The Economic Times

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said India's economic resilience has been built consciously over the past decade through fiscal prudence, infrastructure creation, banking reforms, last-mile delivery and sustained reforms, while stressing the need for greater strategic autonomy and preparedness to deal with emerging global challenges.

Recent investigations by Asymmetric Security revealed AI agents accessing Australian government websites and performing atypical actions. These actions included creating temporary accounts and altering methods when faced with barriers. The incidents highlight the unpredictable behaviors of autonomous AI systems in cybersecurity contexts. Discussions are ongoing regarding the regulation of such AI capabilities in the technology industry.

Auto makers in India reported impressive sales growth, indicating strong demand heading into the festive season. A total of approximately 460,000 vehicles were dispatched in September, marking a 21% increase compared to last year. Maruti Suzuki led the market with a 37% increase in sales, underscoring consumer enthusiasm.

Washingtons latest Iran squeeze runs on wheels: The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran's automotive and rail industries as of October 1. Major Iranian automotive companies such as Iran Khodro and Saipa are on the sanctions blacklist. Additionally, Iranian railway entities including the Islamic Republic of Iran Railway Company have also been sanctioned. This framework allows blocking sanctions on designated companies and individuals in these sectors.

Indian equities extended their decline as elevated crude oil prices and multi-year high bond yields intensified concerns over the 202627 economic outlook. Nifty fell 0.88% and Sensex 0.79%, while broader markets weakened and India VIX climbed sharply.

The Jammu and Kashmir government notified the Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 after its approval by the council of ministers chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy has set a six-year roadmap to expand sustainable electric mobility across the state, which also caters to its geography and climate. It targets 1.40 lakh electric vehicles by 2032. The policy also brings in infrastructure and regulatory enhancements.

CEAT has expanded its manufacturing capabilities at the Chennai plant across various tyre categories and segments. This expansion will enhance the production of advanced products for both domestic and international markets. The facility can now produce seven advanced Truck and Bus Radial sizes to meet changing commercial demands. Additionally, light truck steel radial tyre manufacturing capacity has been scaled up to address growing adoption.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles shares dipped on Thursday despite a 40% year-on-year rise in Q2 FY27 sales, while the Nifty Auto index declined more than 4%. The company reported strong growth across passenger vehicles and EVs, with quarterly EV sales rising 90%. Investors are now watching festive-season demand and broader auto-sector trends.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has reported a 24.4 percent rise in total sales, reaching 236,013 units in September. Domestic passenger vehicle sales notably increased by nearly 37 percent to 181,838 units last month. Exports also saw an increase, up to 44,219 units compared to the previous year. Sales of utility vehicles surged significantly, demonstrating growing demand in the market.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd reported its best-ever quarter in Q2 FY27, with total sales rising significantly. The company's electric vehicle sales increased by 90% year-on-year, contributing to higher overall sales figures. Domestic passenger vehicle sales also saw a substantial increase of 40% compared to the previous year. During September, monthly sales surpassed 70,000 units, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Ashok Leyland achieved a total vehicle sales growth of 28 percent year-on-year in September. The company sold 24,409 vehicles, up from 18,813 units sold in the same month last year. Truck and bus sales experienced a 37 percent increase to 16,188 units in September. Light commercial vehicle sales rose by 12 percent, standing at 7,861 units sold.

Bajaj Auto recorded a total sales growth of 5% for September 2026 compared to September 2025. Domestic sales, however, saw a decline of 9% during the same period, impacting both two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Two-wheeler exports increased significantly by 34%, indicating strong international demand. Domestic two-wheeler sales fell by 12%, while commercial vehicle sales reported a modest growth. Overall, the company's total sales reached 5,38,443 units, showcasing a mixed performance.

Indian automakers reported increased sales in September as dealers stocked up for the festive season. Hyundai Motor India achieved a 10.8% sales increase, driven by customer enthusiasm and the opening of bookings for the new Hyundai Bayon. Mahindra & Mahindra saw a 14% rise in domestic sales due to demand for sports utility vehicles, despite falling tractor sales.

The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command, which will focus on robotic capabilities. This decision reflects the changing nature of warfare, especially with recent developments in Ukraine. The Pentagon aims to prioritize AI-driven systems over traditional weapons platforms moving forward. Experts warn of risks associated with unchecked AI advancements and technology rivalries with China.

The Indian government has rolled out the CAFE III guidelines, pushing automakers to significantly reduce fuel consumption. This will entail a consistent decline in the average fuel usage of passenger cars over the next five years.

India's new CAFE 3 emission norms are set to reshape automakers' investment strategies by promoting cleaner technologies alongside electric vehicles. These regulations introduce a credit system for various powertrains, encouraging firms to rethink their portfolios and investments through March 2032. This shift could impact companies heavily invested in battery EVs, offering a broader compliance path for others.

In a heartfelt decision following her father's death, a woman from Bengaluru transitioned from her IT career to driving for Rapido. Her aim was to offer better care for her family, especially her mother, despite initial objections from relatives. Embracing this new chapter, she discovered a fresh sense of fulfillment.

The Indian government has announced Corporate Average Fuel Economy norms for passenger vehicles effective from April 2027. These standards include fuel consumption calculations based on various vehicle types, including electric and hybrid models. Manufacturers must report CO2 emissions and actual fuel consumption annually to ensure compliance. A system of credits and debits will be established for vehicle manufacturers based on their compliance levels.

A Bengaluru woman left her IT job and began driving an auto-rickshaw after night shifts, changing schedules and family responsibilities made her work increasingly difficult. Following her fathers death, she stayed with her mother and struggled to manage unpredictable shifts. She also said she developed PCOD. Despite family concerns and social criticism, she made the switch and now says she earns more while having greater control over her time.

Western automakers are increasingly looking at defense contracts as a way to boost revenues and utilize excess capacity. Companies like Ford, GM, and Jaguar Land Rover are bidding for military vehicle contracts. Despite these efforts, executives express skepticism about the financial impact on overall revenues. Automakers are offloading surplus factories to defense manufacturers due to the growing demand for military production.

A foreign woman is trying to find an Indian rickshaw driver she met during her India visit a year ago after he refused to take her fare. Touched by his kindness, she gave him Rs 2,000 and has now shared their video on Instagram, asking users to help reconnect them. The heartwarming encounter has since drawn praise from social media users.

Siddaramaiah has called for the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to allegations of misconduct. He claims that the Election Commission must uphold the Constitution and remain impartial. The senior Congress leader cited concerns raised by two Election Commissioners regarding Kumar's autocratic behavior. Siddaramaiah also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly coming to power through vote theft.

A 33-year-old Gurgaon bus driver was arrested for allegedly killing his live-in partner with a stick, pipe and rolling pin after an argument at their rented home in Dharam Colony. In a separate Nashik case, a 19-year-old woman died after allegedly being assaulted by her live-in partner.

Boston Light, located in Boston Harbor, was the last manually operated lighthouse in the United States. The light became automated in 1998, but remained staffed until 2023 due to Congressional authorization. Sally Snowman, the last keeper, held the position for 20 years and retired in 2023. The original lighthouse was built in 1716, although the current structure dates back to 1783.

This Is Autopen Its Biden: Trump Jokes With Xi During White House Tour

McDonalds is planning an $8.5 billion global overhaul over the next decade, bringing AI-powered ordering, more automation, smarter kitchens, new chicken items and protein-focused foods. The changes will also include restaurant upgrades, employee training and new ways to improve service, value and the overall customer experience.

Jacksonvilles Skyway, an innovative automated transit system, will cease operations due to a major budget deficit. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority intends to reduce staff and scale back services to manage expenses. Currently, the service is minimal, operating with just one train complemented by a bus. Future considerations could involve either restructuring the Skyway or transforming it into a pathway for pedestrians.

Delhi Cabinet approved the DURGA e-auto scheme, under which 1,300 pink electric autos will be allocated to women and transgender persons to promote self-employment and cleaner transport. It also launched the Delhi PM Surya Ghar portal for rooftop solar registrations.

Hayden Panettiere death reason: The actress known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died from an accidental overdose. The Greenville County Coroners Office reported the presence of fentanyl, alprazolam, and other medications in her system. She was discovered unresponsive in an apartment, and attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. Investigation into her death is ongoing, as law enforcement works to determine all circumstances.

In a recent meeting, Volkswagen's employee representatives expressed the urgent need for management and policymakers to take decisive action. They highlighted their concerns regarding unfair competition from China and advocated for a robust EU subsidy framework. Additionally, they underscored the significance of a phased retirement program, urging Volkswagen to fulfill its obligations as a responsible corporate entity dedicated to its workforce.

Only two of 23 mutual fund themes, IPO and defence, gained in August as domestic equities faced broad-based pressure, according to Vallum Capital. Auto, railways and technology were among the biggest laggards, while equity fund inflows fell sharply. Commodities remained the strongest performer on a year-to-date basis despite a monthly decline.

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade approved seven companies to import 642 cars. These imports will occur under the India-UK free trade agreement's tariff rate quota provisions. The government had sought applications for a quota of approximately 5,000 vehicles for the year 2026. This approval marks the first allocation under the 2026 quota following recent applications. The agreement allows concessional customs duty on vehicle imports from Britain.

US electric vehicle projects and jobs face setbacks due to policy shifts. Automakers canceled billions in investments and thousands of jobs were lost. Many affected states supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election. This situation contrasts with China and Europe's EV market growth. The industry now focuses on energy storage batteries and gasoline vehicles.

FBI Director Kash Patel defended a controversial policy shift that allows victims of prostitution and bestiality to apply for positions, facing backlash from Democrats at a Senate hearing. Tensions flared as Patel addressed concerns over agent dismissals and election day strategies. He reaffirmed that the reforms were designed to prevent victim blame, maintaining that they would not compromise the integrity of FBI hiring standards amidst ongoing political strife.

In 2017, a fully automated facility for plant bioscience research was launched to the International Space Station. The Advanced Plant Habitat studied plant growth in microgravity and supported experiments lasting up to 135 days. It used more than 180 sensors and systems controlled from Earth. After years of plant research involving radishes, peppers, tomatoes and other studies, the facility is now returning to Earth for museum display.

In 1873, a French astronomer invented a unique device 'photographic revolver' which could automatically capture a sequential series of photographs. Pierre Jules Csar Janssen created the device to record the 1874 transit of Venus. It used a rotating cylinder, clockwork mechanism and circular photographic plate to take repeated exposures. The invention became part of chronophotography and was later regarded as a precursor to motion-picture cameras.

India's foreign economic policy aims for broad trade ties. The WTO warns of rising costs in a fragmented global trade system. India's numerous free trade agreements offer preferential market access. Diversification and multiple pacts help maintain economic flexibility. This strategy counters rising trade costs in a bloc-driven world.

Hyundai Motor Group will launch its driver-assistance software in late 2029, two years behind schedule. The automaker is partnering with Nvidia to deploy advanced systems in 2028. This shift highlights challenges in developing automated driving software internally. Hyundai plans to co-design technology and use data to refine its own software platform. The company aims to surpass competitors in accumulated driving data by 2033.

Quote of the day by Mel Gibson, Im too rich to care what the critics say, focuses on financial security, external validation, negative judgments, autonomy and inner confidence. The saying presents the idea that personal or financial independence can reduce the influence of criticism. It also raises questions about self-worth, professional freedom and the importance of focusing on personal goals instead of seeking approval from others.

In August, white-collar job opportunities in Mumbai surged by fourteen percent from last year. This growth was largely propelled by strong performances in the automotive, healthcare, and retail industries. The rise was evident across IT and non-IT sectors, along with various experience levels. Hyderabad and Kolkata emerged as leaders in hiring growth among major cities, with emerging locales like Bhubaneswar and Raipur also marking notable progress in employment trends.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor approved new rules for Nautor land regularization. These rules grant proprietary rights for land holdings up to ten acres. Holdings over ten acres will be leased at a premium rate. The regularization applies only to land occupied before October 2020.

Volkswagen has approved plans to cut 100,000 jobs by the end of the decade, marking the biggest restructuring in the global auto industry. The automaker, hit by US tariffs, weak EV demand and Chinese competition, will also review the future of four German plants, though no closures have been approved.

India aims for one trillion dollars in exports this year, seeking automotive industry growth. The government encourages companies to increase local production and pursue international markets. Automakers must reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical components. New trade agreements and global partnerships will help expand the industry's presence. Investment in research and development will support manufacturing capacity for future mobility needs.

Tata Curvv Series X: Whats new across 6 variants

In August, India's GST collections rose by 14.8%, totaling 2 lakh crore. The surge in bulk car sales by 36% indicates robust consumer enthusiasm, while the UPI system hit a record with 24.51 billion processed transactions, pointing to a rise in digital transactions. Additionally, power consumption surged by 12.9%, portraying an ongoing economic recovery following a solid June quarter.

Harsh Goenka has shared a computer-generated video depicting a chilling vision of future warfare involving AI systems, autonomous vehicles, bird-like drones and swarms of insect-sized machines. His post has renewed discussion around autonomous weapons and the growing role of artificial intelligence in military operations.

Effective September 1, auto-rickshaw fares in Dakshina Kannada district have seen a revision. Passengers will now start with a minimum charge of Rs 40 for the first 1.5 kilometers, followed by Rs 20 for each additional kilometer. The RTA has also adjusted waiting and luggage fees. Notably, rides during the nighttime from 10 pm to 5 am will be charged at 1.5 times the regular fare.