The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Pumpkin and sesame seeds provide essential nutrients and can be turned into a nutritious milk beverage. Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana shared a simple recipe using only three ingredients for this milk. The preparation involves soaking, blending, and straining the seeds, which takes several hours. The leftover pulp can also be used in various recipes, adding nutritional value to meals.
Indian airlines have requested the Civil Aviation Ministry's assistance in securing timely credit disbursements under ECLGS 5.0. The Federation of Indian Airlines aims to alleviate the severe financial strain caused by rising fuel costs and other factors. ECLGS 5.0 provides significant financial relief to eligible airlines impacted by current global disruptions. The scheme is designed to support airlines through short-term liquidity challenges during the ongoing crisis.
Maa Acorn Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd. has announced the upcoming launch of a resort-style club at Ayana Woods. This 8-acre facility will feature a longevity clinic and various wellness amenities for residents. It is designed to support healthy living and daily routines, enhancing community engagement. The first 50 members will form the Founders' Circle with exclusive privileges.
In a groundbreaking innovation, Gujarat couple Vedant and Aditi Gandi have pioneered a pioneering technique to fabricate bricks utilizing industrial waste. Their venture, Co2ncrete, specializes in cement-free materials and notably reduces carbon emissions. With a vision to offer cost-effective housing that remains cool in warmer climates, they have remarkably completed over 450 prefabricated homes throughout Gujarat, leveraging their vast expertise in urban infrastructure and policymaking.
New Delhi-Chandigarh Shatabdi Express was recently involved in a cattle run-over incident between Rathdhana and Sonipat in the Northern Railway zone when the loco pilot tried to stop the train using emergency brakes.
The Supreme Court granted Tata Chemicals relief from coercive actions while reviewing a Gujarat High Court verdict. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi represented Tata Chemicals, emphasizing environmental degradation and encroachment issues. The high court previously dismissed the company's plea concerning government land used for wastewater discharge. Furthermore, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board has been tasked with assessing the environmental impact and remediation measures.
At a yard sale in Connecticut, an antiques lover stumbled upon a rare 15th-century Chinese bowl priced at just $35. After sending images to Sothebys, experts affirmed its historical importance, leading to an auction with an initial estimate of $300,000 to $500,000. In a surprising turn, the bowl sold for an astounding $721,800, reinforcing the idea that valuable finds often lie beneath the surface of ordinary yard sales.
Mercedes-Benz has not only reached but surpassed its previous sales records in India, achieving 15,190 units sold during the January-September window of 2026. This reflects an 8 percent year-over-year growth. In the third quarter alone, sales rose to 5,422 vehicles, representing a 6 percent increase from 2025. The brand's success is driven by strong demand across luxury segments, and they expect this trend to continue through the festive season.
The GST Council is expected to review a proposal to redefine the definition of export for services. This proposal aims to remove ambiguities related to services provided through overseas branches of Indian companies. The changes are anticipated to enhance clarity for exporters and reduce litigation regarding service supply locations. Additionally, this could benefit various sectors including IT, consulting, and engineering firms.
Zee5 has launched an AI-driven feature called Clips to enhance content discovery through short videos. This feature processes long-form content by extracting engaging moments and converting them into vertical videos. Users can easily transition from these Clips to full-length movies or shows for a complete viewing experience. The collaboration with Google Cloud emphasizes the use of advanced technology for automating content packaging at scale.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Chennai on October 11 for official programmes. He will inaugurate the 14.6-km Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of the Chennai Metro's Phase II project. Senior BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan confirmed the details during an event at Kamalalayam. Additionally, the BJP state unit is planning 'Seva Jyothi' rallies to celebrate Modi's contributions. Radhakrishnan also criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his recent statements regarding the
Indian pharmaceutical leaders emphasize the need for investment in innovation to transition from generics to innovative products. They highlight the importance of regulatory reforms and a strong ecosystem for research and development. Industry executives mention that the next decade will be critical for this transformation and urge companies to capitalize on scientific talent. Government initiatives are acknowledged as supportive in this endeavor for global competitiveness.
Retail companies have shown strong revenue growth in the July-September quarter of 2026. Avenue Supermarts Ltd reported an 18.4 per cent increase in standalone revenue, reaching Rs 19,206.18 crore. V-Mart Retail and V2 Retail also reported substantial year-on-year revenue growth during this period. The festive season has shifted by 19 days, impacting sales performance reports across retailers. October to December is expected to capture more festive-led retail demand this year.
Indian customs officials are currently examining a notable uptick in soybean imports, which are purportedly sourced from Niger. Authorities suspect that these shipments are actually originating from Nigeria to avoid applicable tariffs. As a result, importers must now validate the authenticity of their cargoes or incur significant duties. This scrutiny has effectively paused purchases labeled as from Niger, leading to potential delays for goods en route and altering trade dynamics.
India's infrastructure challenge has evolved from capital raising to the need for investable projects. A significant proportion of respondents view private-sector participation and complex approval processes as major obstacles. The report emphasizes the necessity of modernizing infrastructure through digital technologies and enhanced cyber defenses. Public sector initiatives have successfully attracted private investment in greenfield sectors like renewables and highways.
Kobe Bryant's quote highlights the necessity of allowing oneself to feel grief and anger in response to setbacks. He encourages full acceptance of reality as a crucial step in the recovery process. Instead of wishing to change the past, individuals should focus on taking action toward rebuilding their lives. This approach contrasts with societal pressure to mask pain and pursue instant optimism.
Gaurs Group has successfully sold 1,088 apartments in its new project located on Yamuna Expressway. The total sales amounted to Rs 1,800 crore since the project's launch in early August. This project, named Gaur Alaris, spans over 12 acres in Sector 22D. The strong customer response reflects the potential of the Yamuna Expressway as a residential area.
Central Railway has earned Rs 323.50 crore through scrap sales between April and September 2026, the highest among Indian Railways zonal networks during the period. The revenue came from auctioning old tracks, worn-out sleepers, metal, e-waste and condemned locomotives, coaches and wagons under its Zero Scrap Mission.
Punjab National Bank has launched its 2026 festive retail loan campaign, offering concessions across home, car and other retail loans. Under the scheme, home loan borrowers will get a full waiver of upfront and processing fees along with a 5-basis-point rate concession, while car loans will also carry a full fee waiver.
On October 17, Indonesias new halal-certification policies will take effect, significantly influencing Indian exporters across sectors. Encompassing food, cosmetics, medicines, and medical devices, these requirements are projected to increase operational costs. Indian businesses must obtain certifications from accredited entities to prevent customs disruptions and product recalls. This regulation, especially impactful for buffalo meat and pharmaceuticals, highlights the urgency of ensuring prope
The GST Council is likely to recast its tax officers' committees to make them leaner as the system matures. It is proposed to reduce the current structure into three consolidated bodies, including a standing committee. The new arrangement is based on political ownership and transparency in handling proposals from trade and industry. After nine years, the indirect tax regime shows signs of stability with settled rates.
While mowing his lawn in Orange County, New York, a homeowner stumbled upon fossilised mastodon teeth, sparking the interest of researchers. Upon investigation, they unearthed a complete jaw and additional bones, marking the first significant Ice Age find in over a decade. This rare discovery may unlock secrets about ancient ecosystems, prompting plans for carbon dating and further analysis, shedding light on potential prehistoric remains still hidden in developed areas.
Constance Zimmer bravely shared her breast cancer journey on Instagram, discussing her Ductal Carcinoma In Situ diagnosis, which she received on March 13, 2026, while traveling. Initially advised to undergo a mastectomy, she chose a lumpectomy as her treatment. The emotional toll was profound, prompting her to seek multiple medical opinions. Zimmer emphasized the value of openness in navigating tough times, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges.
The Ayush services sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods in India and has a significant female workforce. Women's participation in organized segments, including hospitals, exceeds 50 percent in several areas. The sector has the potential to expand substantially, generating an estimated USD 216-318 billion by 2047. Ayurveda remains the largest individual system of revenue generation within the sector, contributing significantly.
In a bold statement, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of unlawfully changing Form 6 without consensus. The Supreme Court confirmed that these alterations to electoral rolls were not sanctioned. Gandhi emphasized the need for accountability for the CEC and his colleagues. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh further alleged that this modification was aimed at silencing the Gen Z voter demographic.
Non-banking finance companies accounted for nearly half of new-to-credit loans below Rs 2 lakh as of June 2026. Their retail delinquency rate remained lower than the overall industry average, reflecting improved asset quality. Monitoring credit positively impacted borrowers' cure rates compared to those who did not monitor. The customer base for NBFCs grew significantly over the last decade, indicating increasing access to credit.
Jupiter will not disappear in an instant like a star. The planet appears large enough in the sky for the process to take about a minute. When Jupiter comes back into view, its return should take roughly the same amount of time.
Bengaluru faces significant pothole issues that worsen during rainy conditions. Commuters experience frequent bumps that can inadvertently serve as an egg-peeling method. A Bengaluru man shared a humorous perspective on using these bumps to peel boiled eggs. Other users joined the conversation, sharing more food-related suggestions based on the city's pothole situation. Additionally, residents have expressed concerns about traffic hazards from road conditions and severe waterlogging.
A momentous occasion unfolded as the cargo vessel 'DLB Patkai' set sail from Bogibeel Terminal in Dibrugarh, heading to Dhaka. This significant shipment is the first direct trade from Upper Assam to an international market since Independence. Carrying methanol from Namrup, the vessel will embark on a 1,300 km journey to Bangladesh.
A momentous occasion unfolded as the cargo vessel 'DLB Patkai' set sail from Bogibeel Terminal in Dibrugarh, heading to Dhaka. This significant shipment is the first direct trade from Upper Assam to an international market since Independence. Carrying methanol from Namrup, the vessel will embark on a 1,300 km journey to Bangladesh.
Arijit Singh has confirmed a nine-city tour for January to May 2027 to celebrate his 20 years in music. The tour will include performances in cities like Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, among others. Each concert is designed with advanced features such as 360-degree audio and visual effects for an immersive experience. Singh stated that he looks forward to connecting with fans and sharing these memorable songs live.
Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper: Indian Railways is preparing to launch its second Vande Bharat Sleeper train, connecting KSR Bengaluru with Mumbai CSMT. The overnight service is expected to cover the journey in under 16 hours, with tentative timings of 10 pm departure from Bengaluru and 10:30 pm from Mumbai. The train will feature AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier and First Class coaches.
Diamond Brown has recently submitted court documents accusing Chris Brown of threats and harassment following their separation. Their four-year-old daughter, Lovely Symphani Brown, is at the centre of a custody dispute. This isn't the first time Chris Brown has faced such serious allegations, having previously dealt with a restraining order from another former partner.
Sumitomo Corporation has acquired a 49% stake in a Hero Future Energies project vehicle that will develop a 500 MW wind-solar-battery project in Karnatakas Bidar district, while HFE will retain 51%. The partnership strengthens Sumitomos renewable energy presence in India and supports HFEs wider 10 GW development pipeline.
A 27-year-old Reddit user questioned taking a Rs 45 lakh personal loan for a Rs 50 lakh wedding, despite his fiances family offering a Rs 15 lakh alternative. Bengaluru CA Meenal Goel warned that the loan could mean roughly Rs 1 lakh EMI for 60 months, totalling Rs 60 lakh in repayments. She called it five years of financial pressure driven by social expectations.
Fertilisers have gone through the roof; no country can sustain buying at this level: FM Sitharaman
Indias sunflower oil imports fell 36% in September to their lowest level in more than four years as the Ukraine war disrupted Black Sea shipments, pushing refiners towards palm oil. Palm oil imports climbed to a seven-month high of 810,000 tonnes as buyers also built stocks ahead of the festive season.
India's residential property market exhibited stable sales during January-September when compared to the previous year. Major markets like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata demonstrated positive trends, while NCR faced a significant decline. Higher-ticket homes are increasingly preferred, with sales of properties priced above Rs 1 crore climbing sharply. Sales for lower-priced segments, however, experienced a downturn, reducing buyers' options.
SpiceJet said that the DGCA's regulatory monitoring should not indicate new safety issues. The airline clarified that safety audits and surveillance are routine actions by the DGCA. It said that previous regulatory reviews have not revealed new safety concerns. SpiceJet's domestic market share fell recently, reflecting its operational challenges. Additionally, the company's shares experienced a decline in late afternoon trade.
James Baldwins powerful reflection on pain and heartbreak suggests that suffering, though deeply personal, is also universal. Drawing from writers such as Dostoevsky and Dickens, the American writer and civil rights activist argued that confronting our own open wounds helps us understand others. Baldwin, whose influential works explored human equality, also described artists as emotional or spiritual historians, capturing experiences that connect people across generations and cultures.
S N Subrahmanyan emphasized the need for longer leadership tenures in public sector enterprises to enhance project execution. He suggested a tenure of five years should be instituted for better planning and implementation. This recommendation aligns with the government's increased focus on infrastructure investment, which is expected to reach Rs 12.2 lakh crore. Continued leadership changes are believed to hinder project timelines and quality outcomes.
The Reserve Bank of India is set to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% during the upcoming policy meeting. Despite rising inflation pressures and global economic uncertainty, the rate is expected to remain unchanged. Credit and deposit growth in India currently show strong performance, supporting steady rates. A rate hike cycle is anticipated to begin in December, amounting to 50-75 basis points.
The GST Council is likely to consider major enforcement reforms on October 7 that could remove GST officers power to directly arrest alleged tax evaders and require greater judicial oversight. The proposed changes would shift routine disputes towards recovery, interest and penalties, while reserving criminal prosecution for serious, deliberate fraud.
Central Bank of India reported a significant 30 percent credit growth for the second quarter of this financial year. The total advances reached Rs 2.93 lakh crore as of September 30, 2025. Total deposits increased by 14 percent, amounting to Rs 5.08 lakh crore during the same period. The bank's total business also rose by 21 percent to Rs 8.89 lakh crore.
The Aura World Tour is coming to India, with Diljit Dosanjh set to perform across seven cities in November and December. After Ahmedabad was announced as the tours India debut, six more stops have now been added, while Chandigarh remains without a date. Heres the complete city-wise schedule, ticket sale details, RuPay pre-sale information and venue updates fans need to know.
James Gunn has started writing his next film while his new superhero movie Superman: Man of Tomorrow is set to arrive in theatres on July 9, 2027. He also confirmed that the assembly cut of the film is complete after filming wrapped in August.
The upcoming 57th GST Council meeting on October 7 is set to unveil transformative proposals that could reshape GST regulations. Key suggestions may involve the abolition of arrest clauses related to GST, simplified refund procedures for exporters, and adjustments to the prosecution threshold. Furthermore, small taxpayers could benefit from late fee waivers and quicker registration.
Jindal Stainless and Indian Oil have renewed their lubricant supply partnership for another five years, extending their vendor-managed inventory arrangement at the Hisar unit. The companies said the renewed agreement will support equipment reliability, operational efficiency and energy supplies while opening scope for deeper technical cooperation.
FBI Director Kash Patel and country singer Alexis Wilkins have officially announced their engagement after three years together. Alexis shared the news on social media, showcasing her engagement ring with a playful caption. The couple first met at a Nashville gathering in 2022 and began dating in early 2023. Their relationship has gained public attention due to Kash Patel's prominent official position within the FBI.

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