The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
A Bengaluru court granted an injunction to Siddaramaiah, restraining media from publishing videos linking him to a honey trap. He claims these allegations are intended to tarnish his reputation and character for political reasons. Siddaramaiah has stated he has no connection to the alleged sting operation circulating on social media. He supports freedom of expression but sought legal action due to misuse by certain media sections.
In memory of her grandmother, Rihanna established the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012, catalyzing a wave of generosity. With over $100 million in grants, the foundation champions vital causes like healthcare, education, and women's empowerment. Following Hurricane Melissa in late 2025, its focus on disaster preparedness illustrates a profound commitment to fostering resilient communities and addressing future challenges.
OnMeta has signed a memorandum of understanding with QazPost to explore digital financial solutions. This collaboration aims to integrate OnMeta's digital infrastructure with QazPost's extensive distribution network.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw emphasized the importance of building an innovation-driven pharmaceutical industry in India. She highlighted the need for continued investment in research and regulatory reforms to enhance drug development. The industry must focus on maintaining high-quality standards as it seeks to innovate. Closer cooperation between industry and regulators can help sustain momentum during this transition. India has the potential to participate actively in the global innovation ecosystem.
In an exciting announcement, Apple has launched three innovative devices for enhancing smart home environments: the HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and Apple TV 4K. HomeView is the new smart home hub with a user-friendly 7-inch display. The HomePod mini 2 promises richer audio and forthcoming advanced Siri features, while the Apple TV 4K improves streaming options and enables hands-free Siri usage.
The Bengaluru-based developer recorded residential pre-sales of Rs 7,225 crore in the July-September quarter, up 20% year-on-year. Sales volume stood at 5.84 million sq ft, with 3,910 units sold. For the first half of FY27, sales volume reached 11.88 million sq ft, with 7,247 units sold.
India requires a reliable and technology-enabled statistical system to aid evidence-based policymaking. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P K Mishra emphasized the need for stronger state-level statistical institutions. He highlighted the importance of integrating data systems and using advanced technologies for accurate statistics. Mishra urged that more granular data is essential for assessing policy outcomes and addressing regional disparities.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, asking them to follow local safety instructions, avoid circulating unverified videos and news, and check with airlines before travelling, as flight operations remain disrupted following the October 10 attack at Riyadh airport.The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, while flights at Dammam, Jeddah and Medina airports are continui
Uttarakhand has issued a ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of tobacco products for one year. This decision emphasizes the importance of public health as stated by the Food Safety Commissioner. The ban affects all products containing tobacco or nicotine regardless of their branding. Previously, Odisha also implemented a similar prohibition, beginning in early 2026. Restrictions on these products have been in place in Odisha since 2013.
In 1997, Shakira established Fundacin Pies Descalzos to enhance educational opportunities for Colombian children. Since then, the foundation has positively impacted the lives of countless young learners by supporting over 300 schools and training many educators. Specifically, Shakira's initiatives now focus on aiding communities affected by natural disasters, ensuring that education remains accessible for all children, regardless of their circumstances.
Tata Power has signed an agreement with Imperial College London to explore collaboration in energy transition research. This partnership will focus on areas such as grid flexibility, energy storage, and AI applications. The cooperation aligns with the India-UK Vision 2035 initiative's goals for clean energy and climate action. The agreement aims to leverage Tata Power's operational experience alongside Imperials research expertise in digital technologies.
Over 400 infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 20.23 lakh crore have been approved under the PM GatiShakti initiative. The initiative aims to reduce logistics costs by developing integrated infrastructure across India. It integrates more than 1,800 data layers covering various sectors, including transportation and telecommunication. The Network Planning Group reviewed these projects for investments exceeding Rs 500 crore. This digital platform enhances data-driven infrastructure plannin
Johan Eliasch generated buzz by securing ownership of 400,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest to combat logging threats. However, his move raised concerns about the fate of roughly 1,000 workers employed in the logging industry. Detractors questioned the appropriateness of foreign ownership in Brazilian lands for conservation ideals. Additionally, Eliasch's partnership in founding Cool Earth reflects the ongoing struggle to balance environmental conservation with the livelihoods of nearby communi
At 81, Helen Mirren appears as stunning as always. In a conversation with Grazia, The Queen star mentioned that she relies on a fitness programme introduced by Dr Bill Orban for women in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the 1950s, rather than following diet trends.
An Indian policy group has advised the government to enforce strict conditions on foreign satellite operators. The Kutniti Foundation argues that SpaceX's Starlink poses strategic risks to India's telecommunications sovereignty. The report emphasises the need for India to establish its own satellite constellation to ensure data security. It highlights concerns about potential foreign intelligence vulnerabilities linked to external operators.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tom Welling made the decision to move to Northern California, seeking a tranquil setting for his family. Now living with his wife, Jessica Rose Lee, and their two sons, Welling finds joy in a simpler life. While he remains active in the entertainment world and runs a horse-breeding business, he recently handled a viral Instagram moment with humor, emphasising his commitment to family and work-life balance.
On Tuesday, members of the National Students' Union of India gathered at the Rajiv Chowk metro station. They demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to electoral irregularities. Activist Vinod Jakhar was detained along with hundreds of other demonstrators during the protest. The police increased security measures in Connaught Place, which is near Jantar Mantar.
Recent high-profile exits at Bank of America, such as banker Amy Lissauer, have sparked concerns about the institution's future. Once a leader in investment banking fees, the bank now sits in fourth place. In response to staff unease, executives held a reassuring meeting focused on commitment to employees and recruitment plans.
Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited has announced the dispatch of 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army in a single supply batch. The company said the order was placed under emergency procurement after technical trials, with the system configured for short-range operations and equipped with attack-abort and recovery capabilities.
A Pune-based techies first date with his now-wife began with an embarrassing mishap: he forgot his wallet and had no smartphone to make a digital payment. She paid for their coffee, refused his repayment later and continued treating him years later. A decade on, their story has sparked online conversations about love, trust and finding the right person.
On Tuesday morning, a MEMU train's wheel derailed while traveling from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to Bandikui, Rajasthan, near Kherli station. Thankfully, there were no injuries recorded. The derailment occurred shortly after Train No. 64621 departed Nadbai at 11:06 am. Senior officials, including the DRM from Agra, arrived promptly to assess the scene, and restoration work has swiftly commenced to mitigate the disruption caused by the incident.
During a recent gathering at Mizoram University, Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia urged financial institutions to provide credit solutions that address the specific needs of the Northeast region. He criticized generic banking products as insufficient, emphasizing customization for each state. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma shared initiatives requiring investment, hinting at potential economic drivers for the area that could facilitate sustained growth and enhance public welfare.
Soha Ali Khan shares a delightful and easy-to-follow recipe for cucumber boats, a deliciously nutritious snack perfect for any occasion. Utilizing simple ingredients like cucumbers, hung curd, and chips, this healthy treat is perfect for those aiming for wellness without sacrificing flavor. Previously, Soha also offered a vegetarian oats recipe, catering to busy individuals who prioritize convenient, health-conscious meals.
Indian Railways reported loading 135.35 million tonnes of freight in September 2026, marking significant growth. This represents a 6.14 per cent increase compared to September 2025, highlighting strong performance in key commodity segments. Foodgrain loading saw a notable rise of 25 per cent during the same period. Freight revenue also increased by Rs 1,266 crore, indicating a 9.3 per cent growth rate.
Indian car buyers are increasingly taking out larger and longer loans to purchase higher-priced vehicles. This trend emerges as borrowing costs are projected to rise following the Reserve Bank of India's recent rate hike. Data shows that the average vehicle loan amount has risen significantly, while the repayment tenure has also increased. Interestingly, the demand for vehicles remains strong across both urban and semi-urban markets.
The IMF has raised India's growth forecast to 7% for both FY27 and FY28, highlighting the country's resilience despite higher oil prices and a slowing global economy. Strong domestic consumption, infrastructure spending, recovering private investment and AI-related capital expenditure are supporting growth, though inflation, energy costs and weaker rural demand remain risks.
Bayer brings together its capabilities in Seeds & Traits, Crop Protection, Digital Farming Solutions and agronomy with tailored mechanization and digital advisory to support farmers through the transition.
Indigo has entered into a USD 328 million financing agreement with Citi for purchasing eight Airbus planes. This marks the first aviation financing deal insured by the Belgian export credit agency Credendo. The transaction will support the growth of Indigo's fleet and network through long-term funding. Citi acted as the sole arranger for this innovative financing solution.
Zydus Lifesciences has received acceptance for its application regarding the biosimilar of Keytruda, which is a major cancer drug. The USFDA is expected to complete its review process by the third quarter of 2027. This biosimilar, named FYB206, was developed without a comparative Phase III efficacy trial. Zydus aims to make effective treatments more accessible in the oncology field in North America.
RBL Bank reported a significant increase in net profit for the September quarter of 2026. The bank achieved a 37% growth in net interest income, achieving Rs 2,131 crore. Net advances grew by 42%, while deposits rose by 34%, supported by FCNR(B) inflows. However, margins are expected to moderate as these deposits fully impact the balance sheet.
Indias paid DTH television subscriber base fell 13.4% year-on-year to 48.56 million in June 2026, while private FM radio advertising revenue declined 9.1% sequentially to Rs 376.16 crore, according to TRAI. The data point to continued pressure on traditional broadcasting even as IPTV and community radio continue to expand.
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda had a special meeting with Thalapathy Vijay ahead of their film Ranabaali's release. Rashmika looked stunning in a traditional Asgar silk saree, complete with a matching blouse and accessories, while sharing her admiration for Thalapathy Vijay on social media, reflecting on their previous encounters. Set against the backdrop of the Great Madras Famine of 1876 to 1878, Ranabaali will hit theaters on October 16.
In a heated custody dispute, Gleb Savchenko is accusing his former partner Elena Samodanova of endangering their daughter Olivia's well-being. He claims that Olivia has been subjected to hurtful comments about her body and received unapproved weight-loss treatments. Savchenko is seeking legal action to protect their daughters.
A Bengaluru woman sparked debate after calling it an ick when a man asked to split their first-date bill. Pune techie Kunal Gandhi offered a different perspective, recalling how his now-wife paid when he forgot his wallet on their first date at CCD. He said she refused repayment, and their relationship blossomed. Ten years later, they still enjoy coffee dates, while netizens debated dating etiquette and who should pay.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta along with Union Environment Minister Bhupendar Yadav launched 150 electric buses and four charging stations from Swami Vivekandand ISBT Anand Vihar. The CM also inaugurated high-capacity charging stations at four Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) depots. The induction of the additional electric buses has taken Delhi's electric bus fleet to 5,238 and the overall fleet to 6,988 buses, including 1,750 CNG buses.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the RBI may take further measures to curb rupee volatility, clarifying that its aim is to stabilise the currency rather than fix its value. The rupee recorded its biggest single-day gain in six months on Monday after the central bank introduced curbs to reduce dollar demand and intervened in the market by selling dollars.
Tamannaah Bhatia's fitness trainer Siddhartha Singh shared 3 nutritious dinner recipes designed for weight loss that are both satisfying and health-conscious. He advocates for the 50-25-25 meal ratio, recommending rajma with rice, egg bhurji with chapati, and paneer bhurji. Each meal should be accompanied by a generous salad, promoting mindful eating practices while effectively controlling hunger and meeting dietary needs.
Mumbai: The introduction of merchant discount rate (MDR) on select UPI merchant payments has been deferred until after Diwali, giving merchants and payment companies more time to prepare for the first significant pricing change in Indias largest digital payments network.The UPI and Services Steering Committee on Tuesday decided that, keeping in mind the festive season, the levy on select person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions will be implemented immediately after Diwali. The exact date will be no
Actor RJ Mitte, who gained prominence portraying Walter Whites son in the crime drama television series Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 34. The actor's agent verified to People that he took his own life. As reported by People, the Brownsville Police Department discovered him deceased in his room. Away from the cameras, the actor shared some traits with his Breaking Bad role, Walter White Jr. He also dealt with the neurological condition known as cerebral palsy.
Philip Morris International (PMI) is offering a range of less harmful alternatives for smokers and has invested USD 16 billion in research, development and commercialization of such products, Dr Tomoko Iida, Senior Director, Scientific Engagement, South Asia, Indochina, CIS and Middle East & Africa, Philip Morris International, said.
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijay and shared glimpses of their interaction on social media. Rashmika reflected on her journey from being a longtime fan to working with him and now admiring him as Chief Minister. Vijay Deverakonda described the meeting as memorable, revealing they discussed life, work and the world. The couple also visited Tirumala temple to offer prayers.

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