The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
India's Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its call for stability in global energy markets. Concerns were communicated to the US regarding the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The legislation allows the US to impose tariffs on nations purchasing Russian energy under specific conditions. Additionally, the US announced a significant diesel deal with Russia, which could impact global energy dynamics.
As Ukraine faces significant constraints on the use of Starlink satellite internet amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, military operations are increasingly jeopardized, especially in terms of drone communication effectiveness. With winter approaching, the pressure mounts on air defense systems to address rising Russian drone threats. Ongoing discussions among officials regarding the reasons behind these limitations highlight concerns about the future of U.S.
Hitachi Energy's CEO Andreas Schierenbeck emphasized the importance of strong grid connections for rising electricity demand. He noted that over 500 GW of generation projects in Germany are awaiting grid access. Kirsty Gogan highlighted that India's energy consumption per capita is significantly lower than the OECD average. The country would require an eightfold increase in energy supply to meet average levels.
Although the company has raised prices in the last two quarters, it could not fully offset inflation in major raw materials such as rubber and petroleum-based items. This was reflected in its second-quarter earnings, where profit plunged nearly 40 per cent, and margins fell into single digits.
IIT Kanpur has launched the Greater Than Us campaign aiming to raise $1 billion by March 2029. The campaign has already secured approximately Rs 4,155 crore in commitments from donors. It focuses on three pillars: Foundation, Talent, and Frontier for institutional growth. Investments will enhance research facilities, support exceptional individuals, and promote real-world applications in various technological fields.
Madhuri Dixit recently shared a sneak peek to her grand home in Mumbai with director-turned-YouTuber Farah Khan. The home is reportedly worth a staggering Rs 48 crore and is a sight for sore eyes as it has plenty of artwork by MF Hussain, marvellous marble floors, ethereal decor shades.
Various streaming platforms are launching new titles this week that cater to diverse viewer preferences. Marvel fans can enjoy 'VisionQuest', which continues Vision's journey, while political drama enthusiasts have 'The Diplomat' season four. Additionally, Prime Video's adaptation of 'Carrie' modernizes a horror classic for new audiences. For comedy fans, 'Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald' revisits the late comedian's legacy.
U.S. bond market benchmark 10-year Treasury, saw its yield jump to 5.26 per cent from less than 5.17 per just before the inflation reports release on Wednesday.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval engaged in a phone conversation with Mohsen Rezaei regarding regional security concerns. They specifically addressed the safety and security of Indian seafarers and tankers in the Gulf. India condemned recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, calling them unacceptable. Discussions regarding potential bilateral trade agreements with the United States were also highlighted.
Rob Lowe once said that anyone who lives life to the fullest has a scandal buried somewhere, challenging the idea that a perfect life is an interesting one. The Hollywood actor made the remark in a 1990 interview, reflecting on fame, personal mistakes and public scrutiny. From his early rise to stardom in The Outsiders and St. Elmos Fire to his struggles with alcohol and eventual sobriety, Lowes own journey show his views on lifes imperfections and personal growth.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has prohibited the carriage of the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank. This decision follows a recent fire incident involving the power bank during a flight. Passengers are not allowed to carry this power bank in any baggage or cargo on flights. Power banks catching fire on flights have raised significant safety concerns among aviation authorities.
Canada's Minister of International Trade has noted the investment potential between Canada and India in infrastructure development. Following IDBI Bank's sale, Canadian companies aim to expand their presence in key sectors. The need for building additional airports in India presents opportunities for Canadian expertise in infrastructure and aviation. Canadian pension funds are also participating in several Indian infrastructure projects.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's enduring marriage spanned five decades, marked by their devotion amid life's trials and public interest. They first crossed paths on a Broadway stage, forming a bond rich in mutual respect. Their family values shone brightly as they nurtured three daughters and engaged in charitable initiatives, including Newman's creation of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for sick children.
The organisers of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon have announced changes to the race routes for safety reasons. The starting point of the Open 10K will now be Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium instead of Sansad Marg. Minor adjustments have also been made to the half-marathon route due to recent protests. The organisers are preparing to share further details with participants regarding race-day arrangements.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has explained why the app may not need a dedicated dating feature, despite people using it to find romantic connections. From a simple reply to a Story to sharing a funny video, three everyday features can help turn a casual interaction into something more. So, how does Instagram double up as a dating service, and why is Mosseri not keen on building one?
Gianni Infantino will chair the FIFA Council meeting that is set to address his controversial leadership. Discussions will include financial proposals and disciplinary issues affecting FIFA's operations and reputation. As the presidential election approaches, Infantino faces significant challenges from European and North American critics. FIFA plans to distribute additional funds to member federations to counter opposition claims.
A recently identified dinosaur species named Invictibellatrix amberina was discovered on the Isle of Wight. The discovery marks the first evidence of megaraptorans in Europe, dated to about 120 million years ago. The dinosaur is believed to have hunted small prey and measured three to four metres in length. Researchers used CT scans to confirm its unique anatomical features and identify it as a new species.
The Modi government is set to sell a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for 52,878 crore. This sale will surpass previous disinvestment efforts, making it the largest to date. Notably, the government has executed 13 strategic disinvestments over the last decade. Previous notable disinvestments include Air India and multiple power sector companies. These actions highlight the ongoing commitment to privatization and fiscal consolidation.
The government has simplified the procedure for obtaining import authorisations for specific silver items. This change should help genuine applicants receive approvals more quickly and efficiently. Import authorisations will only be available for purchases made through the India International Bullion Exchange or specified banks. Existing applicants will have the chance to revise pending applications using this new process.
Donald Trump approval ratings in some states were sliding to negative from the positive that is recorder earlier in 2026. Republicans are retreating from a handful of battleground U.S. House races, while Democrats are racing to raise money to boost candidates who seemed like long shots earlier this year.
Kelly Clarksons recent trip to Art of Play has ignited a public controversy over a supposed singing bird. Security footage captures her interacting with her children for nearly five minutes. Clarkson claims she was oddly treated as if she couldnt afford the $15,000 item, while the store insists it was not available for sale. This clash of perspectives has sparked significant media buzz and public intrigue.
Kamala Harris is embarking on a campaign tour to support Democratic nominees in key states. She will visit Nevada, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Georgia from October 21 to 30. Harris's tour highlights various historic candidates, including potential first Black governors and senators. In Georgia, she will participate in events aimed at voter protection and engage with progressive activists.
Tewolde Gebremariam is exploring ways to reduce the cost of Air India's Airbus A350 maintenance. The airline has faced higher expenses than anticipated for operating and maintaining the Trent XWB engines. This cost review is part of Tewolde's effort to improve the financial performance of the loss-making carrier. Additionally, he aims to enhance cargo operations, which currently utilize only a fraction of their capacity.
Canada aims to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India by the end of this year. Foreign Minister Anita Anand emphasized the need for diversifying trade partnerships beyond reliance on the United States. Indian trade negotiators recently visited Canada as both nations work to strengthen economic ties. A significant uranium supply agreement between Cameco and India illustrates growing cooperation between the two countries.
Princess Anne has emerged as the most popular member of the British royal family according to recent polling data. The latest YouGov Ratings show Anne with a 67% positive opinion, surpassing Prince William and Catherine's ratings. William and Catherine still enjoy substantial public support, with positive opinions around 64% and 62%, respectively. This shift illustrates that royal popularity can change over time despite consistent public engagement by popular figures.
In a 2025 interview, the actress discussed her experience of losing 9 kg without using protein supplements or dedicating extended time to gym workouts. In an interview with Behindwoods, she disclosed that her diet consisted of six to seven egg whites, in addition to healthy protein sources like paneer, tofu, soya, and pulses.
Asian oil refiners are facing increased shipping costs that are significantly affecting their profit margins. The cost of transporting oil via supertankers from the Middle East has surged sharply, leading to higher delivery prices. As a result, many refiners have seen their processing margins turn negative in recent months. Although refiners can buy US crude, shipping rates have also risen considerably for these imports.
Airbus projects a need for 2.44 million personnel in aviation, including pilots and maintenance staff. This forecast highlights challenges in recruitment after the COVID-19 pandemic affected workforce availability. The company aims to significantly increase service revenue to over $10 billion by 2030. Growth in commercial services is expected to average 3.8% annually, doubling the market size by 2045. Airlines are increasingly prioritizing data connectivity as a key service component.
Actress Meenakshi Chaudhary shared glimpses of her three-day bike trip through Vietnams Ha Giang Loop, featuring scenic mountain roads, lush valleys, waterfalls and swimming spots. The Lucky Bhaskar actress also posted pictures with fellow travellers and reflected on how the experience helped her reconnect with herself.
Reliance Jio has altered India's telecom industry since its launch in 2016 with affordable services. This transformation included a price war that changed mobile data consumption patterns across the country. Jio has expanded from basic connectivity to include 5G and various digital services. The company's partnerships with major tech firms have broadened its market reach and offerings.
The Indian government is expected to surpass its budgeted disinvestment target of Rs 80,000 crore for FY27. A significant contributor will be the strategic sale of IDBI Bank, which is valued at over Rs 52,878 crore. This sale includes the government's 30.48% stake alongside LIC's 30.24% stake in the bank. The total proceeds from various minority stake sales have already reached Rs 55,757 crore.
To fortify its electrical manufacturing division, Lord's Mark Industries Limited has successfully acquired Radio Electric Private Limited. This acquisition brings a wealth of expertise and strong customer ties into the fold. The company is set to enhance its operational scale and venture into new markets. Existing operations will be upheld under familiar management, as Lord's Mark Industries Limited crafts a comprehensive growth strategy to broaden its reach.
MacKenzie Scott's journey began with hardships at Princeton University, where she was uplifted by her friends' support. Following her separation from Jeff Bezos, she transformed into a celebrated novelist and philanthropist. Dedicated to philanthropy, she pledges to give away half of her fortune, fueled by her belief in the power of generosity. Having donated over $26 billion, she targets vital areas like education and economic recovery.
India's electricity demand is projected to increase as industries move towards electric and hydrogen-based processes. This growth in demand is spurred by rising incomes, industrialization, and increased cooling requirements. Data centres and green hydrogen production will significantly contribute to this rising electricity consumption. Additionally, distributed generation is anticipated to meet an increasing share of electricity needs. The power infrastructure will need to evolve to manage this
Toyota Kirloskar Motor plans to expand production capacity at its Bidadi facility in Karnataka from early next year. The expansion aims to decrease waiting periods for specific models while preparing for new vehicle launches. Additionally, the company is establishing a new plant in Maharashtra with a similar production capacity of 1 lakh units. The automaker recently launched the facelifted Glanza hatchback to meet ongoing demand.
Katie Zacharia steps into her new role as White House press secretary, balancing the demands of her career with family life. She and her husband, Tyler Zacharia, are devoted parents to four children in Southern California. Their strong partnership helps them navigate the challenges ahead as they move to Washington, DC, ensuring that family time remains a priority while Katie embraces her responsibilities.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the strategic restructuring of IDBI Bank to attract foreign investments. The government retains a minority stake in the bank after its recovery, enabling further growth. Fairfax Financial Holdings will acquire a 60.72 percent stake in the bank for Rs 52,878 crore. The transaction aims to strengthen India's banking sector and reduce government ownership of state-run assets.
Rashmika Mandanna has launched Project Annapurna to provide three months of grocery supplies to 400 families across eight locations in South India. The initiative aims to help households save on essential expenses and plan for their future. What the grocery kits will include, which locations will be covered and why the actor decided to make her charitable work public?
The Union Cabinet approved a Productivity Linked Bonus for over 1.1 million railway employees. This bonus, amounting to Rs 2009.61 crore, recognizes the staff's excellent performance. Eligible railway employees will receive payments before the upcoming Durga Puja and Dusshera holidays. The maximum payable amount to each employee is Rs 17,951 for a duration of 78 days. This initiative aims to motivate railway staff towards continued improvements in their performance.
Akshay Kumar is among the wealthiest actors in India at present. According to Forbes, the net worth of Bollywoods Khiladi is at least Rs 2700 crore. In a conversation with the Hindustan Times, the Namastey London actor mentioned he adheres to four key S's to achieve work-life balance and enjoy a fulfilling life despite the pressures
In an order passed on Tuesday, the sessions court noted that a magistrate court's earlier ruling in the matter, against which the revision plea was filed, needs no interference.
Katherine Walter made the decision to homeschool her son Will due to gaps in the support offered by public schools. The family dedicates a substantial portion of their budget each year to therapies and assessments to aid Will's challenges with autism and apraxia. Traveling long distances for specialised sessions further complicates their finances and time.
Stocks Sena, a venture co-founded by Krishna Singhal and Pushan Jain, has unveiled an innovative research platform aimed at empowering Indian investors. This website equips users with financial data and stock screening capabilities, granting access to primary-source company disclosures without any subscription fees. Notably, AI tools are designed to simplify complex earnings calls, enhancing comprehension of key financial insights.
The government will retain a 15% equity stake in IDBI Bank and Life Insurance Corporation will hold 19%. Both the government and LIC will withdraw their nominees from the bank's board and become public shareholders. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has empowered the Alternative Mechanism for minority stake sales of the government's holdings. LIC will manage its residual shareholding as per internal procedures and regulatory compliance.
The Union Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore for the National Social Assistance Programme. This approval will support the program's continuation from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with updated eligibility criteria. Monthly assistance rates for disability pension beneficiaries will increase with adjustments for age and disability severity.
Indias alternative accommodation market is projected to grow to $4.7 billion in gross booking value by FY29 from $2.6 billion in FY26, according to a Booking.com and VIDEC Consultants report. Digitally distributed listings crossed 200,000 in FY26, with tier-two cities, religious centres and emerging leisure destinations driving expansion.
Global oil demand is anticipated to decrease significantly in 2026 due to the impact of the Iran war. Diesel is expected to account for 25 percent of this decline in demand. Oil supply is projected to rise temporarily before experiencing a drop in 2026, complicating market conditions. Additionally, refinery margins are under pressure from higher crude costs, affecting global output.
Hyundai Motor India announced plans to invest Rs 11,000 crore at its Pune facility in phases. This investment aims to expand manufacturing capacity and enhance industrial development in the region. The Pune plant currently has an annual capacity of 170,000 units, which will increase to 320,000 by 2030. This investment follows Hyundai's earlier commitment of $15.5 billion for a comprehensive strategy over seven years.
The Indian government is evaluating a proposal to restrict foreign direct investment in the tobacco sector. This initiative aims to tighten FDI regulations related to licenses, trademarks, and management contracts. Previous efforts to enhance these norms faced challenges from tobacco farmers' associations. The proposal is crucial as India aims to comply with the World Health Organization's regulations on tobacco control.
Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts achieved a revenue of Rs 412 crore in quarter two of FY27. This reflects a 33% increase compared to the same quarter last year. The net profit for the quarter also rose to Rs 95 crore, demonstrating strong performance. Average daily rates increased by 30%, indicating robust demand across various customer segments.

26 C