Economy / The Economic Times
A 12th-century Hoysala temple, submerged for decades by the KRS backwaters, has been meticulously relocated and restored. Originally from the village of Kannambadi, the Venugopalaswamy Temple was painstakingly rebuilt stone by stone by the Khoday Foundation. It now stands as a testament to heritage preservation, showcasing intricate carvings and a serene view of the backwaters.
India's gem and jewellery exports are recovering steadily. Exports grew 3.66% to over 14 billion dollars in the first half of the financial year. This growth happened despite global challenges. Demand is strong in markets like the UAE, Hong Kong, and the UK. The upcoming festive and wedding seasons are expected to boost exports further.
Chinese actor Yu Menglong's death from a fall is shrouded in controversy. Rumors suggest actor Fan Shiqi betrayed Yu for career advancement. A voice recording allegedly captures Fan abusing Yu, with a 99.57 percent voice match. A deleted Weibo post also surfaced, in which Fan allegedly confessed to killing Alan Yu.
From breezy sarees to glamorous lehengas, Bollywood stars are proving that yellow is the ultimate festive color. This sunshine shade radiates warmth, confidence, and joy, perfect for Diwali and other celebratory occasions. Lets take a closer look at six unforgettable yellow looks that are bound to inspire your festive wardrobe this season.
KEC International has landed a significant Rs 1,064 crore contract in Saudi Arabia for a 380 kV transmission line. This latest win, part of a strong Middle East performance, boosts the company's international transmission and distribution order book. With year-to-date orders exceeding Rs 15,000 crore, KEC International continues its global infrastructure expansion.
The Powerball lottery revealed its winning numbers for Monday, October 13, 2025, with the jackpot soaring to an impressive $258 million. Also, public attention has once again shifted to Edwin Castro, the billionaire known for securing the largest Powerball jackpot in history.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa in New Delhi. Modi announced free e-visas for Mongolian citizens. He highlighted India's role as a steadfast partner in Mongolia's development, citing the USD 1.7 billion oil refinery project. The leaders emphasized the spiritual and diplomatic bonds between the two nations, rooted in Buddhism.
The US can spare only 2050 Tomahawk cruise missiles for Ukraine, far too few to shift the wars dynamics. While supporting Ukraines long-range strike capabilities, logistical and operational challenges, alongside Russian dismissal of their impact, make any deployment a high-stakes gamble unlikely to change the frontline situation.
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) has partnered with NTT DATA Japan to enable UPI acceptance in the Japanese market. This collaboration will allow Indian tourists to make seamless QR code payments at merchant locations acquired by NTT DATA. The MoU aims to enhance the digital payment experience for Indian travelers in Japan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Google's first AI hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, hailing it as a significant step towards democratizing technology and enabling 'AI for All'. This multi-faceted investment, including gigawatt-scale data center infrastructure and a new international subsea gateway, aligns with India's vision for a developed nation and aims to boost the digital economy.
The BJP has unveiled its initial list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. These elections are scheduled to commence on November 6. The party will be contesting 101 out of the total 243 seats. This decision was finalized during a meeting of the Central Election Committee in Delhi. Prime Minister Modi and other senior leaders were present.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani announced a 16.5% return on assets for FY2024-25, positioning the conglomerate as a top global infrastructure performer. He highlighted disciplined growth and efficient capital use, projecting a significant capture of India's expanding electricity market and introducing a Two-Track Organisation model blending AI with human judgment for future transformation.
KBC Kid Controversy: A 10-year-old Kaun Banega Crorepati contestant's confident demeanor has gone viral. This has led to discussions about 'Six Pocket Syndrome', a concept suggesting excessive pampering by six adults. While some agree, others defend the child, calling for empathy. The debate highlights modern parenting and its impact on children's behavior in India.
Operation Sindoor showcased India's indigenous defense might, proving the effectiveness of its domestically developed weapons in real-time combat. This successful demonstration has attracted international interest, notably from France, in acquiring Indian long-range systems and counter-drone capabilities, bolstering India's ambition to become a significant defense exporter.
Mridul Anand, an IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta graduate, found a year-long career break insufficient for burnout. He learned that true healing comes from pausing within life, not escaping it. This involves shifting perspective and stopping old mental patterns. Anand discovered that meditation helped him befriend his mind, addressing burnout at its root and leading to broader life changes.
The National Democratic Alliance in Bihar has finalized its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (United) will contest 101 seats each. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest 29 seats, with Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha each contesting six seats.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd has secured a significant order from a European client for the design and construction of six LNG-powered feeder container vessels. Each vessel will have a capacity of approximately 1,700 TEUs. The order, valued at over Rs 2,000 crore, was formalized with a letter of intent signed on October 14, 2025.
Early 1980s star Deepak Parashar, once touted as a rival to Amitabh Bachchan, saw his mainstream career fade. He later appeared in Ramsay Brothers' B-grade horror films, a phase marked by loyalty and typecasting. Personal struggles, including a severe accident and a painful separation from his wife, further impacted his life and career.
Severe thunderstorm struck Apache Junction, Arizona on October 13 with two-inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts, causing significant damage to homes, vehicles and power infrastructure. Multiple communities including Mesa, Scottsdale and Fountain Hills affected. Popular tourist destinations like Lost Dutchman State Park and Saguaro Lake impacted by severe weather.
Radisson Hotel Group has expanded its presence in North India with the opening of two new hotels: Park Inn by Radisson Lucknow Vikas Nagar and Radisson Hotel Prayagraj. These additions reinforce RHG's commitment to growth in Uttar Pradesh, offering diverse hospitality experiences in both emerging and established destinations.
Google, Adani Enterprises, and Bharti Airtel are investing $15 billion over five years to build India's largest AI hub and data centre campus in Visakhapatnam. This initiative will feature gigawatt-scale data centres powered by clean energy, new subsea cable landings, and a robust fibre network, aiming to bring Google's AI capabilities closer to Indian businesses and developers.
Wall Street's main indexes ended with a sharp increase on Monday (October 14, 2025). Broadcom and other chipmakers led the gains. President Trump's comments eased trade worries with China. AI-related stocks performed exceptionally well. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq recorded significant increases. Last week on Friday, October 10, 2025, Wall Street tumbled with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting their steepest weekly declines in months.
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on a plea challenging Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act to October 15. His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, is seeking his immediate release and questioning the NSA's invocation. Wangchuk was detained on September 26 following violent protests in Ladakh.
The Supreme Court will hear AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's plea on October 28, seeking an extension for mandatory registration of all waqf properties on the UMEED portal. The six-month registration period is nearing its end, prompting the urgent request for more time. This follows a previous interim order that stayed some provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
AMC Theatres is honouring the late Diane Keaton with a special re-release of two of her most celebrated films. Annie Hall and Something's Gotta Give will be shown in 100 cinemas nationwide for one week starting this Friday. Keaton, who passed away on October 11, was a defining figure in cinema.
Two more Assamese expats, Abhimanyu Talukdar and Tanmoy Phukan, appeared before the Assam Police's CID on Tuesday, who are investigating the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg in Singapore. They were present on the yacht when Garg died while swimming on September 19. So far, seven Assamese NRIs have deposed, with four more yet to appear.
Delhi cardiologist Dr. Shailesh Singh debunks common health excuses, emphasizing that modern lifestyles differ vastly from past generations. He highlights that true health improvements come from consistent basics like daily walks and mindful eating, not from relying on outdated comparisons or believing metabolism is broken. Honest tracking and small, consistent adjustments are key to lasting health.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Operation Sindoor successfully devastated terrorist headquarters, training centers, and launchpads in Pakistan. He also announced the establishment of a new National Security Guard (NSG) hub in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, expanding the elite commando force's reach.
Indian ethnic wear brand Soch Apparels has launched in Malaysia with three new stores, marking a significant step in its international expansion. This move aims to make Indian fashion accessible globally, with plans for further growth in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, UK, and US.
Balaji Amines faces accusations from Indian authorities for producing pharma-grade propylene glycol without a necessary drug manufacturing license. This comes after some batches were found to be substandard. The company states it only manufactured technical and food-grade PG for non-pharma clients. Investigations are ongoing, and the company's stock has seen a decline.
India is rapidly emerging as a significant global player in branded residences, ranking sixth worldwide for live projects. Driven by a growing high-net-worth population and interest in international luxury brands, the sector is poised for substantial future growth, with key cities leading the charge.
India captain Shubman Gill embraces bold decisions to maximize player performance, drawing from his experience in the drawn England series and a clean sweep against the West Indies. He emphasized separating batting and captaincy roles, focusing on winning matches and grooming players for overseas success.
India's Russian oil imports dropped 8.4% between April and September due to narrower discounts and tighter supplies, with refiners shifting towards Middle Eastern and U.S. sources. This reduction is also influenced by U.S. pressure and trade negotiations, as India's overall oil imports saw a slight increase.
Tiger Shroff's action-packed 'Baaghi 4' is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video on October 17, 2025, following its theatrical release. The film, an unofficial remake of a Tamil thriller, features Shroff as a man battling trauma and a conspiracy. Directed by A. Harsha and marking Harnaaz Sandhu's Bollywood debut, it promises intense action and emotional drama.
India's Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana has added 4.9 GW of residential rooftop solar capacity, with over 57.9 lakh applications submitted. However, only 13.1% of the 1 crore installation target is met, and just 14.1% of subsidies released, posing challenges to the FY2027 goal. Low consumer awareness, finance access, and fragmented supply chains are identified as key barriers.
Indian Railways has issued a crucial advisory for Diwali and Chhath Puja travelers, urging them to avoid carrying flammable items like firecrackers, kerosene, and gas cylinders to prevent accidents. To manage the festive rush, holding areas have been established at major stations to ensure smoother boarding and passenger safety.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, will feature a record 48 teams. Cape Verde made history as the sixth African nation to qualify. With continental tournaments and playoffs underway, 43 nations will earn direct spots, while two more emerge from intercontinental playoffs. Europe leads with 16 berths.
In a recent social media post, Dr. Siddhant Bhargava explained a simple yet powerful 4-step routine to control recurring blood sugar spikes, the root cause behind long-term organ damage in diabetes.
Delhi's prominent malls, DLF Promenade, DLF Emporio, and Ambience Mall, reportedly faced a severe water shortage after a ban on private water tankers, leading to the closure of half their washrooms. While DLF denied disruptions, citing robust contingency measures, other city areas also experienced shortages due to suspended Ganga water supply.
Gen Z investors are reshaping India's real estate market, prioritizing lifestyle and flexibility alongside financial growth. They are embracing fractional ownership and seeking smart, sustainable, and wellness-oriented properties, influencing developers to adapt their offerings to meet these evolving preferences for long-term value.
Wrestling icon John Cena shared a powerful success secret. He emphasized consistent effort in dreams. Cena's journey from bodybuilding to WWE legend and Hollywood star proves this. He holds numerous championships and starred in films. Cena is preparing for his final WWE match on December 13. This marks the end of an era for the beloved performer.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) has received a strong response from developers for 5-star eco-tourism resorts on a PPP basis. Bids have been submitted for projects at Shaheed Dweep, Megapode Resort, Aves Island, and Long Island, with technical evaluations now underway.
The Supreme Court will begin hearing crucial issues on October 28 concerning seniority determination in the higher judiciary. A five-judge bench will also address career stagnation faced by lower judicial officers, including potential referral to a larger bench. Nodal counsels have been appointed, with written submissions due by October 27.
Embassy Developments promoters have infused 1,160 crore through warrant subscriptions. This strengthens the company's financial position. Funds will aid ongoing projects and future growth in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Embassy Group is now the promoter with a 41.4% stake following a merger. The company was renamed Embassy Developments Limited.