The Economic Times

Republicans are entering the final stretch of the US midterms on the defensive, pouring money into traditionally red states as voter anger over living costs, fuel prices and the Iran war weighs on the party. Some GOP candidates are distancing themselves from Trump on immigration and foreign policy, while Democrats are increasingly competitive in states such as Texas, Ohio, Iowa and Alaska.

Senator Roger Wicker has publicly criticized President Trump for the warm reception planned for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wicker expressed that he would have advised against the lavish welcome and the state dinner scheduled for Xi. He urged Trump to address issues like China's military buildup and human rights concerns during their discussions. The summit between Trump and Xi is expected to focus on trade and artificial intelligence rivalry.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said BRICS countries need to ensure their views are reflected in the new global tax rules, as decisions taken in the next few years could shape cross-border taxation for a generation.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has raised concerns about Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's support within the Election Commission. He claims that two Election Commissioners objected to irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision process. Sibal argues that decisions should be taken by majority voting among the commissioners, which did not occur. Several political leaders have echoed these concerns regarding the conduct of the Election Commission.

Rescue operations continue for the Virgo Transport 8 ferry that capsized in the Java Sea. Official reports state that the death toll has risen to 20 after the tragedy. Authorities are focused on searching the ship's cabins and recovering more bodies. There are still 115 individuals reported missing from the incident. Efforts to right the ship are ongoing but have faced challenges due to adverse conditions.

Jay Singh Rathore has become a viral name on X after an alleged eye-surgery fundraiser for his minor sister reportedly raised Rs 1.5 lakh. The controversy grew after Shroff Eye Centre flagged allegedly fake medical documents, while Rathore faced questions during lengthy X Spaces. Vijay Mallya references and memes have since flooded social media.

Elon Musk appeared on Chinese state television, praising President Xi Jinping as a strong leader. He noted the significant prosperity China has experienced under Xi's administration and highlighted the growth of new buildings. Musk mentioned Tesla's Shanghai factory, calling it a beautiful and remarkable facility. During the interview, he commended the talent and dedication of the Shanghai team.

Yu Zidi, the 13-year-old Chinese swimmer, has qualified for the women's 400m individual medley final at the Asian Games. She topped the heats with a time of 4 minutes 39.43 seconds, outperforming Japan's Mio Narita. Yu has already won two gold medals in Tokyo this week, raising expectations for her future. Her remarkable achievements have drawn significant attention in China and beyond.

Fitch Ratings has elevated India's GDP growth forecast to 6.9 percent for this fiscal year, reflecting strong economic performance in the June quarter. This indicates remarkable resilience in the economy, with private investments projected to soar beyond 10 percent. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India is expected to raise interest rates by 0.

US President Donald Trump, in his UN General Assembly address, criticised Cubas communist government, calling the country a failed state and saying the regime is under its greatest pressure yet. Trump said freedom will be coming to Cuba and vowed that communism would not come to the US.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh is bracing for moderate to heavy rainfall due to an ongoing weather depression. The India Meteorological Department has predicted significant downpours and strong winds in the upcoming days. In an effort to ensure safety, schools and Anganwadi centres in a number of districts have been temporarily closed. Alerts are in place across various regions to caution residents about potential dangers, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Anil Kapoor house tour: Anil Kapoor's four-storey bungalow in Juhu represents his journey in the film industry and family life. He acquired the property gradually, reflecting his dedication and hard work. The house elegantly combines classic European influences with modern comforts and technology. It features a rooftop garden, a private gym, and a dedicated prayer space, among other amenities. Kapoor's Juhu bungalow remains a significant landmark in his personal and professional life.

Indigenous chief Wagner Karipuna gazes worriedly at the tranquil river flowing past his village in the Brazilian Amazon as he imagines the nightmare scenario of an oil spill being carried here by the tides. He fears an immense disaster if an oil leak off the coast is carried into the Curipi River, which runs alongside his village of 1,800 inhabitants.

India's economy is projected to grow at 7% in 2026 due to resilient consumption and government investment. However, weather risks from a strengthening El Nino may impact agricultural yields and energy prices. The Asian Development Bank has raised its growth forecast, highlighting strong domestic demand and investment. Additionally, inflation is expected to average 5.2%, potentially constraining monetary policy.

Neale Donald Walsch, a prominent figure in spiritual literature, is best known for his groundbreaking book series 'Conversations with God,' launched in 1995. This intriguing collection seeks to address the deep inquiries of life, spirituality, and belief systems. Before his writing career took off, Walsch explored different professions in media and public relations. Through his engaging narrative, he prompts readers to thoughtfully consider their perceptions of faith and the divine.

The SWAGAT-FI framework, launched on June 1, simplifies registration for trusted foreign investors, including pension and sovereign funds. Over 164 registrations have already been recorded within just 100 days of implementation. This new system now allows a 10-year registration period, which reduces compliance costs significantly for long-term investors. While initial registrants include major global asset managers, foreign investment sentiment has fluctuated recently.

Ola Electric shares surged nearly 10%, extending their three-session rally and gaining over 86% in six months from the March low. Brokerages, however, remain cautious amid weak volumes, lower margins and continued cash burn.

US President Donald Trump has reignited his feud with CNNs Kaitlan Collins after an awkward encounter at the United Nations, accusing the journalist of having a TRUMP addiction and questioning why she was covering him. The clash comes as CNN, MS NOW and Politico challenge their White House ban in federal court, turning Trumps long-running media battle into a fight over press access and presidential power.

Climate-related disasters in the Himalayas have intensified, leading to devastating impacts on communities and economies. Aid cuts have significantly weakened disaster preparedness initiatives, increasing vulnerability to climate-related events. Millions face heightened risks of glacial lake outburst floods and other disasters due to reduced funding. Official development assistance has reportedly dropped, impacting vital climate adaptation programs in South Asia.

The Delhi government is establishing 110 collection centers for the disposal of damaged idols and religious items. These centers will facilitate eco-friendly practices during the Ganesh festival celebrations, promoting cleanliness in public spaces and water bodies. In addition, 81 artificial immersion ponds will be created across all districts for Ganesh Visarjan. Devotees are encouraged to use these designated sites and to avoid polluting natural water bodies.

US President Donald Trump has called on countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing it of being an out of control institution and saying the US would not allow its military personnel to face proceedings before the court.

Arvind SmartSpaces shares surged 10.83% after its Bengaluru project, Arvind Sylva

Cyclone Arnab: A depression over the Bay of Bengal is moving towards the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, triggering school closures, evacuation preparations and a red alert in southern Odisha, even as questions swirl over whether the system will turn into Cyclone Arnab.

An Indian forensic team is working in Kathmandu after recent flash floods that caused significant destruction. They are processing approximately 3,000 DNA samples to identify missing persons. So far, over 1,200 DNA profiles have been established as investigations continue. The flash floods originated from the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, affecting many towns and villages. Authorities are expected to provide updates on the missing individuals shortly.

Presley Gerber, the son of renowned model Cindy Crawford, tragically passed away in a California rehabilitation facility on September 20, 2026. His struggle with substance abuse, particularly a dubious ketamine prescription from his doctor, has come to light. The Santa Monica Police Department is still investigating his death.

Dixon Technologies aspires to become one of the world's top five electronics contract manufacturers in ten years. The company seeks to expand its production of higher-margin components and IT hardware while maintaining its smartphone assembly business. Recently, it gained government approval to partner with Vivo for smartphone manufacturing. Despite growth in revenue, Dixon faces margin pressure in its core mobile business.

Research indicates that governments may not meet the UN's 30 by 30 biodiversity conservation target by 2030. Despite some progress, only 20% of land and 10% of marine areas are currently protected. Significant funding shortfalls exist, especially in marine protection, which is far below necessary levels. A large gap exists between theoretical protection measures and their actual enforcement on the ground.

Indraprastha Gas Limited has rolled out an automated vehicle verification system at ten Delhi retail outlets, using cameras and artificial intelligence to check CNG cylinder hydro-test certificates before vehicles are allowed to refuel, as part of an ongoing safety enforcement drive.

A lot of momentum: Trump says Steve and Jareds talks with Iranian delegation show progress

Iraq has ordered the suspension of Iranian flights to Baghdad airport starting Wednesday at midnight. This decision follows US threats of sanctions against airports servicing Iranian airlines. Discussions are ongoing regarding the diversion of Iranian Airways flights to Najaf airport. Iranian flights to Oman have also been canceled, with ongoing consultations about this situation.

Jay Singh Rathore Scam: Jay Singh Rathore is trending after an alleged fake eye-surgery fundraiser for his minor sister reportedly raised Rs 1.5 lakh in donations. The controversy intensified after Shroff Eye Centre flagged allegedly fake medical documents, followed by hours of questions and discussions involving Rathore on an X Space, described by users as 'Chai Pe Charcha'.

Nationalist Citizens Party of India has recently appointed 27 new national office-bearers, including seven former TMC MPs. This organizational announcement follows the resignation of 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs who recently joined the NCPI. Key appointments include former TMC MPs as Vice Presidents and General Secretaries, enhancing the party's structure. Disqualification petitions against these former MPs are still under consideration by the Supreme Court.

National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) IPO shares will list on BSE tomorrow, September 24, 2026. Ahead of the debut, grey market premium signals a modest 2.4% listing gain over the upper price band of Rs 1,785. The Rs 22,562 crore offer for sale was subscribed 5.71 times overall.

Turkeys Erdogan again raises Kashmir issue at UNGA after Mecca Pact with Pakistan

Trump threatens to blow up Iran's Pickaxe Mountain during Gulf Cooperation Council meeting

On September 23, 2026, Indian players of Garena Free Fire MAX will have the exciting opportunity to claim redeem codes for various in-game rewards. These codes can unlock valuable items such as diamonds and unique character collectibles. Players need to log in to their accounts on the official Garena website to redeem these codes. Its important to act fast since codes may expire or have usage limits.

Mayawati will chair a significant all-India meeting in Lucknow to discuss the party's electoral strategies. This meeting is set to focus on preparations for upcoming Assembly elections in several states. Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party has expressed his interest in contesting the Rajya Sabha elections. Mayawati previously questioned the Samajwadi Partys changes related to electoral tactics and its impact on Muslim votes.

Chinese-made wigs, hair extensions and artificial nails are seeing strong demand in the US, highlighting China's manufacturing strength even in non-strategic consumer products.

Embraer has reported GPS system instability impacting certain aircraft, including its E2 family. The company is collaborating with operators and the equipment manufacturer to monitor the situation. Honeywell Aerospace is examining the underlying cause of the GPS signal reception issue globally. Meanwhile, Brazilian airline Azul confirmed operational adjustments for its E2 fleet due to this instability.

Indian rowers performed well at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, advancing to their respective finals. Satnam Singh and Salman Khan finished second in men's double sculls, securing a final spot. Balraj Panwar qualified for Final A in men's single sculls after a strong third-place finish in his heat. The Indian kayak four team also reached the final by finishing third in their heat.

Clashes occurred between supporters of TMC and BJP in Mukundapur over a party office dispute. TMC alleged violence against their members by BJP workers during a rally for control of the office. Police intervened to disperse the crowd using baton charges after the situation escalated. Both parties accused each other of provoking violence and maintaining harassment in the area.

India is ready to do so MEA says on Russia-Ukraine war after Jaishankar meets Ukraine FM

360 ONE WAM appoints Jefferies India Country Head Aashish Agarwal as Group CEO, with founders Karan Bhagat and Yatin Shah taking focused leadership roles across strategy and wealth management.

Troops from the Indian Army and the US Army are conducting joint training at Mahajan Field Firing Range. This training is part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, focusing on artillery systems and operational coordination. Soldiers practice target identification and engagement procedures to enhance battlefield efficiency. The exercise aims to build interoperability and joint operational readiness among the two forces.

Jay Meena made history for India by advancing to the men's singles semi-finals in soft tennis. He won against Sherwin Nuguit from the Philippines in a closely contested quarter-final match. Manu Bhaker also progressed to the women's 10m air pistol final, showcasing strong performances in shooting. Additionally, several Indian rowers and canoeists qualified for their respective finals after impressive heats.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He plans to address the ongoing conflict and urge diplomacy aimed at easing tensions with the US. The backdrop includes US President Donald Trump's warning of potential military action against Iran if a peace deal is not reached. Pezeshkian emphasizes the need for restoring trust and highlighting alleged crimes against Iran.