The Economic Times

The Indian Navy is set to commission Samarthak, their first multi-purpose vessel, on October 16, 2026. Built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd under the Make in India initiative, this vessel focuses on maritime surveillance. Samarthak is designed for various operations including patrolling and humanitarian assistance missions. Its integrated combat suite features indigenous sensors and weapons for operations in difficult conditions.

The Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes that Ladakh is an integral part of India. It responded to recent statements by China regarding Ladakh with firm denial. A press release identified 28 features in Ladakh with standardized names on the Survey of India map. This initiative was undertaken in consultation with local stakeholders to enhance public awareness. The MEA asserts that no denial from China will alter this established fact.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Czech Republic's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havliek on Tuesday reviewed the entire spectrum of defence industrial cooperation between the two countries and agreed to expand collaboration under the India-Czech Joint Defence Committee to promote 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Indian Railways reported loading 135.35 million tonnes of freight in September 2026, marking significant growth. This represents a 6.14 per cent increase compared to September 2025, highlighting strong performance in key commodity segments. Foodgrain loading saw a notable rise of 25 per cent during the same period. Freight revenue also increased by Rs 1,266 crore, indicating a 9.3 per cent growth rate.

The IMF has raised India's growth forecast to 7% for both FY27 and FY28, highlighting the country's resilience despite higher oil prices and a slowing global economy. Strong domestic consumption, infrastructure spending, recovering private investment and AI-related capital expenditure are supporting growth, though inflation, energy costs and weaker rural demand remain risks.

Sridhar Vembu Net Worth: Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu and his siblings have a combined net worth of $5.8 billion, according to Forbes. He grew up in a village in Tamil Nadu, studied at IIT Madras and Princeton, and now lives in rural Tenkasi. His wealth is in the news again after he said Zoho staff will not get a pay hike this year.

Bayer brings together its capabilities in Seeds & Traits, Crop Protection, Digital Farming Solutions and agronomy with tailored mechanization and digital advisory to support farmers through the transition.

Encouraging a paradigm shift, Uday Kotak of Kotak Mahindra Bank calls for increased Chinese investments in India. He posits that collaborating with Chinese firms could enrich India's manufacturing sector. Kotaks remarks signal a reassessment of global investment trends, advocating for a cooperative model akin to Chinas previous engagements with U.S. companies, aiming to expand the spectrum of available capital even in the face of trade tensions.

Tamannaah Bhatia's fitness trainer Siddhartha Singh shared 3 nutritious dinner recipes designed for weight loss that are both satisfying and health-conscious. He advocates for the 50-25-25 meal ratio, recommending rajma with rice, egg bhurji with chapati, and paneer bhurji. Each meal should be accompanied by a generous salad, promoting mindful eating practices while effectively controlling hunger and meeting dietary needs.

India's power sector is expected to post up to 11 per cent year-on-year (YoY) profit growth in Q2FY27, driven by strong electricity demand, higher plant load factors and potential incentives for thermal power producers, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities.

Many urban centers in India have designated protest sites that reflect their historical significance and role during the freedom struggle. Notable examples include Azad Maidan in Mumbai and Gandhi Maidan in Patna, both with rich protest histories. Jantar Mantar in New Delhi has been a prominent protest site before recent changes in its status. The article highlights various cities and their notable protest locations that recall their pasts.

In an exciting development, the University of Western Australia is opening new campuses in Mumbai and Chennai, focusing on postgraduate education. This program is designed specifically to equip professionals with crucial skills required for a future shaped by artificial intelligence. The Master of Information Technology allows tech graduates to thrive in changing digital environments, whereas the Master of Business Administration nurtures strategic business leaders.

The year 2026 marked a significant uptick in India's office real estate sector, with net absorption reaching 42.9 million square feet. The coworking and BFSI sectors led the charge, representing 47% of total leasing activities. Meanwhile, Bengaluru reported a spike in new office supply, while NCR and Pune saw a downturn.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran of Tata Sons affirmed the conglomerate's commitment to producing semiconductor chips amid ongoing boardroom disputes. Tata is investing heavily in India's first chip-making unit, a key to future growth. Noel Tata has expressed disagreements over capital decisions and shareholder returns, which has escalated tensions. Despite operational challenges at Air India and within Tata Technologies, the group continues to maintain double-digit growth.

China's foreign ministry protested India's move to establish standardised names for 28 regions in Ladakh on the official Survey of India and called the decision 'illegal.' The changes were in direct response to China renaming regions in Arunachal Pradesh in 2023, which it calls 'Zagnan' or South Tibet. The ongoing tensions highlight the complexities of India-China relations.

India is focusing on strengthening the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' strategic maritime role for regional trade. The upcoming Andaman Dialogue 2027 will emphasize maritime infrastructure and economic cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the islands as an economic bridge, particularly for trade and logistics efforts. Enhanced cooperation between regional ports and industries is also proposed to bolster maritime security.

India's share of global coworking bookings rose from 2.2% in the first half of 2025 to 10.2% in H1 2026, making it the world's second-most active market after the US. India retained its position as the world's most mature flexible office market, with inventory reaching 88.7 million sq ft and operators recording a record 8.5 million sq ft of leasing in H1 2026.

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd has announced securing new orders valued at approximately 2,031 crore in its T&D business. This includes an order for around Rs 194 crore from its subsidiary in Sweden. The company reported achieving orders worth 20,000 crore in the current fiscal year, indicating substantial growth. Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO, expressed confidence in future growth amidst favorable industry conditions.

Sanjay Raut confirmed that he is a petitioner in a legal challenge against the Election Commission of India. He emphasized the need to hold the Commission accountable for alleged discrepancies and political pressures. The opposition plans to strategize further after a meeting hosted by Rahul Gandhi. Raut criticized the government's restrictions on protests, asserting that public voice cannot be suppressed.

Indian Consumer Spending Trends: Indian households are increasingly shifting their consumption patterns, which reflects a richer variety of spending options. This changing consumer behavior shows significant growth in non-food expenditures over the years. The introduction of quick commerce has further diversified available products, making various goods more accessible. Both urban and rural consumers are seeking premium products alongside traditional staples.

Global AI stock enthusiasm hit a roadblock as South Korea's Kospi plunged 7.4% on chip competition concerns and Broadcom's warning on AI spending. Conversely, Indian IT stocks surged, adding Rs 26,000 crore in market cap as investors rotated into services over semiconductor hardware exposure.

Pranav Adani visited the Singapore Grand Prix in a personal capacity, attracting attention for India's Formula 1 prospects. The Adani Group has acquired Jaypee Group's assets, including the Buddh International Circuit, which previously hosted races. Karan Adani has expressed interest in reviving Formula 1 in India, with government support evident in task force formation. Significant financial and logistical challenges must be addressed for the return of the sport to India.

For all students planning their next trip, Air India is now offering a generous 10% discount on eligible domestic fares! This special promotion is available for bookings made before October 20, 2026. Be sure to use the promo code UPIPROMO during online reservations for extra savings. Just a reminder, students must show valid documents at check-in to validate their eligibility.

Kolkata and the United States are strengthening ties across sectors such as defence, IT, and healthcare. Recent military exercises involving 500 troops and significant investments showcase this growing partnership. American companies are establishing production facilities in India, contributing to economic development in both nations. India plays a crucial role in supplying generic medicines to the US, which enhancing trust.

India called for the recognition of terrorist acts within the framework of crimes against humanity at the UN. The country's representative emphasized the primary responsibility of states to prevent and prosecute such crimes. India seeks a convention that complements existing legal mechanisms and respects national jurisdictions. Enhanced counter-terrorism measures have also significantly improved internal security in India over the last 12 years.

Rishi Sunak stated that countries such as India and Gulf nations are shaping global orders independently. He emphasized the increasing geopolitical uncertainty as these nations do not always align with the US or China. Sunak expressed concern over the rise in armed conflicts worldwide since World War II, noting 61 active conflicts currently. The discussion took place at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026 in New Delhi.

Canada is leading its largest trade delegation to India in more than 30 years, with nearly 300 business delegates set to explore partnerships across key sectors as both countries advance negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said.

AI Meets Robotics: Fortis introduces Indias first hybrid cath lab; Dr Ashok Seth explains

BMI has raised India's economic growth forecast for 2026-27 to 7.5% from the previous estimate of 6.8%. The agency cites strong growth momentum and ongoing investment in artificial intelligence as key factors. However, risks from rising oil prices and potential El Nino disruptions could negatively impact growth. Additionally, the forecast for 2027-28 has been adjusted down to 6.3%, reflecting concerns for household consumption.

Ravichandran Ashwin shared insights on India's upcoming tour of New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of the series. He pointed out the challenges posed by the experienced New Zealand seam attack in home conditions. While discussing India's pace-bowling resources, Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return and Prasidh Krishna's fitness. He also assessed the potential contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 World Cup.

Current debates in India often focus on GDP growth figures, which can misrepresent the actual development landscape. While GDP is a useful measure, it does not adequately reflect the quality of life improvements. Recent data shows a persistent height gap between Indian and Chinese teenagers, indicating nutritional disparities. Poverty rates in India have decreased, yet issues like childhood stunting remain significant.

Global Japanese sportswear brand ASICS has opened its 150th store at Pacific Mall in Mansarovar, Jaipur. This store marks the third Company-Owned, Company-Operated store launched by ASICS in India. With a retail space of 1,508 square feet, the store offers products across various categories. Consumers can engage with the brand through Foot ID and explore suitable running and training products.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor emphasized the strengthening collaboration between India and America in defense and healthcare sectors. During an event in Kolkata, he mentioned recent military exercises involving Indian and American forces. Gor also highlighted significant investments in information technology and shared trust in India's pharmaceutical industry. The US is actively engaging with West Bengal to foster ties in various sectors.

Since 1999, rural Minnesota farmers have harnessed wind turbines for financial stability. Each turbine's land lease can bring in between $2,000 and $5,000 annually. While owning turbines can lead to greater profits, the hefty start-up costs deter most farmers. Notably, more than 95 percent of the land designated for wind farms remains actively farmed, showcasing how renewable energy can complement agricultural livelihoods.

Jean-Eric Paquet, the new European Union Ambassador to India, presented his Letters of Credence to President Droupadi Murmu. The ceremony marks a significant step in the evolving EU-India strategic partnership, focusing on trade and security. Key initiatives include negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement and a Security and Defence Partnership. Both sides aim to enhance cooperation in technology, investment, and sustainable development.

US Treasury yields have climbed to multi-year highs, with the 10-year yield at 5.18% and 30-year yield at 5.47%, raising concerns for global markets, including India. Higher US yields make dollar assets more attractive and increase the return investors demand from emerging markets such as India.

Daren Sammy emphasizes the importance of the upcoming ODI series against India for their World Cup preparation. He highlights that winning in India is essential for a team's confidence and overall capability. Sammy notes the progress made by several players, including Shai Hope and Alzarri Joseph.

India's journey towards becoming a developed nation includes significant advancements in its space program by ISRO. The country has developed cryogenic propulsion systems independently after being denied this technology. Chandrayaan-3 made India the first nation to land successfully near the Moon's south pole. Upcoming projects include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and further lunar missions by 2040.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said India, Turkey, Egypt and several Middle Eastern countries are involved in talks to unblock shipping in the Black Sea.

Bengaluru secured $4.4 billion in startup funding during the first nine months of 2026. Total startup funding in India reached $10.3 billion despite a decline in funding rounds. Mumbai and Gurugram followed in funding, but with significantly less than Bengaluru. Delhi's funding dropped significantly, while Hyderabad saw a rise in its funding totals. The concentration of startup funding remains prominent in established cities across India.

India women's hockey team coach Sjoerd Marijne said he was pleased with the team's performance for the first three quarters in their 3-1 win over Japan at the Asian Games, but criticised the drop in intensity and discipline in the final quarter.

Pune has been awarded the 2032 UCI Road World Championships, marking a significant achievement for Indian cycling. This decision was announced during the 195th UCI Congress held in Montreal, Canada. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha expressed pride regarding this historic moment for Indian sports. The event will position India prominently on the global cycling stage, supporting future sporting ambitions.

Mexico, Brazil, the UK, Poland and Canada have emerged as high-growth markets for Indian medical equipment exports, India Exim Bank said. The study flagged modest Indian export shares despite rising import demand, and recommended regulatory alignment, stronger R&D, component manufacturing, skills development and trade promotion to expand global market presence.

Indias economy is facing near-term headwinds from unsettled ties with the United States, global energy prices and the lack of a significant AI play, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran said. He described India-US relations as being in an uneasy equilibrium amid lingering tariff issues and fresh risks from US levies on countries buying Russian energy. Nageswaran also said India cannot align itself with any global bloc, though maintaining that independence could mean higher energy costs a

Congress workers staged protests across India on Friday demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation, a day after Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of electoral wrongdoing. Demonstrations were held in Jammu and Kashmir, Guwahati, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Lucknow, while Delhi saw security deployment ahead of Congress and Youth Congress marches.