The Economic Times

The Department of Homeland Security completed about 980,000 deportations during the first 18 months of President Donald Trumps second term, according to a new Migration Policy Institute analysis. The report finds that 71 percent of deported immigrants who had lived in the United States for at least two years had no criminal conviction.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the impressive growth of India's digital payments ecosystem. The Unified Payments Interface processes over 2,400 crore transactions every month, showcasing its effectiveness. Sitharaman emphasized the expansion of fintech initiatives that enhance access to credit and investment opportunities. Data centres were granted infrastructure status in 2022, aiding digital infrastructure. The Reserve Bank's new campus will bolster payment systems and p

During a Durga Puja event in Sribhumi district, a Bihu troupe faced an attack from a group of individuals. The group objected to the performance of Assamese songs in the Barak Valley and confronted the troupe members. As a result, several members of the troupe were injured during the incident, prompting public concern.

A 19-year-old man in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, was arrested for allegedly stealing 15 tolas of gold jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh from his uncle and using the money to buy a Mahindra Thar. The accused reportedly invited his uncle to the vehicles puja ceremony, where the missing ornaments came to light. Police also arrested the jeweller accused of purchasing the gold.

Madhuri Dixit and Dr Shriram Nene have established a marriage lasting almost thirty years, supporting one another during personal milestones and career successes. The pair have frequently rejoiced in each others achievements and provided steadfast support. Dr Nene has talked about how he was initially oblivious to Madhuris tremendous fame in India

Rajinikanths blockbuster action comedy drama will arrive on OTT next month if rumours are to be believed. Streaming giant Amazon Prime Video has acquired the streaming rights to the superhit film. The movie, helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar, has emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil movie this year.

Daylight Saving Time: On November 1, Daylight Saving Time will come to an end, rewarding Americans with an extra hour of sleep post-Halloween festivities. This adjustment results in earlier sunsets and gives residents a brighter start to their mornings as winter sets in. Despite the proposed Sunshine Protection Act, Congress has yet to embrace making this time change permanent.

Celebrity house flipping can create an illusion of high profitability while ignoring essential financial details. In the case of Bethenny Frankel, she sold her renovated loft for nearly $7 million after buying it for $4.2 million. However, various costs and unpaid expenses may have led to less profit than expected. The national average for remodeling returns shows that not all renovations guarantee significant returns.

In a fascinating juxtaposition, Idaho voters are deciding on a state gun, while Massachusetts grapples with stringent new firearm regulations. These divergent ballot measures underscore the ongoing dialogue surrounding gun rights and restrictions. Massachusetts has initiated a law mandating serialization and registration of firearms, leading to a public referendum. Conversely, Idaho is presenting a nonbinding question to promote voter engagement.

Dubai resident Mohammed Shakaa brought 53 iPhones, from the first-generation model to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, to an Apple Store while collecting two Apple iPhone Duos. The longtime Apple enthusiast said he had waited more than three years for the device and hopes to attend a future Apple launch in California.

Meghan Markle reached out to her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., with a heartfelt letter amid his recovery, but highlighted that serious allegations prevent him from seeing her children. Allegations involving child sexual abuse material, reportedly linked to Thomas Markle Jr., are under investigation by both the FBI and Philippine officials. Meghan's primary concern revolves around protecting her children and any potential victims.

Anand Mahindra has reignited his 'Sunday Wanderer' series by highlighting the stunning Gangavaram Beach located near Visakhapatnam. He prompts us to consider why this majestic coastal site is often overlooked in Indias travel landscape. With its striking cliffs and unrefined beauty, Gangavaram Beach embodies a unique blend of modernization while preserving its natural allure, symbolizing the region's rich geological history.

Anupam Kher is actively engaged in his 556th film, Out of Fashion, in the enchanting city of Stockholm, Sweden. He recently posted a captivating video that captures the essence of autumn in the city. Kher shared how the beauty of nature brings him tranquility and insight. He conveyed his appreciation for the serene moments surrounded by such lovely landscapes. Details about the film remain under wraps for now.

Damon Dash, the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, was forced to sell off the rights to his life story for $550,000. Everlasting Films emerged as the winning bidder at the auction, and the proceeds will go to his creditors. The auction process began after Dash filed for bankruptcy last year, declaring significant debt compared to his limited assets

Akasa Air has initiated flights connecting Visakhapatnam and New Delhi, marking its return to the region. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced this new service, emphasizing increased travel flexibility. This development makes Akasa Air the third airline operating on this route, enhancing options for travelers. The launch complements ongoing expansions at Visakhapatnam's Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport.

Microtek has announced a significant investment over Rs 400 crore for its solar business expansion in Jaipur. The new solar panel manufacturing plant is expected to become operational by November 2026 and will support the company's energy vision. The company is also highlighting its new Battery Energy Storage System to improve energy management for households.

Mariana Di Pascuales constructed a heart-shaped house using reclaimed materials, primarily located in the Traslasierra Valley, Argentina. The building process took around eighteen months, with significant community support and resourcefulness. It features unique windows made from discarded car windshields and embedded coloured glass bottles. Di Pascuales emphasises the importance of reusing materials to promote sustainability. Additionally, the house incorporates a natural water spring and a bio

Abhijeet Sawant has recalled how winning Indian Idol in 2004 did not guarantee a playback singing career. In an interview, he said reality show contestants struggled to enter an industry dominated by established singers and music directors. He also revealed that their popularity created insecurity and said he continues to face criticism after over two decades.

Emerging sectors like AI, semiconductors, and defence are attracting significant investments while bank lending is limited. The financing patterns vary, with AI and space primarily funded through equity. Risks such as technology obsolescence and payment delays impact the lending sector significantly. Banks are encouraged to develop specialized financing strategies to support these sectors effectively. Over the next few years, demand is expected to shift towards storage and defence-related invest

Starring Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari, the romantic comedy 'Parivarik ManuRanjan' is directed by Varn V Sharma and is set to stream on SonyLIV this November, although the exact release date is still awaited. The narrative unfolds the love story between Ranjan Dubey and Helen, accompanied by unexpected twists.

Anupam Kher shared a glimpse of his peaceful nature retreat on X while working on his 556th film, Out of Fashion. The actor described how the quiet surroundings helped him find a little more silence within myself. He also expressed gratitude for the Swedish-Belgian project and its international cast and crew.

Godrej Properties is poised for a record sales growth of 22 percent this fiscal year. The company anticipates sales bookings reaching around Rs 41,500 crore due to strong demand. This positive trend persists despite economic uncertainties stemming from the West Asia crisis. Future projects are planned for major markets, including Mumbai and Gurugram. The firm aims to continue investing in existing developments and land acquisition.

A farmer in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district has cultivated large cardamom for 20 years, producing 2-3 quintals annually on about one bigha of land. Priced at around Rs 1.8 lakh per quintal, the crop offers an alternative income source for farmers with reliable irrigation, according to the agriculture department.

A Delhi court upheld a cheating and criminal conspiracy case against M3M India Pvt Ltd regarding a land dispute. The court ruled that the case could proceed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. However, it set aside the cognizance for criminal breach of trust due to insufficient evidence of entrustment. The court instructed the parties to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on a specified date.

Chef Damodharan, aka Damu, passed away at 72 after a battle with illness. The legendary chef was responsible for putting Tamil Nadu cuisine, particularly the Chettinad dishes in the national spotlight. He once entered Guinness World Records for cooking for over 24 hours and preparing more than 600 dishes from scratch.

Rahul Dravid's exquisite two-storey Bengaluru home in Indiranagar, known as Sammanvay, is a stunning blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication. Its brick and stone facade is captivating, while the interior boasts a spacious living area and a dedicated study that reflects his literary passion. Notable for his commitment to health, Dravid also has a personal gym. Current market value? An impressive Rs 10 crore, firmly establishing the residence's high status.

GST Appellate Tribunal ruled that GST paid on cancelled airline tickets is refundable if conditions are met. Singapore Airlines successfully claimed refunds amounting to Rs 45,92,528 for flights cancelled due to COVID-19. The Tribunal highlighted that sufficient evidence was provided to demonstrate that tax incidence was not passed on to passengers. Taxpayers need to maintain robust documentation to satisfy requirements for refunds to be processed.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale promotes public engagement through art workshops, student exhibitions and community initiatives. However, questions remain about whether people have a genuine say in its governance. Drawing comparisons with the Venice Biennale, curator Premjish Achari argues that art festivals must embrace transparency, shared decision-making and greater public participation.

The government needs to incentivize domestic production of solar equipment, as China's proposed export restrictions may create supply issues. Chetan Shah, from Solex Energy, emphasized India's limited cell capacity compared to module manufacturing. He proposed extending the ALMM-II framework to support local manufacturers in meeting their demands. Collaborating with other nations could also reduce reliance on Chinese solar equipment.

BITS Pilani has revamped its undergraduate curriculum to prepare students for a future dominated by artificial intelligence. This innovative approach prioritizes academic flexibility while integrating research and real-world industry applications. Students will engage in various activities that promote both physical and mental well-being, earning a total of 30 Points of Experience. The curriculum now also highlights crucial areas like AI and data science, enhancing practical learning and encoura

Vijay Sethupathis Tamil comedy drama Baththa will premiere on Netflix on October 29, 2026, in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam. Released in theatres on October 1, the film received positive reviews and emerged as a sleeper hit. Directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, it follows a feared gangster whose life changes after getting trapped in a school bathroom.

India's private capital expenditure pipeline reached Rs 99.7 lakh crore in September 2026, marking a 39% increase. Manufacturing and electricity constituted the largest components of this pipeline, while the services sector showed rapid growth. A significant concentration of investments appeared in specific states and industries, with eight sectors accounting for 80% of the total. Maharashtra significantly increased its share of the pipeline, indicating a focus on regional development.

Polo Hotel Kohima has recently been inaugurated as Nagaland's first five-star hotel to boost local tourism. The hotel aims to create job opportunities and support local businesses through employment and sourcing local products. It features Naga architectural traditions and offers a diverse culinary experience with a focus on Naga cuisine. The property is strategically located to cater to visitors attending cultural events like the Hornbill Festival.

Oil marketing companies IndianOil and BPCL are stepping up inspections of petrol pump toilets, with senior executives checking hygiene standards and QR codes allowing customers to rate facilities. The initiative combines dedicated cleaning staff, sensor-based monitoring and customer feedback to make washroom cleanliness a sustained part of service quality.

Rajinikanths Jailer 2 collected Rs 24.15 crore in India net collections on Day 10, taking its worldwide gross to Rs 666.30 crore. The superstar also surprised fans by watching the film in a cinema hall with music composer Anirudh Ravichander. Production house Sun Pictures called it his first theatre visit in 40 years to watch a film with audiences.

Pakistan has called on Afghanistan to halt alleged terrorist activities conducted by groups from its territory. The Afghan Taliban has rejected these claims, asserting that Pakistan is deflecting responsibility for its own security issues. Tensions have escalated due to accusations directed at the Taliban for supporting the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Pakistani officials demand that Afghanistan address and combat these threats to maintain regional stability.

Voters in Dimona have begun campaigning for Gadi Eisenkot, seeking to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The upcoming election reflects growing discontent among traditional Likud supporters who are now considering alternatives. Netanyahu faces declining support due to the fallout from Hamas' October 7 attack, as many voters express the need for change. Eisenkot's personal story and security credentials resonate with voters, leading to a competitive race.

Cheaper nivolumab biosimilars are expanding access to cancer immunotherapy in India, with one Mumbai oncologist reporting a more than 50% rise in prescriptions over six months. Prices have fallen from over Rs 1 lakh to around Rs 30,000 per cycle, but hospital stocking practices could determine whether patients benefit from lower costs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Arvind Limited's garment manufacturing facility in Varanasi, which emphasizes modern production practices and women's employment. This facility aims to create job opportunities and boost the local economy. With a global customer base, it will help promote Varanasi's garments in international markets. Modi interacted with women workers during the event alongside Uttar Pradesh officials. He will also attend the Air Force Day Aerial Display-2026 in Varanasi.

Art is an essential medium for personal and communal expression, shedding light on our cultural identities. The Kochi Biennale epitomizes social interaction and community involvement. Despite often facing limited resources, emerging artists manage to produce impactful works that reflect their creativity and resilience. The author highlights how art fosters self-awareness and enhances societal understanding, demonstrating its transformative potential in today's divided world.

The Indian government is initiating the Samudra Manthan scheme to encourage deepwater exploration for hydrocarbons. This scheme will provide financial assistance up to 50 percent of the costs for exploratory wells. Eligible wells will have a cost cap, and only state-run firms can apply for funding. The government expects repayment only if successful oil or gas is discovered during the exploration.

Mumin Chen, Taiwan's representative to India, expressed hopes for Bollywood stars visiting Taiwan for filming. Chen noted that both Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan have substantial fan followings in the country. He highlighted the potential for Taiwanese and Indian stars to collaborate on films in beautiful locations. The Taiwan Film Festival aims to present Taiwanese culture to Indian audiences through six showcased films.

India's recognition of heatwaves as natural disasters underscores the urgent need for international climate finance. Experts note that domestic funding is inadequate for heat adaptation strategies. They emphasize the necessity of consistent and predictable international resources for effective implementation. Upcoming discussions at COP31 will focus on adaptation finance for developing countries. There is growing concern over the lack of responsibility taken by developed nations regarding climat

Raveena Tandon's home, named Neelaya, is located in Bandra and has an estimated value of Rs 70 crore to Rs 80 crore. The residence features spiritual decor, including stone sculptures of various deities placed according to Vastu Shastra principles. A combination of modern luxury and traditional charm characterizes the living room and dining area.

The Odisha government is mobilizing personnel and resources in anticipation of a severe cyclonic storm forecasted to make landfall. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered the cancellation of leaves for officials to ensure readiness. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected in southern and coastal districts, prompting public safety measures. Collectors in affected areas are preparing cyclone shelters for potential evacuations.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has introduced a module on computational thinking and artificial intelligence for students. This 20-hour course is designed for students in grades 9 to 12 with no prior AI knowledge. It emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and responsible technology use while covering ethical AI applications. The module includes activity-based learning to enhance understanding of AI concepts, applications, and limitations.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against IL&FS Energy Development Company and its executives over loan fraud. This case involves an alleged loss of Rs 212.34 crore linked to Canara Bank. The fraud stems from loans sanctioned by Syndicate Bank that were reportedly diverted from their intended projects. CBI conducted searches at multiple locations and seized various important documents related to the case.