The Economic Times

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav aims to broaden the anti-BJP coalition in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. He says the unison of Muslim-Yadav, backward classes and a growing number of disgruntled Gen Z voters would remove BJP from power. Yadav questions why people in plain clothes who attacked the protestors were not arrested. The SP leader also accuses the Centre of failing to protect Indian citizens during the conflict between the United States and Iran.

Akash Ambani said Reliance Jios partnership with Google on Gemini goes beyond distribution to create new markets, drawing a parallel with Jios approach to data. Speaking at Jios IPO press conference on Thursday, he said the collaboration had resulted in Gemini adding 13 million new subscribers to its paid service.

Government agencies in Haryana have successfully purchased 15.52 lakh tonnes of paddy during the Kharif procurement operations. A total of Rs 1,221 crore has been disbursed to farmers to support their financial needs. The Chief Secretary reviewed the ongoing procurement efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination among various stakeholders. Initiatives like Aadhaar-based biometric verification have been implemented for better oversight.

Current school assemblies are incorporating news segments to educate students on vital global and local happenings. Recently, a tragic school roof collapse in Pakistan resulted in multiple fatalities. Additionally, the IMF's recent pledge to aid Sri Lankas economic recovery stands out in business news. In sports, Kylian Mbappe has made headlines by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 appearances in the Champions League.

India's overall unemployment rate held steady at 5.0% in September 2026, compared to the previous month. The rural unemployment rate improved to 4.2%, while urban unemployment increased slightly to 6.9%. The gender-specific unemployment rates showed stability, although urban female unemployment rose to 9.2%. The Labour Force Participation Rate for September 2026 was reported at 55.5%, reflecting a year-on-year increase. Overall, the Worker Population Ratio also saw an increase, reaching 52.7%.

Cus DAmato played a pivotal role in shaping Mike Tyson's future by guiding him out of a difficult past and honing his boxing talent. After meeting Bobby Stewart, Tyson found his way to DAmato, who took him under his wing as a guardian and trainer. Renowned for his 'peek-a-boo' defensive style, DAmato passed away in 1985, just before Tyson claimed the youngest heavyweight champion title.

Heavy security arrangements are being made in Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Partys (CJP) proposed Lehra do Tiranga protest at Connaught Place on October 16. Police will deploy personnel, erect barricades and regulate movement around Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar. The demonstration follows the arrests of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, while the party has also called for parallel Tiranga marches in other cities.

This article features eight AI prompts to transform your selfies into stunning Durga Puja portraits, from traditional Bengali red-and-white saree looks and glamorous pandal photos to bridal-inspired styling and Sindoor Khela-inspired images. It also shares tips for preserving facial features, achieving realistic results and creating festive photos in a vertical format for WhatsApp status, Instagram Stories and Facebook.

The Bar Council of Delhi has written to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant regarding personal attacks on judges. It emphasized the importance of an independent judicial system for constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The council condemned uncorroborated allegations made through social media, as they can hinder the justice delivery system. It urged members of the Bar and citizens to exercise restraint in their criticisms.

Blackstones $100 Billion India Ambition: What Jonathan Gray Sees

Jaipurs Jal Mahal appears to have just one floor above Man Sagar Lake, but the historic palace has five storeys, with four submerged underwater. Discover its history, architecture and the story behind its unusual location.

Around 11,000 metric tons of Niger-origin soybeans bound for India were diverted to other Asian markets and sold at steep discounts as a widening customs probe into suspected import tax evasion deterred Indian buyers, four trade sources said on Thursday.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised the cooperation of local communities in resuming highway movement. He highlighted the negative impact of recent crises on the state's economy and daily lives. Singh emphasized the importance of community unity for resolving differences and achieving development goals. The government plans to establish two medical colleges in the state for equitable growth.

Harsh Goenka has shared a hypothetical scenario in which Tata Sons' 11.68 lakh crore listed equity portfolio could generate 70,000 crore to 82,000 crore annually if invested in fixed deposits or other instruments yielding 6% to 7%. He suggested the potential income could support philanthropy and social good, while clarifying that he was not recommending the sale of the portfolio.

Dr. Rachna Shroff, a revered cancer researcher, sadly succumbed to terminal adenocarcinoma at the age of 47. Her condition emerged from a misidentified swollen lymph node. Specializing in pancreatic and bile duct cancers, she published over 80 research papers. Remarkably, even while battling her illness, she continued to push for advancements in cancer research at the University of Arizona. She leaves behind her husband, Dr.

Indonesia's prolonged wildfires have blanketed Southeast Asia in hazardous haze, driving respiratory illness cases higher, disrupting flights and forcing school closures. More than 637,000 hectares were reportedly damaged between January and August, according to environment group Auriga. The crisis has triggered regional criticism over Jakarta's response and refusal of neighbouring countries' assistance.

Smriti Irani took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and the Congress amid the controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She shared an AI-edited clip from Bhoothnath Returns, featuring Rahul Gandhi in place of Boman Irani alongside Amitabh Bachchan. The dialogue revolves around a deceased person whose name allegedly remains on the voter list, with claims that a vote was cast in his name during a previous election. Irani captioned the video, SIR Explain!, criticising the oppo

An Aligarh man claimed his iPhone overheated repeatedly before bursting inside his pocket, injuring his thumb and damaging his wedding photographs and videos. He said he and his wife arranged another wedding celebration after discovering the damage. The District Consumer Commission ordered a replacement phone or a Rs 29,500 refund, Rs 36,139 for medical expenses and Rs 5,000 in litigation costs, with interest on the refund option.

India's trade secretary announced that the first phase of a trade deal with the United States is finalized. Legal drafting for the deal is currently taking place, signaling progress in negotiations. The anticipated agreement aims for preferential market access and greater tariff stability for India. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit India to discuss further economic ties and energy cooperation.

Reliance Jio plans to launch its IPO with a unique bidding option exclusively for shareholders of Reliance Industries Limited. This specialized queue allows these investors to participate in dual bidding, minimizing application rejections. Eligible bidders can submit their requests through this preferential channel while still engaging with the general public pools.

Russia has demonstrated its Shturm unmanned assault tank at the Tsentr-2026 military exercise for battlefield applications. Meanwhile, India is working on converting its T-72 tanks into remotely operated platforms under the ADITI 4.0 initiative. The unmanned tanks aim to keep personnel out of harm's way during high-risk missions in combat scenarios. This initiative seeks to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems for enhanced operational effectiveness.

Ladakh infrastructure push: PM Modi unveils 5 development projects on connectivity, energy & more

Scaling a business towards 1,000 crore brings decisions that founders cannot always resolve within their own organisations. The Economic Times Founders Growth Retreat, scheduled for December 47, 2026, will bring entrepreneurs together to explore growth strategies, build meaningful business connections and examine the role of peer networks in long-term expansion.

In recent months, foreign investment in Indias financial sector has grown significantly, resulting in major acquisitions. Fairfax Financial Holdings secured a large stake in IDBI Bank, while Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group poured resources into Shriram Finance. Additionally, Emirates NBD established a notable presence in RBL Bank. Such initiatives promise to alter the competitive dynamics and improve service capabilities in the Indian banking sector.

High temperatures continue to impact Indian agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and poor germination rates. Farmers report significant losses in banana production and vegetable crops like okra and gourd. Experts warn about the increasing unpredictability of climate events affecting food security and farming practices. There is a call for greater climate adaptation finance and improved forecasting measures to address these challenges.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the finalization of the first phase of the India-US trade pact. This phase is currently undergoing legal drafting, with hopes for quick finalization and operationalization. He emphasized the need for India to secure a competitive advantage over its peer countries before implementation. Additionally, Goyal stated the free trade agreement with the European Union will be signed in December.

Fairfax Financial Holdings plans to bring its Indian financial investments under IDBI Bank after India's approval of a Rs 52,878 crore ($5.56 billion) deal for a 60.7% stake in the lender. The proposed restructuring would bring together banking, insurance, investment banking and wealth management, subject to regulatory approvals.

In September, India's merchandise trade deficit expanded to $30.21 billion from $26.86 billion in August. Exports experienced a notable boost, increasing by 23.04% year-on-year with total figures at $44.4 billion. The growing trade gap signals a significant difference between imports and exports, surpassing economists' expectations of a $30.4 billion deficit. Nonetheless, these figures suggest strong ongoing momentum in India's export activities.

Congress party leader Sachin Pilot is confident of winning the upcoming Punjab elections and forming the next government. He emphasized that all party leaders are working together as a unified team under Pargat Singh's leadership. Pilot stated that the main competition will be between Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party.

Nestl India has reported a strong 20.5% increase in sales for the September quarter. Profit after tax rose significantly due to robust volume growth across its product categories. Despite challenges from rising food inflation and volatile commodity prices, the company aims to enhance operational efficiencies. Investment in advertising and marketing increased as brand growth remains a priority for the organization.

The Supreme Court has requested a response from the Centre concerning NEET-PG 2026 transparency issues. A plea has been filed by the Democratic Medical Association for better access to assessment data. Candidates want to independently confirm their exam evaluations for fairness. The NEET PG exam took place on August 30, followed by a supplementary exam on September 5. The court is addressing this important matter while considering ongoing petitions.

Union Minister Amit Shah said government efforts to rebuild Naxal-affected areas may not be enough and must also address the suffering caused by the movement. He added that current initiative provides assistive devices, including artificial limbs, wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids and walking sticks, to people affected by Naxalism. Shah said former extremists were being rehabilitated and were given employment initiatives and also pointed out to goverment initiatives to bolster tribal developm

Maison D'Arome has introduced a collection of premium perfumes in India aimed at discernible consumers. The brand asserts its fragrances are crafted with high-quality ingredients. The Indian perfume market is projected to experience significant growth driven by urbanization and rising incomes. Maison D'Arome plans to expand its portfolio and enhance its presence through retail partnerships. The company's founder emphasizes that luxury should be accessible without compromising quality or experien

Prem Watsas Fairfax Financial will acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for Rs 52,878 crore, marking Indias largest cross-border banking deal. The Canadian investor plans to build a financial services powerhouse by combining banking with insurance, wealth management and capital markets. But regulatory approvals, overlapping ownership with CSB Bank and execution risks could test his biggest India bet.

Sumant Sinha, Chairman & CEO of ReNew, indicates that nuclear projects could be a viable alternative to coal. He emphasizes that reducing the high setup costs of nuclear plants is crucial for wider adoption. India aims to increase its nuclear capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047. Current estimates suggest this growth will require substantial investments of Rs 15 lakh crore.

Aam Admi Party (AAP) extends support to Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) Tiranga Lehrao call at Connaught Place after their October 15 protests were deferred. The decision comes followin the arrest of CJP activisits Ashutosh Rank and Saurav Das along with reported threats against founder Abhijeet Dipke. Dipke expressed concern over the arrest of CJP leaders. He said people hoisting the Tricolour is not a crime.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly inciting anarchy akin to political unrest in Bangladesh. He cited Neha Bora's remarks to bolster his claim that a conspiracy is going on to Indian democracy. Bhandari accused Gandhi of using undemocratic tactics to reclaim power.

The Supreme Court will hear TMC MP Mahua Moitras plea seeking permission to stay at a Circuit House during her Durga Puja visit to Krishnanagar in West Bengal. Moitra has alleged that district officials evicted her from the state-owned property despite a booking, prompting her to seek protection and intervention.

Pernod Ricard has reported a 19% rise in sales in India, providing some relief against drops in bigger markets like the US and China. Overall, the company witnessed a slight year-on-year decline of 0.9% for the first fiscal quarter, with US sales down 10% and Chinese sales plummeting by 25%.

Austrias ban on headscarves for girls under 14 has sparked protests and resistance in schools, with authorities reporting 127 meetings with parents and 52 alleged violations. Muslim families say the restrictions interfere with religious freedom, while the government defends them as protecting children. A constitutional court ruling is expected in 2027.

Flvio Bolsonaro secured leading votes against incumbent Luiz Incio Lula da Silva in Brazil's elections on October 4. The runoff on October 25 could solidify right-wing power across South America, following a regional trend. Lula aims to reduce economic inequality while Bolsonaro focuses on crime and spending cuts. India is observing the elections closely due to its strategic partnership with Brazil in various sectors.

Indias net direct tax collections rose 13.21% year-on-year to Rs 13.38 lakh crore as of October 14 in FY27, while gross collections increased 14.89% to Rs 16.03 lakh crore. Refunds rose 24.22% to Rs 2.65 lakh crore. Net corporate tax, non-corporate tax and Securities Transaction Tax collections also increased.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and Delhi Police to respond to a recent plea. This plea challenges the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Delhi Police issued a standing order designating alternative protest venues, which has raised concerns. The petition questions the suitability of the newly designated locations for protests and demonstrations.

CJP activist Abhijit Dipke drew a comparison between American singer Mary Millben and Imran Khan regarding political speech. Mumbai Police issued a 'Leave India' notice to Imran Khan, directing him to exit by October 28. Allegations against Khan include participating in protests despite his Overseas Citizen of India status. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya demanded his arrest over alleged violations of OCI provisions and visa conditions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) urges countries to expand their efforts to prevent lead exposure, especially to children who are vulnerable to its toxic effects. Lead exposure is estimated to contribute more than 3.5 million preventable deaths globally every year. The health body pointed out that 3.5 microgrammes can be associated with reduced intelligence, behavioural disorders and learning difficulties in children.