The Economic Times

The ministry said it has released funds under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), for the financial year 2026-27.

On October 30, a workshop will be organized by the DGFT, Karnataka government, and FIEO in Bengaluru. The event aims to enhance Karnataka's export competitiveness and awareness of Free Trade Agreements. Nearly 200 participants, including exporters and industry officials, are expected to attend. Technical sessions will cover opportunities in various sectors and policy interventions under new FTAs. Senior officials and the state minister will address attendees at this important event.

On October 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the 24th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme in Gujarat, aiming to support over 9.34 crore farmer families across the country with more than Rs 18,680 crore. In Gujarat alone, financial assistance surpassing Rs 1,051 crore will be granted to over 52.33 lakh farmer families.

Former Google engineer Nate Soares believes there is more than a 50% chance that AI could wipe out humanity within the next decade. His prediction is so grim that he has stopped contributing to his retirement savings. Now leading the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, Soares has spent years studying AI safety and warns that increasingly powerful systems could eventually escape human control.

Akasa Air plans to raise pilots' salaries by up to 20 percent from January 1, 2027. The airline will also increase the minimum protected flying hours to 50 per month for pilots. Additionally, pilots will receive more annual leave and flexible work patterns to improve work-life balance. The airline currently operates 45 Boeing 737 MAX planes and employs over 800 pilots.

Actress Katrina Kaif recently opened up about her equation with director Ali Abbas Zafar, who helmed many of her hit movies, such as Mere Brother Ki Dulhaan, Tiger Zinda Hai, New York, etc. She also broke silence on the trolling she had faced from people online.

India is projected to be the only emerging market economy among nine economies with gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding USD 1 trillion to reduce its government debt-to-GDP ratio between 2025 and 2031, Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta said, highlighting the country's stronger fiscal position amid rising global debt and borrowing costs.

The multiplex operator aims to open 90-100 screens in FY27, followed by 150-175 in FY28. It has identified around 300 cities for SMART Cinemas, an affordable, capital-light format designed for smaller markets.

Union Cabinet has allocated Rs 7,395 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana. This scheme will promote local-level capacity building and resource management for panchayats across India. Elected representatives will receive training to enhance their governance capabilities and local planning efforts. The initiative aims to financially empower panchayats through better utilization of available resources. Implementation will occur from 2026-27 to 2030-31, aligning with the Sixteenth

The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026, to be held from November 2- 5 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, will serve as a key forum for seeking the USD 220 billion investment, the official said.

The demand for flexible workspaces in India is witnessing a remarkable transformation, as corporates are expected to represent 23.4% of this market by 2026, making them the second-largest segment. Since 2023, the average need for these spaces has significantly increased, particularly in the BFSI sector. MNCs continue their stable demand, but local corporates are increasingly embracing flexible offices to improve business responsiveness.

The Season 1 finale of The Drop: A Snowfall Saga leaves Wanda and Leon facing the fallout of their choices after a violent showdown with DG. As Wanda fights to take control of Lamar and Artillerys music, her relationship with Leon falls apart, leaving her to pursue success alone. With Leon seemingly drawn back into violence and several storylines unresolved, will FX renew the series for Season 2?

Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava highlighted the ongoing demand for small cars in India. He noted sales figures of 398,000 small cars and 162,000 SUVs in the first half of FY27. First-time buyers now account for 54% of Maruti's sales, marking a significant increase. The recent GST cuts have improved affordability for entry-level vehicles.

Police said the bank management had suspended several employees, including the branch manager, and a case was registered at the Beta-2 police station, which has jurisdiction over the branch. The bank has assured authorities that it will address the customers complaints, officials said.

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has expressed support for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) proposed food labelling requirements. These requirements aim to enhance transparency for consumers regarding nutrition information. Managing Director Priya Nair emphasised that HUL is well prepared to comply with these regulations. The planned front-of-pack nutrition labelling will alert consumers about high levels of sugar, salt, or fat.

Reckitt's India operations showed strong growth momentum in the July-September quarter compared to the previous year. The prior year was affected by GST-related stock depletion, leading to a more favorable comparison now. Specifically, the company reported double-digit growth for brands like Dettol, Durex and Harpic. Reckitt is also focusing on enhancing execution through AI-enabled sales transformation in India.

In a strategic move to enhance risk management, Piramal Pharma has drastically cut its reliance on Chinese raw materials to under 10%. The company is actively diversifying its supply chains to provide greater flexibility against geopolitical challenges while broadening its manufacturing footprint to locations like India, the UK, and the US.

With a remarkable sales figure of Rs 2,000 crore from Phase 1, Signature Global's Tonino Lamborghini Residences is setting new benchmarks in luxury living. Situated on 12.40 acres in Gurugram, the project offers 812 exclusive units and is preparing for a similar Phase 2 launch. Designed to introduce an authentic Italian lifestyle, this initiative underscores the increasing appetite for opulent residences among homeowners in India.

ER star Noah Wyle was recently crowned Sexiest Man Alive by the People's Magazine. In many interviews, the handsome actor said he didnt really sweat it out at the gym. Biking, a healthy diet, chasing his kids at his farm and Pilates kept him at peak fitness. According to studies, NEAT activities such as standing, walking your dog, walking during calls, etc., can help you burn calories effectively too.

Quentin Tarantino has revealed why he vowed never to give his mother a penny from his success after she made a remark about his writing ambitions when he was 12. The filmmaker says he has stuck to that promise even after winning two Oscars and making some of Hollywoods most successful films. He has, however, made one exception over the years.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has ordered the transfer of 87 Karnataka Administrative Service officers to improve public services. This decision was made after the ruling Congress experienced an electoral setback during the legislative council elections. Nine officers were appointed as Assistant Commissioners while four were designated as Additional Deputy Commissioners. The reshuffle aims to enhance urban and rural development and improve the implementation of government schemes.

The Union Cabinet has recently approved a significant scheme to boost container manufacturing in India. This Rs 10,000 crore initiative aims to enhance production capacity by ten-fold by the year 2040. It will reduce the country's reliance on container imports and improve supply-chain resilience. Financial assistance will support eligible manufacturers meeting global shipping standards. Additionally, an interest subvention will aid in the expansion of existing facilities for container production

The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme has been approved by the Union Cabinet to develop the sports goods industry. The initiative includes creating dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones to enhance production capabilities. Significant financial support is allocated to encourage innovation and research in sports equipment manufacturing. The scheme aims to generate new employment opportunities and reduce import dependency in this sector.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Tata Power-DDL will supervise the shifting of electrical networks and grant permissions to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), ensuring that the work adheres to safety, reliability and statutory standards.

India and Mexico have initiated negotiations for a preferential trade agreement to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The agreement aims to create new economic opportunities while addressing market access, customs procedures, and trade facilitation. Discussions included organising a Mexican business mission to India in early 2027 to improve commercial ties. India had a trade surplus with Mexico, largely due to exports in autos and pharmaceuticals.

Embassy Office Parks REIT leased over 1.5 million square feet of office space in the second quarter. The REIT recorded its highest quarterly distribution of Rs 670 crore for the quarter ended September. Global capability centres accounted for 85% of leasing demand while new leases signed significantly surpassed market rents. The company also acquired additional retail space and completed a new office block dedicated to a US-based global engineering company.

Wall sit exercise: A recent study has found that simple wall squats performed once or twice a week could help maintain short-term blood pressure reductions in adults. However, participants who continued exercising three times a week experienced the greatest benefits. Researchers also found that blood pressure improvements faded among those who stopped exercising.

Miami-Dade County has developed an innovative approach by creating artificial reefs using demolished concrete. The materials from Bentley Bay Pier were repurposed and deployed at Julia Tuttle Artificial Reef Site. This project enhances marine habitats and promotes ecological growth beneath the ocean waves. It reflects a shift towards environmentally conscious decision-making in urban infrastructure. Such initiatives demonstrate the potential for old materials to support marine conservation effor

Republican Mike Lawlers New York House seat has become a test of whether GOP incumbents can survive in affluent, highly educated suburban districts where Donald Trump is unpopular. Democrat Cait Conley is trying to nationalise the race around tariffs, healthcare and the Iran war, while Lawler is stressing his local record and occasional breaks with Trump as Republicans face pressure among college-educated voters.

The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship has left around 200 passengers stranded in Cambodia as fuel costs continue to rise. After two years of uninterrupted sailing, the operator halted operations, granting passengers only seven hours to disembark at Sihanoukville's port. With many retirees and remote workers now in search of accommodation far from home, the operator is prioritizing the coordination of disembarkations and providing support to those affected.

Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited has appointed Kanaiya Thakker as the group general counsel and head of legal. Thakker has an extensive background in the legal sector, beginning his career at Raymond Ltd in 1999. He has held significant positions at various firms, including UltraTech Cement and Adani Enterprises. In June, the company appointed Rajib Bhattacharjee as President, enhancing its leadership team.

ArisUnitern RE Solutions will oversee the second phase of a commercial project in Santacruz, Mumbai. This phase includes retail shops and small office spaces, covering approximately 0.56 lakh square feet. The gross development value of the project is estimated at Rs 250 crore, with all necessary approvals in place. Unitern's mandate, lasting 18 months, will involve project execution and material procurement.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani tendered his resignation to President Asif Ali Zardari, becoming the fourth judge of the superior judiciary to resign following the controversial amendments.

Nearly 87% of Indian CEOs are confident about their companies' growth prospects in the next three years. They are increasing investments in cybersecurity to mitigate risks associated with growing threats. Attracting and retaining employees remains a major challenge along with skill gaps. Additionally, 66% of CEOs say sustainability is integrated into core strategies for future growth.

Pakistans gas crisis has intensified as LPG prices climb to PKR 600 per kg in some areas following disruptions to imports from Iran. Domestic gas production has fallen nearly 20% in five years, while circular debt and outstanding supplier payments have reached PKR 5.454 trillion. The country also faces challenges managing surplus imported LNG despite household fuel shortages.

School Assembly Headlines: Cyclone Arnab has made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast, causing significant evacuation efforts in Odisha. The Union Cabinet has approved a hike in dearness allowance for central government employees starting from July 1, 2026. India has officially invited Pakistan to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting scheduled in New Delhi. Meanwhile, a train collision in Spain has resulted in multiple fatalities, reportedly killing at least 39 people.

In North Carolina, marine biologists are transforming sunken tugboats and concrete pipes into artificial reefs, enhancing the habitat for numerous fish species. These initiatives not only boost marine biodiversity but also show that artificial reefs can effectively replicate natural ecosystems. Current research emphasizes the positive impact these structures can have on fish communities, offering a sustainable way to utilize discarded materials while supporting marine life.

Railway charging point timing: The Railway Board has directed all railway zones to switch off mobile phone and laptop charging points in train coaches between 11 pm and 5 am after a passenger's power bank exploded while charging on a South Eastern Railway train. The board has ordered staff training and surprise inspections to ensure compliance with the fire safety rules.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal engaged with HD Hyundai's Chairman in Seoul to discuss a significant shipyard project. The proposed USD 4 billion greenfield shipyard will be located in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. A joint working group is tasked with overseeing the project development and establishing a joint venture structure. Once operational, the shipyard aims to enhance India's competitiveness in global maritime markets.

Hollywoods Sexiest Man Alive Noah Wyle, 55, has revealed why he loves washing dishes at home with his wife, Sara. In an interview with People, The Pitt star called himself the dish maven and described the chore as therapeutic. He joked that washing dishes lets him zone out, think freely and even hide from activities he would rather avoid.

Amit, who is the Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, has been closely associated with the Kalyani Group's businesses for over 25 years and has led the Group's expansion into aerospace, defence, electric mobility and advanced materials, a statement said.

Bar and coin demand, meanwhile, has reportedly moderated as price momentum has eased, tempering some of the investment-related buying seen during the earlier price rally.

Airlines globally face challenges in fuel cost hedging as prices remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions. Major airlines like AirAsia and Ryanair have halted new hedges, anticipating further fare increases. Higher fuel costs may push ticket prices up by 15% to 20%, straining consumer willingness to pay. Many US and European airlines have reduced hedging, exposing them to market fluctuations.

The Centre aims to amend the Digital Personal Data Protection law to address concerns raised by news publishers. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the law does not limit press freedom. This response follows a Supreme Court notice regarding a petition from the Digital News Publishers Association and others. Publishers argue the lack of exemption for journalism could jeopardize investigative reporting and confidential sources.

India's Index of Industrial Production for September recorded a growth rate of 6.7%. This figure represents a decline from August's 8%. Key contributors to this growth include the manufacture of motor vehicles and electrical equipment, among others. The manufacture of rubber and plastics also played a significant role in September's performance. These statistics were released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress known for McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, has died at 80 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A 1977 People magazine cover featuring her helped her niece, Christa Miller, discover a family secret about her biological father, eventually leading to a reunion. Saint James later became one of Millers biggest supporters as she built her acting career, including her role in Shrinking.