The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Actor Michael Douglas recently made a shocking claim in his memoir - he was once romantically involved with one of his co-stars, Kathleen Turner, despite being married. He admitted denying the affair once, out of respect for his then-wife, Diandra Lurker, but the two were once deeply in love.
Jason Sanjays directorial debut Sigma, starring Sundeep Kishan, released in Tamil and Telugu on October 2. The heist action drama has received mixed responses. Reports suggest giant OTT platform has acquired its digital rights, with a possible digital release in late October or early November. Read on!
The FBI has issued a classified report examining its past failures to ensure future accountability and trust. Director Kash Patel emphasizes confronting the agency's shortcomings rather than rewriting history, despite criticism. The report aims to reflect on past mistakes without protecting them, promoting organizational accountability. Previous investigations and actions taken against agents involved with Trump have sparked controversy regarding the agency's integrity.
Kathleen Turner has responded to recent comments by Michael Douglas regarding their on-set affair in the 1980s. In his memoir, Douglas reveals his attraction to Turner during the filming of 'Romancing the Stone,' which coincided with a challenging period in his first marriage and its eventual collapse. Turner found it amusing that such a longstanding story is generating buzz, as their undeniable on-screen chemistry fueled the speculation around their relationship.
Jason Sanjay's much-anticipated film Sigma finally hit theaters on October 2, following multiple delays, marking its debut in both Tamil and Telugu. The action-comedy starring Sundeep Kishan opened on a slow note in India on its opening day. While critics and audiences expressed mixed feelings about the film. Read on!
Drishyam 3: The Conclusion was released in cinemas on October 2, 2026, during Gandhi Jayanti. It collected Rs 66.75 crore net in India on its opening day. The film outperformed early box office expectations and also recorded the second-biggest opening by a Hindi film in 2026. Read on!
A group of lenders, spearheaded by the State Bank of India, has revealed that Vijay Mallya still owes an astonishing Rs 8,752 crore. This figure remains despite having recovered over Rs 10,270 crore, including recent payments. Mallya's claims of settling his debts with banks are in question. Court proceedings continue regarding the recovery of dues and criminal charges, with the Enforcement Directorate asserting that even recovered funds don't dismiss ongoing criminal cases.
Matthew McConaugheys portrayal of Detective Rust Cohle in True Detective produced one of the shows most memorable philosophical moments. His characters bleak thoughts on human consciousness, self-awareness and existence have continued to resonate with audiences years after the series premiered. But the thinking behind those words becomes more interesting when viewed alongside Cohles troubled past and the philosophical ideas that shaped his worldview.
As crude oil prices rose, India paid more for this critical import even though it got less of it, data shows. Trade with major partners in the region remains affected, households and companies are staring at high inflation, and the govt is footing an elevated subsidy bill.
The UNDP analysis - which looked at data from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the International Energy Agency - found the number of countries deploying different relief measures nearly doubled between April and September as the war's impact continued.
Larsen & Toubro is in talks with Japans Itochu Corporation for equity participation in its wholly owned clean energy arm, alongside a green ammonia offtake partnership. L&T is developing a 300,000-tonne-a-year project at Kandla, Gujarat, which it sees as a strategic export hub for green hydrogen derivatives.
Kotak Mahindra Bank's insolvency petition against Unity Realty and Developers has been admitted by the NCLT. The petition was filed due to a claimed default of 68.49 crore, which dates back to September 2023. Unity Realty is a corporate guarantor for financial facilities availed by Unity Infraprojects, which faced financial difficulties leading to the current situation.
The Cockroach Janta Partys Abhijeet Dipke has announced a protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign.
The government is considering tighter compliance rules for bonded warehouses, including a 24-hour deadline to electronically report shortages or discrepancies and mandatory digital records tracking goods from receipt to clearance, transfer or export. The proposed framework also envisages five-year record retention, monthly reporting and insurance against potential customs duty liabilities.
The government has extended the RoDTEP scheme for exporters until December 31, 2026, while raising insurance risk coverage to 95% for eligible shipments to specified regions amid geopolitical and logistics disruptions in West Asia. Existing RoDTEP rates and value caps will remain unchanged under the extension, the commerce ministry said.
Elon Musk and Shivon Zilis breakup was announced by the latter on October 2, 2026, after almost five years of marriage. She reported that the split was sudden, despite Musk sending her texts of love a week before the separation. The couple has four children, and Zilis hopes they will continue to co-parent and be each others friends while saying she feels devastated.
JKC Sports intends to invest 100 to 150 crore in sports infrastructure and technology over four years. The venture has already invested a similar amount in its initial phase over the last four years. It owns various sports franchises and is involved in developing new sporting IP. JKC Sports evaluates opportunities in multiple disciplines including cricket, bridge, and wrestling.
Indias crude oil imports rose to a 2026-high of 5.26 million barrels per day in September as Gulf supplies surged, with Iraq becoming the countrys second-largest supplier after Russia. Increased flows through the Strait of Hormuz have offered Indian refiners more access to Middle Eastern crude amid pressure to diversify from Russian oil.
The piece explores Bengalis deep cultural relationship with mishti (sweets) through a personal anecdote about a cook whose blood sugar reached 575 after regularly eating sweets at home.
The government is considering extending the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme until 2030-31 with an estimated Rs 15,000 crore outlay, while easing access for vulnerable, rural and first-time entrepreneurs. Proposed changes include less documentation and no collateral requirements, as the scheme has sanctioned Rs 91,000 crore in loans so far.
India's retail landscape is shifting towards tier-2 cities, which have added significantly more Grade A shopping spaces since 2020. High rents and intense competition in tier-1 cities have made expansion increasingly difficult for retailers. The organised retail base in tier-2 cities remains smaller, providing more opportunities for new stores. Consumer behavior is evolving, with a growing number of international brands establishing shops in these markets.
G7 nations have agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil over four months to ease soaring fuel prices, with a substantial amount of diesel to be released within the first 20 days. The International Energy Agency will coordinate the releases.
Hindalco Industries has scrapped its $125 million acquisition of US-based speciality alumina maker AluChem Companies after prolonged delays in closing the deal.
Indias foreign exchange reserves fell $18.34 billion to $747.56 billion in the week ended September 25, marking the third consecutive weekly decline. The reserves have dropped $38.15 billion in three weeks from their record high of $785.71 billion on September 4.
Pragat Singh has been appointed as the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He succeeds Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned amidst internal party dissent. Singh is recognized as a former captain of the Indian hockey team and has political connections. His leadership style and ability to unite the party are under scrutiny by Congress members. Warring acknowledged the support of Rahul Gandhi during his time in leadership roles.
Billionaire John Paul DeJoria's sprawling Texas estate was once home to around 120 exotic animals, including gazelles, wildebeest and antelopes. But the billionaire entrepreneur's connection to animals goes beyond his unusual property, with his family foundation supporting animal protection and conservation since 2011, along with philanthropic support for rescue organisations.
Linking the flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the pilot and attempting to crash the Tel Aviv-bound flight to Omans establishment or Royal Family is completely uncalled for and called for a thorough probe into his background, diplomatic sources told ET.
NASA has selected 24 organizations to partake in a new Science Activation portfolio aimed at public engagement. This initiative will provide hands-on opportunities in scientific research across various fields, such as astronomy and Earth sciences. Communities nationwide, particularly underserved groups, will gain access to authentic NASA experiences. Participants can analyze data, conduct experiments, and observe astronomical events through robotic telescopes.
Before the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, voters are encouraged to check their registration status for accuracy. They should visit Vote.gov and follow the provided links to their state election website. Verification is essential, particularly after moving or changing their name, as rules may differ by state.
Shivon Zilis and Elon Musk recently ended their romantic relationship after having welcomed four children together. Their twins, Strider and Azure, were born in 2021, followed by a daughter and a son. Zilis expressed her sadness while emphasizing the deep connection they shared during their relationship. She described their home as a safe space for Musk amid his challenging career.
After relocating to Panna, Guddi Devi and Rajkumar Shrivas decided to lease a mining pit. They discovered four diamonds during their six-month digging effort, including two high-quality stones. The diamonds, weighing a total of 5.16 carats, are valued at approximately 12 lakh. These diamonds will be sold through a government auction, with royalties and taxes deducted from the proceeds.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Nike executives in Milwaukee during the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting. He encouraged them to enhance investments in India's growth story and local sourcing initiatives. Goyal emphasized the importance of deepening Nike's presence in the Indian market and expanding manufacturing opportunities. The discussions also focused on improving the broader sports ecosystem in India.
Deepinder Goyal has announced six color options for Temple, his upcoming health wearable device. Pre-orders for Temple are expected to start soon for users on the waitlist. The wearable focuses on tracking brain health metrics and is designed to be compact and powerful. Goyal is collaborating with a team of researchers to validate Temple's BrainFlow technology for continuous brain blood flow measurement.
Sooris Mandaadi is heading towards its digital release after completing its theatrical run, bringing its traditional boat-racing backdrop and intense rivalry to audiences beyond cinemas. The Tamil sports action drama stars Soori alongside Suhas and Mahima Nambiar, with Suhas making his Tamil film debut in a role with negative shades. Directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi, the film combines sporting competition, action and a conflict between two rival characters whose relationship takes a dramatic t
BTS and Stray Kids have opted not to submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, a decision intertwined with the newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. BTS voiced their discontent, emphasising the importance of music appreciation beyond geographical or linguistic boundaries. Stray Kids echoed this sentiment, choosing not to participate in the Grammy process.
It is completely natural to spend our life regretting our past decisions, ruminating on our failures. In an old interview, author Stephen Levine explained that instead of being obsessed with such thoughts, which only added to our grief, we should learn to live with it, accept we cannot alter the past and learn from the experience.
Shah Rukh Khan's 10 Golden Rules To Be Successful: Turn Dreams Into Reality
A report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies reveals a dramatic surge in violence-related deaths in Pakistan. Compared to previous quarters, fatalities soared by 83 percent in the third quarter of 2026, primarily affecting Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bulk of these deaths were attributed to criminal elements, underlining a deepening crisis in internal security across the nation.
China recently opened its first overseas air force base in Laos to enhance military training and influence. The base will train Laotian air force pilots and potentially house Chinese military assets. This move reflects China's ambition to expand its military presence beyond its borders. The facility could serve as a training ground for Chinese personnel and equipment. Regional partners, especially the US, are monitoring the developments closely for potential implications.
Pargat Singh has been appointed as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He replaces Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned earlier that day. Warring acknowledged his tenure and shared his views with Rahul Gandhi regarding the state organisation. The leadership change comes as Congress prepares for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Working presidents and committee chairpersons in Punjab will maintain their roles during this transition.
At 69, Anil Kapoor exemplifies dedication to fitness by resuming his running routine after a four-year break. He emphasizes that his approach has shifted from a focus on speed to one of perseverance. His well-rounded regimen includes strength training, cycling, and cardio, complemented by a diet that fuels his strength and endurance. Kapoor demonstrates that evolving one's fitness is essential for lifelong health.

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