Weekly News Platter
The Economic Times

Weekly News Platter

29 Aug, 2026, 07:18PM IST, PTI


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In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
99.97% haircut? How the scissors worked in the Subhash Chandra case99.97% haircut? How the scissors worked in the Subhash Chandra case
NCLT has approved a resolution plan allowing Zee founder Subhash Chandra to pay about ₹6.5 crore against ₹22,006.57 crore in admitted claims in insolvency case. The 99.97% haircut has sparked controversy, but the claims relate to his role as a personal guarantor, not personal borrowing. Creditors can retain recovery rights against the principal borrowing companies. Read more
Nepal flash floods: Death toll rises to 626, over 2,400 missingNepal flash floods: Death toll rises to 626, over 2,400 missing
Nepal Flash Floods News Updates: Nepal and China continued rescue operations on Saturday after a devastating flash flood and debris flow swept through Himalayan valleys, killing at least 669 people and leaving more than 2,400 missing across the region. Nepal reported 1,924 people out of contact, while Tibet reported seven dead and 554 missing. Read more
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H-1B visa fees likely to be increased to more than $100,000H-1B visa fees likely to be increased to more than $100,000
The Trump administration is proposing a $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions for workers hired within the US, adding a major cost for employers seeking skilled foreign professionals, according to Bloomberg Tax. The proposal follows a court ruling that overturned Trump’s earlier $100,000 H-1B fee for workers hired from outside the US. Read more
Jio Platform gets Sebi's nod for Rs 37,000 crore IPOJio Platform gets Sebi's nod for Rs 37,000 crore IPO
Jio Platforms has gained Sebi's green light for its anticipated initial public offering, which is projected to garner between $3.5 and $4 billion. This marks Reliance Industries' first IPO in almost 20 years. The firm intends to issue new equity shares, albeit only representing a minor equity stake. A portion of the raised funds will help in offsetting loans for Reliance Jio Infocomm. Read more
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A big 5G change is coming as India doubles radiation limit to global standardA big 5G change is coming as India doubles radiation limit to global standard
India has doubled electromagnetic field limits for mobile networks to global standards. This change allows telecom operators to cover larger areas with fewer towers. The revised radiation rules will come into effect next month, benefiting all operators. This move aligns India with international norms followed by many countries. It aims to ensure quality service amid rising 5G traffic. Read more
The survivor tales of horrific Nepal flash floodsThe survivor tales of horrific Nepal flash floods
Survivors recall a devastating flood that struck a Nepal border town. A sudden surge of water, rock, and debris caused widespread destruction. Many people were caught off guard by the rapid and violent nature of the event. Those who could react within moments managed to escape the deadly torrent. Rescue efforts are ongoing for missing individuals and foreign nationals. Read more
Banks & legal eagles quietly revive foreign family officeBanks & legal eagles quietly revive foreign family office
Some large private banks and law firms are assisting Indian families with offshore family offices. These institutions are navigating regulatory interpretations regarding cross-border fund transfers. While regulations permit overseas investment in financial services, intent remains debated by experts. Banks are selectively clearing remittances for foreign family offices, citing literal interpretations of rules. This situation highlights a need for clearer guidelines from the Reserve Bank of India. Read more
RBI’s great dollar haul: Where are the $73 billion going?RBI’s great dollar haul: Where are the $73 billion going?
India has mobilised about $73 billion in foreign currency in under 11 weeks, largely through FCNR(B) deposits, yet the rupee remains near ₹95-96 per dollar. The inflows are primarily strengthening RBI’s foreign-exchange buffers rather than being used to push the currency higher. Read more
Canada announces $20 billion retaliatory tariffs on US goodsCanada announces $20 billion retaliatory tariffs on US goods
Canada has announced C$27.6 billion ($19.94 billion) in retaliatory tariffs on US goods, matching Washington’s latest duties dollar-for-dollar. Read more
Nearly 1 million Indians stuck in US green card queueNearly 1 million Indians stuck in US green card queue
Nearly one million Indians are stuck in the US employment-based green card backlog, accounting for 79% of those waiting in the first three categories, NFAP estimates. Indians filing in 2026 could potentially face waits of 179 years in EB-2 and 38 years in EB-3. Read more
Adani rival GMR plans $2 billion expansion at two India airportsAdani rival GMR plans $2 billion expansion at two India airports
With plans to invest close to $2 billion, GMR Airports is set to embark on significant airport expansion initiatives. These developments promise to enhance passenger capacity within the next seven years. As India's aviation market is projected to grow six-fold, GMR's focus on domestic projects—not airline operations—reflects a strong optimism about the future of the country's aviation industry. Read more
India, US sign deal for Javelin anti-tank missilesIndia, US sign deal for Javelin anti-tank missiles
India's army will acquire over one hundred Javelin missiles from the United States. This significant defense deal is valued at forty-five point seven million dollars. The missiles will be delivered on a fast-track basis to bolster military capabilities. The agreement strengthens the defense partnership and industrial collaboration between both nations. This acquisition enhances India's ability to counter armored threats effectively. Read more
Reliance explores aluminium entry as Adani lines up $11.5 bn betReliance explores aluminium entry as Adani lines up $11.5 bn bet
Reliance Industries is reportedly considering a foray into aluminium production. This potential venture could harmoniously align its upcoming coal gasification initiatives with metal manufacturing processes. The company has already acquired tender documents for a substantial bauxite block in Odisha. Meanwhile, it is progressing on a coal gasification project in Andhra Pradesh, paving the way for a cohesive link between these operations. Read more
From Nike to Starbucks, some American brands are losing aura in ChinaFrom Nike to Starbucks, some American brands are losing aura in China
Global companies once relied on China for consistent growth and expansion. Economic challenges and strong local competitors now impact foreign brands significantly. Brands like Nike and Starbucks are losing market share to domestic rivals. However, some companies succeed by adapting to local tastes and preferences. Success in China now depends on understanding the market rather than global prestige. Read more
United States pauses visa appointments worldwide until further noticeUnited States pauses visa appointments worldwide until further notice
The Trump administration has paused global visa appointments for training purposes. This action is part of an ongoing immigration crackdown by the U.S. government. Consular officers will receive training to screen applicants more thoroughly. Human rights groups have condemned the crackdown as discriminatory and violating rights. The administration has also made legal immigration more difficult through new fees. Read more
Tata Motors rolls out Tata.Cars identity for PV businessTata Motors rolls out Tata.Cars identity for PV business
Tata Motors revealed its new brand identity, Tata.Cars, targeting its passenger vehicle market and aiming to resonate with the evolving aspirations of Indian buyers. The company also debuted Tata.ev for its electric vehicle offerings, a strategic rebranding initiative following the demerger of its commercial vehicles division. Tata Motors' car portfolio features popular models like Harrier and Nexon. Read more
'Economic D-Day': US announces expansion of sanctions on Iran'Economic D-Day': US announces expansion of sanctions on Iran
The Trump administration has expanded its secondary sanctions against entities and countries doing business with Iran, warning them to cut ties with Tehran or risk losing access to the US dollar-based financial system. Read more
US inflation holds at 3.7% in July, complicating Fed rate debateUS inflation holds at 3.7% in July, complicating Fed rate debate
U.S. inflation remained unchanged in July, exceeding the Federal Reserve's target. This persistent inflation complicates the central bank's debate on interest rates. Economic growth for the second quarter was also reported unchanged at 1.5%. New tariff pressures are anticipated after trade talks with Canada failed. The Federal Reserve faces a difficult decision regarding monetary policy adjustments. Read more
China to supply bulk of India’s fertiliser tender in major saleChina to supply bulk of India’s fertiliser tender in major sale
China will ship at least 1.2 million tons of urea to India soon as part of India's recent tender for the key fertiliser. This marks an improvement in global urea market tightness after earlier disruptions. China's loosened export controls are contributing to increased fertiliser availability worldwide. Read more

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