The Economic Times

A 28-year-old worker at an Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, Siberia, died from unknown pneumonia. Russian authorities are investigating the incident, and special measures have been implemented in the region. Although there are concerns about pneumonic plague, officials emphasize that there is no outbreak. Close contacts of the deceased worker are under medical supervision and show no symptoms of illness.

Indian founder shared a video of his three bedroom Airbnb in Barcelona after the one week stay cost him Rs 3.5 lakh. His walkthrough of the apartment, paired with his comments on cost of living in Europe, sparked a debate online, with several users questioning the comparison he drew with India.

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is meeting to discuss potential interest rate hikes. Inflationary pressures and external factors are leading to anticipation of a rate increase. Analysts expect a 25 basis points hike in the upcoming policy announcement. This decision aligns with current inflation trends and economic forecasts for the country. The market is closely monitoring these developments as they will impact future economic stability.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police following his recent arrest. He faces allegations of leaking documents to Jeffrey Epstein during his time as trade envoy. Following his arrest, Mountbatten-Windsor was questioned and denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. His relationship with Epstein led to his resignation from royal duties in 2019. He has requested a judicial review concerning police search warrants for his homes.

Gold and silver prices opened mixed on the MCX, with silver gaining while gold declined. Weak US economic data reduced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike in October, supporting precious metals. Spot gold and silver also rose. Analysts expect further gains if key resistance levels are breached, but advise avoiding fresh positions amid geopolitical tensions and US-Iran peace talks.

Indias food inflation: Food prices are rising unevenly, impacting household budgets, while inflation is projected to persist in upcoming months. Economists expect food inflation to reach up to 7% in the near future due to various factors. Weather risks, particularly from El Nio, could significantly affect crop yields and consequently food prices. Additionally, global events in West Asia contribute to higher energy and logistic costs.

India and the US are currently negotiating a trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and addressing trade balance concerns. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that both sides appear to have reached a plateau in negotiations. She indicated that further concessions may be challenging following rigorous discussions. Despite this, she believes there could be opportunities for additional negotiations. The US is particularly focused on reducing its trade deficit with India.

Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, planned a terrorist attack to crash the aircraft. He was detained after attempting to incapacitate the captain during the flight. Israeli passengers intervened and successfully restrained al-Hammami, averting a disaster. Investigations revealed his prior radicalization and connections to extremist ideology. Authorities are continuing to explore his background and any potential external influences.

Wanying Zhang, a 34-year-old woman from Irvine, was arrested by the FBI at a Los Angeles airport. She is accused of acting as an unregistered agent for China and spying on a Taiwanese official. During 2025, Zhang surveilled a close relative of a Taiwanese government official in Seattle and collected sensitive information. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the arrest signals a warning to foreign espionage activities in the country.

FBI Director Kash Patel is engaged to country singer and commentator Alexis Wilkins, following their relationship since 2023. They announced their engagement on social media, sharing a photo that displayed Wilkins' ring. The couple met at a Nashville event and attended high-profile occasions together after Patel's appointment. Wilkins, an accomplished artist and political commentator, has performed alongside notable country singers.

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with National Iranian Oil Company chief Hamid Bovard appointed as acting minister. The resignation comes as the US intensifies its naval blockade and sanctions targeting Irans oil revenues amid the ongoing Middle East war.

A pro-Al Qaeda publication has urged followers to conduct copycat attacks on US and Israeli airliners. This call for violence references the September 11 attacks and the recent Flydubai flight incident. The Omani co-pilot involved in the attempted takeover is under investigation for extremist views. Authorities are examining the security implications of these events for commercial aviation. The situation raises concerns about the potential for future terrorist attacks on airliners.

Flavio Bolsonaro secured 47 percent of votes against incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 45 percent. Several members of the Bolsonaro family won Congressional seats, indicating strong political support. Michelle Bolsonaro received the highest votes among senatorial candidates in Brasilia and may pursue a presidential bid in 2030. Flavio's election would require support from his family members in Congress to fulfill campaign promises.

Trump is 'hell-bent and determined' on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons: Hegseth

Elections on November 3 will determine control of Congress, affecting Trump's agenda as he finishes his term. Voters will decide on all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats in this midterm election. Democratic candidates currently have an advantage according to recent polls among registered voters. Major spending on campaign advertisements is expected to surpass previous records for midterm elections.

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is set to visit Beijing for crucial discussions regarding trade relations. As European leaders express concerns about unfair competition from Chinese industries, a potential trade war looms. The EU aims to reduce its significant trade deficit with China, which reached around 360 billion euros last year. Sefcovic seeks action on export surges from China and plans to enhance EU's trade defense measures.

Brent crude futures fell 70 cents, or 0.69%, to $101.60 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $90.15 a barrel, down 90 cents, or 1.07%.

The 2026 Nobel season is set to reveal the winners of various prestigious awards, starting with medicine. The medicine prize is anticipated to acknowledge research on appetite-regulating hormones related to weight-loss drugs. Alongside this, other fields such as skin regeneration and immunology are also potential candidates for recognition. The peace prize is expected to generate significant interest due to last year's controversial winner.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denied reports about the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from the United States. Following the UN General Assembly, he stated all but one diplomat left as scheduled. Reports suggested two members defied a US State Department order to leave the country. The Iranian delegation was instructed to ensure full compliance with exit directives.

During early Monday trading in Asia, gold prices surged due to lackluster US job growth figures. This disappointing employment data notably diminished the Federal Reserve's likelihood of raising interest rates in October, prompting investors to pivot towards safe-haven assets. Spot gold climbed to $4,153.32 per ounce, while silver and platinum also experienced price increases as market reactions unfolded. Economic trends are steering investment behaviors in precious metals significantly.

On Monday, oil prices surged following missile and drone strikes from Yemen's Houthis aimed at Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and the Khurais region. This escalation has sparked fears over potential disruptions in oil production from one of the world's primary exporters. Consequently, Brent crude futures climbed by 0.79%, hitting $103.06 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 0.50% to reach $91.57 per barrel.

The UK Green Party has formally adopted an anti-Zionist position at its recent conference in 2026. This decision has led to Israel barring the party's leader, Zack Polanski, from entering the country. The resolution defines Zionism as an ethnonationalist political project and not to be confused with antisemitism. Israel's Foreign Ministry criticized the resolution, stating it legitimizes violence against the state.

A woman has filed a lawsuit against Cornell University students, alleging they drugged and raped her in 2024. Her lawyer reports receiving threats aimed at silencing the accuser and himself. The university president has vowed to review the role of fraternities on campus due to the controversy. New York's Governor has appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the allegations more thoroughly.

AkzoNobel is close to finalizing a deal with Nippon Paint for its Southeast Asian decorative paints business. This potential agreement is expected to surpass $1 billion and may be announced soon. The divestment would involve operations across several countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Nippon Paint has previously shown interest in acquiring the entire decorative paints division of AkzoNobel.

Schneider Electric is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire US-based software company PTC for about $20 billion. The Financial Times highlighted that negotiations might result in an announcement by Monday. PTC, based in Boston, has a current market value of approximately $15.63 billion as per LSEG data. In July, the company increased its revenue forecast following strong demand for its industrial software.

Donald Trump held a rally in Ohio to support Republican candidates Jon Husted and Vivek Ramaswamy. He criticized Democrats and emphasized the need for voters to participate in the midterms. Trump warned that he would be less inclined to assist Democratic officials if they win key races. Husted faces a tough race against former Senator Sherrod Brown, while Ramaswamy battles Amy Acton.

Britain is contemplating the implementation of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports in the near future. This consideration arises from concerns regarding the potential flooding of the market with state-subsidised vehicles. Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds is preparing a package of potential tariffs for Chinese vehicle imports. British officials are eager to align their strategy with the European Union to protect the national car industry.

A homecoming party in Vienna, Georgia, turned violent as gunfire erupted, leaving two men dead. Over thirty attendees sustained injuries from the shooting, with victims ranging from 14 to 51 years old. Law enforcement reported more than 50 shots fired during the incident at what was intended to be a celebratory event. Deputies were present when the shooting began but were unable to prevent the violence.

US Stock Market prediction: As the fourth quarter kicks off, the stock market is already on pace for a solid year. The benchmark S&P 500 as of Friday had gained nearly 13 per cent in 2026, and sat about 1 per cent below its mid-August record high.

Brazil's presidential election is heading to a runoff on October 25 after no candidate won in the first round. Flavio Bolsonaro is currently leading with 47.45 percent of the votes, while Lula secured 44.66 percent. Around 160 million registered voters participated in the election, which also included other political contests. Concerns over crime, insecurity, and the economy dominated the election campaign leading to this runoff.

Brazil Election results: Both Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro will have three weeks to reach moderate voters who did not support them in the first round. Ronaldo Caiado and Renan Santos, two candidates who found moderate support in Sundays election, have previously said they will not endorse either bidder in the runoff.

The U.S. Air Force has brought home its bombers stationed at RAF Fairford due to security concerns. An investigation into a potential terror attack has resulted in the arrest of several individuals. U.S. officials have indicated that additional military forces are being deployed to the Middle East. President Donald Trump has signaled continued military action against Iran may be considered. The situation remains fluid, with escalating tensions in the region.

Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding: Paul McCartney confirmed he performed his group's 1963 track I Want to Hold Your Hand after the Shake It Off hitmaker tied the knot with Travis Kelce at New York's Madison Square Garden in July.

India is set to implement significant reforms to the goods and services tax system, which will ease compliance. Changes may include the release of accumulated input tax credit that benefits various industries and supports growth. The GST Council plans to reconsider tax treatment for certain supplier defaults to protect genuine buyers.

Brazil elections results 2026: If no presidential candidate -- Flavio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva -- secures more than 50 per cent of valid votes, the top two candidates will advance to a run-off on October 25, according to multiple reports.

Plague outbreak was particularly deadly for the young, judging from the burial sites, and attributed this to genetic traits in these strains that no longer are present in today's iteration of the pathogen.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games ended with a vibrant closing ceremony attended by athletes from 45 countries. India secured fourth place with a total of 85 medals, including 21 gold medals. China topped the medal table, followed by Japan and South Korea, showcasing the competitive spirit. The Olympic Council of Asia President declared the Games closed, emphasizing the significance of the event for Asian sports.

After the pandemic, former HGV driver Lee Bodell made a life-changing decision to travel globally with his family. Moving from a career-focused routine to embracing remote work and family adventures, they sold their house for 330,000. With an online business funding their travels, they've explored several European countries and aim to journey into Southeast Asia, hoping to settle abroad after their expeditious travels.

Iraq's Oil Tankers Company has recently arranged for a Very Large Crude Carrier to transport oil. This shipment of 2 million barrels is significant as it travels beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, buyers handled shipping from Basra in the Persian Gulf, but now the company is managing exports. This change aims to offer better access to refiners cautious about the strait.

A Flydubai flight headed for Israel was nearly compromised when an Omani co-pilot, previously banned from flying due to extremist views, attempted to seize control of the aircraft. UAE authorities are investigating significant security lapses, including how the co-pilot managed to operate the flight without prior detection or warning from Israeli security agencies.

FlyDubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami was involved in an attempted violent act during a flight, raising significant concerns. Previously employed in Oman, he was debarred due to his extremist online activities. Omani by nationality, al-Hammami lived outside of Oman for most of his life. Australian authorities are investigating his background, particularly his studies in Australia from 2015 to 2017. The UAE attorney general confirmed the attempted act was terrorist in nature.

Law and order conditions in Bangladesh are worsening eight months into Tareque Rahman's tenure as prime minister. Incidents of people taking the law into their own hands are rising, affecting vulnerable individuals and properties. Recent reports indicate a surge in vandalism, property takeovers, and attacks reminiscent of previous BNP rule. The economy is struggling amid supply chain challenges, with government leaders not currently seeking stronger economic ties with India.

A Hackney landlord has received a hefty 30,000 fine due to neglecting critical fire safety measures. The recent implementation of the Renters Rights Act by Hackney Council has added requirements aimed at protecting tenants, such as restricting evictions without sufficient cause and capping rent hikes to once annually. Mayor Zo Garbett stressed the need for secure living environments and urges tenants to report non-compliant landlords.

The 2026 estate tax exemption is $15 million, while the annual gift tax exclusion remains $19,000 per recipient. Heres what the IRS rules mean for families planning to transfer wealth, make large gifts or review their estate plans, and how the basic exclusion amount differs from the annual gift tax exclusion.

California-based think tank said there will be more demand for natural gas for electricity because the administration is canceling new wind, solar and hydrogen projects and there will be more gasoline demand for transportation because Trump and Congress are revoking policies that incentivized efficient and lower-emissions vehicles. Higher demand increases prices.

Carcasses have been washing ashore around the gulf city of Puerto Madryn, including near the central waterfront where they alarm residents and tourists.

In a shocking incident, a female researcher from the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute has died due to severe pneumonia of unknown cause. Close to 200 people who could have been exposed are being carefully observed by health officials. It appears she accidently broke a test tube filled with live plague bacteria while working on experiments.