The Economic Times

Michael and Susan Dells luxurious Boston penthouse, purchased for $10.9 million in 2016, is heading to a sealed-bid auction with a minimum reserve price of $6.5 million. Inspired by the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, the couple has never lived in the penthouse, and its kitchen oven reportedly has not been used in a decade.

As the quest for a new White House press secretary begins, potential names surface including Scott Jennings, Danielle Alvarez, and Maria Bartiromo, who are currently leading the discussion. Anna Kelly, the principal deputy press secretary, also emerges as a strong contender. Otros names such as Monica Crowley, Elizabeth Pipko, and Margo Martin contribute to the buzz, with a final decision expected post-midterm elections.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the progress towards a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Negotiating teams are working to finalize outstanding issues that could pose challenges ahead. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized that both countries are very close to concluding the deal. Discussions have included various sectors such as trade, energy, and technology partnerships.

The funds raised will be used to provide skilling and employment opportunities to 600 youth from economically weaker other backward classes (OBC) households in Madhya Pradesh. The programme, with an estimated outlay of Rs 11.25 crore, aims to prepare 600 candidates for international employment opportunities, with 300 candidates earmarked for Japan and another 300 for Germany, the ministry of skills development and entrepreneurship said in a statement on Thursday.

Brian Louis Sguros, a police officer, allegedly took control of Dennis West's home after his death. Investigators claim he used West's identity to facilitate renovations and obtain permits. The renovations reportedly cost over $214,000, which Sguros sought to recover through a civil complaint. The situation escalated when a real estate company claimed rightful ownership of the property. Ultimately, a criminal investigation was launched, leading to various felony charges against Sguros.

Under the Department of Urban Development, the committee will examine rainwater harvesting initiatives, legacy waste remediation, functioning of Smart City Integrated Command and Control Centres, and affordable rental housing projects.

The European Commission said a flash estimate showed euro zone consumer morale decreased to -17.9 this month from a revised -16.8 in September.

Introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, Japanese hops were initially valued for their ornamental and medicinal qualities. However, they quickly transformed into invasive species that disrupt local ecosystems. Their rapid growth blocks sunlight, hindering native plants and habitats. To manage their spread effectively, ongoing strategies that focus on long-term control are essential, as their prolific seed production complicates eradication efforts.

A vaccination drive was launched in two Gorakhpur villages after a cow died following unusual behaviour, raising fears of possible rabies exposure among people who had consumed a religious offering made using its milk. Health workers administered anti-rabies shots to around 450 residents as a precaution, though the animal's infection has not been confirmed.

National polling ahead of the US midterm elections indicates a Democratic lead over Republicans in congressional races. Various surveys show that dissatisfaction with the current administration is affecting voter preferences. President Trump is experiencing low approval ratings, particularly regarding his economic management. Economic concerns, particularly rising gas prices, are influencing voter sentiment as the elections approach.

Jeff Bezos has been linked to a recently sold oceanfront mansion in Golden Beach, Florida, for $69.5 million. The luxurious 17,500-square-foot property features seven bedrooms and multiple pools, among other amenities. It is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean, enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. Major sources assert that the property was purchased by a company associated with Bezos.

Indian Bank managing director Binod Kumar had said earlier that the bank does not have surplus liquidity as it shed Rs 10,000 crore of bulk deposits and slowed term deposits mobilisation during the second quarter while it raised $2.3 billion (about Rs 21,000 crore) of foreign currency non-resident-bank (FCNR-B) deposits using the regulatory window.

During his visit to Sydney and Melbourne, the Minister will participate in various programmes and hold extensive discussions with government representatives, mining companies, research institutions and industry leaders from Australia and other countries.

Candidates in Michigan and Kansas addressed pressing issues such as rising fuel costs and immigration enforcement. As the midterm elections approach, these topics influence voters' concerns about household finances and national security. Economic arguments varied between the two states, reflecting local priorities and the candidates' positions. The outcome of these Senate races may affect control of the Senate and federal policy directions.

BrahMos has evolved from a 290-km supersonic cruise missile into a multi-platform weapon system used by India's armed forces. Its reported role in Operation Sindoor, export agreements with the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, and plans for BrahMos-NG have renewed interest in its development. BrahMos Aerospace is also exploring a 1,500-km variant, although that capability remains at the conceptual stage.

In Minnesota, a trial was conducted to explore the use of recycled tire rubber for enhancing roadway performance in winter. Utilizing PlusRide technology, granulated rubber was mixed into asphalt. While the results showed decent performance, the method fell short in offering better de-icing benefits. Moreover, the costs were not justified when compared to traditional asphalt.

For three weeks, Wall Street sold one of the markets hottest trades and bought one of its oldest. Chip stocks fell about 15 per cent. Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway rose about 7 per cent.Between October 2 and October 20, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) lost 15.1 per cent, while Berkshires Class B shares (BRK-B) gained 7.4 per cent, according to Yahoo Finance.On Tuesday, BRK-B closed at a record high for the first time since May 2, 2025, the day before Buffett said Greg Abel would take o

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Independence Day celebrations. Modi expressed gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the cooperation between India and Israel on terrorism. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their long-standing relationship over the years. Netanyahu shared this conversation on social media to highlight their collaboration.

According to The Express Tribune, the event, organised by the Christian Study Circle at a local hotel, brought together political representatives, religious figures, lawyers and social activists. Participants called for coordinated efforts to tackle religious extremism, discrimination and abuses against vulnerable communities.

Jio Platforms Rs 30,213-crore IPO attracted 12.87 times QIB subscription, surpassing NSEs institutional demand. Overall subscription reached 5.36 times by Day 2, with a strong grey market premium and positive brokerage recommendations.

Russia conducted a bombardment of Kyiv with ballistic missiles, resulting in casualties and substantial damage. Ukrainian officials reported fatalities and injuries due to targeted strikes on civilian areas, including markets and infrastructure. Following this escalation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the lack of change in Moscow's approach toward peace negotiations. Peace talks with the U.S. and Ukraine were briefly discussed but yielded no significant progress.

Microsoft has unveiled a groundbreaking service called Xbox Cloud Playtime, enabling gamers to stream titles without needing a Game Pass subscription. Currently in preview for Xbox Insiders, it is set for a broader release in November. Players can buy cloud playtime in several hour increments, allowing them to stream eligible games on compatible devices. Due to increasing costs, restrictions have been placed on cloud gaming for Game Pass users.

Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls helped India complete their highest successful T20 chase against New Zealand, earning praise from captain Shreyas Iyer for his composure and all-round options. Dhir's breakthrough comes after he nearly quit cricket in 2022 to move to Canada, before his father's encouragement led him to continue, make his Ranji Trophy debut and earn an IPL opportunity.

Bill Minkey embarked on his seed-saving adventure in 1991 after spotting a small ad in a newspaper. This spark of interest evolved into a passionate commitment, as he made invaluable contributions to the Seed Savers Exchange. Documenting almost 500 plant varieties, Minkey fostered a community of gardeners dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds. His journey showcases how dedicated record-keeping in seed stewardship can lead to impactful outcomes from humble beginnings.

Meta share price: Facebook, Instagram parent is spending heavily to support its AI plans, with an expected annual capital expenditure forecast between $135 billion and $145 billion.

Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd has reported a 4.3% increase in net profit for the September quarter. The company achieved a net profit of Rs 341.57 crore compared to Rs 327.51 crore last year. Sales increased by 12.22% to Rs 1,691.57 crore in this quarter. The gross margin expanded by 40 basis points year-on-year, reflecting cost management strategies and pricing actions.

The May 22 meeting had raised hopes of a democratic framework for Ladakh, Wangchuk said. The representatives had initially sought statehood but, after being told that the region lacked the resources for it, proposed a Union Territory with a legislature and constitutional safeguards, he added.

Pizza Hut India reported a 7% decline in restaurant sales to 5,065 million in FY26. Restaurant EBITDA margin improved to -2.8% in Q2 FY27 from -3.6% in the previous quarter. Despite a recovery in quarterly sales, the annual average daily sales fell to 41,000 in FY26. Sales figures revealed fluctuations, peaking at 5,450 million in FY25. The company aims to recover from negative margins observed in recent fiscal years.

Shamonda virus: France has reported the first known human case of the Shamonda virus after a patient died in October, raising questions about the potential risks of the infection. Previously associated mainly with livestock, the virus is transmitted by biting midges and has been detected in animals across parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.

Technogym founder Nerio Alessandri is looking to expand the Italian fitness and wellness company's presence in India, where fitness facility membership remains below 1% of the population. Founded in 1983, Technogym has grown from a garage startup into a global brand serving athletes, gyms, luxury hotels and households.

In Portland, Oregon, a skilled craftsman has successfully transformed a discarded credenza into a stylish storage bench, showcasing the creative possibilities of furniture repurposing. The innovative design drew considerable attention at its exhibition, with numerous visitors keen to purchase the repurposed item. This initiative emphasizes the crucial role of recycling materials to minimize waste and demonstrates how Habitat for Humanity effectively turns forgotten pieces into cherished assets.

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea regarding the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case soon. It previously directed the Uttar Pradesh government to appoint a new public prosecutor for the trial. Allegations against the presiding officer, including transferring cases and acquitting accused individuals, are being reviewed. Ashish Mishra, the prime accused, has filed for bail and relaxation of conditions.

Meta Platforms has been ordered to pay $25 billion for misleading consumers about data privacy in New Mexico. The ruling follows a jury finding that the company misrepresented access to personal information. New Mexico Attorney General Ral Torrez initiated the case, citing violations of consumer protection laws. This penalty is one of the largest ever imposed on a company by a state.

Gold rate prediction: Goldman Sachs expects one more 25-basis-point hike in December, lifting the peak policy rate range to 4.00 per cent-4.25 per cent.

Indian government bonds experienced a decline as the benchmark yield exceeded 7.45% on Thursday. Oil prices rose significantly, reaching $112.50 per barrel in Asian trading amid geopolitical tensions. The Reserve Bank of India has raised its repo rate to 5.50%, indicating a potential for further hikes. Inflation concerns are mounting, with expectations for retail inflation to surpass the central bank's tolerance limit.

India's JSW Paints is likely to raise funds through issuance of bonds maturing in four years and five years and should go ahead with the sale in the next couple of weeks, two merchant bankers with direct knowledge of the matter said on Thursday.

School holiday updates for October 23, 2026, vary across states as festive vacations end and heavy rainfall affects parts of Tamil Nadu. West Bengal schools following the Durga Puja calendar may remain closed, while Maharashtra's Diwali vacation is scheduled to begin on November 2. Schools in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Telangana and other states are expected to follow their respective reopening schedules. Parents should check official school notices and district orders for confirmed closures.

Neha Bora, president of AISA, contested a notice from Delhi Police in the Delhi High Court. The notice required her to sign a peace bond regarding the display of the national flag. Bora argued that citizens do not need permission for such actions and should not be compelled to sign a bond. The notice was issued under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

In a significant legal battle, former office boy Waghela challenged a disputed tax order linked to dubious financial practices. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled that earlier notices were improperly issued, nullifying the reassessment. Waghela contended that his KYC details were exploited by a previous employer to generate an additional PAN.

The worlds coral reefs are critically endangered due to rising ocean temperatures and climate change. This poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity and coastal communities. Nearly all shallow-water reef systems could collapse by 2075 without intervention. Experts emphasize the need for ambitious emissions reductions and improved protection efforts. The IUCN report serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent action needed to protect coral ecosystems.