The Economic Times

Fertilisers have gone through the roof; no country can sustain buying at this level: FM Sitharaman

US bombers have been withdrawn from RAF Fairford in the UK after five arrests linked to a potential Iranian plot. The arrests, made by counter-terrorism police, resulted from a local farmer's report about suspicious activity near the base. Initially, the suspects were detained under terrorism-related charges, but they were soon released on bail. Meanwhile, Iran has denied allegations of involvement and summoned the British ambassador.

Nitesh Rane said that Aaditya Thackeray might have skipped the protest due to fear of arrest while claiming he may leave the country. Rane alleged Thackeray's link to the Disha Salian death case, repeating his name in the FIR multiple times. Subsequently, Rane demanded investigating agencies to question Thackeray and to seize his passport if warranted.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra emphasised the Supreme Court's issuance of notices as evidence of independent institutional functioning. He noted that the court's actions followed standard democratic and judicial processes while involving necessary discussions. Patra addressed previous claims of fear and dictatorship, asserting the existence of a democratic atmosphere in the country. He highlighted that differences among Election Commissioners signify healthy democratic discourse and decision-maki

The Reserve Bank of India is set to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% during the upcoming policy meeting. Despite rising inflation pressures and global economic uncertainty, the rate is expected to remain unchanged. Credit and deposit growth in India currently show strong performance, supporting steady rates. A rate hike cycle is anticipated to begin in December, amounting to 50-75 basis points.

The GST Council is likely to consider major enforcement reforms on October 7 that could remove GST officers power to directly arrest alleged tax evaders and require greater judicial oversight. The proposed changes would shift routine disputes towards recovery, interest and penalties, while reserving criminal prosecution for serious, deliberate fraud.

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to three scientists for their groundbreaking discoveries. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel contributed significantly to the field of optogenetics and light-gated ion channels. Their work allows researchers to control nerve-cell activity with precision using light technology. The Nobel Prize announcement signifies their impactful role in advancing neuroscience studies.

A Nobel nomination does not amount to an endorsement by the Nobel institutions, with thousands of candidates put forward each year by eligible academics, lawmakers, previous laureates and other recognised experts. Specialist committees assess the nominations and recommend candidates, while the final winners are chosen by the relevant prize-awarding bodies; current nominations remain confidential for 50 years.

A startup focused on helping young professionals build real-world communities has raised $3.5 million as concerns grow over loneliness among younger workers. Clockout, founded by Krishna Dosapati, connects users with nearby professionals, clubs and events, aiming to move networking beyond screens. The company says its platform is designed to help people form social and professional relationships, particularly after moving cities or changing industries.

Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has mediated a dispute between JD(U) MLA Anant Kumar Singh and MLC Neeraj Kumar. Singh has agreed not to publicly criticise Kumar, despite his grievances regarding past party actions. Lalan noted that Singh remains unwilling to support Kumar in the upcoming election. Neeraj Kumar filed his nomination for re-election amid ongoing tensions in the party.

The Supreme Court asserted that it has not approved any modified version of Form 6 for voter enrollment. During a hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of verifying who modified the form. Allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were also discussed, claiming he misrepresented court proceedings. The petition argued that the Election Commission's decisions should be made collectively, not unilaterally.

India and Switzerland have signed a migration and mobility partnership pact and expanded market access for Indian exports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin discussed deepening cooperation in nuclear energy and defence. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade and investment ties following the recent Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. New opportunities will also emerge for Indian students and professionals in Switzerland through the agreements.

On October 5, BJP's Central Election Committee announced eight candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. These candidates include Dharmpal Singh, Radhakant Ojha, and Prakash Pal, among others. The announcement was issued through a press release from BJP's central office in New Delhi. Other named candidates are Vidyasagar Sonkar, Gopi Krishna Pandey, Priyanka Singh Rawat, Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan, and Shruti Gangwar.

The upcoming 57th GST Council meeting on October 7 is set to unveil transformative proposals that could reshape GST regulations. Key suggestions may involve the abolition of arrest clauses related to GST, simplified refund procedures for exporters, and adjustments to the prosecution threshold. Furthermore, small taxpayers could benefit from late fee waivers and quicker registration.

An Indian man living in Canada appeared to lament missing his familys housewarming ceremony in India before revealing that he had secretly travelled home for the occasion. Pratik Chaudhary shared the emotional moment on Instagram, saying living abroad can make important family milestones harder to attend. His surprise arrival turned the video into a reunion that resonated with viewers.

A man living in the Netherlands has shared a quirky food hack for Indians missing chole bhature abroad. In a viral Instagram video, Piyush uses a tortilla from Albert Heijn, fries it in hot oil and turns it into a puffed bhatura-like bread. While the hack impressed some viewers, others said it tastes more like puri than traditional bhatura.

Health authorities are investigating a suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia, which has raised concerns. Rajeev Jayadevan from the Indian Medical Association indicated that tracing contacts is ongoing. He noted that there is no immediate threat to India from this situation at present. The bacterium Yersinia pestis, which causes plague, can lead to severe health complications in individuals.

Todays Word of the Day: Perseverate is a verb that means repeatedly returning to the same thought, response, word or action even when it is no longer necessary. The word can describe repetitive thinking in everyday situations and is also used in psychological contexts. Learn its meaning, pronunciation, origin, example sentences and the difference between perseverate and persevere.

Congress on Monday accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of violating the Constitution and acting at the behest of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, after the Supreme Court sought responses from the Election Commission and Centre on a plea challenging its decision-making process.

Rahul Gandhi has accused Delhi Police of targeting women protesters and journalists during recent protests in the capital. He has called for the release of CCTV footage from Saket police station for transparency. Allegations of misbehavior and harassment towards women journalists were reported during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Delhi Police has confirmed receipt of the complaints and is conducting an investigation through its Crime Branch.

India's archery team returned from the Asian Games after achieving significant success through five gold medals. The compound archers contributed majorly, winning four podium finishes and securing Olympic quotas for future events. Recurve archers also performed excellently, attaining multiple medals while overcoming strong competitors such as South Korea. Several individual athletes emerged as standout performers, showcasing remarkable teamwork and preparation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to lay the cornerstone for state-of-the-art Shakti engine facilities in Koraput on October 6. After a stop at Hindustan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam, Singh will emphasize enhancing Indias self-sufficiency in military engine production, cutting down on imports. HALs Koraput unit has been instrumental in crafting engines for modern fighter jets, with rigorous security protocols arranged for his arrival.

Indian wrestlers secured six medals at the Asian Games in Nagoya, marking a successful campaign. Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal won gold medals in their respective categories. Nitesh Siwach and Antim Panghal achieved silver, while Deepak Punia and Sunil Kumar added bronze to the tally. Sehrawat expressed his ambition for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after his victory.

Eurozone business activity experienced significant growth in September due to strong demand despite inflation concerns. The S&P Global Eurozone Services PMI and composite index reflected this growth, reaching high levels not seen in several months. Strong performance was observed in Spain and Ireland, along with an accelerated recovery in Germany. Inflation pressures increased, raising speculation on potential European Central Bank interest rate hikes.

Aam Aadmi Party has raised concerns about potential conspiracies aimed at undermining the 'Goa First' alliance. The alliance, formed with the Goa Forward Party, seeks to exclude Congress and BJP from political collaboration. AAP state president Valmiki Naik urged GFP leader Vijai Sardesai to choose between political partners or the interests of Goa's citizens. Naik criticised the historical patterns of defections within Goa's political landscape over the years.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has claimed that BJP leaders submitted false Form 7 applications for voter deletions. He stated that the misuse of these forms constitutes a criminal offense attracting imprisonment and fines. Allegations suggest that BJP workers withdrew several submitted forms, acknowledging their wrongdoing in the process. Recent actions taken by the Chief Electoral Officer aim to enforce accountability among applicants.

Like taking soul from body: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan on deleting voters without hearing

India's rupee has slipped past 96 as high US Treasury yields, elevated oil prices and foreign portfolio outflows strengthen the dollar. The IMF says India can allow the exchange rate to act as a shock absorber, while the RBI weighs intervention against reserves, inflation and external risks. Experts debate whether gradual depreciation could improve competitiveness without triggering imported inflation.

Team India is preparing for the 2026 Hong Kong Sixes, featuring prominent IPL players. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will captain a squad rich in international experience and explosive talent. The tournament will be held from 30 October to 1 November, showcasing fast-paced six-a-side cricket. Indian cricket authorities have expressed confidence in the team's potential to perform well. Tickets for this exciting event are now available for fans interested in attending.

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI and trial court to ensure that two key victim-witnesses in the Manipur sexual violence case are examined on October 7, 9 and 28, while stressing the need to expedite the trial. The court said witness safety was the authorities responsibility and indicated it would consider the challenge to the accused persons bail after the victims statements are recorded.

Jefferies has initiated coverage on Dhoot Transmission with a Buy rating and a Rs 1,730 price target, implying 20% upside. The brokerage expects strong two-wheeler demand, premiumisation and electrification to drive growth, with newer products adding to the opportunity. It forecasts 24% revenue and 27% EPS CAGR through FY29.

The Nationalist Congress Party has voiced support for Justice Ujjal Bhuyan's critical remarks on electoral roll revisions. Justice Bhuyan stated that disenfranchising citizens is a violation of constitutional rights in India. Clyde Crasto accused the BJP of attempting to cover up alleged irregularities by the Chief Election Commissioner. Opposition parties continue to demand the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision process.

The Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 will focus on improving profitability in Indias rice-milling industry, which processes a crop with an indicative wholesale value of about 6 lakh crore annually.

Shares of Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda and AU Small Finance Bank rose up to 4% after strong Q2 business updates. Deposits and advances recorded robust year-on-year growth across the lenders, boosting investor sentiment. Analysts expect loan growth momentum to continue, though near-term margins could remain under pressure amid surplus liquidity.

India's manufacturing sector must focus on quality and innovation to secure a competitive global position. Venu Srinivasan expressed that India's progress must extend beyond cost-effectiveness to achieve international standards. The country faces significant challenges in gaining consumer trust for its products, requiring widespread improvement across all industries. Continuous efforts are necessary as companies evolve amid global competition in quality.

Soori's film Mandaadi has hit a huge milestone, crossing Rs 100 crore at the Indian box office. Now, the film is gearing up for the digital release after the makers officially announced the release date. Read on to know when and where to watch the Tamil movie online.

K L Rahul has been focusing on enhancing his batting technique against the old ball in ODIs. He aims to help India consistently score beyond 370 runs in matches. Despite scoring 129 runs in a recent game, India lost the match, but they had already secured the series. Rahul noted the importance of middle-order batters rotating the strike quickly to push for larger targets.

The Supreme Court asked the Allahabad High Court chief justice to swiftly address serious allegations against the presiding officer. Allegations include the judge transferring cases to himself and reportedly acquitting defendants during the trial. Senior advocates presented arguments regarding the judge's conduct and the changes made to the prosecution team. The trial involves significant incidents from the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, which resulted in multiple fatalities.

An Indian entrepreneurs comparison of hotel breakfasts in the US and India has sparked a debate online after he found the food options limited during a stay at a JW Marriott costing around $600 per night. Vineeth K highlighted the elaborate spreads often offered at Indian and Asian luxury hotels, while users debated food variety, value for money and whether bigger breakfast buffets necessarily mean a better hotel experience.

Crude oils physical market price could reach nearly $145 a barrel even if benchmark prices show $100, as soaring VLCC shipping costs widen the gap, Kotak Securities Anindya Banerjee said. He expects India to remain protected by ample refining capacity and diversified supplies, while predicting RBI rate hikes in October and December as liquidity remains abundant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Swiss President Guy Parmelin for talks to enhance bilateral relations. Discussions focused on trade, investment, mobility, and critical technologies between the two countries. Parmelin's visit included a ceremonial reception followed by tributes at Rajghat. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met with Parmelin to discuss strengthening the India-Switzerland partnership. An official banquet will be hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honor of Parmeli

US-listed ETFs have attracted a record $1.54 trillion in inflows so far in 2026, surpassing the previous full-year record set in 2025. Equity ETFs led demand, while technology funds saw the strongest sectoral inflows. The surge comes despite market volatility, underscoring continued investor preference for liquid, flexible exchange-traded products amid shifting rate expectations.

Captain Smit Machchhar became a hero after averting a disaster involving 174 people on a flight. His family faced a difficult journey as they rushed to his hospital bedside in Saudi Arabia. Smit was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi for treatment, where his condition is improving. While receiving numerous calls from world leaders, he maintained his composure despite the pain from deep wounds.

A man was admitted to a Dehradun wellness facility by his wife amid their ongoing divorce dispute. After spending 42 days there, he approached the Uttarakhand High Court through a habeas corpus petition. The court found that the facility could not produce the medical certification required under the Mental Healthcare Act and ordered his immediate release.

Actor and writer Reggie McFadden has died at 57 in Tanzania, where he had been living for several years. He was known for his work in comedy and for appearing on Foxs sketch-comedy series In Living Color. McFadden also worked in films and television and later ran a music and entertainment company in Tanzania.

The RBI is likely to begin raising rates in October, with another hike possible in Q4 2026, as inflation risks broaden. Higher oil prices, weather shocks, weaker currency and geopolitical risks are fuelling imported pressures.

FLY91 will increase weekly flights from 280 to 354 as part of its Winter Schedule 2026-27. The airline's network will extend to 14 destinations, including Navi Mumbai. Increased frequency to Tirupati will enhance connectivity in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Two daily flights will operate between Tirupati and Hyderabad to meet passenger demand. Tickets for the expanded schedule are currently available for purchase.