The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
MK Stalin detailed his MISA-era prison abuse after a chief minister's gesture. The ruling TVK party demanded proof of his alleged detention. Stalin recounted harsh prison conditions and colleague's death. He stated his broken jaw was a brave scar from beatings. TVK criticised the video as an engineered attempt to deflect issues.
Britain has spent nearly forty million dollars on SpaceX satellite services. This spending deepens reliance on Elon Musk's company for military communications. The United Kingdom is the first country outside the US to publicly acknowledge Starshield adoption. Britain's defence ministry uses about one thousand Starshield and five hundred Starlink terminals. This move occurs amid European concerns about dependence on US security infrastructure.
India Women vs Bangladesh Women Live streaming: India will face Bangladesh in the Womens Asia Cup 2026 semi-final on September 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match begins at 8 pm IST, with live telecast available on Sony Sports Network and streaming on SonyLIV in India.
JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha urged the Centre not to renew the Ganga water treaty. He alleged Bihar's water share has been stolen for three decades. The treaty signed in 1996 governs dry-season water flows at Farakka Barrage. Bangladesh receives 1,500 cumecs while Bihar gets only 400 cumecs. Jha linked silt accumulation to worsening flood situations in Bihar.
Indias luxury market is shifting from traditional status symbols towards products that offer craftsmanship, exclusivity, heritage and individuality. The trend is visible in cars and high-end watches, with luxury and premium watches accounting for 70% of sales in FY25, up from 48% in FY20. Younger affluent consumers and buyers from smaller cities are also driving demand, while limited-edition and niche products are gaining appeal as consumers increasingly seek distinctive purchases beyond brand r
The Supreme Court has taken charge of overseeing the case concerning the Satya Niketan building collapse. In another context, Prince Rahim Aga Khan held a meeting with Prime Minister Modi to explore opportunities for development collaboration. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping's visit to India seeks to mend diplomatic relations, though business interactions are met with caution.
An old Canadian Oberon-class diesel-electric submarinereportedly slipped past the defenses of a US Navy carrier strike group in 1981. The submarine carried out a successful simulated torpedo attack on the USSDwight D. Eisenhower, a massive Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The encounter was only a war-game exercise. The USSDwight D. Eisenhower(CVN-69) was among the newest and most capable American aircraft carriers when the 1981 NATO exercises took place.
The NIA chargesheet says Red Fort blast accused Umar-un-Nabi stored urine in a polythene bag while hiding in Nuh. The agency also cited a PDF allegedly recovered from the accused's pen drives that described a method of preparing explosives using urea nitrate and mentioned extracting urea from urine.
A cargo ship caught fire while docked for repairs in Qingdao port. At least twenty people were killed and five others remain missing after the incident. Twelve individuals were safely evacuated from the vessel, while five injured were hospitalised. The fire started around 11 a.m. and was extinguished by 2:30 p.m. local time. President Xi Jinping issued instructions for urgent rescue operations for the missing.
Karnataka's Congress government has ordered singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram. This directive applies to state-organized programmes, excluding those with top dignitaries. The Union Home Ministry had previously directed singing all six stanzas of the national song. This decision aligns with the Congress Working Committee's 1937 resolution on the matter. The state order aims to maintain uniformity and appropriate protocol for national song renditions.
A Delhi court ordered framing of money laundering charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and six others. The court found strong suspicion against seven individuals for money laundering offenses. This case stems from the alleged IRCTC scam during Lalu Prasad's railway ministry tenure. The Enforcement Directorate registered a criminal case based on a prior CBI FIR. Seven accused individuals were discharged from the case by the special judge.
The Delhi High Court has mandated biometric Aadhaar authentication for all Goods and Services Tax registrations. This directive aims to prevent fraudulent registrations and curb significant tax evasion detected annually. Authorities previously acknowledged the issue but had not fully implemented biometric verification measures. The court noted continuous fake registrations using stolen identity details, impacting citizens and government revenue.
Quote of the day by Ciara offers a powerful reminder that happiness is closely connected to the relationship we have with ourselves. External achievements can bring excitement, recognition, and comfort, but they cannot permanently replace self-acceptance. A happier life begins when people stop treating their individuality as a problem that needs to be fixed and start recognizing it as something worth embracing.
Maharashtra government sanctioned Rs 1,800 crore for Nashik Simhastha Kumbh Mela works. Funds must be used strictly for approved objectives after receiving proper clearance. This amount is the remaining sum from a Rs 3,000 crore supplementary demand. The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority chairman holds responsibility for compliance. Expenditure requires administrative and technical approval before funds are released.
Apple has unveiled the cutting-edge iPhone Duo foldable phone, encased in a resilient titanium frame and equipped with an advanced hinge design. Every element is engineered for strength, featuring fortified internal parts wrapped in protective ceramic. Its foldable screen is safeguarded by a scratch-resistant coating and a specialized polymer layer.
Marital Rape Laws in India: The Supreme Court is examining whether the marital rape exception under the IPC and BNS is constitutionally valid. The bench questioned whether a husband can be prosecuted for marital rape when existing law expressly excludes it from the definition of rape, while the Centre argued that any change should be left to Parliament.
Malhotra said fintechs potential could translate into meaningful impact only when innovation reached people who were not already well served by the financial system. At the same time, such innovation needed to remain firmly anchored in trust, he added.
Quote of the day by Nicole Kidman is a reminder that nobody needs to know exactly what the future holds in order to face it with hope. Uncertainty is an unavoidable part of life, but desperation does not have to be the default response to it. People can acknowledge what they do not know while remaining positive about what they can influence. They can prepare without obsessing, worry without surrendering to fear, and change direction without believing that every setback is the end of the journey.
Quote of the Day by Ryan Reynolds: Success is something you prepare for captures a simple truth that achievement is rarely the product of luck alone. The quote points to the work that happens before recognition, from practicing a skill to building discipline and confidence through repeated effort. For kids, the lesson is especially valuable because progress can feel slow when results do not come quickly. Reynolds words encourage them to focus on preparation, patience and resilience, revealing wh
The Indian Coast Guard is contemplating the issuance of permanent commissions to its female officers, in line with Supreme Court directives and favorable reports on vigilance clearances. Notably, officer Priyanka Tyagi among others will be assessed for lifelong service roles. With the Supreme Court advocating for equal opportunities, a decision is anticipated from the Coast Guard in the upcoming two weeks.
Xi Jinpings India visit could signal a diplomatic thaw between India and China, but business ties remain stuck in a maze of investment curbs, visa delays, technology restrictions and stalled equipment supplies. While New Delhi has eased some Chinese investment rules and approved projects, major firms remain cautious. A Modi-Xi meeting could determine whether political warmth finally unlocks economic opportunities.
Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale questioned the Election Commission's 84-day delay in responding to his RTI query. He sought details about the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and its credentials. Gokhale also inquired about 20 sitting TMC MPs claiming to have joined this party. The Lok Sabha Secretariat also failed to respond to a related RTI after 84 days.
A viral X post details a Bihar couple's search for their two missing sons. The parents disguised themselves as beggars and traveled across several Indian states. They left their jobs and normal lives to search for the children for months. The elder son was reportedly found in Bikaner, Rajasthan, after following clues. The younger son was later located in Howrah, West Bengal, reuniting the family.
The Supreme Court requested the Delhi High Court to continue monitoring the building collapse case. Seven people died and twelve were injured in the tragic Satya Niketan incident. The court noted steps taken by Delhi government and MCD regarding building safety. Amicus curiae suggested transferring proceedings or filing reports before the Supreme Court.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have strategically amassed considerable wealth, primarily through their impressive real estate ventures. By purchasing and upgrading various upscale properties in sought-after locations, they achieved remarkable financial gains totaling around $200 million. This journey underscores their astute navigation of the luxury property market, showcasing their talent for enhancing unique homes.
Apple has unveiled its latest iPhone lineup, introducing the groundbreaking foldable iPhone Duo. With an expansive 7.6-inch foldable display and compatibility with the Apple Pencil, the iPhone Duo is priced at $1,999 and will soon hit the Indian market. Fans can also look forward to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which feature exciting new color variations.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. They discussed strengthening India's partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network. Discussions covered agriculture, rural development, and healthcare initiatives. Youth and women empowerment were also key areas of discussion. The Prince's visit to India will continue until September 15.
Indian family in Canada asked to return to India: An Indian truck driver and his family have returned to India after spending eight years in Canada. Harish Kumar, his wife and their two children left Quebec after Canadian authorities rejected their refugee claim and humanitarian appeal, ending years of legal proceedings.
A Kerala consumer commission ordered a travel agency to refund Rs 82,500. The agency failed to conduct a Bali tour or return the money for years. It also awarded Rs 25,000 for mental agony and Rs 5,000 for costs. The commission found deficiency in service and unfair trade practice by the agency. The travel agency and proprietor must pay within forty-five days.
In an intriguing experiment conducted at Twin West Lake, scientists employed dyes to reveal the intricate hidden currents. They discovered that the wind created distinct layered circulation patterns rather than just a straightforward surface flow. While the wind-driven surface water moved in one direction, the deeper currents surprisingly flowed in the opposite direction.
Houthi militants backed by Iran are intensifying fighting in Yemen. They aim to control the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This escalation threatens a return to large-scale conflict after a fragile truce. Saudi Arabia leads a coalition against the Houthis, seeking regional stability. Various factions, including the Saudi-backed government and southern separatists, are involved.
Kaushalya Devi Bansal of Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, has cleared her Class 10 board examination at the age of 62 after resuming her studies later in life. Her three children hold senior government positions, with one son serving as an Additional Commissioner in GST, another as an SP and her daughter as a Joint Collector.
1980s ChatGPT photo trend: A social media trend uses ChatGPT to recreate 1980s South Indian film aesthetics. Users transform their photographs into iconic movie stills and portraits. Prompts feature elements like silk sarees and vintage hairstyles from the era. Specific prompts are inspired by stars like Rajinikanth and Sridevi. This trend captures the nostalgic look of classic South Indian cinema.
Sri Lanka eyes logistics, energy, tourism ties with India; calls Rajnath visit honour & privilege
NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba called for simpler rules and hassle-free processes. He emphasised deregulation and doing away with license approvals and frequent renewals. India's digital public infrastructure serves as a global model for financial inclusion. Regulatory frameworks should balance public interest and innovation while promoting competition.
Philippine Defence Chief accuses China of bullying over South China Sea at Seoul forum
Trump departs DC on Qatar-gifted Air Force One after emergency slide accidentally deploys
Rohit Sharma stated October 2027 is far away for the ODI World Cup. He also indicated a bus parade would not be possible now. The BCCI secretary emphasised Rohit is batting well and playing superbly. He recently scored a century in his last ODI match. Speculation about his future participation is unwarranted according to officials.
The deconstruction of an aged Studebaker factory in South Bend was performed meticulously to reclaim materials for future use. Through this resourceful effort, almost the entirety of the building materials was retrieved, leading to notable revenue generation for local redevelopment projects. The sale and repurposing of these materials significantly cut down on landfill contributions.
China's passenger car exports have already exceeded last year's total for this year. August saw a significant 67.1% surge in passenger car exports, driven by electric vehicles. This strong export performance is expected to largely offset domestic sales which continue to fall. Intense competition and economic pressures are impacting China's internal car market significantly. Chinese automakers are expanding their global reach by establishing more overseas manufacturing facilities.
Bank strike on September 11: Several major lenders have warned customers that branch and office services may be affected if employees join the nationwide walkout. The unions have also announced further strikes from September 28 to 30 and threatened an indefinite strike from October 26, with demands including a five-day banking week.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi met UAE's Minister of Economy and Tourism in Dubai. He is currently on a five-day tour to the United Arab Emirates. The discussions focused on strengthening economic ties and exploring new investment opportunities. Odisha signed an MoU for 14 new projects worth Rs 2.10 lakh crore. The Chief Minister will also showcase Odisha's aluminium sector potential.
The ruling TVK party has announced its candidates for upcoming by-elections. These contests will feature direct electoral battles against the DMK party. The AIADMK party is also expected to participate in the upcoming by-elections. TVK aims to leverage local support bases for its nominated candidates. Polling is scheduled for October sixth, with results announced on October ninth.

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