The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Christa Gail Pike's execution in Tennessee took a shocking turn when she survived not one, but two doses of pentobarbital. Following the failed attempt, she was moved to a medical facility, miraculously alive. This rare event highlights the uncertainties surrounding lethal injection protocols, igniting a debate on its ethics and reliability as a method of capital punishment.
A new report from Everytown for Gun Safety says chatbot companies may be overlooking warning signs that could help prevent US mass shootings.
The Bombay High Court has raised concerns about the involvement of Parth Pawar in a disputed land transaction. Parth Pawar, who holds a 99 percent stake in Amadea Enterprises, purchased government land at a significantly reduced price. The court highlighted discrepancies in the investigation, questioning why Parth was not named as an accused. A Pune Tehsildar has been granted pre-arrest bail despite being implicated in the case.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced cash incentives for squash players Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riyaz. They contributed to the Indian women's team winning a bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The state government recognized their achievement and pledged Rs 30 lakh each for their success. This reward aims to encourage athletes from Tamil Nadu who excel in competitions.
A New Delhi court has ordered framing of money-laundering charges against Yasin Malik and six others, including Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid. The prosecution alleges that the accused were part of a network that received more than Rs 8.9 crore through hawala channels from Pakistan to fund secessionist activities and violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Actor Madhavan recently posted a video highlighting Chico, a man who has lived in the Amazon rainforest for decades. Chico has developed a self-sufficient lifestyle, growing his own food and collecting rainwater for drinking. He shared his experiences with a visiting team from Yes Theory, who interviewed him and discovered his unique way of life.
The Union Cabinet approved the GEC-III scheme, earmarking Rs 1.86 lakh crore for developing transmission systems and battery storage. This initiative will facilitate the evacuation of 135 GW of renewable energy by FY2032-33 while addressing industry concerns regarding transmission capacity. Experts believe that it will also lead to significant growth in the renewable sector and stabilize the electricity grid.
CEAT has expanded its manufacturing capabilities at the Chennai plant across various tyre categories and segments. This expansion will enhance the production of advanced products for both domestic and international markets. The facility can now produce seven advanced Truck and Bus Radial sizes to meet changing commercial demands. Additionally, light truck steel radial tyre manufacturing capacity has been scaled up to address growing adoption.
Ajay Devgn reprises his iconic role as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam 3, slated for release on October 2. This film breaks away from the established Malayalam storyline, introducing a distinctive narrative twist. Under the direction of Abhishek Pathak, the film seeks to finalise Vijay's arc. Read on to know why.
NHAI is preparing to begin work on Amaravatis proposed six-lane outer ring road, spanning nearly 190 km with a total construction length of 195.13 km including a 5.2-km spur near Guntur. The Rs 30,491-crore project will be built in four packages and feature three tunnels and two major bridges across the Krishna river, creating a high-capacity connectivity network around the Andhra Pradesh capital region.
A 23-year-old Bengaluru woman says a man she met at an Indiranagar cafe asked for her LinkedIn profile instead of her phone number or Instagram. She claimed he wanted to check her professional background and ensure their career trajectories matched before investing time. The unusual encounter sparked debate on Reddit, with some joking he wanted a referral, while others defended LinkedIn as a less intrusive way to stay connected. One user, however, claimed the story never happened.
India is increasing its palm oil imports after reducing import duties, prompting refiners to restock. More than 200,000 tons of crude palm oil have been bought recently as inventories run low. The government cut taxes on edible oil imports, adding urgency to the purchases. This buying activity is crucial ahead of the Diwali festival and the wedding season.
Keanu Reeves visited House of Nanking in San Francisco in 1997, where he waited in line like everyone else. The restaurant owner, Peter Fang, mistakenly identified him as Sean Connery. More than two decades later, the actor returned to the restaurant while filming The Matrix Resurrections and recreated an unforgettable memory.
Adani Green Energy Ltd has increased its battery energy storage system to a total of 6.63 GWh. This capacity can power around two million homes daily, supporting cities like Nagpur and Patna. Achieving this milestone took just 14 months, marking significant progress towards their FY27 target. The company aims to reach 50 GWh of storage capacity over the next five years.
India's insurance penetration is at 3.7 per cent of GDP, which is below the global average. While life insurance premiums grew, the number of individual policies sold declined in recent years. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is examining changes to improve affordability and transparency in distribution costs. Constraints on insurance growth now relate more to product relevance and trust rather than access.
No economy like this economy: Trump highlights US economic gains during his presidency
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has reported a 24.4 percent rise in total sales, reaching 236,013 units in September. Domestic passenger vehicle sales notably increased by nearly 37 percent to 181,838 units last month. Exports also saw an increase, up to 44,219 units compared to the previous year. Sales of utility vehicles surged significantly, demonstrating growing demand in the market.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd reported its best-ever quarter in Q2 FY27, with total sales rising significantly. The company's electric vehicle sales increased by 90% year-on-year, contributing to higher overall sales figures. Domestic passenger vehicle sales also saw a substantial increase of 40% compared to the previous year. During September, monthly sales surpassed 70,000 units, marking a significant milestone for the company.
India faces a tougher battle for foreign capital as FPI outflows rise and global investors shift money towards AI, semiconductors and manufacturing hubs in Taiwan and South Korea. Indias FDI prospects remain resilient, but policy uncertainty, tariffs, regulation and weak manufacturing competitiveness could determine whether it can attract long-term global investment.
FSSAI has suspended the licences of two food business operators due to food safety violations. Inspections revealed serious issues at Shivam Agro and TCF Chocolates & Gifts. Deficiencies included poor sanitation, pest infestations, and improper food handling practices. Both establishments failed to maintain proper food safety records as mandated by regulations. All food business activities must cease during the suspension period, according to the notices issued.
Anil Bhalla and Gautam Bhalla have been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a significant fraud investigation. They are accused of failing to deliver residential plots after buyers paid approximately Rs 260 crore. The allegations include cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy linked to multiple FIRs filed against them.
Acknowledged for his pivotal role in global maritime investments, Dr. Dattatreya Nagireddy leads JEY GROUPs mission in creating connected ecosystems to boost international trade and sustainable energy practices. His leadership is centered on logistics, shipping, and energy, aimed at branching out operations worldwide. This recognition reflects JEY GROUP's commitment to fostering long-term economic growth by adopting a holistic approach in key market industries.
Ashok Leyland achieved a total vehicle sales growth of 28 percent year-on-year in September. The company sold 24,409 vehicles, up from 18,813 units sold in the same month last year. Truck and bus sales experienced a 37 percent increase to 16,188 units in September. Light commercial vehicle sales rose by 12 percent, standing at 7,861 units sold.
In Dubai, the ET Indo Global Leaders 2026 event brought together key figures to celebrate the synergy between India and the UAE in business and entrepreneurship. A series of networking sessions led into impactful discussions regarding India's economic impact worldwide and the dynamics of the luxury real estate market. Leaders exchanged knowledge on sustainable growth strategies and market competitiveness.
Royal Enfield recorded total sales of 1,33,958 motorcycles in September, marking an 8% increase from last year. Domestic sales increased by 7%, reaching 1,21,326 units in the same month. Exports also saw significant growth, rising by 17% to 12,632 motorcycles in September. The sales figures reflect positive performance in both domestic and international markets. This upward trend in sales indicates the companys growing presence in the motorcycle industry.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India reported vehicle sales of 7,06,266 units for September 2026. This reflects a 24 percent increase compared to September 2025 sales figures. Domestic sales also rose to 6,36,768 units, which is a 26 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, exports reached 69,498 units last month, showing growth from last year's figures.
Bajaj Auto recorded a total sales growth of 5% for September 2026 compared to September 2025. Domestic sales, however, saw a decline of 9% during the same period, impacting both two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Two-wheeler exports increased significantly by 34%, indicating strong international demand. Domestic two-wheeler sales fell by 12%, while commercial vehicle sales reported a modest growth. Overall, the company's total sales reached 5,38,443 units, showcasing a mixed performance.
Starting from October 15, new regulations will limit sugar stock for dealers to 1,000 quintals nationwide. Dealers will only be allowed to hold stocks for a maximum of 15 days. Kolkata and Assam will have a higher limit of 2,000 quintals due to regional needs. The Government expects retail sugar prices to decline further as ex-mill prices stabilize.
Hanuman Ansh has achieved an impressive milestone, crossing Rs 400 crore in global box office collections since its debut. This remarkable film has sparked interest in the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba. Recently, Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV have unveiled plans for a new series inspired by Baba's experiences. Read on!
Indian households are increasingly opting for secured loans, particularly against gold, which surged significantly. Credit card dues and consumer durable loans have shown minimal growth, reflecting a shift in borrowing behavior. Personal loans continue to grow, contributing substantially to overall bank credit, which rose markedly. Loans against gold jewellery increased substantially in percentage terms, likely aided by a favorable base effect.
An Indian techie shared on Reddit that he cleared his Rs 40 lakh education loan in 10 months after moving to the US for an MS in Computer Science. He said he went from a tierless university in India to a top 10 US university and later started working with the US State Government as a Data and ML engineer. His story drew praise and humour online, with one user joking that he repaid the loan faster than a Netflix subscription.
Maharashtra has tightened redevelopment rules for cooperative housing societies, introducing stricter requirements for developer selection, tendering, member approvals, documentation and project timelines. The revised framework requires at least three developer bids, 51% member approval, video recording of selection meetings and redevelopment agreements within three months. Projects should be completed within two years of the plinth certificate.
India experienced significant power shortages in September, attributed to an increase in industrial consumption and low rainfall. Coal-fired power generation rose sharply, accounting for 66.03% of overall electricity generation. Renewable energy generation increased, but its share in total generation declined to about 17%. Approximately 40% of coal plants were reported to be running with critically low fuel stocks. Overall electricity generation in September increased by 11.3% from the previous
Indian carrier SpiceJet praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during an in-flight incident involving a co-pilot attack. The airline expressed wishes for his complete recovery after the heroic event on flydubai Flight FZ1073. SpiceJet acknowledged Machchhar's decade-long service and exemplified the values held by the airline. He is recognized as a hero by his colleagues and many individuals worldwide.
Karnataka conducted inspections revealing significant price disparities between hospital procurement and patient billing for cancer drugs and medical devices. The state government has urged the Centre to implement transparency in pricing and regulate trade margins for essential medicines. Mark-ups observed ranged from 10 to over 52 times the actual procurement costs for various items.
India's rising interest in artificial intelligence is prompting Axis Bank to expand its lending to data centres. With demand for large-scale computing infrastructure surging, banks are exploring new financing opportunities. Axis Bank's exposure to the data centre sector is expected to double within three years. Additionally, the government is facilitating growth in this sector with favorable policies. Overall, the opportunity presents both promising potential and unique challenges.
Jim Carrey has tied the knot with his longtime love, Min Ah, according to the latest report. Their relationship has remained mostly under wraps, with few public outings. At the Csar Awards, the actor passionately praised Min Ah as his 'sublime companion.' Read on!
Japans Hayabusa Shinkansen can reach speeds of up to 320 kmph while travelling through the Seikan Tunnel, one of the worlds longest undersea railway tunnels. Connecting Honshu with Hokkaido, the 53.85-km tunnel has 23.3 km of track beneath the sea. Heres what makes the high-speed train and its underwater journey remarkable.
In an exciting development, Rasayan Labs has unveiled a groundbreaking AI-based platform to enhance computational chemistry and drug discovery initiatives. This innovative platform merges critical functions, including retrosynthesis and ADMET prediction, to optimize research efficiency. Free access will be granted to researchers at the Institute of Chemical Technology, marking a pivotal collaboration that seeks to dramatically reduce drug development timelines.
In light of anticipated increases in benchmark interest rates by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai's banking sector appears poised for advancement. An influx of foreign currency non-resident bank deposits promises enhanced liquidity, potentially boosting profits. Private banks foresee robust growth in earnings as margins widen and operational costs decrease.
India needs to encourage households to commit a larger share of their savings to long-term pension products as pension and insurance assets remain a relatively small part of household savings, Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran said, calling for simpler pension products, wider access and stronger retirement-income solutions.
The objective is not merely to prepare agriculture graduates as job seekers, but to equip them with the skills to solve problems, innovate and create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Captain Smit Machchhar demonstrated exceptional bravery during a hijacking attempt on a Flydubai flight. He thwarted his co-pilot's attack and opened the cockpit door, allowing others to assist. The incident involved 180 passengers whose lives were at risk due to the crisis. Ajay Singh, Chairman of SpiceJet, praised Machchhar's courage and competence in handling the dangerous situation.
JSW MG Motor India reports that it has registered 19 per cent growth year-on-year (YoY) in wholesale dispatches to dealers at 8,018 units in September this year. The trend highlights sustained consumer interest in the company's product portfolio which includes MG Hector Tomahawk EV and PHEV. The company has also dispatched MG Hector Tomahawk EV to dealerships across India, with ongoing customer deliveries.
Machchhar, who was hailed for preventing a co-pilot from attempting to crash a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, continued to draw praise from neighbours, friends, educators and political leaders as updates on his condition emerged.

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