The Economic Times

US President Donald Trump warned that the European Union could face heavier tariffs if Canadas proposed associate membership is intended to harm the United States. Calling the prospect laughable and Canada a terrible trade partner, Trump also suggested Washington could restrict trade with Europe in certain areas.

As of 2026, Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn is single, having previously shared a romance with fellow skater Nathan Chen during their teenage years. Known for her openness, Glenn has discussed her bisexual and pansexual identity publicly, while also addressing rumors about her connection with fellow athlete Alysa Liu. Her reserved personal life stands in stark contrast to her rising fame and public persona.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis journey to the countrys highest elected office was shaped by experiences ranging from childhood poverty and a fascination with spirituality to poetry, RSS organisational work and an early ambition to join the Army. Here are 10 lesser-known episodes from his life, drawn from his own accounts and documented reports.

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation authorising President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India, China and other countries buying Russian oil and gas. The bill, which also targets Russias leadership, energy sector and shadow fleet, now goes to Trump for his signature.

Story of Michael Jackson's patented anti-gravity shoes remains one of the most intriguing pieces of music and performance technology from the 1990s. What looked like an impossible feat was actually the product of carefully engineered footwear, concealed stage hardware and precise choreography.

An 11-year-old boy named Yan Hongsen gained attention for his rocket projects in 2024. He taught himself programming, physics, and chemistry to build rockets and code systems. Yan began building his first rocket, Sen Xing, in August 2022 and launched it in June 2023. His initial rocket launch unfortunately ended in a crash due to a parachute issue.

Quote of the day by Keanu Reeves: Keanu Reeves quote is a powerful reflection on grief which explores how loss permanently changes a person and why healing does not mean forgetting someone you love. His words offer a thoughtful perspective on grief, resilience, acceptance and the difficult process of reclaiming life after devastating loss.

The Supreme Court dismissed the Union government's challenge to a High Court judgment. This ruling clarified jurisdiction over drug regulation powers between central and state authorities. The High Court found state authorities hold powers under Chapter IV of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The Supreme Court found no sufficient grounds to interfere with the High Court's order. This decision impacts central enforcement actions involving drug manufacturers.

The Centre has requested a report from the NPPA regarding price discrepancies. Maharashtra FDA flagged significant gaps between trade prices and MRPs for hospital items. A survey revealed markups of over 2,800 percent on certain medical consumables. This situation may revive discussions on trade margin rationalisation for medical devices. The medical device industry supports calls for fair pricing and ethical practices.

Various retailers across categories may increase prices or lower festive discounts, since they are, as it is, dealing in an inflationary environment and higher costs of logistics this festive season because of disruptions linked to the West Asia war earlier in the year, said Kumar Rajagopalan, chief executive, Retailers Association of India (RAI).

A 40-basis-point MDR on UPI transactions could create a large revenue pool. Issuing banks and UPI apps will receive substantial portions of this estimated revenue. Merchant-side payment apps and acquiring banks will also capture significant revenue shares. This levy aims to sustain UPI infrastructure and support its continued expansion. The charges remain well below card fees and exempt many smaller transactions.

Counterpoint Research data showed an almost identical drop in online contribution to smartphone sales. Researchers and industry executives attributed the reversal to weaker demand for entry-level products, fewer online discounts and wider availability of EMI financing at physical stores.

The Reserve Bank of India has clarified definitions for financial activity and core investment companies. This clarification follows the rejection of Tata Sons' application to surrender its registration. Companies must meet specific asset and income thresholds to be regulated by the central bank. Tata Sons, an unlisted holding company, now faces enhanced regulatory scrutiny. The central bank's decision effectively pushes Tata Sons towards a mandatory public listing.

The financial landscape for ONGC's petrochemical unit OPaL is alarming, as it faces considerable losses amid skyrocketing naphtha and gas prices. This situation starkly contrasts with ONGC's thriving oil exploration sector. To stabilize its finances, OPaL intends to divest from specific product lines and plans to import lower-cost ethane feedstock by the fiscal year 2029-30.

The new framework introduces a 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, capped at ?300 on transactions of Rs 75,000 and above, while consumers will not be charged. It takes effect from October 15. GST is paid by the service provider who typically recover the amount from whoever receives service.

Indian exporters anticipate a stronger festive season with significant order increases. Textile orders from the US for holidays have jumped considerably this year. Food exports to Europe and the GCC region are also experiencing robust demand. However, exporters face challenges from high freight costs and container shortages. Trade policies and import compliance requirements also present ongoing concerns for businesses.

The PNGRB has approved Gail India's transfer of six city gas distribution areas. This move paves the way for Gail Gas to proceed with its initial public offering. Gail Gas plans to raise 3,000 crore through this upcoming public offering. The subsidiary aims to list its shares by the end of the current financial year. Gail India will then dilute a minority stake in its wholly owned subsidiary.

The trend is accelerating across major tier-1 suppliers, including Suprajit Engineering, Highway Roop Precision Technologies, SPR Auto Technologies, and Tenneco, as OEMs prioritise supply chain flexibility over single-country dependence.

A Public Interest Litigation challenges the government's new UPI charges. These charges apply to merchant payments exceeding two thousand rupees. The petition argues these new fees will ultimately affect ordinary citizens. Businesses might pass these additional costs directly to consumers. The Supreme Court will now review this significant financial move.

The government is establishing a Central Processing Department within the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. This new unit will centralize the processing of all trade-related applications. Faceless trade facilitation aims for paperless and jurisdiction-free processing of applications. This initiative will enhance transparency and reduce processing times for businesses. The department will be located in the central licensing area in Delhi.

Who knew that fish heads and bones (and guts) have more use than being mere cat food? A group of researchers in Canada has found a technique that can extract eco-friendly, biodegradable plastic. Conventional manufacturing depends on petroleum-derived crude oil and hazardous phosgene while also producing isocyanates that may cause irritation to the skin and respiratory tract.

Delhi airport secured a strong position at 28th globally. This marks the highest ranking for an Indian airport in the report. Mumbai airport also showed significant connectivity in its category. IndiGo played a major role in flights at both airports. These airports serve as India's primary international gateways.

India has approved import quotas for 642 passenger vehicles from Britain. These imports will benefit from concessional tariffs under a new trade pact. Seven companies secured allocations for the remainder of this year's quota. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade had invited applications for vehicle imports. This move facilitates trade under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

Exporters will not need a registration certificate for shipments valued up to three lakh rupees. This change reduces compliance burdens for new and small businesses entering overseas markets. The government is also seeking a five-year extension for the RoDTEP export promotion scheme. Discussions are underway to ensure predictability and examine potential changes to the mission. A framework for Brand India and sectoral branding is currently being developed.

Key pulse and oilseed prices have risen sharply compared to last year. Scanty rains are affecting the current kharif crop and raising rabi season output concerns. Tur and chana prices have increased significantly, while soyabean and groundnut have seen larger jumps. Forecasts of El Nino are also impacting chana prices for the upcoming rabi season. Despite output worries, industry veterans state the supply situation remains stable.

The series is in line with NFRA's obligations to suggest measures to improve overall audit quality and promote awareness of the significance of accounting and auditing standards, auditors' responsibilities, audit quality and other such matters.

The recent invocation of JAAR, a GAAR-type tool in the armoury of the taxman, in a certain case has stunned many. Even though technically the tax department has the power to invoke JAAR, the recent move was entirely unforeseen following the CBDT assurance and subsequent change in the law to spare grandfathered shares from GAAR.

Niti Aayog recommends government support for junior exploration firms and increased private participation. Streamlining approvals and forest procedures will reduce project delays significantly. Harmonizing renewable energy rules and addressing GST for logistics are also advised. Promoting domestic production of specialized alloys and battery recycling is crucial. Strengthening trade competitiveness requires market diversification and integrated value chains.

The CBIC is simplifying its deferred customs duty scheme for manufacturers. Paperwork has been reduced from ten documents down to just three. Outreach programs will now handhold MSMEs to encourage scheme adoption. This initiative aims to ease cash flow and working capital for businesses. The scheme allows duty payments in monthly installments until March 2028.

Egyptian President el-Sisi and Indian Prime Minister Modi discussed the Mecca Pact. They also explored widening their strategic partnership during the BRICS summit. Egypt, a new BRICS member, has avoided joining the Mecca Pact. This decision reflects its strategy of neutrality and growing ties with India. Egypt maintains stability in North and Northeast Africa while engaging with neighbors.

The Wood Horse Receive Day highlights the idea that progress does not always require more effort. Sometimes, the shift comes after you have done everything within your control and leave room for circumstances or other people to play their part. What has seemed stuck may not need to be pushed any harder; it may simply be waiting for the final piece to fall into place.

Manoj Jarange Patil plans to arrive in Mumbai ahead of his protest for OBC reservation, challenging the government to intervene. He has issued a stern warning against any lathi charges directed at protestors, highlighting the potential for drastic reactions. Urging the Chief Minister to expedite the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates, Jarange Patil expressed his readiness to sacrifice everything for the cause of his community.

Scientists have discovered 84 unusual hypersoft X-ray sources across six galaxies using archival data from NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory. The objects produce unusually low-energy X-rays and may emit intense ultraviolet radiation, unlike previously observed X-ray sources. Researchers believe they could be linked to X-ray binary systems and may help investigate the origins of Type Ia supernovae as well as the unexplained ionisation of gas between stars.

In Uttarakhand, a thoughtful man spotted a delivery worker braving the rain without proper footwear. From his balcony, he called out and decided to lend a helping hand by giving away his new Adidas shoes. The delivery partner was visibly touched, pausing to appreciate the gesture before continuing on his route. This simple act of compassion has sparked a wave of admiration and praise across social media.

The government has reduced windfall taxes on petroleum exports. Levies on petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel have been lowered. This change follows the government's regular fortnightly review of export duties. The duty on petrol exports is now Rs. 0.5 per litre. Diesel and ATF exports will see duties of Rs. 20 and Rs. 15 per litre respectively.

A Finnish couple spent five years searching Google Maps for their dream private island before finding a five-acre property in Finlands archipelago. Aleksi Hautamki and Milla Selkimki bought the island, sold their Helsinki apartment and built a solar-powered, off-grid retreat called Project . The secluded island home, complete with a sauna, private beach and hot tub, was later offered to guests for up to $2,400 a night.

Quote of the day by Jack Nicholson from The Departed explores responsibility, courage, personal agency and success. The line is spoken by Frank Costello, Nicholsons character in Martin Scorseses 2006 film. Its meaning is linked to refusing passivity, taking responsibility and shaping ones surroundings, while also showing why ambition without limits can lead to harmful choices.

She gave up her job in 2015, closed her bank account, and has since been living for more than a decade without cash. In several interviews, Jo Nemeth, an Aussie woman in her 50s, revealed how she managed to live a meaningful life without harming the environment and having no savings.

A decades-old forest experiment in Victoria, Australia, was largely forgotten after funding cuts ended its main monitoring. When researchers returned about 30 years later, they found that different forestry methods had produced strikingly different results, including exceptionally large trees in heavily thinned areas and unexpected findings about carbon storage and wildlife habitat.

Based on its colour, carat weight,and clarity (CCC), and add one S-Shape ,the newly recovered 27.29-carat diamond is initially estimated to be valued at around Rs 1 crore. The final value will be determined through the prescribed evaluation and auction process, the company said.

Japanese firm Fujifilm will invest USD 83 million in a new manufacturing facility. This facility will produce essential semiconductor materials in two phases. Commercial production is anticipated to commence in fiscal year 2028. The company plans to support front-end process chemicals initially. Fujifilm seeks to align with India Semiconductor Mission's vision and policies.

The United States has designated India, China, and Pakistan as major drug producing or transit countries. This presidential determination covers twenty-three nations for fiscal year twenty twenty-seven. Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, and Colombia were separately identified for failing counternarcotics obligations. Inclusion on the list considers geographic and economic factors for drug production and transport. This designation does not necessarily reflect current government efforts or US cooperat

Ministers reviewed using ship recycling steel to boost domestic production. Key stakeholders examined regulations for secondary steel usage. Discussions focused on expanding recycled steel applications to new sectors. This aims to enhance value generation from ship recycling operations. The government promotes circular economy and sustainable global benchmarks.

Air India's consolidated loss widened to over Rs 22,000 crore in fiscal 2025-26. Total income declined while total expenses increased during the same financial period. Aircraft repair costs rose, but fuel expenses saw a decrease. Foreign exchange losses significantly increased, impacting the airline's financial performance. The company expects insurance to cover liabilities from the AI171 accident.

The Argentina federal judge in a landmark decision ruled that Giacomo Cerutis Portrait of a Lady will be restored to its true owners. The painting was stolen from a Jewish-owned art gallery in Amsterdam in 1945 and was missing since 80 years. The observers at the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagbladdiscovered the painting in a real estate listing in the seaside resort town of Mar del Plata.

Lee Cronins The Mummy is set to stream in India after its theatrical release earlier this year. The supernatural horror film follows a journalist whose daughter returns mysteriously eight years after disappearing in Egypt. Heres when and where to watch the film online, along with its cast, story and OTT details.