The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Global renewable power capacity expanded by a record 693 GW in 2025, taking total installed renewable capacity to 5.15 TW, according to IRENA. The pace has narrowed the gap to the COP28 goal of tripling renewable capacity by 2030, but the world remains short of the target. Rising electricity demand from cooling, AI and data centres is also limiting the displacement of fossil fuels, which still accounted for 86% of global energy in 2025.
The government has notified the dissolution of the Digital Communications Commission, the Department of Telecommunications' apex decision-making body established in 1989. The commission handled key telecom policy and financial matters, including spectrum pricing and Trai recommendations. Its last meeting on September 3 finalised the satcom spectrum decision, which now awaits Cabinet approval.
In 1954, Greyhound transformed bus travel with its Scenicruiser, featuring a raised observation deck, panoramic windows, air conditioning and reclining seats. Built to make highway journeys feel luxurious, the futuristic coach became an icon of American transportation. More than seven decades later, a surviving example heading to auction offers a glimpse into an era when the journey mattered as much as the destination.
NHAI has introduced new guidelines for upcoming access-controlled high-speed National Highways to standardise design, improve road safety and enable smoother traffic movement. The framework covers four- and six-lane Greenfield and Brownfield corridors, with lane configuration and road width linked to traffic volumes. It also includes provisions for safer exits and entries, interchanges connecting key destinations, and one-metre-high boundary walls to prevent unauthorised access and stray cattle
Aeroflot carried more than 185,000 passengers between Russia and India in January-August 2026, up 29% year-on-year, with 131,000 travelling between Moscow and Delhi. The airline expects stronger demand during the October-February winter period and operates flights between Moscow and Delhi, along with seasonal services to Goa from Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk. Tourist flows between Russia and India rose 8% in the first half of 2026.
A Rajdhani Express was briefly halted at Hawaipur in Assam's Hojai district after a herd of elephants, including young calves, began crossing the railway tracks. The unusual encounter, captured on video, was managed through coordination between the Assam Forest Department, the loco pilot and the Lumding Railway Control Room. The incident also highlights the importance of elephant corridors and wildlife safety measures along railway routes in Assam.
Alaska's Hawadax Island, once known as Rat Island, is witnessing a remarkable ecological recovery after scientists eradicated invasive rats in 2008. The rodents arrived after an 18th-century shipwreck and disrupted the island's natural food chain for centuries. Eleven years after their removal, native seabirds returned, shoreline grazers declined and kelp began thriving again. Researchers say the long-term recovery highlights how removing invasive species can restore damaged island ecosystems.
A six-foot humanoid robot stepped into a cage with a human fighter, and what happened next looked straight out of a Terminator movie. The viral REK video shows the machine delivering powerful kicks that sent Frankie LaPenna across the cage, raising a bigger question about how close human-like robots are to becoming a real part of everyday life.
In 2024, a Goodwill jewelry box contained a 14-karat gold LEGO mask; the rare Bionicle set sold for $18,000 after collectors recognized its hidden value. The piece was found in Pennsylvania and was first listed with a $14.95 starting bid. After 48 bids, the rare LEGO mask sold for $18,101. Only 30 such masks were made in 2001, with most distributed through a promotion.
Naveen Jindal, chairman of Jindal Steel, said India can sustain its steel industry without depending on exports to the US, as domestic demand offers significant growth opportunities. He said higher US tariffs would have a limited impact on Indian producers. Jindal also discussed EU carbon rules, coal gasification and green steel.
Tom Cruises belief that life is an adventure offers lessons beyond Hollywood. His philosophy highlights embracing uncertainty, staying curious, preparing for difficult challenges and continuing to learn regardless of success. From moving frequently as a child to mastering filmmaking and demanding stunts, Cruises journey suggests that growth often comes from stepping beyond comfort zones and remaining open to new experiences.
Gas found near Odisha coast: ONGC has discovered gas in a deepwater exploration well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, around 43 km from Konark off the Odisha coast. The discovery, made under the Samudra Manthan deepwater exploration campaign, encountered gas at a depth of 1,4411,452 metres, with ONGC reporting encouraging flow and reservoir pressure. The find is subject to further appraisal and commercial evaluation, while its proximity to the coast and potential use of shared infrastructure coul
A man who moved to Australia 11 years ago to study could not find a job in his field and started working at a pizza shop. His journey later took him into franchise ownership, and by 2026, he reportedly had three pizza franchises, a house, a BMW, two children and Australian citizenship. His story, shared by led to a wider debate about hard work, career choices, immigration and dignity of labour.
Avas is redefining luxury living in Alibaug with new residential communities, Casa Avana and the upcoming Avas Wellness Club, bringing together design, wellness, hospitality and recreation to create an integrated lifestyle destination.
A remotely working couple, Anjali and Naman, spent a month living and working from Leh, Ladakh, and shared a detailed breakdown of their expenses. From Rs 30,000 accommodation and Rs 9,000 food costs to scooter rentals, groceries, outside meals and travel, their total spending came to Rs 66,600. Their Leh budget offers a glimpse into the real cost of embracing a work-from-mountains lifestyle.
India could emerge as a global content production hub by combining its growing AI capabilities, creative talent and expanding media global capability centres, industry experts said. The opportunity goes beyond traditional strengths such as VFX and outsourcing, with AI potentially enabling large-scale content production for global studios, streaming platforms and brands. Government initiatives including WAVES, WAVES Bazaar and Create in India Challenges are seeking to connect Indian creators with
Indias core sector output growth slowed to 4.8% year-on-year in August 2026 from 5% in July, provisional government data showed. Cement, electricity and iron ore led growth, while coal, natural gas, crude oil and fertilisers contracted. Cumulative core sector growth during April-August stood at 4.3%, against 2.4% a year earlier.
Central Railway recovered Rs 140.8 crore in penalties from 18 lakh ticketless and unauthorised travel cases between April and August, marking a 40% rise from the same period last year. Mumbai division recorded the highest collection at Rs 58.5 crore, while August alone saw Rs 19.5 crore recovered. Officials attributed the increase to intensified ticket checks and the revised minimum penalty, which rose from Rs 250 to Rs 500.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown ape species in Egypt that lived 1718 million years ago, adding new clues to the origins of modern apes. Named Masripithecus moghraensis, the fossil jaw and teeth suggest North Africa may have played a greater role in ape evolution than previously thought, challenging the long-standing focus on East Africa.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched a dedicated portal under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, offering free rooftop solar panel installations of up to 3 kW for 2.25 lakh households. The Delhi government will bear the entire installation cost, with registrations and allotments following a first-come, first-served system.
Gemini (Google Trends): Bengaluru CEO Siddharth Dialani said Google's Gemini helped him draft a police complaint after an alleged road-rage incident involving a biker. He said the biker damaged his car and was later traced using dashcam footage. According to Dialani, the man eventually apologised and paid for the damage after being called to the Koramangala police station, where officers handled the matter without a bribe.
An eighth-grader from Pennsylvania is tackling heartburn with a novel antacid system designed to release medicine more slowly and potentially provide longer-lasting GERD relief, earning her a place among the US Top 30 researchers and a shot at more than $100,000 in awards, including a $25,000 top prize
Social Security payments are going out this week, with the next round scheduled for September 23, 2026. Heres who is eligible for the payment, how the $5,181 maximum benefit works and why most retirees will receive less. Social Security benefits, paid mostly to older or retired Americans, are typically issued on Wednesdays.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 586-crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited to procure Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for the Indian Armys T-72 and T-90 tanks. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on September 21, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Dilip Buildcon has divested its stake in a 1,363 MW under-construction solar portfolio to Alpha Alternatives.The portfolio has an estimated project cost of 6,263 crore, with Alpha Alternatives set to acquire DBLs remaining 51% stake upon completion.
JioStar has stepped up anti-piracy action in Odisha, with new FIRs in Bhadrak and Kandhamal against cable operators accused of retransmitting its TV channels without permission. The company says the cases form part of a wider crackdown on unauthorised cable networks and analogue transmission in the state.
Robin Williams character Parry in the cult classicThe Fisher Kingoffers an unusual formula for a good life: respect all kinds of life, have a nice bowel movement regularly and own a navy blazer. The memorable line reflects the films eccentric humour and Williams improvisational style. An Oscar-winning actor and comedian, Williams built a celebrated career spanning comedy, drama, thrillers, family films and animation, leaving a lasting legacy.
Navigating first-time property acquisition demands rigorous due diligence to mitigate high-stakes real estate risks. Before finalizing a land purchase, buyers must evaluate critical zoning laws, non-buildable setback requirements, and legal encumbrances to ensure optimal land utilization. Highlighted by Bengaluru entrepreneur Nirupa Shankar, assessing front road access dimensions, high-voltage utility corridors, stormwater drainage buffers, ecological proximity limits, and historic right-of-way
Maruti Suzuki India plans to raise female student intake at its Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing in Manesar to 30% by Academic Year 2028-29, from 9% currently. The automaker has introduced fee waivers for female students and plans a dedicated hostel and greater representation of women across faculty and support functions.
India-Canada CEPA negotiations are being fast-tracked, with the fifth round of talks scheduled to begin on October 5, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. Both sides are targeting completion of the pact by the end of this year.
India is moving to reshape its accounting sector as ICAI prepares Chartered Accountants Act changes aimed at enabling larger domestic firms. Proposed reforms could ease mergers, allow capital infusion, expand multidisciplinary professional services and reshape networking rules, while government procurement changes may widen opportunities. The push seeks globally competitive Indian professional-services firms to challenge the Big Four at global scale.
Two Bengaluru fitness trainers have found an innovative way to make workouts more accessible by bringing a fully equipped gym directly to apartment communities. Rithwik Radhakrishnan and Bhoomika Jayanna transformed a second-hand Maruti Eeco into a mobile fitness studio packed with dumbbells, kettlebells, slam balls and resistance bands. Their venture, Unleash 45, was born after challenges with apartment gym facilities, prompting the duo to create a self-funded mobile workout solut
The Aral Sea, once the worlds fourth-largest lake, dramatically shrank after Soviet irrigation diverted its rivers. Today, Kazakhstan is restoring part of the northern basin, reviving fisheries and ecosystems, while Uzbekistan is planting millions of acres of drought-resistant vegetation across the exposed seabed. Together, these efforts aim to reduce dust, stabilise damaged landscapes and recover parts of a devastated eco
You do not need expensive decor to make your home look luxurious. Plants with dramatic foliage, distinctive shapes and lush growth can instantly elevate interiors without costing a fortune. Rubber plants, areca palms, monsteras, fiddle-leaf figs, bird of paradise, calathea orbifolia and Chinese money plants can create a high-end look. Thoughtful planters, varied heights and uncluttered spaces can make affordable greenery appear even more elegant.
Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said Indias economic growth will lead to meaningful transformation only if its benefits are shared between workers and businesses.
India's soyoil imports are projected to reach a record high in the upcoming marketing year. Higher soyoil purchases will offset declining sunflower oil shipments due to ongoing global conflicts. Palm oil imports are expected to increase, though its share will fall below fifty percent. Rising incomes are driving overall edible oil demand, which domestic production cannot meet.
NCR-based Gulshan Group has partnered with Ourika Estates to develop two residential projects in Ghaziabad and Lucknow.
Streamlined used-car platforms are revolutionizing the buying experience by presenting pre-approved loan options with transparent charges. Unlike traditional banks that may provide attractive rates, they often require lengthy paperwork. Its essential for buyers to evaluate interest rates and associated costs prior to financing. Financing eligibility is determined by credit scores, income verification, and current debt levels. Services like Cars24 simplify vehicle purchases by incorporating finan
The gripping thriller Pooja Meri Jaan, featuring the talented Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi, is set for digital debut finally. This film embarks on a harrowing journey from production to streaming, tackling dark themes of obsession, suspicion, and cultural prejudice. Read on to know when and where to watch the thriller movie online.
Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar has urged the government to keep UPI merchant payments free for a few more years, warning that even a small fee could push transactions back towards cash. His comments come after the government announced a 0.4% MDR on UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000 from October 15, while keeping consumer payments free.
Balmer Lawrie's board approved demerging its travel unit into a subsidiary. This move aims for operational agility and significant revenue growth. The division currently generates Rs 390 crore in annual revenue. Management expects the business to surpass Rs 500 crore within three years. This restructuring will attract specialized talent and new technologies.
Throughout the years, Tamil cinema has masterfully adapted numerous literary works. For instance, Asuran brings the gripping tale of Vekkai to the big screen, while Ponniyin Selvan celebrates the rich narrative from Kalki's epic saga. Read on to know when and where to watch these Tamil movies that were adapted from novels.
A notable achievement for Indian banks occurred as they received USD 127 billion through a dedicated deposit scheme. This influx has significantly improved the funding environment and liquidity levels. Favorable interest rates lured substantial deposits from the diaspora, ultimately fortifying banks' funding stability. This positive trend in deposits could enhance balance sheets by USD 190-220 billion, bridging any existing asset-liability gaps.
Celebrating a decade of excellence, Unify Group hosted an impressive gala event that showcased its remarkable journey since its inception in 2016. Initially rooted in healthcare, the organization has boldly ventured into travel, logistics, and technology, paving the way for future innovations. The evening was a tribute to their significant milestones and a look ahead at the blossoming opportunities in their expanding portfolio.
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan urged Microsoft to build data centers near power generation sites. This move would significantly reduce electricity transportation costs and improve infrastructure economics. India's expanding data center and AI infrastructure can leverage the nation's robust electricity grid. The policy environment in India now facilitates easier data center construction and grid connectivity. Investments in this infrastructure will create construction jobs and foster higher-quality r
Anand Mahindra highlighted the revival of Maharashtras Kham River as his Monday Motivation, praising the collective effort of citizens, civic authorities, NGOs and other stakeholders. Once treated as a sewage drain, the river has undergone extensive restoration, with waste removal, sewage treatment, tree planting and riverfront development. The project has also earned international recognition, including the 2024 St Andrews Prize.
India is examining details of potential US tariffs on Russian oil buyers, Piyush Goyal says. Washington is increasing pressure on nations still purchasing Russian energy resources. A new US law allows tariffs up to 100% on Russian oil and gas importers. Major buyers like India and China face potential higher duties on their US exports. The legislation takes effect within thirty days, impacting global energy trade.
Kajal Aggarwal recently spoke about relationships in the age of social media and how phones can affect communication between couples. She stressed the importance of spending quality time together. Kajal and her husband Gautam Kitchlu, who went from being friends to life partners, make time for each other through their weekly dinner dates.
Vectus presents an extensive selection of water tanks, ranging from 100 to 30,000 liters. These tanks cater to various installations including overhead, underground, and loft. With both premium and economy lines available, Vectus employs multi-layer tank technology to ensure robust performance and longevity across multiple uses. Their comprehensive manufacturing network across India further enhances their diverse offerings.

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