The Economic Times

Recent rankings from the Programme for International Student Assessment reveal that the US is placed 27th in mathematics. Asian education systems, particularly from China and Singapore, continue to excel, taking the top two spots. The findings show that only a small percentage of US students achieve high proficiency levels in math. In comparison, several East Asian countries have significantly higher proficiency rates among their students.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced nationwide protests from October 2 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign by Saturday. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke said the protests will begin in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti and spread to cities across India, calling for a pledge to save democracy.

Daniel Pauly was born in Paris and faced numerous hardships, including being raised in Switzerland without parental love. After fleeing his unconventional childhood, he pursued higher education and researched fisheries management across multiple continents. His work led to the creation of FishBase and the Sea Around Us project, which quantifies human impacts on global fisheries.

India is expected to experience significant growth driven by renewable energy and private-sector investment. The country aims to enhance its manufacturing capabilities which currently lag behind China. A report from Jefferies highlighted that India's power cost could decrease with renewable energy advancements. Additionally, private-sector capital expenditure is on the rise, indicating a structural growth opportunity. These developments indicate a robust growth trajectory independent of global t

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the contrast between Rajiv Gandhi's electoral reforms and PM Modi's current policies. He accused Modi of obstructing the enrollment of Gen Z voters by stopping electoral roll revisions. Ramesh referred to Modi's fear of youth disillusionment due to unmet promises. The Election Commission faced scrutiny over decisions impacting voter registration procedures and enrollment.

India won silver in the mens 50m rifle 3 positions team event at the Asian Games, with Rudrankksh Patil, Aishwary Pratap Tomar and Niraj Kumar finishing behind China. India also secured guaranteed medals in squash and table tennis after mixed doubles pairs advanced to the semifinals in both events.

S Jaishankar conducted numerous bilateral meetings with leaders from various countries at the UNGA81. He discussed issues such as climate change cooperation, development partnerships, and regional challenges with several foreign ministers. Discussions included strategies for tackling global challenges, including food and energy security arising from international conflicts. The meetings also covered multilateral cooperation and the ongoing implications of the Ukraine conflict.

Virender Sehwag recently expressed immense pride in his son Aaryavir's successful debut with India U19 against Australia U19. Aaryavir accumulated an impressive 109 runs over three matches, playing a crucial role in India's 3-0 series triumph. The celebrated cricketer highlighted playing authentically and handling sports pressure, encouraging Aaryavir to prioritize personal growth and performance over external opinions.

Pakistan has reported thwarting an attempted attack by Afghan Taliban in Gulistan, with security forces remaining alert. Intermittent firing continued between Afghan forces and the Taliban, indicating rising tensions in the region. Recent airstrikes by Pakistan targeted Taliban positions in Afghanistan, leading to casualties on both sides. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, which are denied by the Afghan government.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a 13-page election security plan, 40 days before the November midterm elections, outlining potential threats to voting systems and cybersecurity services available to state and local election officials.

Trump and Xi Jinping met at the White House for talks focused on trade, AI and the broader US-China strategic rivalry. Xi called for cooperation and healthy competition, while urging both sides to avoid conflict and keep AI under human control.

The US government has formally requested to join Elon Musk's effort to annul a significant EU fine. The fine of 120 million was imposed by European tech regulators for breaching online content regulations. This action followed a two-year investigation under the Digital Services Act initiated by the EU. The US Department of Justice criticized the EU's regulatory authority, claiming it oversteps its jurisdictional boundaries.

The Powerball winners need not necessarily pick all the six numbers to win big. The person who picks all the five white balls but does not pick the red ball gets a prize of one million dollars before taxes. There is another option known as Power Play, which multiplies most of the non-jackpot prizes.

Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu said US carriers oppose adding more direct China-US flights, arguing Chinese airlines have an advantage because they can fly over Russia on eight routes. He said US airlines face significant extra costs because they must avoid Russian airspace and has urged the Trump administration not to expand Chinese access.

Angelina Jolie, who has already agreed to provide specific financial documents from 2020 and 2021, is of the opinion that there is no point getting into her finances further and it would cross a privacy line, stressing that it has little to do with the central dispute over the French winery. The latest disagreement adds more drama to a legal fight that has stretched on for years.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a UN speech. He claimed that Mamdani's remarks have made Jewish individuals feel unsafe in New York. Mamdani, who has called Netanyahu a war criminal, maintained that his views are not antisemitic. Netanyahu defended his position and stated he cannot be silenced.

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met for important discussions regarding trade relations and artificial intelligence advancements. Both leaders emphasized maintaining healthy competition to avoid conflict, especially concerning Taiwan. Discussions also touched upon the ongoing war in Iran and China's role in the peace process. The two sides agreed to extend a trade truce while processing trade disagreements.

Tesla is starting deliveries of its Semi trucks, which are designed for long-haul freight transportation. Customers like PepsiCo and DHL received their trucks while confirming their utility in real-world scenarios. The Semi truck can travel up to 500 miles on a single charge, catering to commercial freight needs. Although production was delayed, Tesla plans to produce 50,000 units annually at its Nevada plant.

Presley Gerber tragically passed away at a sober living facility owned by Reza Nabavi in Santa Monica. While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, Nabavi's questionable pastmarked by drug-related offenseshas come into focus. After establishing Resolutions Living in 2013, he aims to help others recover, but the incident raises critical questions about the safety standards of such rehabilitation homes.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan will hold an urgent, high-level meeting under a joint defence pact to discuss ways to support the kingdom amid attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, while Tehran sought to distance itself from the

The Senate recently voted against a resolution aimed at ending US President Trump's military actions in Iran. This vote, which resulted in a 49-50 tally, reflects growing unrest among Republican senators. Rising gas prices and voter dissatisfaction are influencing political dynamics ahead of the midterm elections. Some lawmakers are attempting to leverage their influence to change military strategies while confronting the president's authority.

For centuries, five has been tied to an idea called wufu, or the Five Blessings. The tradition comes from the Book of Documents and describes five things associated with a complete and fortunate life: longevity, wealth, health and peace of mind, virtue, and a natural death in old age. That makes the number an unusual fit for the latest chapter in Donald Trumps relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US and Iranian negotiators in New York are discussing a phased route out of the war that would see Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Washington lift its economic blockade of Iran, according to multiple reports.

On Friday, gold prices experienced a drop, marking a downward trend for the week due to a robust dollar and ongoing forecasts of elevated interest rates. Spot gold fell by 0.2%, while US gold futures saw a slight uptick. Officials from the Fed suggested that interest rate hikes might be necessary to combat inflation, although new unemployment claims remained at near historic lows, highlighting a resilient labor market.

Billionaires and leaders from the technology sector gathered at the White House for a state dinner. This event hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, with various US officials. The discussions included trade, artificial intelligence, and strategic issues between the two nations. Trump highlighted his friendship with Xi during the dinner and emphasized mutual cooperation.

On Friday, oil prices took a small dip after a week marked by fluctuations. Brent crude prices lowered to $105.85 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate decreased to $93.80 per barrel. This decrease aligns with US and Iranian discussions regarding a ceasefire amidst ongoing military tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, Saudi Arabias interception of missiles highlighted the precariousness of vital oil infrastructure in the area.

Iran's foreign minister Syed Abbas Araghchi has presented a seven-day plan to restore peace in West Asia. This proposal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and initiate talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. Araghchi emphasized the necessity of ending US intervention for regional security and voiced concerns about aggression affecting negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attributed the failure of earlier agreements to the US approach toward discussions.

Colombia has cut diplomatic ties with Iran, aligning with the US and its allies in Latin America. The decision was made by President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office in August 2026. Officials accused Iran of connections to terrorist groups that threaten national security in Colombia after taking office. This decision comes after a broader shift in Colombian foreign policy under De la Espriella.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that the decision to end the ongoing conflict lies with the United States. He highlighted during a recent interview that Iran does not wish to continue the war. US President Donald Trump has indicated he could destroy Iran if a deal is not reached soon. The war began earlier this year with attacks from the US and Israel on Iran.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for their hospitality. During a state dinner, Xi highlighted the need for nurturing the friendship between China and the United States. He recalled Trumps visit to China earlier in the year and the agreements made between the two leaders. Together, they looked to strengthen their bilateral relations moving forward.

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif avoided questions about Hafiz Saeed. Reporters asked him multiple times about his stance on terrorism and Saeed's prosecution. India's representative criticized Pakistan for its focus on terrorism rather than addressing economic struggles. The remarks highlighted issues in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, drawing attention to humanitarian crises and suppression of civilians.

On Thursday, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed to have attacked sensitive targets in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh and Yanbu. They reported missile and drone strikes targeting Saudi Aramco facilities and the capital city. This occurred after Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles aimed at Taif and Yanbu. Currently, there is no confirmation about the outcomes of the attacks from Saudi authorities.

US President Donald Trump hosted a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House. During the dinner, Trump highlighted the importance of US-China relations despite existing differences between the nations. Jinping received a gift of a bald eagle statue, symbolizing the United States, designed by an American artist. Trump expressed a desire for the statue to be displayed prominently in Beijing.

The Artigas landfill in Bilbao, Spain, revolutionized waste management by converting decomposing urban waste into renewable biogas. During its first operational year, this facility successfully produced 4.4 million kWh of electricity, which was sold to Iberdrola. This initiative not only mitigated noxious gas emissions and odors but also ensured ongoing safety through careful monitoring of the gas composition, enhancing the efficiency of the energy production process.

Bitcoin wallets holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC have accumulated over $9.6 billion in recent weeks. This increase occurred alongside Bitcoin's price rise, reaching approximately $85,000 recently. However, the interpretation of data is complicated by wallet ownership, as one user can have multiple wallets.

Leonard Ross's Beverly Hills mansion was placed for auction due to accumulated debts exceeding $50 million. Initially listed for $195 million in 2016, the price was reduced over the years to attract buyers. Ultimately, a bankruptcy auction was held in September 2021 after failed sale attempts. Nicolas Berggruen emerged as the winning bidder, purchasing the estate for $63.1 million.

Japanese Mindset: Monozukuri emphasizes the significance of the craftsperson and the process of creating high-quality products. It combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with personal growth, showing how attention and care influence outcomes. The concept suggests that the maker is transformed alongside the object being created, fostering skills and discipline. Engaging deeply with materials can enhance ones craftsmanship and overall experience.

James Gorman officially stepped down as Morgan Stanley's CEO on January 1, 2024, transitioning to the role of executive chairman. He continued in this position throughout 2024 before retiring at the end of the year. Gorman was subsequently appointed chairman of The Walt Disney Company, starting January 2, 2025, after Mark G. Parker.

U.S Midterm Elections 2026 advertisement does not say who voters should support in the midterms, but it meshes with campaign messaging from Trump and other Republicans, particularly during the party's unusual convention in Dallas earlier this month.

Kylie Jenner has sold her Hidden Hills mansion for $15.3 million, significantly lower than her initial asking price. She originally listed the property at $20.25 million before accepting the final offer. The mansion, featuring eight bedrooms and extensive renovations, was a long-term residence for Jenner and her children.

The FieldHouse Jones hotel, located in the heart of Chicago, stands as a testament to creative redevelopment, having transformed an old Borden Dairy Depot into a modern haven while honoring its historical roots. This approach reflects a nationwide initiative to breathe new life into aging industrial buildings, with developers recognizing the value of large, robust structures for crafting innovative hospitality spaces and revitalizing communities.

US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday, with talks on trade and artificial intelligence and the growing strategic rivalry between the countries all in the spotlight during an elaborate state visit.

US midterm elections 2026: The latest 2026 U.S. midterm polls show Democrats leading the national congressional ballot, with James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton in Texas and Josh Turek leading Ashley Hinson in Iowa, while voter expectations in both Senate races point to a different outcome.

During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Benjamin Netanyahu was met with protests and significant walkouts. Many delegates left the hall as a sign of disapproval, while Netanyahu called them moral cowards. In his speech, he defended Israel's military actions against Iran and criticized various global leaders. Outside the United Nations, demonstrators assembled to protest against Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict.

Wendell Berry is an American farmer, novelist and poet. He farmed and also developed a body of writing focused on community, agriculture and care for the planet. His books are The Unsettling of America, Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer and The Mad Farmer Poems became part of his prolific output. His ideas also connect with the growing eco-georgic tradition linking farming, environmental responsibility and community life.

Kratom is legal at the federal level, but some state and local governments have banned the substance and federal authorities have issued warnings about its risks.