The Economic Times

Recent rankings from the Programme for International Student Assessment reveal that the US is placed 27th in mathematics. Asian education systems, particularly from China and Singapore, continue to excel, taking the top two spots. The findings show that only a small percentage of US students achieve high proficiency levels in math. In comparison, several East Asian countries have significantly higher proficiency rates among their students.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced nationwide protests from October 2 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign by Saturday. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke said the protests will begin in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti and spread to cities across India, calling for a pledge to save democracy.

Daniel Pauly was born in Paris and faced numerous hardships, including being raised in Switzerland without parental love. After fleeing his unconventional childhood, he pursued higher education and researched fisheries management across multiple continents. His work led to the creation of FishBase and the Sea Around Us project, which quantifies human impacts on global fisheries.

India is expected to experience significant growth driven by renewable energy and private-sector investment. The country aims to enhance its manufacturing capabilities which currently lag behind China. A report from Jefferies highlighted that India's power cost could decrease with renewable energy advancements. Additionally, private-sector capital expenditure is on the rise, indicating a structural growth opportunity. These developments indicate a robust growth trajectory independent of global t

Ankur Warikoo advocates for young professionals to adopt automatic savings habits and be wary of lifestyle inflation. He stresses that having an emergency fund is essential and that one should focus on the long-term value of purchases rather than their immediate costs. By prioritizing early investments, individuals can harness the benefits of compounding interest to build real wealth.

Volkswagen is set to meet regarding restructuring plans and job cuts to address financial losses. The company aims to strengthen its position in the US market, focusing on profitable vehicle segments. Additionally, unions in Germany are negotiating to protect jobs amid planned layoffs and plant closures. By 2027, Volkswagen anticipates significant capacity reductions due to low demand for certain models.

Indian Railways is planning a Sleeper Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Varanasi route via Prayagraj and Kanpur, with a possible Diwali launch. The 16-coach train will carry 823 passengers and run at up to 160 kmph. Fares and final timings are yet to be confirmed by the Railway Board.

Diljit Dosanjh is set to electrify the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 21, 2026, marking a historic moment as his Aura World Tour makes its India debut. Fans can look forward to a dynamic performance featuring Diljit's chart-topping hits and spectacular stage visuals. Read on to know more about the ticket prices and how to book

India's Oil Minister Hardeep Puri reaffirmed the commitment to diesel exports amid potential US restrictions. The global diesel market faces challenges due to geopolitical tensions and reduced supply from Russia. India has established itself as a key player in the global diesel market by overtaking Russia as the second-largest supplier. Investments from major oil companies are expected to boost India's refining capacity in the coming years.

Suruchi Inder Singh and Kamaljeet made history by clinching a gold medal at the Asian Games, while setting a remarkable Asian record score of 484.6 in the final. Singh credited her triumph to her mother's invaluable advice, which shapes her shooting tactics. By concentrating solely on her own performance, she skillfully dodges distractions from her rivals, effectively handling the pressures of competitive sports.

India achieved its highest-ever annual Foreign Direct Investment of USD 94.53 billion in FY 2025-26. Cumulative FDI inflows from FY 2014-15 to FY 2025-26 reached USD 843 billion. The Production Linked Incentive schemes have attracted significant investments and generated millions of jobs. Key sectors benefited include electronics, pharmaceuticals, and IT hardware as outlined by the Commerce and Industry Minister.

Brussels has informed Prime Minister Burnham about necessary tariff increases on Chinese cars to prevent export issues. The EU indicated that aligning with its trade policy could help mitigate potential barriers. London was suggested to consider joining the EU customs union for a feasible solution. This communication follows lobbying for equal treatment of UK products in the trade landscape.

The US-India Business Council has urged both governments to finalize a trade agreement that reduces tariffs. Ambassador Atul Keshap emphasized that such an agreement would facilitate reciprocal trade and benefit businesses in both nations. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated the trade pact is nearly finalized pending competitive advantages in the American market.

Manipur has selected 25 graduates from Minority, OBC and SC communities for a 15-day residential Semiconductor Surface Mount Technology (SMT) training programme at IIT Madras. The state government will cover training, accommodation and travel costs, while IIT Madras will provide placement assistance to successful trainees at linked industries.

Large office leasing deals across Indias top cities are showing signs of recovery as corporates that delayed decisions over geopolitical risks and AI-led workforce disruption begin finalising space. Developers expect deal closures to pick up in the coming quarters, with GCCs and technology firms continuing to anchor demand for quality office space.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the contrast between Rajiv Gandhi's electoral reforms and PM Modi's current policies. He accused Modi of obstructing the enrollment of Gen Z voters by stopping electoral roll revisions. Ramesh referred to Modi's fear of youth disillusionment due to unmet promises. The Election Commission faced scrutiny over decisions impacting voter registration procedures and enrollment.

A nutritious breakfast is key to managing bloating and maintaining energy throughout the day. According to Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gut doctor, there are 7 breakfast options ideal for those prone to bloating. These include oats topped with chia seeds and blueberries, eggs paired with sourdough, and a simple dosa. Additionally, he suggests lactose-free Greek yogurt with strawberries and oatmeal mixed with banana and walnuts.

India won silver in the mens 50m rifle 3 positions team event at the Asian Games, with Rudrankksh Patil, Aishwary Pratap Tomar and Niraj Kumar finishing behind China. India also secured guaranteed medals in squash and table tennis after mixed doubles pairs advanced to the semifinals in both events.

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Penelope Cruz wore ZOYA jewellery during the premiere of La Bola Negra. She adorned herself with the stunning Rekindle Necklace, Wildflower Heart Ring, and Lattice Bangle from ZOYA's new high jewellery line.

S Jaishankar conducted numerous bilateral meetings with leaders from various countries at the UNGA81. He discussed issues such as climate change cooperation, development partnerships, and regional challenges with several foreign ministers. Discussions included strategies for tackling global challenges, including food and energy security arising from international conflicts. The meetings also covered multilateral cooperation and the ongoing implications of the Ukraine conflict.

Virender Sehwag recently expressed immense pride in his son Aaryavir's successful debut with India U19 against Australia U19. Aaryavir accumulated an impressive 109 runs over three matches, playing a crucial role in India's 3-0 series triumph. The celebrated cricketer highlighted playing authentically and handling sports pressure, encouraging Aaryavir to prioritize personal growth and performance over external opinions.

Pakistan has reported thwarting an attempted attack by Afghan Taliban in Gulistan, with security forces remaining alert. Intermittent firing continued between Afghan forces and the Taliban, indicating rising tensions in the region. Recent airstrikes by Pakistan targeted Taliban positions in Afghanistan, leading to casualties on both sides. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, which are denied by the Afghan government.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a 13-page election security plan, 40 days before the November midterm elections, outlining potential threats to voting systems and cybersecurity services available to state and local election officials.

Welspun Corp's US unit has secured a significant Rs 4,000 crore order for pipe supplies. The order comprises High-Frequency Induction Welded pipes to be produced in Little Rock, USA. This marks the company's largest order ever in terms of volume and value. The project is set for execution during the fiscal years 2028 and 2029.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that the Merchant Discount Rate on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 will not be passed to consumers. This rate is a charge borne by merchants and not the government. Sitharaman emphasized that this charge is not a tax, cess, or surcharge. The rate is set at 0.4% and will impact only certain UPI transactions.

Bollywood mourns the loss of Mushtaq Khan, a beloved comedic actor who passed away at the age of 56 on September 24. His legacy includes performances in iconic films such as Welcome and Gadar. Mushtaq once fondly recalled how Amitabh Bachchan played a pivotal role in helping him secure his first home in Mumbai. Read on!

Radisson Hotel Group aims to open 500 hotels in India by 2030 as part of its growth strategy. The chain currently operates 146 hotels in India and plans to surpass 150 hotels by December. In addition to expanding in India, the group is customizing services for Indian travelers in Europe and the Middle East. Radisson's growth strategy emphasizes its strong presence in tier two and three markets in India.

Hanuman Ansh, a film directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, is based on the life of Neem Karoli Baba. The film has been performing well at the box office, showcasing steady growth in earnings. With the Uttarakhand government declaring it tax-free, more viewers are expected to watch it. The production team undertook significant challenges, especially in the post-production phase.

The first phase, from roughly 1967 to 1995, was dominated by the need to achieve food security, says the paper.

Several new titles are set to stream on various platforms including Netflix ZEE5, JioHotstar, and Amazon Prime Video. From Agadha to Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups and Mango Pachcha to Hunkkaar: The Roar, the list has something for everyone. Read on to know when to stream it online.

Nani's new film, The Paradise, is off to a thunderous start, amassing over Rs 74.90 crore in global box office collections. With a major contribution of Rs 42.50 crore coming from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, audiences are responding well. The movie is being directed by Srikanth Odela.

Mumbai-based Akasa Air is negotiating an order for over 200 Boeing 737 MAX jets to boost its operations. This potential order follows their existing unfilled orders for 183 jets and aims to extend their fleet beyond 2032. The airline currently operates 43 Boeing jets and plans a capacity increase by March 2027. Discussions regarding the order are expected to conclude early next year.

India's video content investment is shifting towards online streaming as it accounts for 46% in 2025. Television's share declines to 42%, marking a significant change in the video industry. Local films are also seeing growth, with strong box office performances reported in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Consolidation is taking place in the market, particularly in India and Korea, impacting production economics.

India's LPG customer base had been expanding steadily, with the adoption of cooking gas accelerating over the past decade. The active LPG customer base more than doubled to 333.9 million at the beginning of the current fiscal year from 148.6 million at the start of 2015-16. Growth ranged between 11.9% and 19.6% in the four years to 2018-19, before slowing to around 5% or less as the overall customer base expanded. This fiscal year, the customer base has shrunk by 1%.

Religious travel accounted for the largest share of overnight trips at 47.7%, followed by health and medical travel (29.6%), and holidaying, leisure and recreation (22.1%). On an average, Indians spent Rs 11,723 per overnight trip on holidays, with transport accounting for around 30% of the expense.

New Yorks glamorous lifestyle has been romanticised by Hollywood and shows like Friends and Sex and the City. But a recent conversation between financial influencer Sharan Hegde and NYC-based creator Khushi Jain has highlighted how expensive that dream can be, from Manhattan rents to the broader yearly cost of living.

The world's second-largest sugar producer had remained structurally surplus for nearly a decade but was forced to import sugar in the 2025-26 season after lower output pushed domestic prices to record highs. Prolonged rainfall shortages in Maharashtra and Karnataka, coupled with the state prioritising reservoir water for drinking over irrigation, are expected to reduce sugar content in cane due for crushing from October, executives said.

India's urea imports more than doubled to 4.75 mt during April-August from 2.04 mt during the same period in 2025, even as domestic production increased 4.4% to 12.54 mt, industry insiders said, citing FAI data.

In an effort to shield consumers from additional Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges, the finance ministry is set to consult with the Indian Banks Association. Meetings with traders' organizations are also scheduled to directly address their concerns about the recent MDR levy. Effective from October 15, transactions exceeding 2,000 will incur a 0.

The decline came amid rainfall deficiency and drought-like conditions in several parts of the country, which weighed on farmers' spending on soil nutrients even as overall kharif sowing remained only about 2% below last year's level, industry executives said. Sales of NP/NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) complex fertilisers fell even more sharply, declining 19.4% while sales of muriate of potash (MOP) dropped 13.6%, according to provisional data from the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI)

Reliance Industries Limited is planning to raise 10,000 crore next week through a ten-year maturity bond. Other firms, including Adani Airport Holdings, will raise significant funds as well this Friday. The increasing number of companies tapping debt indicates the surplus liquidity in the banking system. This trend is occurring ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy decision on October 7.

India's Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlighted ongoing balance of payments pressures amid increased foreign capital inflows. The Reserve Bank of India's special forex swap window has facilitated significant foreign currency inflows. However, these inflows are seen as a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution to external pressures. Factors like rising imports and intensifying global competition for capital could worsen the external account situation.

Shares of insurers, banks, and non-banking finance companies dropped sharply following proposed commission caps by Irdai. The proposals raised concerns over the outlook for businesses reliant on insurance distribution. Major companies such as PB Fintech and Max Financial Services experienced significant declines. Analysts indicate that banks and NBFCs could face negative impacts from the changes in commission structures.

In August, credit card spending decreased by 2.8% to 2.02 lakh crore from July's 2.08 lakh crore. While year-on-year spending saw an increase of 5.9% compared to August 2025, the trend indicates moderation. Additionally, banks added 1.19 million new credit cards, down 5.6% from July's figures. This brings the total credit card tally to 124.1 million at the month's end.

Products already licensed or registered under the 'analogue in dairy context' category will have to stop using 'paneer' in their product name, labelling or marketing, according to the draft regulation notified in the Gazette of India. The move would effectively reserve the term paneer for products meeting the dairy definition, preventing businesses selling non-dairy analogues from presenting or marketing them as paneer.

Print media in India has shown resilience amid global downturns with increased advertising revenue and volumes. As brands continue to invest in print, the festive season is expected to boost spending significantly. Data indicates that English dailies experienced a rise in advertising revenue from accredited agencies, marking a growing trend. This year's festive season is anticipated to drive higher advertising volumes in various sectors.

Sales of packaged products with transparent healthy ingredient claims have increased significantly in recent months. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is proposing a new front-of-pack labeling system. Surveys show parents are willing to pay more for healthier snack options for their children. Consumer engagement with food transparency is rising, leading to higher demand for guilt-free snacks.

An Air India pilot was removed from his aircraft in Zurich due to alcohol consumption before take-off. Authorities conducted sobriety tests that revealed blood alcohol content exceeding the permissible limit for pilots. As a result, the flight AI 151 to Delhi was grounded, leading to an investigation by Swiss aviation regulators. Both Air India and IndiGo enforce strict zero-tolerance policies for alcohol violations among crew members.

Quote of the Day by Agatha Christie: Any woman can fool a man if she wants to and if he's in love with her is a line from Agatha Christies Witness for the Prosecution, spoken by the character Sir Wilfrid while discussing how love can affect a persons judgement. It explores the connection between strong emotional attachment, trust and the possibility of overlooking warning signs.