SERVICE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Prosus widens India fintech play after years of consumer internet bets
The Amsterdam-listed technology investor is also close to investing in artificial intelligence-led credit management startup Oolka, people familiar with the matter said. Prosus evaluated credit-on-Unified Payments Interface (UPI) startup Kiwi in October and savings platform Jar in 2025 before deciding not to invest. Prosus declined to comment on specific deals.
Delhi AQI today: Air quality improves to 'poor' category, no station records 'severe' levels; check IMD weather forecast and other details
Delhi air pollution news: Air quality in Delhi showed improvement as the AQI dropped below 300 on Wednesday. The city had been experiencing very poor and severe air quality previously. Data from 59 monitoring stations indicated that 29 stations recorded very poor levels. An increase in wind speed is anticipated to lead to further improvement in air quality.
The great Indian money hunt: Why India's shadow banks are pulling in billions of dollars
Blackstone is negotiating a significant investment in IIFL Finance, indicating rising global interest in non-bank lenders. Recent deals include investments by Carlyle and Advent International in housing finance firms. The demand for credit in India is growing, with NBFCs playing a crucial role in accessing underserved markets. Foreign investments in the financial sector have exceeded $20 billion since 2025, reflecting confidence in stability.
AI innovation in sports: Technology driving the next phase of sports development
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities across the sports ecosystem, from performance analysis and sports administration to technology development and wider participation. The ET AI Awards 2027 recognises organisations, technology providers and initiatives advancing the application of AI in sports through its AI Innovation in Sports category.
Ode to a compassionate algorithm: Philanthropists are backing AI for public good
From Flipkart’s Binny Bansal to Chrys Capital’s Ashish Dhawan and Karishma Sanghvi of Sun Pharma, a growing number of entrepreneurs are writing cheques for AI that can diagnose diseases, empower teachers, modernise courts and strengthen public services, betting that the technology can create social returns as significant as commercial ones.
No More Zeroes: Govt plans to extend ZED certification scheme to services sector MSMEs
In a significant move, the Indian government is widening its Zero Defect Zero Effect certification initiative to include service enterprises in the MSME sector. This strategy will target key industries like transport, hospitality, and healthcare with approximately 20 predefined quality metrics. Furthermore, specialized standards for MSME exporters will ensure they meet global quality benchmarks, ultimately empowering these businesses in the international marketplace.
M&M bets on SUV growth, EV expansion and global aerospace orders to drive earnings
Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled impressive revenue and profit figures, driven largely by the rising popularity of SUVs and electric vehicles. Looking ahead, the company is set to boost production capacity and launch several new vehicles. In contrast, the tractor sector's growth forecast has been adjusted to flat, influenced by unfavorable monsoon conditions and low water levels in reservoirs.
Agri loans emerge as biggest asset quality risk for Indian banks
Agricultural loans in India are currently facing significant asset-quality risks, with bad-loan ratios surpassing other sectors. The gross non-performing asset ratio for agricultural loans is at 5.1%, compared to 1.5% for industry and services. Factors such as a poor monsoon have contributed to this situation, although agricultural bad loans have declined since 2020-21. Various banks have reported increased agricultural loan slippages but maintain a cautious outlook on borrower stress.
Digital lenders clock 40-50% revenue growth as credit demand surges
Digital lender Kissht's revenue from operations rose 44.7% year-on-year to Rs 732 crore, while Moneyview reported 41% growth to Rs 1,120 crore. MobiKwik's financial services revenue increased 41.8% to Rs 87 crore, while Paytm's financial services distribution revenue grew 49.3% to Rs 912 crore.
Muhurat Trading 2026: How to trade during the special session today to welcome Samvat 2083?
Indian stock exchanges BSE and NSE will conduct the special one-hour Muhurat Trading session on Sunday from 2:20 pm to 3:30 pm to mark the beginning of Samvat 2083. The session, a long-standing Diwali tradition coinciding with Lakshmi Puja, typically sees lower trading volumes. Analysts have advised investors to remain selective with their bets during the auspicious session.
Eyewear regulation Bill may come up in Parliament's winter session; MP Gopchade seeks national vision-care board
Rajya Sabha member Ajeet Gopchade has proposed a private member's Bill for regulating eyewear products and vision-care services. He has urged the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to assess creating a National Optical/Vision Care Board. The proposal aims to ensure consumer protection and quality standards in vision-care. The existing Medical Devices Rules, 2017, may need strengthening for better oversight.
MSME ministry, Samsung sign MoU to train 1,600 youth in electronics, appliance repair
The MSME ministry has partnered with Samsung India Electronics under a three-year MoU to train youth in electronics, mobile phones and home appliance servicing across 15 Technology Centres. The programme will initially cover 1,600 trainees, offering successful candidates three-month internships with a monthly stipend of Rs 12,000, alongside placement support.
AI Team of the Year: How high-performing AI teams are driving business innovation
The success of AI adoption significantly hinges on the expertise of the professionals implementing these technologies. Teams that blend technical proficiency with business acumen are essential to guarantee that AI applications align with operational requirements and performance benchmarks. Acknowledgment of their contributions becomes crucial, especially for projects that are pivotal to driving business results.
TRAI rules out penalties on operators based on user tests
Launching the Network Anubhav platform, Lahoti said there would be "no penalty on the basis of user test alone." A penal action, he said, "has to follow certain standards before you conclude that it is a failure." Trai, he added, does not impose penalties but financial disincentives for not meeting specific regulatory requirements.
TRAI's new Network Anubhav platform to map real-world network speeds, call quality
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recently introduced the Network Anubhav Platform for consumers. This new platform allows users to compare mobile and broadband networks based on location and performance. Consumers can view network tests, filter results, and make informed choices about service providers.
Diwali 2026: Will banking stocks shine in Samvat 2083? Analysts list top picks
With Diwali 2026 on the horizon, banking stocks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Karur Vysya Bank are drawing attention from analysts as potential winners for Samvat 2083. Following a period of volatility, these stocks are anticipated to regain momentum, driven by consistent loan growth and enhanced management practices. Investors are advised to navigate the changing landscape prudently as opportunities unfold.
Gurgaon work from home advisory: Half of government & private office staff to work remotely amid pollution; check exemptions and deadline
The Gurugram district administration has directed government and private offices to allow only 50% of their staff to work from the office, with the remaining employees working from home, from November 5 to 20. The measures, announced to curb air pollution, also include restrictions on construction and demolition activities across the district. The order has been issued in compliance with directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Bata puts its best foot forward on profits as inventory shrinks, distribution expands
Bata India is banking on distribution expansion and tighter inventory management to drive growth, as adjusted profit before tax surged 31.4% year-on-year in Q2 FY27, outpacing revenue growth of 7.5%. The footwear maker has expanded its key retail outlet network 2.6 times and targets 5,000-plus outlets by Q3 FY27.
ET Product of the Year Awards 2026: Categories recognising products driving market impact
The Economic Times Product of the Year Awards 2026 celebrate cutting-edge innovations that make a substantial difference in the market and attract customer loyalty across diverse industries. Categories feature Enterprise SaaS, FinTech, Cybersecurity, as well as consumer goods such as banking solutions and smartphones. Judging criteria prioritize market presence, adoption rates, creativity, and execution excellence, with an emphasis on quantifiable achievements.
Load More
