COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED RESPONSIBILITIES
COP31: UN Chief Antonio Guterres warns climate crisis outpacing action
Antonio Guterres addressed world leaders at the climate talks in Antalya and highlighted urgent climate action needs. He stressed that emissions must be reduced, emphasizing the role of developed countries in supporting developing nations. Guterres outlined four essential pillars of a Climate Justice Compact during his keynote speech. He urged nations to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources for sustainability.
No one should be left behind in efforts to tackle climate change: India at COP31
At the ongoing COP31 climate conference in Turkiye, India highlighted the urgent need for equity in climate action. The country reaffirmed its commitment to addressing adaptation needs, especially for the Global South. India called attention to the critical role of public finance from developed nations in supporting developing countries. Additionally, India's statement emphasized the importance of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement for financing.
Stop AI from Eroding Your Brand
Artificial intelligence is changing how companies operate and how customers experience their brands. New research suggests that companies with lower levels of “brand debt”—the trust, relevance, and consistency lost when products, experiences, and decisions drift away from customer expectations—are significantly more likely to outperform their peers. Drawing on a benchmark of 60 companies and lessons from Bose’s digital transformation, the lessons here are that managing brand debt should become an enterprise-wide priority rather than a marketing exercise. As AI increasingly shapes customer interactions, companies that manage brand debt deliberately will be better positioned to strengthen trust, sustain growth, and preserve competitive advantage
Brazil offers road map to phase down fossil fuels, halt deforestation
Building on the decision adopted at the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, these seek to advance climate action, strengthen international cooperation and mobilise investment, while supporting economic development, energy security and people's livelihoods. "This is the last delivery of the COP30 presidency," said Ana Toni, chief executive of the 2025 round of the UN climate talks.
US trade deal will protect all sensitive Indian interests, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s trade deal with the US would protect sensitive interests, including those of farmers, and give the country a competitive advantage. He criticised opposition parties for questioning the agreement before its details were released, while defending India’s trade strategy and its decision to stay out of RCEP.
BRICS parliamentary forum condemns Pahalgam attack, calls for UN reforms
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum took place in New Delhi, gathering legislative leaders from various member nations. Delegates emphasized the need to reform the United Nations for more effective global governance while condemning terrorism and unilateral sanctions. The forum expressed concern over regional conflicts, urging resolutions based on human rights and humanitarian law.
India woos South Korean marine equipment makers as shipbuilding grows
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the need for ambitious and universal maritime standards during the World Maritime Day roundtable. He stressed the importance of partnerships that facilitate the implementation of these standards among countries. Sonowal's discussions with the Korea Marine Equipment Association outlined collaborative opportunities in India's shipbuilding sector. Korea's involvement will focus on technology transfer and local manufacturing of marine equipment.
As COP31 nears, India's heatwave disaster tag puts spotlight on global adaptation finance gap
India's recognition of heatwaves as natural disasters underscores the urgent need for international climate finance. Experts note that domestic funding is inadequate for heat adaptation strategies. They emphasize the necessity of consistent and predictable international resources for effective implementation. Upcoming discussions at COP31 will focus on adaptation finance for developing countries. There is growing concern over the lack of responsibility taken by developed nations regarding climate impact.
Rahul Gandhi says Jantar Mantar will be reclaimed, slams government after CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka sent to Tihar jail
Rahul Gandhi voiced support for the Cockroach Janta Party's protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that peaceful demonstrations should not be criminalized. The protests have drawn attention to alleged electoral irregularities and the need for unity among various groups demanding their constitutional rights amid police restrictions at Jantar Mantar.
AI Innovation in India: Turning business impact into industry recognition
As organisations move AI into business operations, demonstrating its value is only part of the challenge. Communicating that work, establishing credibility and reaching a wider industry audience matter too. The ET AI Awards 2027 offer organisations, teams and leaders a platform to showcase their work, gain an independent evaluation and build recognition around their achievements.
RBI may hike repo rate by 25 bps as inflation and oil risks mount: Sunil Sanghai
The RBI could raise the repo rate by 25 basis points in October and signal further tightening as inflation, elevated crude prices and a narrowing rate gap with the US pressure the rupee. Strong reserves and a manageable current account provide crucial buffers.
What will happen to policyholders if a life insurer fails? BJP MP urges PM Modi to create a safety net
In a recent appeal, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a robust protective system for insurance policyholders. He suggested creating a statutory policyholders' protection scheme as a safeguard against potential insolvencies and bankruptcies among insurers. Drawing from successful international examples, Gopchade recommended comprehensive research into these protective mechanisms.
SiMa AI raises $150 million in funding to advance physical AI technology and robotics
The round was co-led by Fidelity Management & Research Company and Amplify, with participation from Alter Venture Partners, Dell Technologies Capital and StepStone Group, founder and chief executive Krishna Rangasayee told ET. AllianceBernstein, Baron Capital and JPMorgan joined the round as new investors.
India’s bid to keep carbon cash home as Europe adds a new trade cost
India’s exporters face new carbon costs under the EU’s CBAM, which took effect in January 2026. For carbon-intensive industries such as steel and aluminium, this could pressure export competitiveness, prompting India to build a domestic carbon market and invest in cleaner technologies.
Insurance mis-selling is arising because upfront commissions are too high: IRDAI chairman Ajay Seth
IRDAI chairman Ajay Seth said insurers should pass savings from lower commissions and operating costs to policyholders through lower premiums, better returns or improved claims payouts. The regulator’s proposed tighter limits on commissions and expenses aim to improve affordability, curb mis-selling and reduce compulsory bundling.
Insurance mis-selling is arising because upfront commissions are too high: Ajay Seth, Chairman, IRDAI
The benefit of cost efficiency should be passed on to customers. This entire exercise is intended to ensure that the public and policyholders benefit. For a life insurance savings product, the outcome should be better returns. In general insurance, it should result in better claim ratios. Cost efficiencies should get passed on through lower premiums, or the rate of increase in premiums should be moderated, or returns on savings products should be better than they are today, says Ajay Seth.
India, WFP discuss challenges to global humanitarian efforts on UNGA sidelines
India's Secretary (West) Sibi George held separate meetings with WFP Acting Executive Director Carl Skau and EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas on the sidelines of UNGA81, discussing humanitarian challenges and India-EU cooperation in tourism, hospitality and transport.
India bats for stable maritime zones, continuity of statehood for island and coastal States
Secretary (West) Sibi George welcomed the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise during the 81st UN General Assembly session. He emphasized India's dedication to coastal resilience, mangrove preservation, and disaster-resilient infrastructure initiatives. Sibi George also participated in the Peacebuilding Commission meeting, stressing the importance of national ownership in developmental efforts. He shared insights on inclusivity in nation-building and India's support for least developed countries and small island developing states.
Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017 with an estimated 50% stake; 4 years later, Forbes valued the cosmetics company at $2.8 billion
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty journey therefore represents more than a remarkable celebrity wealth milestone. It is a case study in how ownership, strategic partnerships, product differentiation and cultural relevance can combine to build a major consumer business. Launched in 2017 with Rihanna holding half of the joint venture, Fenty Beauty reached a Forbes-estimated $2.8 billion valuation by 2021, making the company the dominant component of her estimated $1.7 billion fortune at the time.
Load More
