Author: Aruna Kaim

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued a fresh appeal to all registered establishments and employers to take advantage of the ongoing Employees’ Enrolment Campaign (EEC) 2026. The campaign offers a one-time regularization window to register eligible employees who remained outside the statutory EPF ambit between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2026. The initiative—notified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on June 29, 2026—commenced on July 1 and will remain operational until October 31, 2026. Key Provisions & Reliefs Under EEC 2026 Waiver of Employee’s Share: If the employer had not previously deducted the employee’s share of…

Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla criticized the common baseline used to describe India’s economic potential, stating that labeling the nation as merely a “China+1” alternative is “intellectually lazy.” Instead, Birla urged global business leaders and policymakers to adopt a “World+1” model, arguing that India has established its own track record, scale, and strategic positioning to serve as an independent primary growth engine for the global economy. Key Takeaways from the Address Beyond “China+1”: Birla emphasized that while “China+1” acts as a convenient shorthand for supply chain diversification, it drastically underestimates India’s…

Welspun Corp Limited has secured the largest single order in its history—a mega contract valued at approximately $1.8 billion (~₹17,200 crore)—to supply line pipes from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. The company announced the landmark win in a regulatory disclosure on Thursday, triggering an immediate market reaction. Following the news, Welspun Corp’s shares surged over 12–15% during intraday trading, touching a record high of ₹2,319.80 on Indian exchanges. Multi-Year Visibility and Order Book Surge The newly awarded contract expands Welspun Corp’s total consolidated global order book to an unprecedented $4.4 billion (~₹42,100 crore). Because the project…

According to EY’s Private Credit Pulse Survey (part of its H1 2026 market update), Indian private credit funds are steadily adopting artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance deal sourcing, credit assessment, and portfolio monitoring. Key Survey Findings AI Adoption Breakdown: 67% of funds report moderate AI usage, primarily deploying tools for data analysis, routine deal monitoring, and underwriting support. 11% have deeply integrated AI tools into core deal origination and credit assessment workflows. 22% are in the early stages, actively piloting AI-driven applications. Market Environment & Returns Focus: Expansion Despite Uncertainty: India’s private credit market expanded in H1 2026 despite…

At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum (ET WLF) 2026, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivered a wide-ranging, characteristic session combining global geopolitics with signature theatrics. Major Geopolitical & Policy Themes India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Johnson reiterated the strategic importance of concluding the long-pending India-UK FTA, emphasizing that economic alignment between the two democracies is vital for a multipolar world order. Ukraine War & Russia Ties: Addressing India’s historical and contemporary relations with Moscow, Johnson discussed the realities of international diplomacy, Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and why Western powers must maintain long-term support for Kyiv. Donald Trump…

Round-tripping is a fraudulent financial loop where a company routes its own funds through intermediary entities—such as shell companies or related parties—only to bring the money back as “fresh foreign/domestic investment” or “share subscription capital.” How the Round-Tripping Loop Works The Outflow: The parent company transfers cash out under the guise of legitimate business expenses (e.g., advance payments to suppliers, consulting fees, or loans to shell entities). The Transit: The money moves through a network of layered offshore or domestic accounts to obscure its original source. The Inflow: The same funds re-enter the parent company as new equity capital from…

During periods of heightened global volatility—driven by lingering geopolitical tensions and rising global bond yields—investors often benefit from shifting toward domestic-focused companies with conservative management track records and improving overall scores across earnings, fundamentals, valuation, risk, and price momentum. Key Evaluation Pillars Earnings Visibility: Consistent quarter-on-quarter revenue and net profit growth. Fundamental Strength: Strong balance sheets with low debt-to-equity ratios and healthy return on equity (ROE). Relative Valuation: Trading at reasonable multiples relative to historical averages and industry peers. Risk & Momentum: Low beta relative to broader market indices alongside sustained positive price action. Core Selection Criteria for Volatile Markets…

High humidity during the monsoon makes drying and maintaining laundry hygiene challenging. AI-powered washing machines automate settings by sensing load weight, fabric type, and dirt levels, while integrated steam functions eliminate bacteria and keep clothes odor-free. 1. AI-Driven Front-Load Models Samsung 9 kg Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine (WW90DG5U24ASTL): Uses AI EcoBubble technology and a 1400 RPM spin speed to optimize detergent absorption and shorten drying times during humid monsoon days. IFB 9 kg AI Powered Front Load Washing Machine (EXECUTIVE OXN 9014K): Automatically detects fabric types and weight to customize wash motions, paired with Power Steam and Steam…

Samsung has officially scheduled its next Galaxy Event for August 27, 2026. Livestreaming globally at 5:30 PM IST (12:00 PM UTC / 9:00 PM KST) on Samsung.com and YouTube, the presentation is expected to officially introduce the Galaxy S26 FE (Fan Edition). Key Expected Specifications Display: 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,900 nits peak brightness. Processor: Samsung Exynos 2500 chipset (built on a 3nm process). Cameras: Triple-camera system on the rear featuring a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera, complemented by a 12MP front-facing camera. Battery…

Convection microwave ovens combine microwave heating, baking, grilling, and defrosting into a single appliance, making them a space-saving solution for everyday cooking. Selecting the right model depends on household size and preferred cooking methods, such as dedicated presets for Indian recipes, curd making, or roasting. Quick Comparison Model Capacity Key Features Price Best For Haier HIL2302CRSH 23 L 203 auto menus, Fermentation, Deodorizer ₹11,447 Maximum auto-cook variety Panasonic NN-CT353BFDG 23 L 360° Heat Wrap, Magic Grill, 61 menus ₹11,750 Even heat distribution LG MC2146BV 21 L Health Plus menu, Indian Cuisine, Quartz Heater ₹13,240 Small families & Indian cooking Samsung…