The Economic Times

Chinas yuan held near a four-year high against the US dollar as investors awaited the Federal Reserves policy decision for clues on the US interest rate outlook. The currency drew support from stronger-than-expected industrial profit growth, while concerns over persistent inflation and elevated energy prices kept markets alert to potential monetary tightening.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has hit back at criticism of India's mobile phone manufacturing strategy with a blunt Cope harder remark. Citing figures from the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, he said the government paid Rs 19,000 crore in incentives and collected Rs 25,000 crore in direct taxes, alongside Rs 3 lakh crore in GST. His response followed a Bloomberg Opinion video questioning India's iPhone manufacturing model, its dependence on imported components and the co

Chinese and Hong Kong stocks rebounded after two sessions of losses, led by technology shares amid renewed optimism over artificial intelligence demand following SK Hynixs stronger-than-expected earnings. However, weak consumption and disappointing results from liquor maker Wuliangye continued to weigh on sentiment.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visit to the Reliance Industries refinery in Jamnagar signified a pivotal step towards enhancing energy cooperation. Engaging in discussions with Mukesh and Anant Ambani, Rubio focused on investment avenues, including technology partnerships and ensuring affordable energy and dependable supply chains.

Rising tensions between North and South Korea have intensified as mine explosions injured South Korean troops. Kim Yo Jong of North Korea blamed the South for provocative military maneuvers along the border since August. In retaliation, North Korea is contemplating increased military presence and reviving psychological warfare broadcasts. Meanwhile, South Korea's forces have fired warning shots due to several incursions by North Korean soldiers, complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd ODI match: Afghanistan begin their UAE ODI Tri-Series campaign against Zimbabwe, who arrive after a 99-run win over Bangladesh. Check the match time, head-to-head record, probable playing XIs, pitch report, Abu Dhabi weather forecast and live streaming details for the October 19 clash.

Delhis draft e-rickshaw policy proposes a four-passenger limit, a 25 kmph speed cap, mandatory driving licences and PSV badges, and stricter action against unregistered vehicles. The government has invited public suggestions within 30 days.

The BCCI has appointed former India cricketer Ramesh Powar to its men's selection committee following Ajit Agarkar's exit as chief selector. Pragyan Ojha will chair the five-member panel based on seniority. Powar brings international playing and coaching experience, including an Asia Cup title and Commonwealth Games silver medal with India's women's team.

Lesser celandine, once embraced for its beauty, has turned into a significant environmental challenge across multiple regions. This invasive plant emerges early in the spring, aggressively overshadowing native wildflowers and disrupting the delicate balance of woodland ecosystems. Its robust ability to regenerate from underground parts complicates eradication efforts, making careful management essential. Gardeners are encouraged to choose native plant species, which support local biodiversity an

Anupam Kher shared an old rehearsal video with Amitabh Bachchan from the Jumma Chumma show in London, recalling the camaraderie and fun of the 1980s and 1990s Hindi film industry.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to PM Modi regarding the struggles of sugarcane farmers. Protests have intensified in North Karnataka, impacting the sugarcane crushing season and farmers livelihoods. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for raising sugar's minimum selling price and revising ethanol procurement norms. State government initiatives to support farmers include direct financial assistance and improvements in sugar recovery rates.

Cape ivy, introduced to California in the 1950s for ornamental purposes, has turned into a destructive invasive species. Its rapid growth shades native plants and competes for essential resources, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity in many regions. Efforts to eliminate this resilient vine have been challenging, but new biological control initiatives show promise in curbing its spread and rehabilitating affected ecosystems.

In today's dynamic environment, Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) are key players in synchronizing workforce initiatives with broader organizational aspirations, tackling talent challenges, and facilitating transformational change. The ET HR Excellence Awards 2027 celebrates exemplary HR practices that foster organizational brilliance, underscoring the vital contributions of strategic HR leadership to enhance workplace culture and people management strategies.

The 1990s marked the beginning of an intriguing investigation into recycled plastic lumber as a robust replacement for timber. Crafted chiefly from post-consumer high-density polyethylene, this material was utilized in a New York pier project. After two years of rigorous testing, the pier demonstrated encouraging signs of durability and stability, although some properties fluctuated.

The firing at Tiger Shroffs car in Mumbai has brought renewed attention to Lawrence Bishnois long-running hostility towards Salman Khan. The feud traces back to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, in which Khan was convicted in 2018. Threats against the actor later escalated to gunfire outside his home, while three suspects have now been arrested in the Tiger Shroff firing case.

Highstead Preserve embarked on an ambitious multi-year project aimed at controlling the invasive common reed to foster the growth of native species. Initiated in 2012, it spanned until 2017, showcasing impressive outcomes, including a staggering 98 per cent reduction in Phragmites and enhanced biodiversity. Employing diverse herbicide techniques, the hand-wiping method emerged as the most efficient.

In the Big Thicket National Preserve, feral hogs significantly disrupt forest ecosystems by consuming seeds and disturbing soil. A study revealed that protecting the area from hogs for seven years led to a rise in large-seeded woody plants. In contrast, hog activity caused soil alterations and less plant coverage, while also contributing to the proliferation of invasive species.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday rejected anti-India references in resolutions adopted at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperations (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad on October 17-18, alleging that Pakistan had orchestrated them.

A phone worth Rs 60,000 was reportedly stolen in a metro crowd, followed by a loss of Rs 57,000 from a bank account within 45 minutes. A post on X describes how a stolen SIM could be misused for banking-related fraud. Here is how SIM PIN protection works and what users should do after losing a phone.

Sweet corn may develop brown or black hues after home canning due to chemical reactions. These color changes often occur without spoilage, despite proper canning practices. The reactions involve enzymes and minerals, which can influence the corn's appearance. High-quality water and appropriate processing temperatures are crucial for maintaining color. It is important to evaluate the safety of canned corn based on established safety guidelines, not color changes.

In Wyoming, a stream known as Game Creek has observed an increase in native Snake River cutthroat trout. After a culvert blocking fish movement was replaced, cutthroat trout returned to the stream naturally. By 2024, surveys recorded a significant increase from just five cutthroat trout in 2021 to seventy-two. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department had also removed many non-native brook trout from the area.

Delhi Police has filed a chargesheet over 500 pages long against seven individuals involved in the murder case. The musician, Chongtham Vikram Singh, was attacked by multiple men after he complained about noise outside his home. The altercation occurred on September 6, resulting in Singh's brutal assault in front of his son. Police are exploring whether there were racial motives behind the attack while assessing witness statements.

Volkswagen is reportedly planning to freeze salaries for its 660,000 employees worldwide until 2030 as part of a broader cost-cutting drive. The proposed measures also include cuts to bonuses, benefits and jobs, according to a report by Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday mocked Rahul Gandhis prediction that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were nearing their expiry date, calling the Congress leader a failed product. Chouhan also accused the Opposition of attempting regime change, saying public trust in the government remained strong.

Travel influencer has praised the facilities on India's Vande Bharat Sleeper train after travelling from Howrah to Kamakhya. He highlighted the clean, spacious bathroom, food service and onboard comforts, comparing the experience to a five-star hotel stay. He also claimed China's bullet train falls short, though the comparison reflects his personal opinion.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticised Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over what he claimed to be a series of shootings, murders, extortion and kidnappings in the state. He asserted that the egime change slogans were vindicated by his claims that the state's home department was being used to target and jail opponents while allowing miscreants to operate freely. Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan also criticised the CM over the alleged deterioration of law and order in the sta

Elon Musk SpaceX share giveaway: Elon Musk has announced that every child in the US will receive one SpaceX share in 2027, describing the proposed giveaway as the first of many plans.

The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme aims to significantly increase private sector investment in India. It is designed to catalyse nearly Rs 10-lakh crore in investment over the next ten years while creating new job opportunities. The focus will be on crucial technology areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space technologies. The scheme intends to support at least ten competitively positioned homegrown companies as well.

BJP Keralam president Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged the protests in Delhi by Congress, CJP and the Left parties have nothing to do with the CEC or SIR and intends to bring about a regime change akin to what happened in Bangladesh. He further claimed that opposition parties were united by their hatred for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The oppostion parties have not responded to the allegations.

Texas Democrats are experiencing a rare opportunity to challenge Republican dominance in the upcoming midterm elections. Immigration policies and the economy are fueling voter discontent, particularly among Latino voters. James Talarico is engaging voters with his campaign focused on unity and populism against Ken Paxton. Meanwhile, Gina Hinojosa's campaign for governor has gained traction due to concerns over the cost of living.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the international success of Bihar's GI-tagged Mithila Makhana in a recent post. The product's popularity is attributed to its nutritional benefits and farmers' dedication in the state. India exported over 7,000 metric tonnes of makhana to various international destinations during the last fiscal year. The government is supporting the sector with new initiatives, including a dedicated National Makhana Board.

Cross fell on priest: A 53-year-old Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a giant crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, moments after he spoke about death and the importance of spending time with God and family. Father Patricio Alfredo Snchez Molinari was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil on October 17 when the accident occurred. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death.

A purported audio clip featuring Anil Pandit has surfaced after the firing incident involving Tiger Shroffs car in Mumbai. The speaker allegedly threatened Salman Khan and his family, demanding an apology to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and the Bishnoi community. Mumbai Police have formed 15 teams to investigate the shooting and verify the audio and social media claims.

Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara secured gold and silver medals in the women's 10m air rifle final. Agarwal also set a new Asian Para Games record with her impressive score of 250. Lekhara earned silver with a score of 249.6, showcasing India's strength in this event. India's men's team did not secure a medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 final.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged Rishabh Pant to retain his attacking style while adapting to match situations. He identified declining fielding standards as Indias biggest concern ahead of next years World Cup and backed Bhuvneshwar Kumars return to the T20I setup, citing his experience and IPL form.

Delhi Lok Adalat token booking : Delhi Traffic Police is opening online token downloads for the National Lok Adalat from October 19, 2026. The hearing has been rescheduled to October 25. Eligible motorists can check their challans and download a slip through the official portal, subject to a daily limit of 50,000 downloads and an overall cap of 2 lakh.

PSU bank stocks surged up to 8% on Monday, led by Punjab National Bank after its Q2FY27 earnings beat estimates. In contrast, private lenders such as Axis Bank and HDFC Bank fell up to 5% despite reporting profit growth. The Nifty PSU Bank index gained over 2%, while its private-sector counterpart declined.

An Indiana woman who challenged her late fathers will after he left his entire estate to his fiance instead of his three children has lost her appeal. The court upheld a $22,208.18 legal-fee order against her and directed a lower court to calculate additional fees for her unsuccessful appeal.

Patna High Court has quashed the State Bank of Indias decision to treat an employee as having voluntarily vacated his service after prolonged medical absence. Justice Harish Kumar found that the bank had failed to properly examine his medical records and earlier leave approval. The court ordered reinstatement with continuity of service, but denied back wages.

Why Is FSSAI Calling Out Food Brands on Social Media?

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that police would pursue leads in the shooting targeting actor Tiger Shroff. Unidentified assailants fired shots at Shroff's car, injuring his driver and another individual. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility, although police are still verifying this claim. Fadnavis emphasized the seriousness of the incident and assured Shroff of his safety and security.

Karnataka government will implement a geofencing-based attendance system for its officials starting November 1, 2026. This initiative requires doctors at taluk hospitals and PHCs to mark attendance using the Kartavya app. Those on leave or with official duties outside their headquarters will be exempt from this requirement. Officials failing to comply without permission will face disciplinary actions under civil service rules.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for the nationwide implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. He emphasised that Muslim women are disproportionately affected by the absence of such a code. Sarmas recent visit to Uttar Pradesh included offering condolences to BJP leader Harish Dwivedi. In response to protests against the government, Sarma stated that power is gained through votes.

Delhi to burn 30-feet high Cockroach effigies alongside Ravana on Dussehra to 'promote cleanliness'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is traveling to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the SCO Heads of Government meeting. The meeting will focus on various cooperative initiatives, including culture, economy, and innovation. India aims to strengthen ties with other SCO members through this engagement. Last year's CHG meeting was hosted in Moscow with S Jaishankar representing India. Pakistan will host the next SCO Summit in 2027 and will invite India.

Dussehra Date 2026: Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated on October 20 in most parts of India, while some regional traditions observe Vijayadashami on October 21. Check the correct date, puja muhurat, Dashami tithi and Ravan Dahan timings.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met with actor Tiger Shroff after a shooting incident involving his car. The attack, which left two injured, has been blamed on the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Shinde assured full security for Shroff and his family following the incident. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate gang violence and would act firmly against criminal networks.