheck to paycheck: Can they achieve financial security with these money habits?
Gen Z thinks differently, and that reflects in their spending priorities and investment habits. Some quirks aside, they have a good shot at achieving financial security.
Another round of SSI payment coming in August? Check the amount of money you will receive and when
Millions of SSI recipients will receive two payments in August 2025, due to Labor Day falling on September 1st. The second payment is actually the September benefit, moved forward because of the holiday. The standard SSI payment is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, delivered electronically via direct deposit or prepaid debit cards.
Made-in-India jet engines a step closer as HAL, GE near deal for Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet: Report
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and General Electric (GE) Aerospace are set to start commercial negotiations on co-producing the F414 engine for India’s Tejas Mk-2 aircraft. Talks, running for nearly two years, are expected to close within three months. The agreement includes an 80 percent technology transfer, a step up from earlier commitments. Meanwhile, French firm Safran has been chosen to co-develop an engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, marking another move towards domestic capability in defence aviation.
Trump stunning reversal on Intel weeks after demanding chip giant CEO Lip-Bu Tan's resignation. All about the deal
The United States government has acquired a 10 per cent holding in Intel and this marks one of the most striking federal interventions in a private company since the 2008 auto bailouts. US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Friday, describing the deal as “a great partnership for America and for Intel.”
'Your money leaks or compounds': CA's reality check for Gurgaon techie couple earning Rs 15 LPA
A Gurgaon family, despite a Rs 1.2 lakh monthly income, struggled financially until they implemented a structured plan. By allocating funds to emergency savings, child's future, retirement, wealth creation, and gold bonds, they transformed their finances. This disciplined approach demonstrated that financial success hinges on planning, not just income.
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