The Economic Times

For a long time, the sound of a Shahed-136 gave people in Ukraine something they badly needed, a little warning. The Russian-built Geran-2 used a piston engine and moved at roughly 180 km/h, slow enough for air-defense crews to track and engage it. The newer jet-powered Gerans have changed that calculation. Some can reach around 600 km/h, leaving far less time between detection and impact.

School holiday news: Several Odisha districts have announced school closures for September 24 amid weather concerns linked to the prevailing system over the region. Schools and Anganwadi centres will remain shut in the affected districts, while staff have been asked to report. In Andhra Pradesh, schools in Vizianagaram observed a holiday on September 23, with further updates awaited.

Pre-budget meetings for the Union Budget 2027-28 will commence on October 12 and continue until November 13. These discussions aim to finalize the Revised Estimate for 2026-27 and the Budget Estimate for 2027-28. Ministries are required to submit necessary details by October 6 to facilitate these meetings. The Budget is expected to address economic growth, job creation, and domestic demand.

Recent archaeological discoveries in the Amazon rainforest reveal that advanced civilizations flourished in this region long before European contact. Evidence of geometric constructions and the use of terra preta highlights the sophisticated urban planning of these cultures. Furthermore, numerous earthworks hidden beneath the dense foliage challenge the long-held belief that the Amazon was merely an untouched wilderness.

'I'm a registered Republican': Renee Good's mom delivers emotional testimony, demands accountability

The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the formation of an Empowered High-Level Committee for the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project. This project aims to address water and energy security while promoting socio-economic development in the region. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the importance of a transparent recruitment system through the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board. Recent reforms aim to ensure merit-based employment opportunities for aspiring candidates in government position

In 1987, Steve Jobs hid his Porsche from billionaire Ross Perot because he did not want the young company to look flush with cash during a crucial funding conversation. But after 4 decades, it has been revealed that Apple CEO John Ternus drives Porsche 935 whose original price tag of around $800,000. Ternus has set a lap time of under 1 minute and 40 seconds at Californias Laguna Seca.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes is set to simplify TDS compliance requirements for residents buying property from non-residents. From October 1, 2026, residents can use their PAN instead of obtaining a TAN for taxing purposes. This change is aimed at making tax compliance easier in such real estate transactions. Eligible resident individuals and Hindu undivided families can use Form 141 to report TDS deductions.

Mishra listed fragmented global alliances, dependence on imports, pressure on the country's external accounts and artificial intelligence as four main risks the country faces.

Initiated in 2012, the Cyclone Center mobilized volunteers to classify hurricanes via satellite imagery. This groundbreaking initiative sought to refine the Dvorak technique, a long-standing method that historically lacked consistency. Over seven years, 18,000 volunteers analyzed more than one million hurricanes, enriching our understanding of climate change and hurricane dynamics.

We'll drop Marco off in the middle of Cuba &: Trump's Rubio joke at UNGA leaves crowd in stitches

US midterm elections 2026: The upcoming US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026, affecting various congressional and state seats. All 435 House of Representatives seats will be contested during this election cycle. Additionally, a third of the Senate seats will also be open for election.

In our new relationship, I can call you Abdul: Kamala Harris warm moment with El-Sayed goes viral

School assembly news for September 24 includes major weather alerts in India, developments at the United Nations, new medal achievements by Indian athletes at the Asian Games and banking and aviation updates. The key stories also include Indias growing solar capacity, international diplomatic discussions and measures being taken ahead of a nationwide bank strike.

Get ready for an exciting cinematic experience as Avengers: Endgame Encore hits theaters on September 25. This re-release will feature fresh scenes that connect it to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Rumors suggest Bruce Banner's serum experimentation is thwarted by Doctor Doom, with additional moments featuring Steve Rogers, Peggy Carter, and a surprise guest appearance from Loki.

NYT Connections invites players to engage in a daily puzzle where they must organize 16 words into four thematic categories. With helpful hints provided along the way, players can overcome tricky word associations. The game features color-coded difficulty levels, ranging from yellow for easy to purple for challenging. Individual success can depend on personal exposure to various words.

India addressed Pakistan at the United Nations, suggesting it should prioritize development for its citizens. Kshitij Tyagi emphasized that pursuing territorial ambitions does not benefit Pakistan's economy. Instead of exporting terror, focusing on growth would offer a better future for the Pakistani people. Discussions in the Council are unproductive if economic issues remain unaddressed. The plea highlights the importance of constructive solutions for Pakistan's ongoing challenges.

Asian games 2026 saw Indian wushu player Roshibina Devi advanced to the women's 60kg Sanda final on Wednesday and has assured a silver medal. She scored 2-0 against Indonesias Thania Kusumaningtyas, wining the semi-finals. Devi was not part of the original squad but was placed after Divyanshi Chaudhary's removal due to her injury. The Indian Wushu player will face China's Zhang Xiaoyu in the final tomorrow.

Melania Trump highlighted her initiatives related to children's well-being and technology during a recent UN event. The first ladys coalition, Fostering the Future Together, now includes 57 countries and private technology firms. Her emphasis on responsible use of AI was noteworthy compared to her husband's approach to technology. The decision to grant CNN and Politico access distinguished her event from the presidents restrictions on the media.

India has dismissed the references made to the country in the OIC's joint communique about Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the OIC has no authority to comment on India's internal matters. India reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country. Additionally, the MEA criticized Pakistan for promoting fabricated narratives regarding the region.

Roshibina Devi Naorem has advanced to compete for the gold medal at the Asian Games. She defeated Indonesia's Thania Kusumaningtyas with a 2-0 score in the semifinals. The match took place at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall in Nagoya. Roshibina is set to face Xiaoyu Zhang from China in the final bout. She was added to the squad after another player withdrew due to injury.

The Supreme Court has reserved its order regarding Gautam Buddha Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam's plea. Roopam's plea challenges the Allahabad High Court's ruling that quashed student activist Akriti Chaudhary's NSA detention. The High Court also mandated compensation to Chaudhary to be deducted from Roopam's salary. Senior advocates presented conflicting arguments on the legality of Chaudhary's detention and the handling of proceedings.

Current 30-year US mortgage rates and refinance rates: Borrowers navigating the housing market in late September 2026 face borrowing costs that have consistently resisted dropping. Early in the year, 30-year fixed rates briefly dipped to 5.98% in February. That relief proved temporary. Rates soon reversed course, returning to the upper-6% and 7% ranges where they spent much of 2025.

Opposition parties in India are expressing deep concerns regarding the integrity of the Election Commission's processes. Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP have called for immediate action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Allegations claim significant voter deletions occurred during a nationwide update of the electoral rolls. Leaders are urging the Supreme Court to investigate these allegations and consider sacking the CEC.

The Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise in India will feature six US F-35 stealth fighter jets, a landmark event as they engage in their first multinational combat exercise with the Indian Air Force. Approximately 40 countries will be involved as participants or observers, showcasing various high-tech aircraft. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force remains focused on resolving delays related to the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet deliveries.

'Terrible & ridiculous': Trumps Chagos Islands blast leaves PM Burnham stunned; UK to review deal

Samsungs Galaxy S27 lineup could mark a change in the companys long-standing battery strategy, with leaked certification figures pointing to higher-capacity cells for both the Ultra and Pro models. The reported upgrade comes as Chinese smartphone brands continue offering much larger batteries, while Samsung may also rely on a newer Snapdragon processor to improve overall power efficiency.

Nineteen U.S. states have adopted laws supporting year-round daylight saving time, pending Congressional approval. The proposed Sunshine Protection Act seeks to abolish the semiannual clock adjustment, but critics worry about the consequences for students and morning commuters. If Congress does not act, the tradition of shifting clocks twice a year will continue as the federal norm.

Quote of the Day by Elizabeth Taylor: A timeless observation by Elizabeth Taylor offers a different way of looking at fragrance, beauty and the emotions connected to scent. Her words suggest that a fragrance can be more than something pleasant to wear, becoming a personal expression that reaches the heart and creates an impression on someone else. The idea raises an intriguing question about why certain scents can feel so personal, evoke memories and create meaningful connections without saying

Rising property prices in Taiwan are driving buyers toward affordable homes with troubling histories. These properties, known as xiong zhai, are associated with previous violent deaths. The associated discounts can lead to significant financial challenges for potential buyers and banks. Additionally, local cultural beliefs strongly influence attitudes toward these so-called haunted houses. Many buyers opt for cleansing rituals to remove negative energy before moving in.

Differences among election commissioners have resurfaced regarding the handling of electoral matters in India. Previously, Ashok Lavasa expressed disagreement over clean chits granted to BJP leaders during elections. In another instance, Rajiv Kumar sought to defend the Election Commission's actions in court against criticisms. Current commissioners are also raising concerns about voter deletions in the ongoing voter list revision.

Congress' Jairam Ramesh called reports of internal differences in the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision exercise as Gyaneshgate and alleged that hief Election Commissioner's actions had the full support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He further said the chief election commissioner (CEC) has lost all administrative and moral right to continue in office. The Congress spokesperson also highlighted the ongoing impeachment process moved by 73 Opposi

In a bold move to bolster women's safety, Lieutenant Governor TS Sandhu has announced the launch of a specialized 'Pink Force' in Delhi. This initiative will see dedicated patrols around high-risk zones such as schools and metro stations. Key strategies include tackling eve-teasing and public harassment through Operation Shishtachar, alongside enhanced traffic management using real-time CCTV. Additionally, schools will host regular child safety awareness programs to better educate students.

Commercial beekeepers in Queenslands Atherton Tablelands are dealing with major losses after dozens of established colonies disappeared from their properties. Some hives had been stripped of bees, brood and frames, prompting police to consider whether the people responsible had specialist beekeeping knowledge. The missing colonies were used for honey production and crop pollination, including during the avocado-growing season.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has confirmed its earlier interim injunctions in a civil defamation case concerning businessman Hari Shankar Tibrewal, observing that certain publications allegedly portraying him as a Hawala Trader, a key figure in stock market manipulation scheme and a shadowy titan in a financial underworld prima facie attributed criminality to him.

Dolly Parton's estate has severed ties with her nephew Bryan Seaver, who previously held the head of security position. We remain unshakably resolved to fulfill her final directive to protect her family, and we refuse to be intimidated, Bryan Seaver and his team said in the response. Bryan Seaver has been accused of making threats of real-world violence to Partons staff, partners, legal and business advisors.

The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P K Mishra said on Wednesday that the financial sector should move beyond financing near-term growth and focus on funding the next generation of Indian enterprises. He called for a shift in the way credit is assessed, from collateral to cash flows. Mishra said India's financial system will need to mobilise large amounts of capital for infrastructure, manufacturing, urbanisation, energy transition and innovation, with different forms of capital requir

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth Rs 810.79 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited on Wednesday. This contract involves the procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti Airfield Weapons for the Indian Air Force. The weapon system, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, features 60% indigenous content. It will be deployed on aircraft such as the Jaguar, Hawk, and Su-30 MKI.

The US Department of War (DOW) held the Energy Innovation Expo which showcased the latest power generation and transmission projects to support the rising needs of United States defence technologies. Assistant Secretary of Defence for Energy, Installations and Environment spoke about the DOW's key energy focus areas: the Golden Dome, Nuclear Energy, space and energy superiority and the solutions to answer the challenges posed in these fields.

On September 23, the Indian rupee ended weaker at 95.74 against the dollar amid global financial trends. Expectations of further US Federal Reserve rate hikes have increased the strength of the dollar. Asian currencies also experienced declines, with some falling 0.3%. Despite this, state-run banks helped limit the rupee's losses through dollar sales.

As investors look for distinctive opportunities beyond conventional stocks and bonds, there's a palpable shift toward alternative assets. Family offices and institutional investors now delve into sectors like private credit and venture debt, aiming for unique returns. The ET Alpha Wealth Summit 2.0, set for October 8 in Mumbai, will tackle these emerging investment trends, enabling attendees to grasp potential future opportunities and the risks involved.

Mamata Banerjee has called for the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding alleged electoral misconduct. She claims the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission, manipulated the Bengal Assembly elections. Banerjee is also advocating for new elections across all states where the BJP won post-Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Additionally, she has demanded the resignation of the CEC due to moral reasons.

The Supreme Court has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to decide expeditiously on petitions seeking the disqualification of 20 rebel TMC MPs who joined the NCPI, while stopping short of setting a deadline. The case, filed by Abhishek Banerjee, centres on whether the MPs move amounts to defection or a valid merger under the Tenth Schedule.

The Asian Development Bank has raised its FY27 India growth forecast to 7% from 6.6%, citing strong public investment and resilience in services and electronics exports. The upgrade follows Indias stronger-than-expected 7.8% GDP growth in the June quarter, supported by investment, consumption, manufacturing and services.

Rs 30 lakh income tax demand notice and India-US DTAA benefit denied to US citizen; she fights and wins case in ITAT Delhi; Know how

India's men's badminton team faced China in the semifinals of the Asian Games this week. Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty struggled against their stronger opponents, resulting in a loss. Only Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty managed to secure a win in their doubles match. Despite the defeat, the team achieved back-to-back Asian Games medals for the first time in 40 years.