The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Margarita M. Balmaceda examines the hidden dynamics of energy dependency between Russia and other nations. The discussion highlights Russia's role as a 'Trojan horse' in energy politics. Recent diesel deals between the US and Russia may have limited short-term benefits for American consumers. Additionally, the implications of these deals could adversely impact Ukraine's situation. This situation reflects a troubling double standard in international energy relations.
US Home Loan rate: The recent string of mortgage rate increases snapped as the 10-year Treasury yield pulled back from its highest level since 2002.
A puppy, seriously hurt in a road accident, found a second chance thanks to the compassionate Blinkit delivery partners. After being nursed back to health, the puppy now enjoys life in their local warehouse, frequently joining in on delivery runs. This heartwarming tale was shared by a professional on LinkedIn, capturing the attention of many social media users who praised the generosity of the delivery team.
Canada is actively working to enhance its relationship with India through a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. In a significant move, Canadian ministers visited India to discuss various collaboration opportunities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for sustained bilateral engagement to achieve tangible outcomes. A large trade delegation from Canada is also in India to bolster economic ties. These developments reflect Canada's strategic shift to diversify its trade part
Manchester City showcased a celebratory pre-match fireworks display before facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The first half saw PSG dominate, taking a commanding lead with three goals. City managed a spirited second-half comeback, scoring two goals but ultimately fell 4-2. Former City manager Pep Guardiola witnessed the match from the stands as the team faced serious challenges.
India's manufacturing sector is expanding, which is leading to investment opportunities in various industries and defence. Trifecta Capital's co-founder highlighted the rise of trusted economies, with India being a key player. Companies are restructuring supply chains and leveraging technology to facilitate growth opportunities. Robotics developments in India are also helping to overcome data scarcity challenges in research. Overall, this trend signifies India's growing role in the global manufa
The government has announced a reduction in duty drawback rates for gold and silver jewellery exports. The rates for gold jewellery have decreased by 3.1% while silver jewellery rates have been cut by about 9%. Earlier in July, the government had nearly doubled these rates to enhance exporter competitiveness. The latest adjustments reflect ongoing fluctuations in global input costs and market conditions.
When a devastating fire tore through Paris 860-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral in April 2019, Salma Hayeks billionaire husband Franois-Henri Pinault pledged $113 million to help rebuild the historic landmark. The blaze destroyed its iconic spire and left the world wondering what would become of the monument. More than five years later, Notre-Dame reopened to visitors in a remarkable comeback.
Gaurav Banerjee emphasized the need for India to create an AI-enabled creative stack during the CII Big Picture Summit. He suggested that collaboration among educators and technology companies is essential for developing future entertainment talent. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of evolving measurement and monetization systems as audiences shift between platforms. Banerjee also expressed the need for a more strategic approach to discovering and nurturing creative talent.
Nandan Nilekani emphasizes the importance of expanding the Account Aggregator framework to include self-employed individuals. He highlights the need for access to formal credit for gig workers and street vendors. By incorporating diverse financial information sources, the framework could better assess creditworthiness. Nilekani also stresses a sustainable business model for Account Aggregators to ensure sustainability. This expansion aims to create a more inclusive digital financial infrastructu
Mahindra & Mahindra reported strong demand for its electric vehicles, which may reach 10,000 to 11,000 units monthly. Current production capacity for electric SUVs is around 8,000 units, which is expected to increase to 12,000 this financial year. The rise in petrol and diesel prices, along with improved charging infrastructure, is encouraging more customers to opt for electric vehicles.
Sonakshi Sinhas childhood home Ramayana is not just palatial; it also has history. The now 10-storey house was once a simple bungalow bought by her father, actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha in the early 70s. Today, it is a palatial building with 10 storeys, and each family member has one floor dedicated to them.
The University of Liverpool inaugurated its first South India campus in Bengaluru on Thursday. This campus will allow local students to pursue international degrees without leaving Karnataka. Industries Minister MB Patil highlighted the importance of collaboration with local colleges and industries. Areas of joint research include artificial intelligence and clean energy, among others. More foreign universities are expected to establish campuses in the state, enhancing education and research opp
An Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur after a hijack alert. The alert was later confirmed to be false after security checks. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated the need for a thorough investigation. He emphasized that changes to security norms would depend on the investigation's findings. DGCA is currently conducting the inquiry into the incident involving flight AI2030.
New York City has announced plans to abolish the horse-drawn carriage industry by June 1, 2028. Ongoing criticisms from animal rights activists regarding the welfare of these horses have escalated following the death of a tourist. Although current regulations are in place to protect the horses' well-being, this decision highlights an increasing acknowledgement of animal rights and safety concerns in urban environments.
South Indian Bank is developing a proprietary tech platform to launch its credit card business next fiscal year. The bank aims to increase the share of retail, agriculture, and MSME loans to 65% from 61% in three years. A significant focus will be placed on growing income from RAM loans rather than lower-yielding corporate loans.
Indian women's batter Punam Raut announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket on Thursday.
Dutch carmaker Stellantis plans to invest 4,000 crore in India over the next three years. This investment aims to introduce seven new and five upgraded models under the Jeep and Citron brands. Stellantis seeks to triple its market share by 2030 while enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and localisation. Additionally, the company intends to expand its retail presence and strengthen brand awareness through various marketing initiatives.
The Indian automobile industry is currently grappling with rising input and freight costs due to geopolitical uncertainties. Prices of key commodities like HR steel and aluminum have surged significantly over the past year. Major car manufacturers have already implemented multiple price hikes and are considering more after the festive season. Despite these challenges, overall auto sales have recorded strong growth in the first half of this fiscal year.
India's current account deficit narrowed to $5.2 billion in August, compared to $6.1 billion a year earlier. The capital account surplus increased substantially to $50.6 billion, influenced by non-resident deposits of $83 billion. The balance of payments showed a surplus of $45.4 billion, contrasting with a deficit of $5.6 billion in the previous year. External commercial borrowing saw a net outflow of $22.4 billion during this time.
A postal clerk and a librarian in New York built a collection of more than 4,000 artworks despite living their life on a modest income. They bought works by artists who were yet to gain wider recognition, filled their tiny apartment with paintings and sculptures, and eventually donated their collection worth millions to the National Gallery of Art. Their story reveals why they chose to share their prized possessions with the public rather than sell them for a fortune.
RIYADH, - The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen said on Thursday that the country's Houthis had attempted to attack dozens of Saudi airports, ports and oil facilities, as fighting between the Iran-aligned group and Saudi Arabia intensified.The Houthis have been firing ballistic missiles and drones at key Saudi sites for a week, in response to the kingdom's backing of government forces in Yemen's renewed civil war. The coalition's latest statement highlighted the risk to Saudi civilian infras
Reserve Bank of India recently clarified the applicability of foreign exchange risk reserve for banks. The requirement does not apply to banks engaging in market-making or proprietary trading. It will also not affect interest on External Commercial Borrowings or dividends payable to non-resident investors. The FERR must be maintained until one day after the derivative contract's termination.
The government is considering a fuel price hike in November as a strategic move before state elections. Inflation is projected to rise significantly due to the proposed price increases, potentially reaching 6.2% later this year. The Reserve Bank of India has forecasted lower inflation, but external pressures may challenge currency stability. Economists suggest a rate hike may be necessary in response to price increases.
TIPS Music revenue from operations reached 120.1 crore, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 35 percent. Operating EBITDA stood at 84.6 crore, marking a 25 percent growth compared to the same period last year. The company released 73 new songs this quarter, enhancing its content portfolio substantially.
Myntra Designs recorded a revenue of Rs 5,242.5 crore from operations in FY26, even as logistics revenues declined. The advertising sector flourished, generating Rs 1,236.4 crore, thereby positively impacting operational income.
Tom Cruise takes on an unexpected role in Digger, an apocalyptic satire directed by Alejandro G. Irritu. Playing a powerful energy tycoon facing the consequences of a climate catastrophe, Cruise moves away from the action-heavy roles audiences associate with Mission: Impossible and Top Gun. After its theatrical release on October 2, 2026, the film's box-office performance has raised questions about its next release window.
AI can perform tasks efficiently in controlled environments, but real business operations often present unforeseen challenges. Poor data quality and fragmented systems can undermine the effectiveness of AI tools in daily activities. Businesses may need to evaluate which tasks are suitable for automation while ensuring human oversight for complex issues.
Rather than showcasing luxury, John Abraham's 4,000-square-foot Villa In The Sky captivates with its elegant architectural contours and spacious interiors. The subtle yet refined decor suggests a character that prefers functionality, privacy, and tranquillity instead of ostentatious extravagance.
India's balance of payments showed a surplus of $45.4 billion in August, despite a current account deficit. Net transfers, which include remittances, increased to $12.8 billion compared to the previous year. The capital account saw inflows of $50.6 billion, significantly higher than last year's $0.5 billion. Central bank measures to attract capital inflows have resulted in substantial foreign-exchange deposits.
The United States can access up to $100 billion in loans for developing its critical minerals industry. Despite this financial resource, it struggles to compete with Chinas established dominance in rare earth processing and supply chains. Creating processing facilities and refining capacity requires long-term investments and strategic planning, which many private investors find unattractive.
India's edible oil imports fell by 7 percent in September, totaling 15.44 lakh tonnes. The decline was attributed to a sharp decrease in crude sunflower oil shipments, which dropped significantly. However, total edible oil imports increased by 3 percent for the first eleven months of the oil year. Refined oil imports saw a notable decline, while crude edible oil imports rose substantially during the same period.
Christine Lagarde is likely to be appointed as the chair of the World Economic Forum next month. This change would require her to step down from her position as European Central Bank chief. Following Lagarde's exit, there will be a reshuffle within the ECB due to upcoming political changes in France. The WEF board is scheduled to meet on November 2 to discuss her potential role.
India's data-centre capacity may increase to 24-26 GW, which is substantially higher than the current capacity. However, this growth will still represent a limited portion of overall electricity demand. The Central Electricity Authority has accounted for this expected rise in future power projections. Alongside, the renewable energy capacity is aimed to reach approximately 800 GW by 2035-36.
FASTag-based parking payments at Indira Gandhi International Airport were temporarily halted after misuse was identified. Authorities found that the parking operator misused the smart tag for vehicle entry control instead of fee collection. Concerns were raised by former NITI Aayog Vice-Chairperson Rajiv Kumar, highlighting passenger inconvenience. The Indian Highway Management Company Limited mandated that such restrictive practices must be discontinued immediately.
U.S. unemployment benefits applications slightly increased, with initial claims rising to 199,000 for the past week. Despite the increase, layoffs remain historically low, indicating job security for many workers. Hiring nonetheless showed sluggish trends, as evidenced by a disappointing 29,000 jobs added in September. While the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%, general confidence in the economy persists among employers.
The Election Commission of India recently announced a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 17 states. This revision will implement Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, with January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date. The move comes amid legal challenges and widespread protests from opposition leaders regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process.
Punjab recorded 174 stubble-burning incidents between September 15 and October 13, 2026, up from 134 during the same period last year. Satellite monitoring detected 51 farm fire events on October 13 alone, with Amritsar and Tarn Taran accounting for most of the days cases. The rise comes as paddy harvesting accelerates, raising concerns over seasonal air pollution and Delhis winter air quality.
Jimmy Carter, the longtime Nashville entertainment reporter who interviewed stars such as Dolly Parton and Clint Eastwood, died on October 13 at the age of 73. Reports estimate his net worth at between $500,000 and $1.5 million, although his exact wealth has not been publicly confirmed. Here is a look at his earnings, career and legacy in entertainment journalism.
Sachin Pilot asserted confidence in the Congress forming the next Punjab government, emphasizing the party's united front led by Pargat Singh. He highlighted the lack of a chief ministerial face while affirming that the party would decide leadership after elections, noting strong competition from AAP and the weakened position of SAD and BJP.
Shreyas Iyer, currently the captain of Indian national T20 cricket team. His Mumbai home is located on the 48th floor in Lower Parel area. Reportedly the house costs approximately 12 crores. His luxurious home features a dedicated gym, gaming room and a seperate sneaker room.
The rupee concluded the day on Thursday with a gain of 10 paise, reaching 95.05 against the dollar. This strengthening occurred as forward premiums climbed to levels not seen in more than four years, creating a climate of uncertainty. The Reserve Bank of India took actions that impacted substantial forex derivatives, elevating hedging expenses.
Krisumi Corporation will invest Rs 1,300 crore in developing The Forest Reserve in Gurugram. The project will include Phases 5 and 6 of KrisumiCity, comprising 542 luxury residences. Designed by Nikken Sekkei, the development spans approximately 1.67 million sq. ft. and prices start from Rs 4.9 crore. Strategically located along Dwarka Expressway, the project offers easy connectivity to key areas of Gurugram and Delhi.
Iran's army reported a fire on an oil tanker in the eastern Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was allegedly disabled its tracking systems before entering a restricted area. The situation arose in the Gulf of Oman, where such incidents can escalate tensions. Authorities have characterized the tanker as a rogue vessel.
Jackie, a well-known bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, passed away due to bird flu. A necropsy revealed that bird flu caused severe complications and other overlapping health issues. While rodenticides were found, they were not the primary cause of her decline. Jackies remains were cremated to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Meanwhile, her longtime partner Shadow remains healthy and was recently seen with a new female.
The UK government has declared a severe drought in southern England, impacting many counties. Extreme weather and a record-breaking summer have caused water shortages across the region. Reservoir levels have dropped significantly, which is concerning for local communities. Farmers and fire services are facing increased challenges due to the dry conditions. Monitoring and consumption restrictions are being implemented as the drought persists into autumn.
Recent surveys reveal a troubling trend: Gen Z's mental health is deteriorating, with many grappling with depression. A mere 44% of young adults perceive themselves as thriving, a stark drop since 2010. Factors like economic strain and social media pressures intensify feelings of dissatisfaction. Moreover, this demographic struggles more than their older counterparts in achieving financial independence and personal aspirations, who are experiencing a boost in life satisfaction.
India and Canada will conduct the next round of negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in early November. The fifth round of negotiations was recently completed on October 9 in Canada. Discussions between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Canadian counterpart Maninder Sidhu highlighted the need to advance these negotiations. Both countries hope to conclude the talks by the end of this year.

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