The Economic Times

India and Singapore are considering plans for a 2,000 MW cross-border power interconnection that could enhance energy security. The proposed land-based transmission corridor would connect Imphal in India to Singapore via Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Goyal said that the nine free trade agreements finalised by India in recent years provide huge business opportunities for exporters. He urged industry chamber CII to set up FTA utilisation cells in states.

'Something weird is going on': JD Vance announces probes into colleges for potential visa fraud

With the midterm elections approaching, only 30% of Trump voters express strong enthusiasm about voting. In contrast, 48% of Harris voters are very enthusiastic, indicating a significant gap. This discrepancy may affect overall voter turnout in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Trump's approval rating has reached a record low, which is impacting his supporters' motivation. Addressing these challenges is crucial for both parties as they prepare for November 3.

Student loan borrowers may get a valuable tax break in 2026. The IRS still allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest from income. But the full benefit is not available to everyone. As income rises, the deduction gradually shrinks and can disappear once certain limits are reached.

Beginning October 9, the government will implement a rigorous verification process of sugar stocks due to discrepancies discovered in both sales and GST data from sugar mills. With festival season approaching, the demand for sugar is increasing, putting pressure on mills to meet their sales quotas. Any mills failing to comply with these requirements may face legal actions for record discrepancies.

In a recent legal development, the Supreme Court has highlighted potential issues with the DGP appointment regulations in Jharkhand, suggesting they may contravene earlier court decisions. As a result, DGP Tadasha Mishra's position is under review, prompting the state government to consider amending its selection process. Future court sessions will be crucial in evaluating the legitimacy of these 2025 regulations.

India has joined the US, EU, UK and 12 other economies in a joint statement to tackle structural excess capacity and production, despite facing a US trade probe over alleged overcapacity. The signatories will examine key sectors including EVs, batteries, chemicals, semiconductors and solar panels through dedicated sectoral platforms.

The Weekly October Horoscope highlights one especially lucky day for every zodiac sign between October 12 and 18, 2026.Career opportunities, partnerships and moments of clarity could create important turning points during the week.

Vice President JD Vance announced that Microsoft has been suspended from the skilled foreign worker visa program. This decision coincides with President Donald Trump's intention to accolade tech giants, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Vance condemned Microsoft's actions, stating their layoffs of U.S. employees contradict their reliance on H-1B visas, suggesting they misused the system.

Tadaryl Shipp, aged 49, is serving a life sentence for the murder of Colleen Slemmer. He and ex-girlfriend Christa Pike were convicted in 1996 for this horrific crime. While Shipp could be eligible for parole in October 2025, his previous denial was due to the crime's severity. Christa, sentenced to death, survived a failed execution, and ongoing legal matters concern evidence preservation and potential sentence commutation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for a global framework to tackle cyber fraud and deepfakes, alongside his push for India-made products and innovation, has drawn support from telecom industry leaders. At India Mobile Congress 2026, executives said the sectors next phase must focus on secure connectivity, AI, trust and global technology leadership.

Documents reveal the FBI tracked Susie Wiles' communications with various individuals after the Mar-a-Lago raid. The agency also monitored the movements of Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and Barron Trump before the search. Details were obtained about their travel plans and timing for carrying out the FBI raid. Investigators expressed concerns regarding the legal authority to search certain areas of Mar-a-Lago.

Bangladesh is requesting a new or revised Ganges water-sharing treaty with India prior to 2026. Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annee emphasized the need for guarantees similar to the 1977 agreement. Diplomatic engagement and discussions are expected to facilitate negotiations regarding the treaty. Bangladesh's government aims to secure the interests of its citizens while considering India's position.

In Kilrush, County Clare, retired wind turbine blades are transformed into public infrastructure such as a pedestrian bridge. This project, led by Clare Local Development Company and BladeBridge, emphasizes the concept of a circular economy. Sections of the blades are also used to create benches and picnic tables for public spaces. Approximately 11,000 tonnes of wind turbine blades are expected to be decommissioned in Ireland by 2026.

The USDA has slashed its expectations for Indian sugar production in the 2026/27 season to 29.5 million metric tons due to a forecasted rainfall shortfall. This predicted deficit is set to impact sugarcane's sucrose level and decrease the area available for effective harvesting. Moreover, looming drought conditions are likely to disrupt milling operations by early 2027.

NASA has released more than 800GB of Artemis II Moon data, including 11,000-plus images and videos, 8.5 hours of astronaut audio and crew annotations. The release also documents five faint flashes spotted on the Moon as the astronauts observed its surface during their lunar flyby.

Microsoft green card h1b visa program suspension: Microsoft is based in Redmond, Washington, near Seattle. Vice President JD Vance said Microsoft last year laid off 6,000 American workers but also obtained 6,300 H-1B visas and almost 3,000 green cards.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran's shadow fleet of tankers transporting oil. These sanctions target 17 vessels linked to the Iranian economy's petroleum sector. The move aims to reduce funding for Tehran's regional operations amid ongoing tensions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the sanctions' importance in countering Iranian military actions. President Donald Trump also stated there will be no further military attacks before the midterm elections.

UEFA convened to explore potential candidates challenging Gianni Infantino in the forthcoming elections. The organization seeks a figure who fosters harmony and mutual respect within the football realm. Aleksander Ceferin has announced his intent to run for re-election while distancing himself from any opposition to Infantino. Recent governance issues within FIFA have intensified UEFA's commitment to finding fresh leadership.

Mounting Russian strikes that have pummelled the Ukrainian capital, hitting bridges and key infrastructure, have plunged Kyiv into survival mode ahead of the winter, the city'on Thursday. Three people were killed in Russian strikes in Kyiv on Thursday.

For Americans earning money while living and working abroad, one of the biggest 2026 tax changes is the higher foreign earned income exclusion. The IRS has raised the limit to $132,900, up from $130,000 in 2025. That means eligible taxpayers may be able to exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income from U.S. federal income tax.

Voters in Texas need to be aware of key dates leading up to the 2026 midterm elections. The deadline for voter registration is October 5, which is rapidly approaching. Early voting will take place from October 19 to October 30 across various counties. Voters intending to use mail ballots must submit their applications by October 23. Election Day is scheduled for November 3, with polls open from 7 a.m.

Charlie King, affectionately known as Chicken Finger, died at just 25, confirmed by Rocket City Championship Wrestling. This heartbreaking news comes shortly after WWE star Benjamin Satterley, aged 40, was found unresponsive outside a restaurant, leaving fans in shock. While investigations into Satterleys untimely death are underway, authorities suspect no foul play.

The involvement of Trump associates James Blair and Chris LaCivita in advising Milorad Dodik has raised ethical concerns. Their work for Dodik took place amid significant political changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While Dodik previously faced U.S. sanctions, the Trump administration lifted them, creating a complex political scenario. This relationship has allowed Dodik to demonstrate connections with influential figures in U.S. politics.

A new Reuters poll has raised questions about Donald Trump Republican voter enthusiasm ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with only 30% of Trumps 2024 voters saying they are very enthusiastic about voting, compared with 48% of Kamala Harris voters. The findings could pose a challenge for Republicans as Trump urges his supporters to treat the midterms as a referendum on his presidency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the new round of GST reforms approved by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, saying the measures will enable faster decisions, lower compliance costs, automated refunds and a trust-based administration.

EU officials are raising alarms over the escalating trade deficits with China, exceeding one billion euros on a daily basis. The spike in Chinese hybrid-car exports underscores possible gaps in EU tariff policies. Although talks are underway, China shows little willingness to engage in voluntary export restrictions for select products. EU leaders are now considering a 'kill switch' mechanism.

The United States has confirmed it will not engage in military actions against Iran before the upcoming midterm elections. A naval blockade remains enforced around Iranian ports, despite ongoing discussions between the two nations. Iran seeks to address the blockade and resume nuclear talks, while the US insists on limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities. Recent proposals from Iran were rejected by the US, highlighting the complexity of negotiations.

Salman Khan gives youths stiff competition when it comes to being fit, muscled, and robust without weight gain. However, the Hum Aapke Hain Kaun star revealed that, unlike many of his peers, he is a foodie. He balances his love for food with regular exercise, and his diet also includes a lot of lean protein.

Nvidia is heading for the magical USD 6 trillion market cap and here are details of how the AI chip maker maintains professional relationship with its employees.

Manchester City has been found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules, facing serious penalties. Erling Haaland, despite joining later, feels the current squad must remain united. He urges positivity and focus on winning matches during these uncertain times. Haaland has expressed deep concern for the fans and their situation with the club. His future may depend on the outcome of potential sanctions from the league.

Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, announced that the country will persist in its uranium enrichment endeavors. He characterized US warnings as stale and ineffective in persuading Iran to change course. Eslami's remarks underscore Tehran's resistance to external pressures, illustrating the ongoing friction in nuclear negotiations with the United States, a critical development in their multifaceted diplomatic engagement.

Infosys and Wipro ADRs fell nearly 3% in US trading as investors assessed TCSs quarterly results and fresh US immigration restrictions. Concerns over technology spending, AI disruption and tighter employment-based immigration added pressure to Indian IT stocks.

The recent policy adjustments by IRDAI have led to a marked decline in investor confidence and value within the insurance industry. The transition from a lenient regulatory approach to a more rigorous one has sharply impacted stock values. Concerns over commission payments prompted this swift regulatory action, which may have been excessive.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Manipuri players for their performance at the recently concluded Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, during a meeting with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh in New Delhi. Mandaviya also agreed to visit Manipur and the National Sports University in Imphal shortly.

Indian markets plunged on Thursday as RBI policy tightening, persistent FII selling, rising bond yields and rupee weakness battered sentiment. The Nifty hit a 52-week low of 22,179, while the Sensex fell 1,045 points, wiping out over Rs 10 lakh crore.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she is likely to join opposition INDIA bloc protests at Delhis Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She also expressed concern over Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, and said she has sought an appointment with President Droupadi Murmu.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh urged Union minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite key road projects, including construction of the Shangshak-Tengnoupal Highway and sanction of an elevated highway in Imphal. He also sought completion of ongoing works on National Highways 37 and 2 this working season to improve connectivity.

The Tea Research Association has launched TocklAI, an AI model designed specifically for the tea industry and trained on Tocklai Tea Research Institutes verified research archive. The tool will help planters and small growers with pest control, soil health, climate adaptation, processing and compliance, using more than 2,000 digitised scientific publications.

Florida is incentivising contractors to help combat the invasive Burmese python population through a conservation program offering hourly wages and bonuses based on the size of the snakes they catch. While this initiative promotes community involvement and includes competitive events, hunters face unpredictability in their income, as finding these elusive reptiles often demands significant skill and time investment.

An independent committee examining Jaypee Infratech homebuyers grievances has found most allegations of construction delays, poor quality, labour shortages and fund diversion to be genuine. The committee said Suraksha Group had failed to meet key resolution-plan obligations, including arranging Rs 3,000 crore in working capital, and urged urgent tribunal intervention.

Indian markets remained under pressure as hawkish RBI policy, persistent FII outflows, rising bond yields and rupee weakness weighed on sentiment. Amid the sell-off, analysts identified Brooks Laboratories and Deepa Jewellers as medium-term opportunities based on bullish technical breakouts.

The United States has launched a federal investigation into nine major universities, including Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale and Stanford over their use of J-1 visas, Vice President JD Vance said at a press briefing.The J-1 visa programme allows foreign nationals to enter the US as exchange visitors, including researchers, scholars, students, teachers and other specialists.Vance said Labor Department officials had served subpoenas on the universities as part of the investigation. He alle

The Pillsbury Estate in Beverly Hills is currently listed for $7.995 million, once owned by Taylor Swift from 2011 to 2018 during her work on the album 1989. This luxurious property boasts four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a pickleball court. Nicolas and Roxy Bijan acquired the estate and beautifully restored it, keeping its historic charm. They also celebrated their wedding at the estate in 2020, amidst pandemic-related changes.