The Economic Times

Efforts to resolve the US-Iran war are heavily influenced by Iran's nuclear program and shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz plays a crucial role in international energy markets and potential ceasefire terms. US officials demand significant action from Iran before agreeing to negotiate peace, particularly regarding its uranium enrichment. Meanwhile, Iranian leaders seek diplomatic solutions for reopening the critical waterway for commercial shipping.

London police conducted unlawful searches of former Prince Andrew's properties related to Jeffrey Epstein's investigation. The High Court judge invalidated the search warrants requested by Thames Valley Police. After questioning Mountbatten-Windsor, he was released without being charged, marking a rare royal arrest in centuries. This incident continues to be a point of embarrassment for the royal family.

In a significant act of dissent, opposition leaders, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a peaceful demonstration at Raj Ghat. They called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged electoral misconduct. Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister and others of plotting a criminal conspiracy against democracy.

Claims have held near 57-year lows for four straight weeks, consistent with what economists said remained a low-hire, low-fire labor market. Nonfarm payrolls increased by a paltry 29,000 jobs in September, the government reported last week.

World Space Week 2026 promises an exciting celebration from October 4 to 10, themed 'Rocket Revolution.' This year's spotlight is on how advancements in rocket technology are opening up access to space. Reusable rockets are making space exploration more affordable and efficient, inspiring schools and organizations globally to participate in STEM-focused activities that showcase the innovative potential of the expanding space ecosystem.

Weather Tomorrow: On October 9, the Meteorological Department has raised alarms for heavy rain and thunderstorms in numerous areas. The Delhi-NCR region anticipates overcast conditions paired with light precipitation. Himachal Pradesh might encounter scattered showers, thunderstorms, and lightning. Meanwhile, Bihar and Haryana are expecting partly cloudy skies and occasional rain. Notably, several states, including Uttarakhand, will experience considerable rainfall on this date.

Good financial products dont just make money, they solve problems! Radhika Gupta on SIF Boom

Rajiv Gandhi brought EVMs: Modi fan roughed up by Cong protesters after questioning oppns stance

Gold price prediction: Gold rate's topsy-turvy momentum comes as investors assessed the minutes of the US Federal Reserve's September meeting for clues on its interest rate trajectory.

Several explosions were heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Thursday, including a large blast at King Khalid International Airport, a witness told AP. Flights were halted, passengers evacuated and emergency crews deployed. The cause remains unclear, with no immediate claim of responsibility, amid heightened Saudi-Houthi tensions and regional conflict.

Banks parked just Rs 79,655 crore in the central banks 29-day variable rate reverse repo (VRRR) auction, less than half the Rs 2 lakh crore absorption planned in the offer. Draining liquidity is considered crucial for quicker and effective transmission of increases in policy rates.

Kangra consumer commission has held a builder's cancellation of a Greater Noida flat allotment void and ordered refund of Rs 23,23,712 to the homebuyer. She had asked for proof of construction progress before paying another Rs 8 lakh. Commission said builder showed no evidence that work stages were complete, called its demands premature and awarded 9 percent interest, Rs 50,000 compensation and Rs 10,000 costs.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are joining Japan's efforts to strengthen oil supply security in Southeast Asia. This collaboration comes in response to supply disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Japan has committed $10 billion to assist Southeast Asian nations in coping with rising crude prices. The new framework aims to improve oil stockpiling capacity among participating countries for better energy security.

Australia's captain Pat Cummins highlighted the importance of grinding out results in test cricket against South Africa. The first test starts on Friday at Kingsmead, where conditions are expected to vary significantly. Cummins expressed that the team must adapt their approach to handle the ebb and flow of the game effectively. Australia has not faced many prolonged contests in recent years, relying instead on individual brilliance.

In 1944, Harvard's Mark I emerged as a revolutionary 10,000-pound calculator for the U.S. Navy, pivotal in military operations such as ballistics during World War II. Grace Hopper notably influenced its functionality and pioneered the COBOL programming language. Mark I's legacy highlights the significance of government investment in technological breakthroughs, echoing its impact on modern artificial intelligence innovations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said that Tehran will respond to a US peace proposal on the West Asia conflict within the next few days amid reports suggesting that Washington is preparing for military options for a possible resumption of major combat operations against the Islamic Republic.

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres that 25 terrorist organisations were operating in Afghanistan and urged international cooperation to tackle the threat. His remarks came amid escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions following Pakistani airstrikes on militant targets. Guterres also praised Pakistan's contribution to UN peacekeeping missions.

In 1942, Olympian ski racer Betty Woolsey acquired 270 acres in the pristine landscapes of Wyoming. Upon her passing in 1997, she established a conservation easement through the Jackson Hole Land Trust, effectively safeguarding the land from future development. This choice reflects the ongoing tension between land conservation and the soaring housing market in Jackson Hole, highlighting a significant dilemma in balancing preservation with housing needs.

Republicans are focusing on pivotal congressional races as they seek to gain ground in the midterms. Key issues include immigration and economic policies being heavily funded by national organizations. In New Hampshire, an open seat contest is drawing attention due to fluctuating party support. Politicians like Greg Landsman and Susie Lee face tough opponents in newly redrawn districts.

World merchandise trade volume growth was stronger than expected and is now projected to reach 3.9% in 2026, up from 1.9% in the WTO's baseline forecast issued in March.

Lando Norris has shown interest in racing in India, acknowledging the nation's large fan base for Formula 1. The Indian government is working to bring back the race after it was discontinued in 2013. Talks have occurred between the Adani Group and Formula One Management regarding the Buddh Circuit. Significant renovation and costs are required before hosting the event can become a reality.

Turkey will assist Saudi Arabia defensively against Houthi attacks, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The assistance focuses on air defense and technical support, rather than offensive military operations. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement obligates collective defense among Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan under specific conditions. Turkish parliament is expected to ratify the agreement soon to enable potential deployment of forces.

In 2023, a lone Southwestern Willow Flycatcher was spotted at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, a notable event after an absence since 2012 due to a drastic decline in its population. While habitat restoration initiatives show potential, challenges like invasive species and environmental pressures persist. Although some regions have experienced successful recovery, ongoing management and favorable conditions remain essential for the future of this vulnerable species.

During a recent visit to Portugal, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the severe stalemate in the Ukraine conflict. He stressed the necessity of pursuing a fair and enduring negotiated resolution to the war. The United States is dedicated to promoting discussions and keeping a close watch on the situation while facilitating peace initiatives.

The United States has reported losses of 81 military aircraft during its ongoing conflict with Iran. Among these, 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, used for surveillance and combat, account for over half the losses. The financial implications range from $1.9 billion to $3.3 billion for repairs and replacements. Congress is grappling with how to address these losses while maintaining military readiness.

To reinforce public order, the Delhi government will close liquor shops on October 9 and 10 as suggested by police. This preventative measure comes ahead of anticipated protests by the opposition, particularly the Cockroach Janta Party, scheduled at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Authorities have not approved these protests, advising the public to steer clear of unsanctioned gatherings on these dates.

School Holiday Tomorrow: October 9 will see schools across India operating as usual, with no national holiday declared. Specific state announcements affirm that areas such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal will remain open for education. However, weather conditions may influence potential closures, making it essential for parents to stay informed through school communications and local advisories to ensure their childrens safety in unpredictable weather.

When home-canning tomatoes, dark flecks on the seeds can appear due to interactions between minerals and plant chemicals. This phenomenon is harmless as long as jars are sealed correctly. Unfortunately, if you notice bulging lids or bad odors, it's essential to discard those jars. New canners shouldn't worry about the harmless dark spots; they are part of the process.

China has put forward the nomination of Dr. Song Li for Director-General of the World Health Organization. Her background includes significant experience in public health, especially during health emergencies. This nomination could attract renewed scrutiny on China's COVID-19 pandemic response and the origins of the virus. If elected, she would be the second Chinese official to lead the WHO.

The GST Council has approved a sweeping process overhaul, easing registration, speeding up refunds, widening input tax credit and reducing physical checks on goods in transit. The reforms also remove GST arrest powers, raise the prosecution threshold, simplify filing for smaller taxpayers and expand export benefits, while leaving tax rates unchanged.

The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday executed a noteworthy 29-day variable rate reverse repo auction, attracting Rs 79,655 crore in bids, fully accepted at a 5.49 percent rate. This event contrasted sharply with the one-day VRRR auction, which invited bids totaling Rs 1,60,664 crore. Currently, the banking sector enjoys a liquidity surplus of around Rs 4.

Amazon layoffs: Amazon is cutting fewer than 1,000 white-collar jobs during Prime Big Deal Days, mainly across its Stores division. At the same time, Jeff Bezos says AI could make three-day workweeks possible and believes the US could beat China to the moon by 2028.

Rolls-Royce is stepping up its India push. The British aero-engine maker has held its board meeting in the country for the first time and is pitching itself as a strategic partner for energy security, defence and infrastructure growth.CEO Tufan Erginbilgic met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the three-day visit. They discussed the company's long-term plans for India and how it can support the country's priorities across defence, aerospace and energy, according to a company statement reported

In a recent operation, food safety authorities confiscated approximately 1.4 tonnes of bananas at the APMC Fruit Market located in Turbhe. These bananas were reportedly treated with a chemical solution to accelerate ripening artificially. The seized lot, valued at an estimated Rs 67,814, sparked concerns regarding the authenticity of the packaging and the health implications of ethephon residues present on the fruit.

Air particles in Delhi obstruct sunlight, which subsequently affects wind strength and pollution dispersal. A recent study highlights that aerosols reduce the surface heating necessary for air movement. Researchers observed significant PM2.5 levels during high pollution episodes in late 2023. The findings indicate a need for improved air-quality forecasts and accurate representation of pollution interactions. Targeted emission reductions across major sources remain essential for combating pollut

GST Reform Winners 2026: The GST Council has greenlit key reforms intended to simplify compliance for businesses across the board. Small businesses now have the option to file just one GST return per year instead of a series of filings. Exporters stand to gain from expedited refunds and increased input tax credits on eligible manufacturing costs.

Mizoram has started a special drive to identify and enroll eligible voters not listed in electoral rolls. This follows the completion of the Special Intensive Revision process to update the voter list.

Small businesses selling only to consumers may soon have the option to file GST returns annually. The GST Council has approved a plan for eligible taxpayers with turnover up to Rs 5 crore. Currently, these businesses file monthly returns under the existing GST structure. The new scheme is expected to ease compliance burdens and allow quarterly tax payments. Changes are set to take effect from April 1, 2027.

The pursuit of the American Dream has become a hefty endeavor, now costing an average of $5.3 million across a lifetime for many workers. This significant investment impacts the hopes of individuals, particularly full-time employees with college degrees. While crucial expenses like housing, transportation, and childcare have surged, healthcare costs have shown a slight decline.

The Amazon founder believes rising productivity could make shorter workweeks possible. Some people may eventually earn enough to support their families while working just three days a week. Others might find that one income is enough to run their household.

Italy's parliament has approved a new electoral law reform aimed at enhancing political stability and governance. The reform allows any alliance securing over 42 percent of votes to obtain a parliamentary majority. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasised the reform's potential for greater accountability and stability in government. Opposition parties, however, claim it is designed to advantage Meloni's coalition in upcoming elections.

Aakash Desai of 360 ONE Asset on What Could Derail Indias Private Credit Growth

Hurricane Isaias has turned into a tropical storm, bringing warnings across various areas. People are advised to stay alert for affected regions, as severe weather can lead to road blocks and hazardous conditions. Local authorities have set up safe spots for residents seeking shelter, so it's crucial to know these places ahead of time for safety.

A fraudulent Railway Board communication claiming that eligible non-gazetted employees would receive a Productivity Linked Bonus of 78 days wages and Rs 41,149 has been circulating online. The Railway Board has clarified that the document is fabricated and carries a forged signature, urging railway offices and staff not to act on the purported bonus announcement or make any payment based on it.