The Economic Times

India's IT sector is expected to see limited growth in Q2FY27 due to various pressures and headwinds. Predictions indicate large-cap firms might experience a modest revenue increase, while mid-cap companies could outperform. Although margins might improve slightly, profitability could continue facing challenges from investment needs. The Nifty IT index has dropped significantly, reaching multi-year lows due to weak demand.

Google is cutting model access for free and AI Plus Gemini users from October 9, while AI Pro subscribers get the Deep Think feature. Here is what each plan will get, and what users stand to miss.

Lockheed Martin plans to expand its aircraft production capabilities in India if it wins a $10.5 billion contract to supply 60 medium transport aircraft to the Indian armed forces.

Dalit woman denied hospital admission: A 20 year old woman in Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district was allegedly denied admission at a government hospital after staff learnt she belonged to the Dalit Mushar community, forcing her family to deliver her baby on the roadside right outside the facility. A video of the incident went viral, pushing the state's deputy chief minister to order an inquiry that has already cost one doctor his job and led to action against four other hospital staff members.

Jay Clayton has been appointed as the AI czar by Donald Trump to lead a new panel. This group is tasked with identifying risks and opportunities related to artificial intelligence within a 120-day timeframe. The panel will review current government response mechanisms, focusing on breaches and hacks. Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and others will also be part of the task force.

Millennials are experiencing a midlife crisis defined less by one dramatic event and more by several anxieties arriving at once: ageing bodies, marriage and dating pressures, career uncertainty, money worries, climate change and constant exposure to global crises.

Campaigning for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election is intensifying, with Debashis Sharma representing the NDA. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led 15 public meetings across eight Assembly segments. On the final campaign day, all polling booths will conduct padyatras to engage local voters. Over 1,100 meetings were also held by senior leaders and party workers. Various party wings organized 9,500 courtyard meetings to mobilize voter support effectively.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Smit Machchhar a hero for preventing a co-pilot's attempted crash. Machchhar, who is hospitalized, detailed the traumatic incident during a recent conversation. The flight, which had 174 passengers, experienced serious danger after Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot. Netanyahu invited Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate Israeli Independence Day.

An intense outcry followed a woman's allegations of gang-rape at a Cornell fraternity house. New York's governor intervened and appointed an attorney general to investigate the case. The local district attorney initially declined to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence. Significant concerns arose regarding the handling of sexual assault cases within the university. Calls are increasing for changes to New York laws regarding consent and intoxication.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the CDC.

NASCAR Track organizers scheduled multiple celebrations of Buschs life leading into the race. Fans and drivers will observe a Moment of Rowdy on Lap 8 and the Friday night race at nearby short track was renamed the Kyle Busch Classic.

Angelina Jolie has recently sold her iconic Los Feliz estate in Los Angeles to pop icon Madonna. Jolie purchased the property in 2017 for approximately USD 24.5 million and greatly enhanced its historical legacy. The estate, originally owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, includes various celebrity connections and impressive features. Although listed for USD 29.85 million, it sold for a lower price but still yielded Jolie a profit.

Yahoos Alibaba investment changed the companys financial story. In 2005, Yahoo paid $1 billion for a 40% stake in the Chinese e-commerce company. Ten years later, that holding was worth about $30 billion. Yahoo then dropped its plan to spin off the Alibaba stake after U.S. tax authorities refused to confirm tax-free treatment.

P K Mishra emphasized India's approach to economic resilience during the Kautilya Economic Conclave. He noted the importance of maintaining substantial stocks and diversifying procurement strategies. Mishra highlighted the growth in the number of countries from which India imports crude oil significantly.

Aman Sehrawat upgraded his Hangzhou bronze to Asian Games gold after beating reigning world champion Chong Song Han 10-7 in the mens 57kg final. Antim Panghal lost 1-9 to Japans Mei Miyooka, while Deepak Punia added bronze, taking Indias wrestling tally to six medals, including two gold.

The resignation of BJP councilor R. Sreelekha from the Thiruvananthapuram city council poses a critical challenge to the party's majority, reducing the council's strength to 50. Following her discontent over not being nominated as Mayor, speculation surrounds Sreelekha's allegiance to the party. Currently, the BJP is making efforts to have her reconsider her resignation, hoping to maintain their council dominance amid the changing political landscape.

Post the 2025 assembly elections in Bihar, the relationship between the RJD and Congress is strained. The RJD's unilateral announcement of candidates for six MLC seats sparked conflict, prompting Congress to position its candidates for five seats, resulting in four direct electoral battles. The RJD argues that Congress's success hinges on its support, while Congress is determined to fortify its presence independently.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliberate over the Mecca Pact. Their talks centered on fostering robust bilateral strategic partnerships, amid Egypt's choice to refrain from joining the defense pact. Observers remark that the Mecca Pact's relevance is questionable due to a shared enemy's absence. Nonetheless, Egypt positions itself as a crucial stabilizing force within the region.

'All adult US citizens...':Trump reiterates $5,000 promise if Republicans win 2026 midterm elections

Ukraine is set to enhance its attacks on Russian oil refineries in response to recent changes in military tactics. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized that civilian infrastructure would not be targeted during these operations. Ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensives have recaptured significant territory in the eastern Donbas region.

Anupam Kher house tour: Sikander Kher provided a glimpse into the Mumbai home of his parents, Anupam and Kirron Kher. The residence features a blend of contemporary design and nostalgic family memorabilia throughout various rooms. A significant section is dedicated to displaying the couple's achievements in awards and personal artefacts collected over the years. A compact mandir is included, adding to the home's traditional feel.

NITI Aayog Member Arvind Virmani has retained his India GDP growth forecast at 7% for the year, with an uncertainty range of plus or minus 1%, citing unresolved trade issues and global developments. He also backed a gradual shift towards cost-based UPI MDR after the subsidy helped establish the payments platform.

KL Rahul achieved the milestone of 10,000 international runs during the third ODI against West Indies. After a shaky start, he scored a remarkable 129 not out, leading India to a total of 351 runs. Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad both contributed half-centuries, stabilizing the innings after early wickets. India opted to bat first, winning the toss despite losing their openers cheaply.

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi stated that India cannot give a timeframe for Sheikh Hasina's extradition. Hasina has been living in India since she fled Bangladesh amid massive protests in 2024. The Bangladesh government has repeatedly requested her extradition, which India is examining through legal processes. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have increased since Hasina's interim administration was toppled.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Saturday praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery after the flydubai pilot was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar helped save the aircraft carrying 174 people, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced plans for 10,000 new police recruitments to combat drug problems effectively. He emphasized the police's full autonomy to act against drug trafficking in communities. The state government is enhancing police resources and integrating technology-driven approaches in their operations. Discussions with the Centre aim to strengthen the NDPS Act against drug-related offenses further.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted strategic priorities to build resilience amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. She emphasized the importance of optimizing supply chains and fostering private sector investment for strengthening innovation. The minister noted that India's R&D expenditure is significantly lower compared to OECD countries, necessitating increased private participation. Sitharaman discussed the shocks faced in recent years and the importance of managing ec

Bengaluru news: A 31-year-old man returned home late to find his house ransacked and two intruders inside. The intruders attacked him with an iron rod, causing a deep head injury, before fleeing on a bike. They stole 20 grams of gold jewellery and 45 grams of silver ornaments. His family was away on a trip to Andhra Pradesh during the incident.

At the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about fostering international trade policies that are not only open but also predictable. She underlined the critical need for nations to communicate effectively to dissolve geopolitical trade barriers. Highlighting the importance of resilience in the global economy, she introduced the National Critical Minerals Mission, stressing strategic autonomy to reduce single-source dependencies amid ongoing global economic turmoil.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh addressed concerns about Pakistan potentially acquiring Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. He emphasized that India possesses the capabilities to respond effectively to such threats. Historical context suggests that advanced platforms alone do not guarantee success for Pakistan against India.

Hema Malini home tour: Esha Deol recently shared details about her mother Hema Malini's bungalow, now named Advitiya. This residence has served as a significant location for family memories and artistic expressions over the decades. Originally referred to as Hema Malini's house, it has historical and cultural importance. The home features special spaces dedicated to classical dance, reflecting Malini's passion.

Vishal Kumar Metre, a 24-year-old resident of Bhalki Taluk in Bidar, has been arrested on terrorism charges. He allegedly communicated with Shahzad Bhatti, a recognized terrorist in Pakistan, using social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. Initially denying ties to terrorist activities, he ultimately handed over his phone, which uncovered discussions focused on illegal weapons and anti-national endeavors.

Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the proposed Keralam Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplant will be established in Kozhikode within 30 months. The new hospital complex will have 350 beds and 10 operation theatres. A fully equipped skin disease hospital will also be constructed on the same campus at Rs 35 crore.

Todays Word of the Day: Novelty refers to something new, unusual or different that attracts interest because it is unfamiliar. The noun can describe the quality of being fresh as well as an object or experience valued for its unusual nature. The word is also commonly used in the phrase the novelty wore off when excitement over something new gradually fades.

Prime Minister Modi hosted a splendid BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi, which saw the participation of chief ministers from opposition-led states. The summit concluded with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, emphasizing the need for reforms in global governance and the inclusion of developing countries. The event also showcased a cultural performance that honored the shared heritage and diversity of the BRICS community.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has alerted police forces statewide. The opposition BJP threatened to storm a police station over procession restrictions. This incident occurred amid a dispute regarding a Ganesh Chaturthi procession route. The Chief Minister stated the government aims for peaceful celebrations and citizen discipline. He also questioned the opposition leader's threat to storm a police station.

Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil held talks with Bayer, Philips and Royal Swinkels in the Netherlands to attract fresh investments and expand manufacturing in Karnataka. Discussions covered Bayers expansion interests, Philips healthcare technology and innovation footprint, and potential manufacturing opportunities, as the state seeks to deepen its industrial presence.

Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka on Saturday said that Congress leader B Nagendra's resignation from the state cabinet was the outcome of sustained pressure by the BJP-JD(S) alliance and called it a victory for the entire Dalit community rather than the opposition party alone.

Actor Prakash Raj stated his name was deleted from Bengaluru electoral rolls. He was among 65 lakh voters removed during a revision process. Raj expressed his intent to follow the procedure to reinstate his voter ID. He also made a statement regarding the ruling dispensation's actions. His name was reportedly on a list for being permanently shifted.

India has been invited to join NASA's Moon Base program. Discussions focused on expanding civil and commercial space cooperation. Both nations agreed to advance open scientific data sharing under Artemis Accords. They also reaffirmed commitment to UN guidelines for outer space sustainability. Future collaborations in space science and human spaceflight technologies are being explored.