India’s private sector economy recorded stronger business activity in September, according to HSBC Flash PMI data released on Wednesday.

The HSBC Flash India Composite PMI Output Index rose to 56.5 in September from 54.3 in August, signalling a faster expansion in private-sector activity. Manufacturing and services companies both reported higher output, with manufacturers leading the upturn. New orders also increased at a faster pace, supporting solid job creation, the PMI data showed.

At the same time, inflationary pressures eased, while business confidence strengthened.

The latest PMI reading pointed to the sharpest expansion in private-sector activity since June and pushed the index back above its long-term average.

“Activity in the private sector gained momentum, led by stronger manufacturing. Output and new domestic orders rose at faster rates. Renewed tensions in the Middle East have once again led firms to build buffers to manage the uncertainties,” said Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC.

Companies also increased their input purchases at a faster pace. The finished-goods inventory index reached an 11-and-a-half-year high. Manufacturers, however, faced stronger price pressures as output-price inflation accelerated, indicating that companies continued efforts to protect profit margins, Bhandari said.

Indian private-sector companies also recorded faster growth in total new business during September.

Demand strengthened across both manufacturing and services, although manufacturers saw a more significant acceleration. Goods producers recorded sales growth above that of service providers, with manufacturing sales reaching a seven-month high.

Service providers said stronger marketing efforts helped increase new orders. Survey responses highlighted higher demand for property-related services, transport services and new travel bookings.

Manufacturers also reported stronger demand for aluminum products, electronic items, food, pharmaceutical goods and new product models, the data showed.

Employment across the private sector also grew at a solid pace in September. Companies continued to expand their workforce as output and new orders maintained their growth momentum.

Both manufacturers and service providers added staff, with employment growth rates remaining broadly similar across the two sectors.

Indian American community leaders raised concerns about immigration challenges affecting students, families and healthcare professionals during a meeting with Congressman Jim McGovern in Massachusetts.

The India Worcester Center in Shrewsbury hosted the meeting on September 19, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, physicians and civic advocates from the Indian American community.

Participants discussed immigration, healthcare, economic opportunities, civic participation and US-India relations. They also highlighted the community’s growing involvement in civic affairs and stressed the importance of maintaining direct communication with elected representatives from both major political parties.

The community did not identify specific immigration proposals in the statement announcing the meeting. Instead, participants highlighted challenges faced by students, families, medical professionals and other immigrants as they navigate the US immigration system.

Participants also stressed that Indian Americans from different religions, generations and political viewpoints should have a meaningful role in civic affairs.

McGovern, a Democrat, represents Massachusetts’ second congressional district in the US House of Representatives.

Indian Americans and US-India Relations

The discussion also examined the Indian American community’s role in building bipartisan support for the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement.

Ramesh Vishwanath Kapur, founder and president of the US India Security Council, said the agreement demonstrated the potential of bipartisan cooperation.

“The Civil Nuclear Agreement showed what is possible when Republicans and Democrats come together around a shared strategic vision,” Kapur said.

He said the campaign around the agreement also demonstrated how Indian American civic engagement could contribute to stronger relations between Washington and New Delhi.

Satya Mitra, a community leader and Worcester city councillor-at-large, highlighted McGovern’s engagement with his constituents.

“What has always stood out to me is his accessibility and commitment to public service,” Mitra said.

Mitra urged Indian Americans to participate actively in civic affairs and speak openly about issues affecting their communities.

Sahdev Passey also praised McGovern’s work with constituents and his efforts to remain accessible and responsive, according to the statement.

Focus on Broader Civic Engagement

Participants called for continued engagement between Indian American organisations and elected officials at the federal, state and local levels.

They said the diaspora could help strengthen ties between the United States and India because its members understand the cultures, economies and institutions of both countries.

The meeting identified technology, trade, energy, healthcare, education, defence and innovation as areas where Indian Americans could contribute to stronger bilateral cooperation.

Participants also called for greater collaboration among Indian American organisations, business leaders, elected officials, civic advocates, students and younger generations.

They said the community’s civic efforts should go beyond increasing voter participation. Instead, Indian American organisations and community members should build a long-term civic structure that engages policymakers from both parties and advocates for issues affecting Indian Americans and the broader US community.

Smriti Mandhana’s brilliant 79, Shafali Verma’s 48 and Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 49 powered India Women to a record 216/3 against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 gold medal match at Korogi Sports Park on Tuesday.

India posted the highest total in Women’s Asian Games history and the highest score in a Women’s T20 final after choosing to bat first in the gold medal clash.

Mandhana led India’s charge with a spectacular 79 off just 45 balls, smashing seven sixes and five fours. Her innings also saw her become the first player in women’s cricket to reach 11,000 international runs.

Shafali continued her impressive run after scoring her maiden white-ball century in the semifinal against Bangladesh. She struck 48 off 29 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes.

Richa Ghosh provided a sensational finish with an unbeaten 49 off 22 balls. Bharti Fulmali added seven runs from as many deliveries as India finished with a record 216/3.

India surpassed Hong Kong Women’s previous Asian Games record of 202/4, which they posted against Mongolia during the 2023 Hangzhou Games. India also broke the previous record for the highest score in a Women’s T20 final, surpassing Brazil Women’s 210 against Spain in a quadrangular series final in July.

Mandhana and Shafali Set the Platform

Mandhana and Shafali gave India a flying start, with Mandhana taking charge during the powerplay. The left-hander smashed four sixes in the first six overs, while Shafali cleared the ropes twice as India raced to 67/0.

The opening pair added 99 runs before Shafali attempted a reverse hit and gave a catch.

Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Mandhana and contributed 19 off 17 balls. Mandhana continued to attack before the Sri Lankan bowlers finally dismissed her in the 17th over, when she holed out to deep mid-wicket.

Harmanpreet departed earlier in the 15th over after the Sri Lankan side caught her at long-on.

Richa Delivers Explosive Finish

India promoted Richa to No. 4, and the move paid off immediately. The wicketkeeper-batter attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers and added crucial runs at the death.

Richa smashed 25 runs in the final over alone to take India to 216/3 and complete a record-breaking innings for the Women in Blue.

PT Usha Praises Gold Medal-Winning Team

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha praised the Indian women’s cricket team after its gold medal triumph at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.

“I’m happy that the cricketers won the gold medal and we will get more gold medals, no doubt. I requested the Japan Asian Games organising committee coordination committee to add men’s and women’s cricket in the Games. I wanted to see the cricket, and I am happy that the players have won a gold medal, a proud moment,” Usha said.

President Murmu Congratulates Team India

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s cricket team after it won the gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya. The victory marked India’s first gold medal of the ongoing Asian Games edition.

“My heartiest congratulations to all the members of Team India on winning Women’s T20 Asia Cup Championship 2026. They played superbly as a team throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. They have done the country proud. They are a source of great inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. I am sure, they will script many more inspiring chapters of success and excellence,” President Murmu’s official handle posted on X.

PM Modi Hails India’s Asian Games Triumph

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team following its gold medal victory.

“A splendid triumph for Indian cricket! Heartiest congratulations to our Women’s Cricket Team on winning the Gold medal at the Asian Games. It was a commanding performance at the Games, marked by confidence, skill and wonderful teamwork. This victory also brings India its first Gold of this edition of the Games. The team has made the nation proud and will inspire countless young cricketers across the country. Best wishes to the entire squad,” PM Modi posted on X.

Brief Scores: India score 216/3 (Smriti Mandhana 79 off 45 balls, Richa Ghosh 49* from 22 balls; Chamudi Praboda 1-34, Kavisha Dilhari 1-35) against Sri Lanka

India continues to lead the GDP growth outlook among major economies, with the World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists Outlook report projecting 6.7 per cent growth for 2026-27. The report attributes the outlook to continued resilience in domestic demand.

The September 2026 edition of the Chief Economists’ Outlook examines economic conditions across 10 regions: the United States, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

A total of 92 chief economists from the public and private sectors contributed to the survey. Among those surveyed, 74 per cent expect strong or very strong growth in India, up from 52 per cent in May. Meanwhile, 98 per cent expect India to record moderate or stronger growth over the next 12 months, the report said.

Unemployment Outlook Remains Stable

The chief economists expect relatively stable employment conditions in India over the next year. About 70 per cent of respondents expect no change in unemployment, while 17 per cent anticipate an increase and 13 per cent expect a decline.

India’s unemployment rate among people aged 15 and above fell to 5 per cent in August from 5.1 per cent in July. At the same time, the labour force participation rate increased from 55.4 per cent to 55.6 per cent.

“These developments point to relatively stable labour market conditions alongside strong activity, although sustained employment creation remains important,” the report said.

Inflation Expectations Moderate

The report also highlights a moderation in India’s inflation expectations since May. Around 55 per cent of chief economists expect moderate inflation over the next 12 months, while 45 per cent expect high inflation. In May, 61 per cent of respondents had expected high or very high inflation.

Consumer price inflation rose to 4.8 per cent in August, moving above the Reserve Bank of India’s 4 per cent medium-term target while remaining within the 2-6 per cent tolerance range.

Monetary Policy Outlook

Most chief economists expect the Reserve Bank of India to maintain its current monetary policy stance over the next 12 months. Around 67 per cent of respondents expect no change in monetary policy, while 24 per cent anticipate tightening.

The RBI kept the policy rate at 5.25 per cent in August and retained a neutral policy stance.

Fiscal Policy Expected to Remain Stable

The survey also points to broadly stable fiscal policy. Around 72 per cent of chief economists expect no change in fiscal policy, while 22 per cent anticipate a looser stance.

“Strong growth and inflation that remains within the tolerance range are broadly consistent with survey expectations of policy stability,” the report said.

GDP Data Triggers Upward Forecast Revisions

The survey closed on August 20, before India released its latest GDP data on August 31. The data showed that India’s economy grew 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY27.

The strong quarterly expansion has since prompted several institutions to revise their growth forecasts upward. Moody’s, for example, raised its FY27 GDP growth forecast for India to 7 per cent from its earlier projection of 6 per cent.

The ratings agency cited the resilience of the Indian economy amid the war in West Asia as one of the factors behind its revised forecast.

India held their nerve to beat Japan by two runs in the only T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground after Japan’s bowlers reduced the two-time world champions to 32/4. The victory marked India’s 200th win in T20 internationals, including victories in Super Overs.

India’s narrow win in Sano ranks among their closest victories in T20Is. India have now won four T20Is by exactly two runs, with the other three victories coming against Sri Lanka in 2023, South Africa in 2012 and Bangladesh in 2016.

A wet outfield delayed the start by nearly 2.5 hours. After winning the toss, India captain Shreyas Iyer chose to bat first, but Japan’s spinners quickly took control of the contest.

Japan restricted India to 32/4 after five overs. Sanju Samson scored nine runs from seven balls before Abhishek Sharma fell for a first-ball duck. Ishan Kishan then departed for three runs, while Iyer made 16 from 12 deliveries. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on one, while Shivam Dube failed to connect with the final delivery.

Charlie Hinze led Japan’s bowling attack with two wickets for 17 runs. Ibrahim Takahashi and Benjamin Ito-Davis claimed one wicket each.

Japan needed 33 runs from 30 balls to win, and the hosts came remarkably close to completing one of the biggest upsets in their cricket history. Washington Sundar struck twice to disrupt Japan’s chase, while Axar Patel used his experience and control to keep the scoring in check.

Japan ultimately finished two runs short, allowing India to escape with a tense victory.

The match also produced a contentious moment during the fourth over of Japan’s chase. The umpire initially called a delivery wide, but reversed the decision after Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer argued that the batter had attempted a reverse sweep, making the delivery legitimate.

Despite the defeat, Japan produced an encouraging performance ahead of the Asian Games. India, meanwhile, secured the win after an unusual and tightly contested five-over-a-side match.

Iyer Praises Japan’s Fighting Spirit

India captain Shreyas Iyer congratulated Japan for their performance and acknowledged the efforts that made the historic five-over contest possible.

“First, congratulations to Japan and India for 75 years of diplomatic relationship. It’s something that we keep talking about every now and then when we arrive. So congratulations to everyone who has been present over here to deliver this particular game, and it’s come out so fantastic.

“Even though it was five overs, honestly, [it was great to] experience such a great performance from Japanese team and also Indian players as well. I feel it was an exciting game and, yeah, honestly they were also brilliant with their performances.”

Japan Captain Hails Close Contest

Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said the narrow defeat made the result particularly difficult to accept but highlighted the significance of pushing India until the final ball.

“I think I’ve been saying to a few other guys, that when it gets that close, it’s actually a little bit tougher to take, and the emotions are running pretty high in our group.

“But the fact that we were able to run the best team in the world, in my opinion, to the last ball of a game is pretty special.”

Brief scores:
India 33/4 in 5 overs (Shreyas Iyer 16, Sanju Samson 9; Charlie Hara-Hinze 2-17, Ibrahim Takahashi 1-13)
Japan 30/3 in 5 overs (Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming 12, Benjamin Ito-Davis 9; Washington Sundar 2-13)

The makers of the upcoming film ‘Mysaa’ unveiled the teaser on Sunday, introducing audiences to Rashmika Mandanna’s intense titular character and her powerful journey.

The teaser opens with Rashmika’s voiceover, immediately setting an intense tone. She says, “I am tired, I have stopped, I have lost.” The teaser then presents Mysaa as a fearless and formidable woman who refuses to surrender and chooses to fight like a lone warrior.

Striking underwater sequences add to the film’s visual intensity. One scene shows Rashmika sitting at the bottom of the water while gripping a sickle, creating a haunting and goosebumps-inducing moment.

Rashmika plays a Gond tribal woman in the film, a demanding role that required extensive physical preparation and challenging action sequences. The actress also faced a serious hip injury while filming an intense dance sequence. According to media reports, the injury caused a complete tendon detachment in her hip.

Doctors reportedly expressed surprise at the severity of the injury and said such tendon damage usually affects athletes who undergo rigorous physical training. Medical experts advised Rashmika to take complete rest for six weeks.

After her recovery, the actress underwent a structured rehabilitation programme to rebuild strength and support her return to physically demanding work.

Unformula Films produces ‘Mysaa’, which marks debutant Rawindra Pulle’s directorial venture. The makers have mounted the action drama on a grand scale, with extensive action sequences and a technically ambitious visual approach.

The makers have confirmed that ‘Mysaa’ will hit theatres on November 27, 2026. The film will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

Suchika Tariyal scripted history for India on Monday by becoming the country’s first Asian Games medallist in mixed martial arts. She won bronze in the women’s traditional -60kg event at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Tariyal’s historic campaign ended in the semifinals after Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo edged her out in an overtime bout. The Indian fighter lost by the narrowest of margins, ending her hopes of reaching the gold-medal contest but securing her place on the podium as MMA made its Asian Games debut.

The semifinal result left Tariyal visibly disappointed after officials announced the decision. Despite the setback, the 36-year-old leaves Aichi-Nagoya with a landmark medal that represents a significant milestone for Indian MMA on the continental stage.

Tariyal reached the semifinals after a composed quarterfinal performance against Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa on Sunday. She secured a 2-0 victory and became the first Indian athlete to guarantee an Asian Games medal in MMA.

The bronze adds another major achievement to Tariyal’s career across multiple combat sports. The national-level judoka represented India at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she reached the bronze-medal bout. She later competed in kurash at the 2023 Asian Games.

Tariyal subsequently established herself among the leading Jiu-Jitsu competitors and won a world title in fighting Jiu-Jitsu in 2024.

She also has previous experience in MMA. Tariyal made her professional debut in 2017 and won her opening bout. She then spent seven years away from MMA while focusing on judo and Jiu-Jitsu. She returned to MMA competition and signed a multi-fight contract with BRAVE Combat Federation in November 2024.

Her comeback followed several challenges, including a knee injury. She also gained wider public recognition after appearing on the television reality show ‘Roadies’.

MMA ranks among six sports making their Asian Games debut at Aichi-Nagoya. The other five sports include freestyle BMX, teqball, padel, surfing and virtual taekwondo.

Although Tariyal missed out on a place in the final, her bronze medal gave India a historic start in MMA at the Asian Games. Her achievement marks India’s first MMA medal at the continental multi-sport event.

Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh has urged the next generation of engineers to embrace interdisciplinary thinking, saying India’s future technological leadership will depend on professionals who can work across traditional academic and professional boundaries.

Addressing the 18th IEI Industry Excellence Summit & Awards 2026, organised by the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI), General Singh highlighted engineering’s vital role in India’s development and encouraged young professionals to carry that legacy forward. The summit focused on the theme, “Engineering India’s Global Footprint: Technology, Talent and Trust.”

General Singh said Indian engineers have contributed to major achievements across several sectors, including dams, steel plants, highways, metro networks, renewable energy systems, telecommunications, the space programme, indigenous defence manufacturing and digital public infrastructure.

He stressed that although India has achieved significant milestones, today’s engineering talent must lead the country through its next phase of growth.

The Governor noted that traditional boundaries between engineering disciplines continue to fade. He said civil engineers now increasingly work with geographic information systems (GIS), sensors, artificial intelligence and climate modelling, while mechanical engineers increasingly contribute to robotics and advanced manufacturing.

Electrical engineers, meanwhile, are working on energy storage and smart-grid technologies. Software engineers are also expanding their roles into hardware systems, cybersecurity and physical infrastructure.

General Singh urged engineering graduates to move beyond narrowly defined specialisations. He called on them to collaborate across disciplines, experiment with new ideas and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.

He also called for engineering education to place greater emphasis on design thinking, field exposure, interdisciplinary projects and prototyping.

Highlighting India’s ability to develop infrastructure at scale, General Singh said engineers must now give equal attention to maintaining and sustaining existing assets.

He cited the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a major engineering success story. While many people view UPI primarily as a fintech innovation, the Governor said its success depends on sophisticated engineering involving interoperability, distributed systems, cybersecurity, real-time processing and large-scale digital infrastructure.

General Singh also highlighted India’s space programme as an example of engineering excellence. He said the programme demonstrates how Indian engineers have achieved major technological milestones despite resource and technology constraints.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has eased compliance procedures for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), allowing Indian banks to accept original certified copies of specified KYC documents when authorised officials overseas certify them.

The RBI introduced the change through the RBI (Commercial Banks–Know Your Customer) Amendment Directions, 2026, which took effect immediately. The amendment extends to FPIs a facility that the central bank had previously provided to non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin.

Banks can accept original certified copies of KYC documents when recognised authorities under the RBI framework certify them. These authorities include authorised officials at overseas branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks registered in India, overseas bank branches that maintain relationships with Indian banks, Notaries Public, Court Magistrates, Judges, and Indian Embassies or Consulates General in the country where the non-resident customer resides.

The change means overseas-based FPIs no longer need to arrange certification through a process in India. Instead, they can use any recognised overseas certification channel before submitting the original certified copy to the Indian bank.

The RBI amendment, however, continues to require banks to conduct KYC checks on FPIs.

The amendment also retains the RBI’s existing definition of a certified copy. When the bank cannot conduct offline verification, it must compare the copy of the customer’s Aadhaar proof of possession or another officially valid document with the original document.

An authorised bank officer must record the comparison on the copy in line with the applicable requirements.

Meanwhile, FPI outflows reached Rs 23,676 crore during the month through Friday, with investors selling shares through the exchanges. The outflows indicate that foreign investment flows turned negative again after FPIs recorded positive flows in July and August.

Market conditions, including the ongoing Iran-US conflict and its impact on crude oil prices, could influence FPI flows. Higher crude prices and elevated US bond yields, with the 10-year US Treasury yield at 5 per cent, can weigh on Indian equities and foreign investment flows. At the same time, the resilience of the Indian economy and expectations of stronger corporate earnings growth could support investor sentiment.

The nation on Thursday extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he turned 76, highlighting his 25 years in public life and his focus on public service, governance, development and nation-building.

Amid the nationwide celebrations, a chef from Tamil Nadu found a unique way to greet the Prime Minister. Selvakumar, a noted chef from Tirunelveli, prepared 76 varieties of food to mark PM Modi’s 76th birthday.

The chef also showcased his artistic skills by carving lifelike portraits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother, Heeraben Modi, on watermelons.

Tamil Nadu Chef Prepares 76 Varieties of Food

Selvakumar, the head chef at a popular restaurant in Tirunelveli, prepared the dishes around the theme of “no-cook cuisine” and healthy natural food.

His special birthday spread features 76 varieties of salads made from fresh vegetables, fruits, sprouts, roots and tubers.

The chef prepared:

• 24 varieties of salads using different vegetables and fruits
• 26 varieties of salads using sprouted pulses
• 14 varieties of salads using underground root vegetables and tubers

Together, these preparations make up 76 varieties of healthy food for PM Modi’s 76th birthday.

Selvakumar said the dishes use natural ingredients and aim to promote the benefits of healthy eating.

Chef Carves PM Modi and Heeraben Modi on Watermelons

Along with the food preparations, Selvakumar used watermelons as a canvas to showcase his carving skills.

He created lifelike portraits of PM Modi, depicting his appearance during his younger years as well as his present-day look. He also carved an image of the Prime Minister’s late mother, Heeraben Modi, on a watermelon.

The chef said the portraits and food preparations represent his fondness for the Prime Minister and his wishes for PM Modi’s good health and continued public service.

Healthy Food Takes Centre Stage in Birthday Tribute

Selvakumar said he chose natural ingredients for the 76 food preparations to demonstrate how people can maintain a healthy lifestyle through nutritious food.

The chef’s tribute combines culinary creativity with watermelon carving to mark PM Modi’s 76th birthday.

The unusual birthday greeting has attracted attention, with people appreciating the chef’s elaborate display of food and artistic carvings.

PM Modi’s 76th Birthday Celebrations Across India

PM Modi’s 76th birthday on September 17 has also prompted a series of events across the country.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers are organising a month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyaan’ to mark the Prime Minister’s years of public service.

BJP leaders, workers and volunteers are also lighting ‘Aashirvaad ka Diya’ at their homes as a gesture of gratitude and solidarity with the Prime Minister.

The celebrations, along with Selvakumar’s 76-dish tribute, have brought different forms of public participation into the spotlight as PM Modi marks his 76th birthday.