The Economic Times

Democrats won control of both houses of Congress, reflecting voter discontent with Trump's economic policies during midterm elections. Many traditional Republican supporters shifted back to their Democratic roots due to concerns about affordability and war. Trump faced a strong electoral rebuke as he failed to connect with voters on arising issues. The Republican Party now faces challenges in redefining its identity after this electoral defeat.

Two Army personnel were killed after their vehicle plunged into a 600-foot-deep gorge at Namika La Pass on the Kargil-Leh national highway on Wednesday. The accident occurred around 1.30 pm when the vehicle veered off the road. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the driver and co-driver and shifted them to a nearby hospital for postmortem examination.

Pain often arrives unexpectedly and can lead to additional suffering through negative thoughts and judgments. Buddhist teachings illustrate this concept, comparing pain to being struck by arrows. The first arrow symbolizes the initial pain, while the second represents the mental suffering that follows. Learning to recognize and manage these thoughts can reduce additional suffering significantly.

A book cover has about 8 seconds to engage a potential reader before they make a decision. Different genres require distinct design elements, with business books favoring minimalism and novels needing some intrigue. Feedback from friends can dilute the effectiveness of a cover, leading to a bland design. A successful cover must communicate the book's genre and appeal to its target audience clearly.

India's urban population has grown slowly, with a significant portion living in small rural habitations. The country requires substantial rural-urban migration to boost urbanisation and economic productivity. Urban centres must create favorable business environments to attract new and expanding enterprises. State governments should implement measures to alleviate urban land scarcity and improve labor regulations.

India's capital markets have seen significant changes, with millions of households participating in equity investing. The current tax framework needs to evolve to encourage better investment behavior among participants. A predictable and neutral tax system can foster deeper domestic participation in capital markets. Implementing a graduated tax rate could motivate investors to hold their investments longer. Adjusting the capital gains tax structure could align taxation with economic returns for

In our modern society, ignorance has paradoxically transformed into a desirable trait. Confidence is often prized over knowledge, leading to a scenario where individuals who display folly are celebrated for their relatability. This trend signifies a cultural shift where foolishness is regarded as aspirational, prompting a reevaluation of intelligence and creating an unusual social atmosphere that values bravado over intellect.

Indian retail investors can now step into the US stock market using various innovative online platforms. Investment apps like Groww and Zerodha are making it easier for small traders to explore overseas equity opportunities. While the lower entry thresholds encourage wider participation, investors must keep in mind the potential tax ramifications and compliance challenges. Direct investments may offer more control, but they typically bring a complex tax filing process.

Scrapping the long-term capital gains tax could significantly enhance foreign portfolio investment in India. This move would likely lead to a stronger rupee and reduced fiscal deficit for the government. Historical data suggests that foreign capital flows have a direct correlation with the value of the rupee. The elimination of this tax could also support higher valuations and better disinvestment proceeds.

A recent investigation in Maharashtra has shed light on concerning price hikes for medical supplies charged to patients. Items such as IV infusion sets have seen astronomical price increases, exceeding 2,800% over wholesale prices. Regulatory agencies have recognized that they lack jurisdiction over the pricing of medical disposables, amplifying worries about the potential for patient exploitation.

Society appears to be divided into four groups including abusers, abused, onlookers, and healers. Many people operate with a sense of entitlement while others become complicit by not intervening. The presence of healers represents critical support for survivors seeking justice and restoration. The discussion emphasizes the need for individuals to actively choose to become healers in their communities.

On a warm evening in Moscow, two men arrived at Patriarch's Ponds as daylight faded. Mikhail Alexandrovich Berlioz, an editor, and Ivan Nikolayevich Ponyryov, a poet, found the area deserted. They approached a refreshment stand that offered beer and cold drinks. Surprisingly, there was no one else around as they walked along the tree-lined path.

India is likely to experience economic and political pressures due to upcoming elections and external geopolitical factors. Balancing relationships with Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel will be crucial for India's energy security. Political and economic maneuvers may become necessary to address rising crude oil prices and currency pressures.

Recent draft rules in India threaten advancements in non-animal testing for drug development and safety. The new regulations may prioritize animal testing over innovative human-based methods, despite their proven reliability. Efforts to incorporate non-animal methodologies into national standards have gained support from various government initiatives. Significant funding has been allocated to promote alternative testing methods throughout the country.

In the realm of media and entertainment, advertising serves as a vital economic engine. Yet, the user experience often deteriorates due to poorly timed ad placements during streaming. Viewers face abrupt interruptions that disrupt their engagement with stories. By strategically positioning ads at narrative junctures, both audience satisfaction and advertiser goodwill could significantly improve.

A reduction in Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax could uplift sentiment in India's equity market, especially as foreign investors withdraw. The current landscape is shaped more by external economic influences than tax adjustments. The reinstatement of LTCG has rendered India less appealing compared to rivals like Hong Kong and Singapore. A strategically planned tax cut may provide clearer policy stability for investors while preserving fiscal responsibility.

A devastating fire in an Indian factory has claimed four lives, igniting a serious discussion around worker safety standards. This tragic event underscores the urgency for comprehensive inspections and rigorous safety regulations across all manufacturing sectors. To solidify its standing as a developed economy, India must prioritize the enforcement of unwavering safety protocols while striving to harmonize productivity with the well-being of its workforce.

India's teacher education sector faces significant challenges that require immediate reforms to enhance educational quality. The National Education Policy, 2020 emphasises identifying and closing substandard Teacher Education Institutions by 2030. It also calls for standalone institutions to transform into multidisciplinary higher education entities, promoting integrated teacher preparation.

India's financial landscape is experiencing pressure with foreign portfolio investors becoming net sellers in the market. There are discussions about implementing tax cuts to stabilize the situation, which could disadvantage domestic investors. A focus on only listed shares may divert investments from private markets and harm the startup ecosystem. Expert suggestions advocate for a universal tax reduction applicable to both listed and unlisted shares.

In India yield on T-year G secs has increased by 0.4 percentage points over the same period. Unfortunately, governments are confronting these higher borrowing costs precisely at a time when debt is elevated, with global public debt expected to exceed 100% of GDP by 2030, a level last reached in the immediate aftermath of WW2.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the challenges faced by India during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that China felt stigmatised by the international community for the virus. Misri reflected on his experience as Ambassador during the India-China confrontation in Galwan Valley. He highlighted the importance of coordination in Operation Sindoor, which included multiple government agencies. Additionally, he expressed his connection to his Kashmiri Pandit heritage and community resilience.

Pressure, a film by Anthony Maras, vividly captures the turbulent atmosphere of the D-Day operation in World War II, focusing on British meteorologist James Stagg and his American counterpart Irving Krick. As they navigate the unpredictable weather, their conflicting methods illuminate an important truth: history hangs on fleeting moments and the quality of information, warning us against over-reliance on AI in critical decision-making today.

Anthropic has accused Alibaba of stealing its intellectual property and called this industrial espionage. The company's business model involves charging creators who contributed to its training data. This raises questions about the implications of artificial intelligence on independent thinking and creativity. The author emphasizes the importance of personal struggle in the thinking process. Ultimately, AI may provide answers but cannot replace the unique human experience of thought and creativi

Kylian Mbappe stirred controversy with a joke about a Chinese dictator, which came back to haunt him months later. His meme, featuring his face overlaid on an image of Mao Zedong, drew sharp criticism. In response, Chinese brands severed ties, and La Liga faced a suspension on state TV.

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang is reportedly involved with Alice Huang, a businesswoman alleged to be a spy. US intelligence suspects her of espionage for China, raising concerns over corporate security. Nvidia claims their interactions were part of regular business dealings with no secrets shared. Alice Huang denies these allegations, emphasising the complexity of modern business relationships.

A billionaire attempted to demonstrate trickle-down economics by pouring champagne from his mansion's roof. However, the champagne did not reach his employees, indicating that wealth did not trickle down as intended. Meanwhile, a government reported unexpected economic growth, while citizens faced rising prices and falling wages. Economists celebrated the stock market's rise, projecting a bright future for investors.

We need data centres. They run far more than ChatGPT. Search, banking, streaming, social networks, cloud software, government services, hospitals and almost every company's digital operations depend on them. AI simply raises the requirement dramatically. Google says its Vizag hub will provide new subsea connectivity for India. IEA says electricity use by AI-focused data centres jumped 50% in 2025. A country without serious compute infrastructure risks becoming a consumer, rather than a producer,

India experienced a notable increase in cybersecurity incidents which has raised concerns over its infrastructure and talent shortages. The adoption of AI is rising, yet the country lags behind others in global rankings. Challenges related to AI, such as data protection and algorithmic liability, are becoming more complex. To address these issues, comprehensive regulatory frameworks and national legislation are urgently needed.

Buddha's teachings provide insight into the nature of suffering caused by craving and expectations in life. Mindfulness of breathing allows individuals to become aware of their thoughts and feelings. By practicing mindfulness, one can gently redirect attention to the breath without self-judgment. The process encourages awareness and recognition of wandering thoughts, fostering a sense of calm. This practice can be a powerful tool for enhancing mental well-being and reducing stress.

Across multiple nations, demonstrations are erupting as young individuals grapple with fears for their future and a perception of neglect. This unrest signals a wider democratic crisis rooted in disillusionment with institutions. Anton Jager, a political scientist, explores the effects of hyperpolitics on democratic engagement. In response, governments are called to revitalize public services and forge a new social contract that aligns with the needs and expectations of citizens.

Indias ESOP tax rules impose tax on unrealised gains before employees receive cash, creating liquidity pressures. Reforming taxation through deferrals or concessional rates could encourage employee ownership and ease the burden.

The passing of Star Trek legends Walter Koenig at 90 and Patrick Stewart at 86 leaves a profound mark on the franchise. Their roles exemplified diversity and inclusion, rooted in the original USS Enterprises multi-faceted crew that brought dynamic storytelling. Star Trek envisioned a future where talent transcends uniformity, a notion that resonates deeply in today's conversations on diversity and equity within modern workplaces.

The Government of India has recently capped trade margins on anti-cancer medicines at 30%. This decision has reignited the ongoing discussion about drug pricing and accessibility. The existing regulatory framework aims to provide affordable medicines while supporting the pharmaceutical industry. Ensuring pricing transparency and targeted interventions can help address excessive margins in the supply chain. The ultimate goal remains to enhance patients' access to quality medicines at reasonable p

India should examine trade margins across medicines, medical devices and consumables using a common, scientifically credible method - not a one-size-fits-all formula - to identify where and how intervention is needed. Meaningful stakeholder consultation must form part of this exercise to help design a framework that is both effective and workable. It can ensure that unjustified margins are addressed while recognising legitimate differences in clinical settings, infrastructure, safety requirement

India has built effective digital systems that facilitate money transfer and identity verification across its diverse population. However, there are ongoing challenges regarding accountability and transparency in government digital platforms. Many argue that mechanisms like competition law may not be suitable for all government services.

Rafael Grossi of the IAEA stated that Iran has not repaired its nuclear facilities after military strikes. The US and Israel initiated strikes to hinder Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities, according to President Donald Trump. Iran is accused of failing to comply with nuclear nonproliferation obligations while maintaining its program is peaceful. The UN Security Council meeting addressed these concerns amidst tensions with Russia and China.

Ghulam Nabi Azad has responded to Farooq Abdullah's recent remarks on Pakistan's influence in Kashmir. Azad emphasized that Pakistan has historically been an enemy of India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged respect for the development efforts made by successive Indian governments since 1947. Shia leader Imran Ansari also criticized Abdullah, labeling him and his party as 'rebels on rent'.

Late Tuesday, a Mirage 2000D fighter jet crashed in eastern France while on its return flight from a mission. Reports confirm one crew member has lost their life, while teams are actively searching for the second missing crew member. The crash site is located near Rogeville, approximately 18 km northwest of Nancy. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

India presented its statement at the UNGA Third Committee, emphasizing the need to respect cultural contexts in human rights. The country aims to advance human rights for all without selectivity and double standards. India's representative criticized unverified claims in a UN report regarding indigenous rights under the Forest Rights Act. India highlighted its achievements in lifting millions out of poverty while ensuring social protection.

After a turbulent period, D Gukesh's performance at the Chess Olympiad allowed him to regain confidence. He competed on Board 4, scoring 8.5 points in 11 rounds and achieving a tournament performance rating of 2797. Gukesh previously experienced a significant rating decline, dropping to 2703 after his rise to World Champion. His struggles included early exits from several important tournaments and losses to lower-rated players.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to investigate the alleged mid-air stabbing of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar by an Omani co-pilot aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight on September 30. The probe was ordered by the Union Home Ministry to uncover the alleged larger conspiracy.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti compared current restrictions in Delhi to those experienced in Kashmir after Article 370's abrogation. She accused the BJP government of manipulating public perception by claiming there were no protests. Mufti stated that the government crushes dissent and then denies its existence to portray false consent. The heightened security measures and route closures in Delhi evoke similar sentiments from Kashmir's past.

Arvind Kejriwal has criticized the central government's security clampdown in Delhi regarding the CJP protest. He stated that the situation is worse than during the Emergency. Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using fear tactics to suppress democracy. Additionally, he called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged electoral fraud.

India addressed the UN General Assembly, condemning Pakistan for its ongoing misrepresentation of Jammu and Kashmir. Member of Parliament Mahima Kumari Mewar emphasized Pakistan's history of military dictatorship and state-sponsored terrorism. India called for Pakistan to cease human rights violations in its illegally occupied territories. The delegation condemned recent attacks on civilians protesting for their rights and freedoms.

India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has lost its relevance since the signing of the Simla Agreement in 1972, which aimed to establish peace between the two nations. During his recent visit to Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recognized the challenging role of UNMOGIP and commended its professionalism. Meanwhile, India continues to focus on improving relations with Pakistan.

Nana Patekar Death News: Vishwanath Patekar, widely known as Nana Patekar, has passed away at the age of 75. He was found unconscious at his residence in Goa and could not be revived after extensive CPR. A medico-legal case has been registered and a post-mortem will be conducted as part of the investigation. Patekar was a celebrated actor in Indian cinema, receiving multiple prestigious awards throughout his career.

During the 94th anniversary celebrations, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh of the Indian Air Force addressed his air warriors, emphasizing the need for a quicker pace in improvements. He noted the transition from a platform-centric model to a focus on overall capabilities. Singh pointed out specific delays in crucial projects like the LCA Mk-1A, while also acknowledging the IAF's diverse partnerships through various operations and humanitarian missions.

The Supreme Court is set to examine a plea regarding the recall of a recent split verdict. This split verdict pertains to the validity of a 2023 law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan mentioned the recall application in front of the Chief Justice of India.

Forces of Yemen's internationally recognized government began a major offensive Monday against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on the country's Red Sea coast, under an intensified air campaign by the Saudi-led coalition.