The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Essar Group, through its subsidiary Mesabi Metallics, plans to invest USD 18 billion for a steel plant in Iowa. The facility aims to produce 10 million tonnes of steel annually and will utilize iron ore from Minnesota. It is expected to create 6,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent employment opportunities. The investment is part of a broader focus on enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
Donald Trumps approval rating has reached 37%, marking the lowest level for an incumbent president ahead of midterms. Concerns about the economy are prominent, as 65% of voters perceive it to be weak. Additionally, 60% of respondents believe Trumps policies have exacerbated economic issues. Historical comparisons with George W. Bush's ratings have been made, highlighting voter sentiment. The poll reflects the current public opinion as the midterm elections approach.
While a school can help us learn how to read and the basics of maths, it cannot give us a holistic education. Years ago, eminent philosopher George Santayana explained that learning is a lifelong process and children should be encouraged to learn not just from textbooks but also from observing nature and relationships they form.
Japan's content industry seeks to increase its presence in India through licensing, merchandising, and localization of animation properties. The Doraemon franchise, with over 20 years in India, is now being adapted for theatrical release. The anime market in India is also growing, with streaming platforms expanding their anime offerings significantly. Research shows a high penetration of anime viewership among Indian audiences, indicating potential for commercial growth.
Agatha Christies quote of the day, Love can be a very frightening thing. That is why most great love stories are tragedies, looks at love from a deeply human perspective, focusing not only on happiness but also on the fear and vulnerability that come with caring deeply for someone. Spoken by Hercule Poirot in Christies 1937 mystery novel Death on the Nile, the line suggests that the greater the emotional importance of love, the greater the pain that can follow when it is threatened or lost.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked states to prepare rabi crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with water-stressed areas prioritising less water-intensive crops. He also called for higher cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to reduce Indias import dependence, while flagging drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Prices of key pulses including chana, moong, tur and matar have risen sharply over the past month, with wholesale rates increasing up to 11%, according to IPGA data. Industry executives attributed the surge to growing concerns over crop deficits, moisture stress, lower Australian supplies and stronger festive demand.
The Kerala High Court ruled that government intervention is permissible for prohibitively priced patented medicines. The court directed the Centre to gather data on the affordability of specific life-saving drugs. This ruling addresses access issues for two breast cancer medications, abemaciclib and ribociclib. The decision empowers the government to consider invoking Section 100 of the Patents Act for affordable access.
Trade between India and the UAE settled in local currencies has reached double digits, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Monday. Bilateral trade is also nearing pre-war levels and is expected to recover in coming months. Goyal said businesses are increasingly recognising the benefits of rupee-dirham settlements amid geopolitical disruptions.
Indias oil refiners are paying significantly more for physical crude than the futures prices making headlines, as constrained Gulf supplies keep the physical market tight. Brent spot prices averaged about $12 a barrel above November futures between September 1 and 22, with the gap widening to as much as $22. Refiners actual costs are driven by physical-market benchmarks, grade differentials and contract terms rather than headline futures prices alone.
Food companies in India are expected to transition to front-of-pack nutrition labeling over the next year. The FSSAI proposed a system including red hexagonal warnings for unhealthy ingredients like sugar and fat. Milind Deora emphasized the importance of immediate nutritional disclosure to inform consumers effectively. Enforcement actions against misleading labels have been supported by Deora as a necessary measure for accountability.
Mumbai and Surats gems and jewellery exporters are stepping up production and rushing shipments to the US ahead of a potential new tariff deadline in October. Units in Mumbais SEEPZ and Surats diamond-cutting hub have extended working hours to clear Christmas and holiday-season orders before October 16, amid uncertainty over possible duties under the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
After experiencing losses and accruing debt of Rs 18 lakh, Delhi Se, a small Chembur chole bhature store, was on the verge of closing. After comedian Abhishek Upmanyu popularised it on Instagram, its fortunes turned around. The faltering restaurant was transformed when Anushka Sharma bought their chole bhature for Virat Kohli as a result of the tip.
Mumbai Polices Economic Offences Wing is probing allegations by Suraksha Realty director Vijaykumar Mohanlal Parekh against fellow promoter Sudhir Walia over alleged cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy in the acquisition of Jaiprakash Infratech. Parekh alleged his groups consent was bypassed and his brothers digital signature was used without authorisation.
Red Bull has approached the Delhi High Court to dispute FSSAI's ban on energy drink labeling. The company argues that due process was not followed in the ban's implementation. Reliance has introduced Campa Xtra without the term 'energy' amid the new regulations. Industry executives express concerns about the impact on major energy drink brands in India. The energy drink market is significant, valued at approximately 9,500 crore in recent years.
Reliance Jio added the most mobile subscribers in India in August at 2.40 million, followed by Bharti Airtel with 2.11 million, Trai data showed. Vodafone Idea added 506,139 users, extending its subscriber growth streak since February. Indias wireless subscriber base rose 5.51 million to 1.293 billion during August.
Air India's new CEO Tewolde Gebremariam highlights the importance of financial performance and cost management for the airline. He aims to improve revenue per available seat kilometre and explore opportunities across the network. Employees are encouraged to manage costs at their levels to ensure discipline throughout the organization. Gebremariam also stresses operational reliability and customer confidence through improved punctuality and baggage handling.
India and 17 other countries, including the US, UK and China, have reserved third-party rights in Russias WTO dispute against the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The WTO Dispute Settlement Body has agreed to establish a panel to examine Russias claims that CBAM creates trade barriers and violates WTO rules.
Tata Electronics significantly increased capital investments and debt financing for Apple iPhone manufacturing and semiconductor initiatives. The company provided 61,280 crore in guarantees and 1,017 crore in loans to subsidiaries. Equity investments surged to 3,727 crore largely due to semiconductor business expansion. Despite a revenue increase, net losses widened significantly to 1,611 crore for the fiscal year.
In September 2023, Rapido debuted its women-focused driver services aiming for expansion by 2025-2026. Mumbai-based content creator Ruchika Rajput praised her experience riding with a female captain, highlighting the sense of safety and smooth travel. She hopes her story motivates more women to enter the workforce. Delhi resident Smriti Sahu echoed these sentiments after her own ride with a female driver, affirming the positive feedback surrounding Rapido's initiative.
The Competition Commission of India has cleared MetLife International Holdings acquisition of an additional 0.5% stake in PNB MetLife India Insurance through the green channel route. The transaction involves 10,247,348 shares acquired from Jammu & Kashmir Bank, taking MetLife Internationals holding from about 49.73% to 50.23% without changing joint control.
A Princeton study found that people can form impressions of a strangers trustworthiness, competence, attractiveness and other traits after seeing a face for just 100 milliseconds. Interestingly, looking at the same face for longer did not significantly change how closely those judgments matched those made without a time limit, although it often increased confidence. Later research found that trustworthiness impressions can emerge even faster.
Insurers like Life Insurance Corp and SBI Life need to improve cost efficiencies under new regulatory guidelines. The proposals suggest lowering the expense of management limit from around 16% to 12.5% within five years. While larger insurers are compliant, they must reduce their efficiencies further. Smaller players might gain market share if they enhance their operations as well. The overall goal is to increase efficiency and value for policyholders.
India's plans for seaplane connectivity in Lakshadweep encountered challenges after permissions were withdrawn unexpectedly. Skyhop, the seaplane operator, had made significant investments in preparation for the launch. Initial approvals were reversed, citing a lack of infrastructure to accommodate seaplanes. This situation highlights ongoing difficulties faced by operators in establishing services on remote routes. The incident reflects broader regulatory and infrastructural issues affecting In
New lower vehicle fuel economy standards are being set by the Trump administration. The move will reduce the technology costs of the automakers and help them sell gas-powered vehicles. The new vehicles' cost will decrease but the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions will increase for decades.
Recent rainfall in India has led to a notable drop in peak power demand, decreasing from 224.7 GW to 218.8 GW before reaching 236.34 GW again. This decline has alleviated some strain on the energy grid. However, an alarming shortage of coal persists, with only eight to nine days' worth of fuel remaining in many plants. Currently, 80 out of 190 coal-based plants are under critical fuel stress.
In the first four months of the fiscal year 2026-27, net collections in small savings schemes have surged by an impressive 56% compared to last year, providing a significant boost towards meeting budgetary goals. The appealing savings rates continue to encourage government-backed savings, demonstrating that investor confidence in consistent returns remains strong, even with rising retail participation in the equity markets.
Trai has tightened rules against spam calls, mandating telecom operators to act on callers flagged as suspected spammers by AI-based systems even without consumer complaints. Under the new rules, first-time violations can lead to a 15-day outgoing service ban, while repeat offenders may face disconnection of all telecom resources for a year and blacklisting. The rules also introduce changes to spam-call blocking preferences and A2P call charges.
Alan Watts' quote remind individuals about the significance of experiencing the present moment. Many people suffer from anxiety and burnout due to the pressure of achieving future goals. He argues that true fulfillment comes from appreciating life as it occurs and not as a means to an end. Individuals are encouraged to redefine success beyond external achievements and to embrace simple existence.
Coyote vs. Acme is finally moving beyond its theatrical run after a long and unexpected journey to the big screen. The Will Forte and John Cena starrer brings Wile E. Coyote into a courtroom battle against the company behind his famously troublesome gadgets. As the Looney Tunes movie heads towards its home release, here is what viewers need to know about its digital rollout, streaming plans and where they can watch it.
One of the well-known top earners in the small-screen fraternity, television personality Ronit Roy has established a prosperous career in the entertainment world. Through well-known serials like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, he gained worldwide popularity. Ronit has amassed an amazing real estate portfolio in addition to his acting profession. According to an E24 article, the actor, his wife Neelam Singh, and their two kids live in the posh Versova neighbourhood.
UFO researcher Joe Jordan says investigating around 700 alleged alien abduction cases over more than three decades changed his understanding of the phenomenon and strengthened his belief in God. According to Jordan, several people told him their experiences ended after they called on Jesus or God, prayed or sang hymns. One case involving a man identified as Bill D particularly influenced him after the man reportedly cried, Jesus, Jesus, help me! and the experience ended.
Traffic challan recovery: Supreme Court has suggested linking unpaid traffic e-challans to electricity bills as a possible way to recover nearly Rs 20,000 crore in outstanding fines. The bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan also proposed flagging vehicles with unpaid challans on the Parivahan portal, restricting ownership transfers and conducting random checks to improve traffic fine recovery.
The United States has announced it will exempt certain speciality drugs and ingredients imported from India and 19 other countries from tariffs. This decision follows US President Donald Trump's proclamation imposing a 100% tariff on specified patented pharmaceuticals. Drugs intended for rare diseases and infertility, along with their components, will qualify for the zero-tariff treatment. The exemption applies to 20 other jurisdictions that have trade agreements with the US.
Mediators are continuing indirect talks with Iran and the United States to broker a deal that would end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite President Donald Trump publicly rejecting Tehrans latest proposal. Officials told AP that Washington has not formally rejected the draft, while mediators seek concessions from both sides.
MetLife International will raise its stake in PNB MetLife by 0.5% to 50.23% through a purchase from Jammu & Kashmir Bank, with CCI clearing it under the green channel. CCI is also examining Bain Capitals investment in Millennia Realtors and the RMZ group.
Celebrity nutritionist Yasmin Karachiwala has shared a guilt-free chocolate chip cookie recipe thats perfect for home bakers. This unique treat combines wholesome chickpeas, creamy peanut butter, and pure maple syrup, keeping health in mind. With the addition of rich dark chocolate chips, these cookies are both tasty and nutritious. Simply blend the ingredients and bake them for a delightful dessert everyone can feel good about enjoying.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Jordan's Minister of Planning Zeina Zeid Toukan in Doha. The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including food security and trade. Sitharaman emphasized the goal of reaching $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Jordan expressed interest in strengthening ties with India, particularly in energy and infrastructure.
The US bond market is executing a severe repricing of the cost of money. On Thursday, the 30-year Treasury yield reached 5.48%, a peak unseen since 2004. The benchmark 10-year yield touched 5.20%, marking a 1.25 percentage point climb since early March. Because bond prices fall as yields rise, this represents a massive selloff in the world's deepest government debt market. The 30-year yield specifically measures investor willingness to finance long-term government borrowing. Demanding 5.48% show
An Indian woman living in Dubai has shared a video of her small rented room, saying she pays around Rs 45,000 every month for the space. Sakshi described the accommodation as a tiny little box and said she had lived there for a year. She is now preparing to move into another room of a similar size.
When US polls close, election results are reported in stages beginning with preliminary totals. Media organizations like AP make race calls based on available information and contender standings. While results may change as additional ballots are counted, the official certification is completed later by election authorities. This formal process ensures a true and accurate vote count after all procedures are finalized.
A 12-hour shutdown in Senapati district, Manipur, has caused major disruptions, initiated by the Naga Peoples Organisation protesting the tragic deaths of three Naga civilians. The incident, which unfolded in Kailenjang village, resulted in the immediate death of two civilians, with a third succumbing to injuries later. The Naga Peoples Organisation insists on a comprehensive investigation.
Ford has halted or reduced F-150 production at its Michigan and Missouri plants because of a supplier-related parts shortage. Around 3,500 workers at the Dearborn Truck Plant have reportedly been told to stay home, while several shifts have also been canceled at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Since last year, Ford has struggled with keeping its F-150 production going to meet demand.
Hugh Jackmans venture with coffee started following a 2009 trip to Ethiopia, where he met a young coffee farmer named Dukale. Motivated by Dukales determination, Jackman established Laughing Man Coffee in 2011 with an objective to support coffee-growing communities. The brand concentrated on premium coffee while directing 100 percent of Jackmans profits to the Laughing Man Foundation.
US Stock Market Today: U.S. stock markets slipped on Monday morning as a sharp rise in crude prices and surging Treasury yields unsettled investors following last weeks broad rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 379.73 points, or 0.73%, to 51,448.89. The S&P 500 sank 0.94% to 7,670.67, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.22% to 26,737.84. Energy marked the sole S&P 500 sector trading in positive territory, benefiting directly from a fresh spike in global fuel costs.
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts will open The Oberoi Sukoonvilas in Wadi Safar, Saudi Arabia in 2027. The luxury resort is located around 30 minutes from Riyadh and will feature 60 standalone villas and 10 branded residences. This property is significant as it will be the first hotel in Wadi Safar and aligns with Diriyah's vision. The resort aims to provide a unique hospitality experience rooted in local heritage and culture.
The ongoing US-Iran war is affecting vital maritime chokepoints, specifically the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Shipping traffic has decreased significantly through Hormuz due to conflict, impacting global energy markets. The situation at Bab el-Mandeb has worsened after Houthi forces seized strategic Perim Island. Discussions between the US and Iran continue with hopes for reopening Hormuz amid rising concerns.
Starting October 1, millions of additional Amazon Prime customers could receive automatic payments as part of a settlement. This expanded distribution includes consumers who used 11 to 20 Prime benefits within a year. Eligible subscribers do not need to complete any forms to receive their compensation. Amazon has already refunded over $845 million to affected customers prior to this announcement.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the US from September 29 to October 5 for the G20 Trade Ministers meeting and talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the India-US bilateral trade agreement.
At the Asian Games, Indian javelin throwers Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav showcased their skills by securing silver and bronze medals. Yashvir set a new personal best with a distance of 85.72m on his last throw, while Rohit clinched bronze with a throw of 84.35m. The gold medal went to Sri Lanka's Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, who threw 88.55m. With this achievement, Indias medal tally now stands at an impressive 45.

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