The Economic Times

China said it was ready to work with India to allay its concerns of rising trade imbalance. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the trade imbalance was due to China's restrictions in market access to Indian goods and services. She said that India has not resorted to punitive tariffs to reign in large trade imbalances and prefers negotiations despite the process being time-consuming.

Rafael Nadal is not just a tennis champion but a savvy entrepreneur as well. He founded the Rafa Nadal Academy, enhancing both athletic training and education for aspiring athletes. His business endeavors extend to the hospitality industry with trendy hotels and upscale restaurants, all while investing in luxury real estate and innovative sports technology. Nadal's expanding ventures illustrate his commitment to leaving a lasting mark beyond the tennis court.

Chennai-based startup founder Tejas Parthasarathi Sudarshan pitched two artificial intelligence ideas to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Chennai Metro journey, getting around 90 seconds to present his proposals. The Winsen Labs founder suggested connecting students with real-world government projects and creating a unified AI-powered platform to simplify access to public services. He was among 17 startup founders shortlisted by SPI Chennai for the interaction.

Cult.fit has received Sebi observations for its proposed IPO, comprising a fresh issue of up to Rs 950 crore and an offer for sale. Revenue rose 36.26% in FY26, while adjusted EBITDA margin improved significantly as fitness operations expanded nationwide.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 to discuss ways to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Rubio will visit India from October 17 to 22, with energy cooperation among the key areas on the agenda. Jaishankar will also host UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai on October 19 and 20.

Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on October 20. The festival marks Lord Ramas victory over Ravana and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

On Friday, Wall Street displayed a mixed performance as investors expressed apprehensions regarding the influence of the AI sector on semiconductor stocks.

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the merger of Emirates NBD Bank's Indian branches with RBL Bank. This amalgamation will officially take effect on December 1, 2026, according to the central bank's announcement. Emirates NBD Bank initially opened its first Indian branch in Mumbai in 2017, expanding later to Gurugram and Chennai. The Finance Ministry had previously approved Emirates NBD's acquisition of a significant stake in RBL Bank.

DLF reported a 11% year-on-year increase in July-September net profit to Rs 1,301 crore, with sales bookings reaching Rs 3,800 crore. Its Aureva luxury retirement project in Gurugram sold out, while the company maintained a strong net cash position.

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank plans to raise Rs 409 crore through a preferential share allotment to IFC and three insurers at Rs 64.73 per share. The bank also reported a 200% year-on-year jump in Q2 net profit to Rs 365 crore.

Gold rate, silver price were up on Friday but both precious metals were jolted by weekly losses.

State-owned company HLL Lifecare launched HLL eStore, a digital platform aimed to expand access to its healthcare and wellness products across the country. The platform would be part of its broader digital transformation strategy, enabling customers, business partners and healthcare institutions to engage with the company through an integrated online marketplace. The eStore also offers medical products and supplies.

Carnation Hotels Private Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Omaxe Limited for a new hospitality venture. This partnership aims to operate 4,000 keys in key Indian destinations including travel and pilgrimage hotspots. The collaboration focuses on tier-two and tier-three cities to meet growing accommodation demands. Both companies bring extensive expertise in real estate development and hotel management.

The Indian rupee strengthened 1.9% this week to close at 94.96 per dollar, its strongest weekly gain in seven months. Aggressive RBI measures curbed dollar demand, while a weaker dollar index supported the currency despite corporate buying pressure.

National highway projects awarded experienced a 62.9% increase in distance during the April-September period. Electronic toll collection transactions also rose significantly, indicating increased digital use. Air cargo movement increased by 12%, and foreign tourist arrivals grew as well. The telecommunications sector expanded, adding over 29,000 kilometers of optical fiber cable. Overall, performance indicators across multiple infrastructure sectors have shown positive trends in FY27.

Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for Durga Puja celebrations in Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) and Greater Kailash-II from October 16 to 20, 2026. Traffic restrictions will remain in force daily from 4 pm to midnight. Commuters and devotees have been advised to use the Delhi Metro, avoid affected roads, refrain from unauthorised parking and allow extra travel time.

On October 17, regions across India will brace for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. While Delhi can expect partly cloudy skies and a rise in temperatures post-rain, Himachal Pradesh might enjoy glimpses of sunshine interspersed with isolated afternoon showers. Meanwhile, Haryana is forecasted to have predominantly sunny weather but may see thunderstorms develop intermittently.

National Sports Federation (NSF) will now be entitled to financial support of up to 50 crore to organise international events. Previously, NSFs were allotted up to Rs two crore for the same. The revised scheme could provide assistance up to Rs 50 crore to conduct the National Games. The funds would go towards sports equipment, Timing, Scoring and Result (TSR) services, remuneration to technical officials and technical conduct.

Federal Bank posted record Q2 profit of Rs 1,386 crore, up 45% year-on-year, as net interest income climbed 26%. Advances grew 22% and deposits 19%, while asset quality improved, with gross NPAs declining to 1.32% during the September quarter.

The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha also stressed that rutality by Home Minister Amit Shah's Delhi Police will not go unchecked and the Congress will pursue every legal route against the officers responsible.

Malibu fire: The fast-spreading Bryson Fire in Malibu, California, prompted the evacuation of 38 youths from a juvenile detention facility near the blaze. The youths were safely transferred to Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar as strong winds increased wildfire risks across California. Here's what officials said about the evacuation and where the youths were taken.

Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo is priced at Rs 2,99,900 in India, making it a premium option. The device features a larger display but compromises on camera specifications and battery life. Users will find a shift from Face ID to Touch ID for authentication, which may require adaptation. Repair costs for the Duo could add to its overall expense with potential high fees.

Since Russia's invasion, Ukraine has heavily depended on Elon Musk's Starlink for its military communication needs. However, recent limitations on military connectivity have sparked worries regarding this reliance on private corporations. The EU meanwhile is creating IRIS, a satellite network aimed at ensuring secure communications for governmental and military use by 2029, lessening dependence on providers like Starlink.

Diane Wilson, a Texas fisherwoman and a passionate advocate for the environment, has been at the forefront of the battle against plastic pollution instigated by Formosa Plastics. In 2019, she achieved a significant legal victory, securing a settlement that mandated no plastic waste discharge from the companys Point Comfort factory on Texas' Gulf Coast.

Indian Railways has stepped up its crackdown on unauthorised drone operations over railway tracks, stations and other infrastructure, citing safety and security risks. The action follows a Kollam court ruling that fined a man and sentenced him to one day of community service for illegally flying a drone over a railway line. The move could affect vloggers and rail enthusiasts filming trains, bridges, tunnels and scenic routes for social media without the required permissions.

Ayush-related Intellectual Property activity has seen substantial growth, with over 4,000 patent applications from 2014 to 2026. The Ministry of Ayush emphasises the increasing participation of individuals and institutions in this sector. Patent filings peaked post-COVID, reflecting a focus on research and innovation. Natural persons and educational institutions contributed significantly to the total filings and grants. The government continues to foster an enabling environment for traditional k

A recent public hearing revealed significant issues with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Witnesses from multiple states presented cases of wrongful voter deletions, despite having valid documentation. Testimonies included individuals with long-standing residency and voting records facing challenges in enrollment. An independent commission recommended community engagement to improve voter roll accuracy before finalization. Over 60% of individuals flagged for discrepancies have

On October 17, most schools across India are expected to function on normal schedules. However, local holidays or weather-related disruptions may lead to unforeseen closures. Parents should verify school announcements through official channels for any changes. While states like Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh plan to remain open, Bihar has a scheduled holiday for Durga Puja. Therefore, families should remain informed about local decisions impacting school attendance.

Reacting to a viral video clip of Bhushan speaking about egime change at a press conference, Gupta said they stand exposed and alleged that this is the rue face of the Congress, AAP and CJP.

Five BSE 500 stocksShyam Metalics, PVR Inox, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Indian Hotels and Laurus Labshit fresh 52-week highs as the Sensex gained 413 points. All five stocks posted monthly gains of around 8% to 15%, signalling positive momentum.

You Can See Everything is a new documentary detailing Elizabeth Holmes' life prior to her imprisonment. The film chronicles the 34 days leading to her federal prison sentence in 2023. Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, was convicted of fraud against investors and sentenced to over 11 years. The documentary features Holmes and her family, focusing on her story.

Indian government bonds have experienced ongoing losses for nine consecutive weeks due to RBI's monetary tightening measures. The benchmark 6.94% 2036 bond yield has climbed over 62 basis points during this period, reflecting investor concerns. Additionally, the RBI's commitment to support the rupee and manage liquidity has further dampened bond market sentiment. Market participants are wary of possible future actions regarding bond yields as the RBI addresses financial stability.

LTM reported a marginal 0.1% decline in Q2 FY27 profit to Rs 1,379.9 crore, while revenue rose 13.6% to Rs 11,807.6 crore. Enterprise AI and Business AI revenue grew 47%, and the company declared an interim dividend of Rs 25.

What happened to Tyler Ulrich? Oklahoma's Southern Nazarene University is mourning football player Tyler Ulrich, who died five days after suffering a serious head injury during a college football game. His coach called the 21-year-old Southern Nazarene University student a 'man of god' and an ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous.

Indias foreign exchange reserves declined by nearly $60 billion in six weeks to $726.027 billion as of October 9, from a record high of $785.706 billion on September 4. The fall was largely attributed to the Reserve Bank of Indias intervention to support the rupee amid rising crude oil prices, higher US yields and sustained foreign investor outflows. Foreign currency assets and gold reserves also recorded significant declines during the reporting week.

Studies reveal that the quality of relationships and health behaviours are interlinked, impacting biological ageing processes. Couples typically engage in shared activities that can inadvertently promote unhealthy habits. Nevertheless, a strong relationship may inspire healthier lifestyle decisions. Earlier research has correlated marital happiness with better health and lower death rates, encouraging couples to reflect on their mutual practices for long-term health benefits.

Indian Gas Exchange has received regulatory approval to develop a capacity booking platform for LNG terminals. This platform aims to facilitate easier and more transparent access to terminal capacity for users. The regulator noted that many terminals experience poor capacity utilization currently. By using the platform, market participants can identify and book available regasification capacity efficiently. Contractual negotiations and settlements will still be managed directly between buyers an

A woman who paid Rs 5,970 to dry-clean 18 items, including a pashmina shawl and pheran, received the garments in a damaged condition, prompting her to approach the consumer commission. The Srinagar district consumer commission has now directed the dry cleaner to pay Rs 57,000, including Rs 47,000 for the damaged garments and Rs 10,000 as compensation, along with Rs 2,000 in litigation costs, taking the total payout to Rs 59,000.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently met with JBIC Governor Kazuhiko Amakawa to discuss collaboration. They focused on clean energy, electric mobility, and resilient supply chains, among other sectors. Additionally, discussions with Bhutan's Finance Minister explored bilateral economic cooperation and energy collaboration. Sitharaman emphasized India's ongoing support for Bhutan's developmental goals and engaged on currency payment settlements. Both meetings highlighted commitment to str

Indian businesses are encouraged to utilise free trade agreements and the export promotion mission for expansion. Recent data shows that Indias merchandise exports have increased significantly over the past year. Services exports show a small decline yet cumulative growth remains positive compared to last year. Ongoing efforts aim to strengthen Indias overall export capabilities and international partnerships.

India is pursuing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union to increase exports. Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar stated that bilateral trade is projected to reach USD 100 billion by 2030. The current trade turnover is reported at USD 38 billion for the first half of this year. Efforts are underway to diversify India's export basket and improve market access in Russia.

US midterm election 2026: American voter sentiment is shifting, with many expressing frustration over President Trump's approach to significant domestic and international challenges. Polling data highlights a push for transformative leadership within the US as midterm elections draw near. The Democratic Party appears to be gaining enthusiasm, while Republicans grapple with unfavourable perceptions.

Delhi Police has issued a Rs 15.7-crore tender for the installation of CCTV cameras with facial recognition capabilities. The tender, part of a modernization initiative, specifies 338 cameras for Central and New Delhi. Concerns have been raised regarding the procurement process and surveillance safeguards. Installation is expected to commence in December 2026 or January 2027.