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Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
The Congress party is not participating in the Cockroach Janata Party's agitation, choosing to conduct its own protests. Several allies from the INDIA bloc, however, support the CJP's demands and will join their agitation. Congress has planned a 'jan andolan' in Delhi for October 12, urging allies to participate. Rahul Gandhi is reaching out to students through events coinciding with the CJP's emergence.
A person recently posted an engaging video showcasing his unforgettable journey from Goa to Mumbai aboard the Duronto Express in First AC. Highlighting the delectable meals ranging from breakfast to dinner, he captured the breathtaking views along the Konkan Railway.
India's food industry is alerting to a potential supply shock projected for the year 2027. Experts indicate that a Super El Nino may disrupt crop production and elevate food inflation. Growing concerns arise over the impact on sugar and oilseed production, particularly in states with severe drought conditions. The livestock sector is also preparing for increased feed costs due to these challenges.
The proposed levy covers plastic waste, discarded tyres, electrical and electronic scrap, and used cooking oil. Under the framework, registered buyers will have to deduct TDS when purchasing from registered suppliers and pay GST under RCM on purchases from unregistered sellers, even when the latter fall below the GST registration threshold.
Saree is worn by women all across the country. Yet, it is hardly considered proper corporate attire by many people in India. In a viral video, author-educator Sudha Murty lamented how people do not perceive women wearing a saree as smart, and she intends to challenge that view.
Supreme Court Justice Sheel Nagu recused himself from hearing the Punjab government's appeal against a high court order. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed a CBI probe into corruption allegations involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's office. Justice Dipankar Datta noted the current challenging circumstances facing the judiciary. The case will be reassigned to a different bench by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Bharti Airtel plans to raise its average revenue per user through an increase in postpaid subscriptions. The company aims to grow postpaid customers from 8% to around 20% over the long term. Recent tariff hikes and the introduction of new service packages are strategies to encourage upgrades. Airtel also expresses confidence in its future data centre expansion efforts.
EY has reported a data breach that exposed sensitive client information and prompted regulatory notifications in multiple jurisdictions. This incident has raised concerns among top professional services firms regarding the protection of client data. Experts emphasize the need for tighter controls amid increasing cyberattacks and the complexity of technology used by these firms. Most communications between firms and clients are conducted over email, which poses additional risks.
Selja, who had earlier written to Rawat to stop his parallel show, is learnt to have urged the former chief minister to cancel his independent yatra and join official Uttarakhand Congress campaigns, stressing that party unity is essential to defeating the BJP in the upcoming election. She is also learnt to have made it clear that being part of collective work is the norm for all senior Uttarakhand state Congress leaders. ETs calls to Seljas office evoked no response.
Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's technology-agnostic policy towards satellite communications during a recent event. He noted that several companies, including Reliance Jio, OneWeb, and Starlink, received the necessary licenses. While SpaceX's Elon Musk called for quicker licensing for Starlink, the government emphasized its fair authorization framework. The final decision regarding spectrum pricing is forthcoming, which will impact when operators can launch servic
The National Formulary of India released its latest edition amidst concerns regarding unapproved drugs included in it. The Drug Controller General of India has communicated with the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission regarding this discrepancy. Several drugs listed in NFI 2026 have not received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Stakeholders have also raised complaints about the unavailability of the online version of NFI 2026.
Trai has released a draft audit manual for digital rights management-based systems seeking industry feedback. The manual outlines procedures for audits of IPTV-based distribution systems, including subscriber management and encryption. Monthly reconciliation of data between subscriber management and DRM systems is required, with specific thresholds for discrepancies listed. Stakeholders have until October 30 to provide their comments on the draft.
The union health ministry has proposed extending advertising restrictions on prescription drugs to retailers and distributors. This change will bar them from advertising certain medicines without prior government approval. The amendment affects drugs covered under Schedules H, H1, and X, which require medical oversight. The existing regulations already apply to pharmaceutical manufacturers. The recommendation for this amendment comes from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
A century-old dam on Montanas Clark Fork River trapped 3 million cubic yards of toxic mining waste, raising concerns about pollution and the risk of a catastrophic failure. Engineers began removing the Milltown Dam in 2008, but the changes did not stop at the structure itself. The river gradually developed a new pattern of winding and branching channels through the former reservoir site. When severe flooding hit the region in 2018, officials explained why the rivers changed course could offer be
With aluminum prices soaring, Coca-Cola's bottlers and retailers in India have escalated the price of Diet Coke dramatically. The cost of a 330 ml can shot up to 70 from its previous price of 50. This adjustment stems from the rising demand for the sugar-free option, which has doubled within a year, leading to varying prices among retailers, despite the MRP still reading 50.
The statistics ministry has proposed a common framework for estimating state gross domestic product. This framework uses an expenditure approach under the revised 2022-23 base year. Currently, no state compiles estimates of private final consumption expenditure, creating a gap. Proposed methods include using administrative data to allocate estimates across states and union territories. This initiative aims to improve consistency and comparability of GSDP estimates throughout India.
Global trade is projected to grow by 4% in 2026, which is slower than the 4.4% expansion in 2025. Increased trade values are driven by rising prices and strategic sector challenges due to policy changes. Trade between China and the US has declined, while East Asia's trade with both regions has increased. Developing economies show a bifurcation in growth rates, with India leading at 7.3% in 2026.
Railway authorities are implementing a plan to enhance monitoring of cleanliness on long-distance trains. Eleven specific trains have been identified for staff to take time-stamped photos at various points. On-board housekeeping staff will also receive training to handle small repairs during journeys. Zonal railway officers will conduct weekly reviews of passenger complaints and their resolution. The focus will be on ensuring adequate manpower and maintenance for improved cleanliness.
In September, the demand for work under the VB-G RAM G scheme increased by 25.2% compared to August. Approximately 15.6 million households sought work under the program, significantly rising from 12.5 million in August. The number of people seeking employment also grew to 18.8 million from 15.4 million in August. This scheme was launched in July, providing guaranteed annual employment of 125 days.
Coal supplies to Indian power plants increased by 9% in October compared to September levels. The daily depletion of coal stocks at power plants has significantly declined during the same period. Supplies to the power sector rose around 36% from earlier September lows, indicating an upward trend. Meanwhile, the coal ministry is monitoring the situation closely to manage critical stock levels at various plants.
The ministry of road transport and highways is extending the cost compensation for bitumen and diesel. This extension will apply to projects executed until December 31, 2026. Work carried out will only qualify if the bid due date was set before April 1, 2026. The compensation aims to address the impact of rising diesel prices on highway construction.
Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a green ammonia plant capable of producing 500,000 tonnes annually. With a target commissioning date set for December 2030, the company actively seeks partnerships both domestically and internationally, emphasizing a focus on renewable energy technologies. Additionally, GSFC aims to penetrate export markets in Europe, Japan, and South Korea, securing up to 51% equity in this joint venture.
Elon Musk has made a public appeal for Starlink to be approved for operation in India. He argues that lack of internet access denies children educational opportunities and hinders small businesses. The Indian government has stated that all satellite licensees are at a similar regulatory stage. Starlink has faced delays in securing a license since 2022 due to various concerns.
Dogs may be processing human speech in ways scientists have not fully understood. A new study has found that their brains can identify word-like patterns in a continuous stream of sounds, showing a surprising similarity with humans. Researchers tested dogs using invented words that had no meaning, uncovering an unexpected preference for certain speech sounds. The findings raise intriguing questions about how dogs process what we say and whether everyday exposure to human speech shapes their brai
Bharti Airtel's Rahul Vatts stated that satcom players using mobile spectrum should follow telecom regulations. Currently, telecom operators acquire spectrum through auctions, while satcom players do not. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 allows administrative allocation of spectrum for satcom. Vatts emphasized compliance with existing legal precedents regarding spectrum allocation methods. This assertion aligns with the Supreme Court's directive on ensuring spectrum auctions for commercial use.
Sadhguru explained why having too many relationships or too much casual connections ruins our peace. He thinks that complex physical connections can mess up inner peace and connects these marks to karma. However, these claims are based on spiritual beliefs instead of proven science, because there is no clear evidence showing that having multiple partners causes anxiety or depression.
10 Beautiful Indian Islands For Quieter Holidays Before Peak Winter Tourism Begins
Global trade is projected to grow by 4% in 2026, although slower than the previous year. The report indicates higher trade values resulting from energy price increases and export controls. Trade between China and the US has decreased significantly, while East Asia is expanding trade with both regions. Developing economies, particularly India, are expected to drive notable growth despite overall global economic slowdowns.
Marvel is bringing back two familiar MCU characters in VisionQuest, a new series that continues the story of Vision after the events of WandaVision. As he tries to understand his identity and live away from danger, an unexpected encounter threatens to change everything. With an old enemy returning and a mysterious boy raising questions about Visions past, the series could reveal more about his future in the MCU.
TRAI has released a draft audit manual for DRM-based IPTV systems and is seeking stakeholder comments by October 30. The draft outlines procedures for auditing digital addressable systems, addressing gaps from an earlier manual. It specifies data reconciliation requirements between subscriber management and DRM systems to maintain accuracy. Monthly audits will be required for all IPTV operators as part of compliance measures.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Singapore from October 9 to 11 for official discussions. She met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to strengthen bilateral relations. Their discussions focused on economic developments and investment opportunities for Singaporean companies in India. Sitharaman also met Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who highlighted the growth prospects in India. Singapore is India's largest source of foreign direct investment, sig
Members of Parliament belonging to the opposition INDIA bloc on Friday began a march from the Parliament House towards Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, raising concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Montana's National Weather Office has announced a winter weather advisory affecting Interstate 90 and nearby regions. Anticipated snowfall could reach 3 inches accompanied by wind gusts up to 35 mph. This advisory will be active from 6 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday local time. Motorists in western Montana should prepare for slippery conditions on various highways.
Newly reported documents have led to the reopening of the criminal investigation regarding Jane Doe's sexual assault allegations. She claims to have been drugged and assaulted by members of the Chi Phi fraternity. Investigators previously received differing versions of her account, affecting how the case was initially handled. The ongoing inquiry will examine the discrepancies in the evidence provided to prosecutors.
Several trains from Mumbai to New Delhi have been rescheduled or cancelled ahead of planned protests in the capital. The Central and Western Railways announced these changes due to expected traffic disruptions on October 10. Refunds will be provided for affected passengers, who voiced concerns over these abrupt cancellations. The protests aim to address allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding electoral roll tampering.
Standing at work is often thought of as a healthier alternative to sitting for hours, but could being on your feet all day carry a hidden risk? A 12-year study tracking 7,320 workers has found a surprising link between certain jobs and heart disease, challenging a widely held belief about workplace health. The findings also raise questions about why some employees are expected to stand throughout their shifts and whether changing positions more often could make a difference.
Jiya, a 23-year-old from Bihar, finds herself at a crossroads in life, feeling a bit lost. While she prepares for the GATE exam with hopes of securing a government position, she also cherishes her passions like painting and travelling. The online community is rallying around her, offering heartfelt advice on navigating both her career and personal dreams, promoting the idea of progression at one's own pace and enjoying the journey.
Weather Tomorrow: The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert predicting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for several regions. Delhi-NCR is expected to have partly cloudy skies along with light rain and potential strong winds. In Haryana, isolated rainfall and thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, while Uttar Pradesh may experience scattered rainfall. Additionally, Punjab and Bihar are likely to see light rain or thundershowers throughout the day.
Donald Trump approval rating: Concerns about the economy and the war have driven Trump's public approval to record lows and have been weighing on support for his party ahead of the November 3 election that will determine control of Congress for the next two years.
This October, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are in for a treat with the launch of several exhilarating games, including 'Gears of War: E Day'. Fans can also look forward to 'Battlefield 6', arriving later this month. However, players should keep an eye on the clock, as some titles will leave the service by October 15, prompting potential purchases.
Katrina Kaif recently became the victim of severe trolling. Several naysayers poked fun at her looks, especially at her gaining weight after the birth of her son in 2025. The Mere Brother Ki Dulhan actress finally addressed the trolling she faced and urged fans not to base their self-esteem on social media trends.
Willy Naruenartwanich was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in an arms procurement conspiracy. The conspiracy involved the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) seeking to acquire weapons. Naruenartwanich acted as a key conspirator and middleman in the arms network. The case reflects the efforts made by the National Investigation Agency to combat international arms smuggling.
The Reserve Bank of India will raise the minimum daily cash reserve ratio requirement to 99% from 90%. This change will take effect from mid-October, specifically the fortnight starting October 16, 2026. Banks will be required to maintain this increased percentage without the previous operational flexibility. The move aims to reduce the current surplus liquidity within the banking system.
Over a week, law enforcement registered 27 FIRs against protesters targeting the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. The police utilized provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to enforce regulations and account for collective actions. Specific sections invoked included those addressing joint criminal liability, obstruction of public officials, and physical confrontation. Police established barricades and sealed roads around key protest locations to maintain order.
In a bid to simplify his daily travel in Pune, Ajay More has turned to a revolutionary kick-based electric scooter. This smart choice enables him to maneuver through congested streets effortlessly. Tailored for India's diverse road conditions, the scooter is not just lightweight; it also folds into a compact skateboard. Boasting a 30 km range per charge, it encourages a shift towards eco-friendlier public transport.
In her recent Instagram stories, Kardashian shared photos and videos of her Halloween decorations. Her home features red lights, pumpkins, skeletons and a fog machine. Two giant moving Jack Skellington figures from The Nightmare Before Christmas stand beside her front door.