URBAN SERVICES EXPANSION
Auto sales to maintain momentum, driven by GST relief, EVs : SIAM
The Indian automotive industry is expected to sustain growth momentum in the second half of the fiscal year. Key factors include improved affordability, strong financing support, and resilient market demand. Sales of entry-level passenger cars have surged significantly, indicating a revival in consumption among first-time buyers.
Big FMCG companies outgrow market as smaller rivals get squeezed by costs and slowing rural demand
India's fast-moving consumer goods sector has experienced a slowdown in volume growth amid rising costs. Rural demand has weakened, impacting smaller regional manufacturers while larger companies thrive. Hindustan Unilever, Marico, and other major firms reported robust growth figures. Smaller players are particularly vulnerable due to their limited capacity to manage current challenges.
Pioneer Urban to invest Rs 3,500 crore in ultra-luxury Gurugram residences
Pioneer Urban Land & Infrastructure Ltd plans to invest Rs 3,500 crore in the Alura project in Gurugram. This project aims to offer approximately 250 ultra-luxury serviced residences with multiple configurations, including duplexes and penthouses. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the development promises expansive living spaces with high-end amenities and services. Each residence will benefit from well-being features, ensuring occupant health and comfort.
China's Baidu launches AI model simulating road environment for robotaxis
Apollo World can generate "up to 100,000 km" (62,000 miles) of simulated driving daily, equivalent to about three years of real-world testing by a safety-driver-equipped autonomous vehicle, Baidu said. The system is capable of producing real-time multimodal data streams, such as camera and lidar observations, enabling self-driving systems to directly sense and navigate simulated environments.
What makes Pune Metro's new Pink Line so special? Check key features, route & fares of this unique corridor, which will be operated entirely by women
Pune Metro's 23-km Pink Line, connecting Hinjewadi and Shivajinagar, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 3. The corridor will be operated entirely by women, with around 30% of its electricity needs planned to come from solar energy. Here's a look at its key features, proposed fares and the Pune Metro Phase 2 expansion.
In 1992, Louisiana had as few as 150 black bears left; 30 years later, habitat restoration and relocations helped rebuild the population to about 750 bears
In the early 1990s, Louisiana black bears were on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss caused by human development. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, their numbers have rebounded from a mere 150 to approximately 750. Strategies like establishing interconnected forests and relocating bears have been vital to enhancing genetic diversity.
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India to get first cooperative sector airline, says Kerala CM Satheesan
Keralam government has given approval for the cooperative sector to initiate flight services in India. Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced this during the silver jubilee celebration of the Calicut City Service Cooperative Society. C N Vijayakrishnan will lead the flight services project, which aims to showcase the potential of Keralam's cooperative sector.
India's glittering gold loan sector risks sliding into a dark zone
The gold loan market in India is on a rapid growth trajectory, fueled by true demand alongside possible financial distress among borrowers. According to the Reserve Bank of India, there's significant annual growth in gold loans issued by banks and NBFCs. Heightened competition might bring challenges in assessing borrower viability and repayment options. While regulatory changes aim to create a stable environment, they could introduce operational hurdles for lenders.
Women entrepreneurs can power Asia’s digital trade boom
Women entrepreneurs across Asia are increasingly turning to digital trade, enabling them to reach markets far beyond their local confines. This transition allows them to bypass traditional mobility challenges and limited funding opportunities. A variety of initiatives are in place to bolster women-led enterprises through training and improved financial access.
Gurgaon Electricity Update: New power company, more choice? Eleven Power gets 25-year licence; What it means for 8.3 lakh consumers
Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission has granted a 25-year electricity distribution licence to Eleven Power for Gurgaon, Manesar, Sohna and Nuh. The Rs 4,716.7 crore investment plan could give over 8.3 lakh consumers a choice of electricity supplier alongside state-run utilities, subject to network development and regulatory approvals.
China's economy grows 4.5 pc in Q3 as AI-driven exports offset weak domestic demand
The Chinese economy grew 4.5% in the third quarter of 2026. The growth is fuelled by global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, helping the economy offset weak domestic consumption and a deepening property market crisis. The development comes after a weak second quarter, which saw its growth shrink to 4.3%. However, sluggish domestic household spending and investment bring doubt about the sustainability of the trend.
Urban Company shares slide 7% as Q2 net loss triples YoY on InstaHelp burn. Should you buy, sell or hold?
Urban Company shares fell sharply on Monday after its Q2FY27 net loss more than tripled YoY to Rs 182 crore, driven by investments in InstaHelp. Revenue rose 41% year-on-year to Rs 537 crore. Motilal Oswal maintained a Neutral rating but cut its target price to Rs 165, citing profitability concerns and balanced risk-reward.
NYC Ferry carried 7.4 million passenger trips in FY2025, while the city subsidised each trip by an average of $8.33 across six routes serving all five boroughs
New York City's ferry service has seen significant growth, now serving around 7.4 million passengers. To keep fares affordable amidst increasing demand, public funding remains essential. Over the years, rising ridership and fare revenues have lowered the subsidy needed per trip. NYCEDC is committed to balancing operational costs with equitable access, offering seasonal services and discounts to boost passenger numbers from diverse income groups.
Househelp@₹100: The 10-minute boom can't sweep aside a math problem
India’s instant househelp startups are scaling rapidly by offering affordable, on-demand domestic services, but steep losses and high customer-acquisition costs are raising questions about whether the model can become profitable. Snabbit spent Rs 195 crore in FY26 against Rs 12.2 crore in operating revenue, while Urban Company’s InstaHelp is also prioritising scale over near-term profits as the sector competes to build a regular household habit.
In 1897, gold discoveries helped establish Ballarat near Death Valley, and its population reached 400 by 1898; today, adobe ruins remain after the mining boom faded
Ballarat, founded in 1897 in the notorious Death Valley of California, flourished as a mining hub following the gold rush in the nearby Panamint Mountains. Once boasting a vibrant community of around 400, it was home to saloons, hotels, and essential services for miners. Sadly, as key mines closed, the town's population dwindled, and by 1917, the post office's closure signified its decline into obscurity.
10-minute househelp startups & their crore-sized losses
Latest financials reported by Snabbit and Urban Company on Friday point to heavy cash burn in the race to deliver household services within 10 minutes. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Nirmala Sitharaman pitches for public, private capital to build financially sustainable cities
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of creating sustainably investable cities in India. She proposed a combination of public investment alongside private capital to achieve these goals. Various urban development initiatives have been established to support this approach effectively. The Urban Challenge Fund aims to improve municipal finances and is pivotal for project preparation. Overall, the strategies discussed will enhance urban planning and infrastructure development throughout the country.
'We’d make those investments again': Snabbit CEO on FY26 losses
His comments followed media reports on Friday based on Registrar of Companies filings, that said the company had earned operating revenues of Rs 12.2 crore in FY26 while incurring a Rs 168 crore loss. The company has raised $112 million from investors so far.
Urban Company Q2 Results: Loss widens to Rs 182 crore; revenue jumps 41% YoY
Urban Company reported a net loss of Rs 182 crore in Q2FY27 as investments in its quick services business, InstaHelp, weighed on profitability. Revenue rose 41% year-on-year to Rs 537 crore, while orders grew 103%. The company also approved a fresh capital raise of up to Rs 2,500 crore, subject to shareholder approval.
Mizoram seeks to boost tourism by relaxing Protected Area Permit during winter and Christmas festivals
Mizoram is seeking to promote tourism by easing regulations during upcoming winter and Christmas festivals. The state reported significant growth in tourist arrivals during the first eight months of 2026. Investments in tourism-related infrastructure are expected to support the sector's development in the coming years. A series of cultural festivals and initiatives aim to extend visitor engagement beyond Aizawl.
UPI MDR rollout delayed; Rs 7,131 crore RDI deployment
NPCI has pushed back the UPI MDR rollout until after the festive season. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Urban Company eyes Rs 2,500 crore QIP amid cash-intensive househelp battle
The Gurugram-based company, which went public in September 2025, is locked in a battle with Lightspeed-backed Snabbit and General Catalyst-backed Pronto in the high cash burn instant house help industry.
Why global investors are turning to Georgia for real estate opportunities in 2026
Alliance Group designates 2026 as a pivotal year for international stakeholders targeting Georgia's dynamic real estate landscape. The nation has witnessed substantial increases in residential property transactions, luring buyers from India and Europe. Tbilisi and Batumi stand out with impressive rental yields, while rising GDP and tourism profits bolster investment allure. Additionally, favorable policy adjustments cater to high-net-worth individuals keen on tapping into Georgian real estate opportunities.
ET Startup Awards 2026: Groww expects new businesses to reshape revenue mix as they scale: Lalit Keshre
The Bengaluru-based company was adjudged Startup of the Year at The Economic Times Startup Awards 2026 for scaling rapidly while maintaining profitability. Groww went public in November 2025 and has a market capitalisation of about $13 billion.
Anant Raj Cloud Singapore to promote Haryana as a preferred global hub for data centres
The collaboration aims to take Haryana-based cloud and data centre services to global markets and facilitate the hosting of overseas data in the state.
RBI MPC Meeting at a Glance: Your one step guide for all decisions
RBI Monetary Policy Meeting Highlights: The Monetary Policy Committee has raised the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated that inflation pressures are increasing and rate cuts are not expected soon. The Indian economy continues to show resilience, with GDP growth projected at 7.1% for the year. Inflation is forecasted at 5.2%, with core inflation expected to be around 4.4%.
Bengaluru to get 9 new townships, 300-km metro line, 210-km ring road and Rapid Rail in the 10 years. Where will they come up?
Karnataka plans a major 10-year infrastructure expansion across the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region, including nine integrated industrial townships, 312 km of new Metro lines, a 210-km ring road and a proposed 270-km RRTS network. The plan also includes new housing, expanded water and sewage networks, and proposed facilities such as an AI university and AI city. The RRTS proposal would connect Bengaluru with Tumakuru, Mysuru and Kolar Gold Fields, while the new ring road would link additional hubs and connect the Peripheral Ring Road with NICE Road.
From Landlines to 6G: How India’s Telecom Revolution Transformed Connectivity
India's telecommunication sector has evolved from a sparse network of landlines to a robust mobile connectivity framework, embracing technologies like 2G, 3G, and 4G, culminating in the recent rollout of 5G. As the nation gears up for 6G, it aims to enhance the global digital landscape while improving the daily online experiences of its citizens.
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