The Economic Times

NITI Aayog Member Arvind Virmani has retained his India GDP growth forecast at 7% for the year, with an uncertainty range of plus or minus 1%, citing unresolved trade issues and global developments. He also backed a gradual shift towards cost-based UPI MDR after the subsidy helped establish the payments platform.

The All-Assam Minority Students Union has endorsed BJP candidate Devasish Sharma for the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat. The by-election is scheduled for October 6, with counting to occur on October 9. AAMSU leader Ikbal Hussain emphasized development as the priority for the constituency. He criticized AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal's ability to represent Nagaon's interests effectively. The BJP sees this poll as crucial for future electoral success in Assam.

US country singer Zach Bryan wore a Free Palestine T-shirt during his performance at Robert Krafts Gillette Stadium, while bandmate Nate Head wore a Palestine jersey bearing the name of Hind Rajab. The on-stage message comes amid the controversy over Macklemores removal from Ed Sheerans US tour after his pro-Palestinian remarks, with Kraft linked to the decision.

India rejected Pakistan's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN General Assembly, accusing Islamabad's so-called civilian governments of serving at the Army's mercy. India also criticised Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism, cited its 2024 elections in Jammu and Kashmir and urged Islamabad to address its domestic and economic challenges.

During his visit to the United States, Piyush Goyal held meetings with executives from several major American companies. The discussions focused on expanding investment and manufacturing opportunities within India under the Make in India initiative. Goyal highlighted the rising potential of India's consumer market as a strong base for global brands.

'I'll be happy': Trump adds $3.2bn Alabama bridge to long list of things hed like named after him

India weather news: The IMD predicts widespread rain and thunderstorms in regions such as Kerala, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are expected to remain dry over the weekend without significant weather activity. Rainfall is forecasted to return to parts of northwest India from October 5 to 7. Meanwhile, southern India may continue to experience thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall.

KL Rahul achieved the milestone of 10,000 international runs during the third ODI against West Indies. After a shaky start, he scored a remarkable 129 not out, leading India to a total of 351 runs. Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad both contributed half-centuries, stabilizing the innings after early wickets. India opted to bat first, winning the toss despite losing their openers cheaply.

The Trump administration is actively utilizing 13 taxpayer-funded, campaign-style ads to promote its policies. These advertisements showcase military accomplishments and various initiatives from the administration, with officials arguing they serve as public service announcements. The titles of the ads include God made Trump, The Country He Loves. However, lawmakers from both parties express concerns over the legality of this advertising approach, igniting discussions about potential misuse of g

When I saw my husbands records: Widow exposes how Hospitals deleted COVID patients' files

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi stated that India cannot give a timeframe for Sheikh Hasina's extradition. Hasina has been living in India since she fled Bangladesh amid massive protests in 2024. The Bangladesh government has repeatedly requested her extradition, which India is examining through legal processes. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have increased since Hasina's interim administration was toppled.

President Donald Trump has announced one-time $90 payments for more than 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees. The White House says the money will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which has about $2 billion available. Most eligible recipients are expected to receive the payment in October, without filing a separate application.

Panchayati Raj elections in Rajasthan will be held in four phases, beginning with nominations on October 8. Voting for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members will take place on specific dates in October and November. The election process includes the election of Pradhan, Up-Pradhan, Zila Pramukh, and Up-Zila Pramukh later in November. A total of 3.17 lakh personnel will oversee elections at 45,384 polling stations.

A committee in Parliament is in the process of exploring the legal avenues for regulating cryptocurrency transactions and assets within India. They aim to identify technological strategies for tracking these digital assets responsibly. Highlighting the government's earlier stance on cryptocurrencies as unregulated and risky, recent notices under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act have been dispatched.

Russian attacks killed at least six people in Ukraine and damaged Kyiv's Northern Bridge, disrupting traffic for a third day, while Moscow confirmed it targeted the structure. Ukrainian strikes also caused casualties in Russia. Moldova's president warned that the war was increasingly spilling into her country after reported Russian airspace violations.

Chandigarh State Consumer Commission increased the compensation for a senior citizen after inadequate toilet facilities were provided. The complainant, aged 73, booked a retiring room expecting a Western toilet but found an Indian toilet. Following initial acknowledgment of the error, the refund was denied after the room was not used. Initially awarded only Rs 3,000, the compensation was raised to Rs 20,000 for mental anguish and litigation expenses.

Ukraine is evaluating four international proposals to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting India's comprehensive approach. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted India's newfound willingness to engage in the peace process. Other proposals include initiatives from Turkiye and Egypt for grain truce and a U.S. energy truce. Both Zelenskyy and Putin have acknowledged India's principled stance and Modi's diplomatic efforts.

A Gulfstream G100 medical evacuation aircraft vanished shortly after departing from Bermuda, carrying six individuals headed for Boston. The U.S. Coast Guard promptly launched a search operation following the moment contact with the plane was lost. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft descended significantly before disappearing from radar, while authorities are still investigating if a patient was aboard.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Saturday praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery after the flydubai pilot was stabbed and seriously injured by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar helped save the aircraft carrying 174 people, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

P Chidambaram has called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation due to ongoing controversies and internal dissent. He emphasizes that opposition protests will escalate until Kumar steps down. Allegations have been made regarding improper deletions and potential bias in the voter roll revisions process. The Election Commission asserts that all actions are conducted according to due process and are unanimously approved.

Arizona voters must register by October 5, 2026, to participate in the upcoming General Election. Early voting will commence on October 7, allowing voters to cast ballots before Election Day. All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day for them to be counted. No same-day registration option is available, making early preparation essential. Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with polling open from 6 a.m.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted strategic priorities to build resilience amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. She emphasized the importance of optimizing supply chains and fostering private sector investment for strengthening innovation. The minister noted that India's R&D expenditure is significantly lower compared to OECD countries, necessitating increased private participation. Sitharaman discussed the shocks faced in recent years and the importance of managing ec

Pakistan summoned Indias Charge dAffaires on Saturday to protest the killing of two people by BSF personnel near the Punjab border, calling them civilians and denying they were intruders. Indian officials said the two men crossed into Indian territory despite warnings and were shot after allegedly provoking troops.

Bengaluru news: A 31-year-old man returned home late to find his house ransacked and two intruders inside. The intruders attacked him with an iron rod, causing a deep head injury, before fleeing on a bike. They stole 20 grams of gold jewellery and 45 grams of silver ornaments. His family was away on a trip to Andhra Pradesh during the incident.

The baseline for tax planning in 2026 relies on shifting retirement contribution limits. The IRS adjusted these thresholds, altering the calculus for wage earners trying to suppress their taxable income. A traditional 401(k) or 403(b) now absorbs up to $24,500 in pre-tax earnings. Individual Retirement Accounts cap at $7,500.

The West Bengal government will provide flour, sugar, and semolina at a 50 percent discount during Durga Puja. The initiative will benefit over two crore families holding ration cards in the state. The program will cover more than eight crore people and cost the government Rs 150 crore. Each eligible family will receive one kg of flour, one kg of sugar, and 500 grams of semolina.

MacKenzie Scott has made headlines by donating $30 million to Housing Trust Silicon Valley, a game-changing support for the nonprofit. This significant contribution aims to tackle the alarming affordable housing issue in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the next ten years, Housing Trust will leverage this funding for various community initiatives, continuing Scott's long-standing commitment to enhancing housing access, with her total philanthropy surpassing $19 billion recently.

Which jobs are not safe from AI? Questions are being raised over the nature and magnitude of impact of Artificial Intelligence in coming times.

Nitin Gadkari highlighted the significance of infrastructure development in transforming India into a leading economy. He advocated for the use of alternative materials, including municipal waste, in construction to enhance sustainability. Gadkari urged the formulation of an international code of conduct to integrate new ideas and technologies in the sector. He suggested creating a 'Bank of Ideas' website for global research collaboration.

ShepHertz has unveiled three AI model families named Tatva, Sanjaya, and Drashta, designed for various applications. These models can operate fully offline on devices ranging from satellites to smart rings. They are part of the AgentAnywhere sovereign AI platform and run on constrained hardware. The company is also launching its trust toolchain under the Apache 2.0 license for better verifiability.

At the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about fostering international trade policies that are not only open but also predictable. She underlined the critical need for nations to communicate effectively to dissolve geopolitical trade barriers. Highlighting the importance of resilience in the global economy, she introduced the National Critical Minerals Mission, stressing strategic autonomy to reduce single-source dependencies amid ongoing global economic turmoil.

Dozens of Omani pilots reportedly flew flydubai's Dubai-Tel Aviv route in recent years despite an Israeli restriction barring pilots from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel. Channel 12's report has raised questions over aviation security after an Omani flydubai copilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Voters in the 2026 US midterm elections can preview their ballots and candidates in advance. By checking their sample ballots and voter guides, individuals can prepare for Election Day efficiently. Important voting dates include the start of mail ballots on October 5 and the last day for registration on October 19. Voters have the option to vote by mail, at drop boxes, or in person on November 3.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh addressed concerns about Pakistan potentially acquiring Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. He emphasized that India possesses the capabilities to respond effectively to such threats. Historical context suggests that advanced platforms alone do not guarantee success for Pakistan against India.

Hema Malini home tour: Esha Deol recently shared details about her mother Hema Malini's bungalow, now named Advitiya. This residence has served as a significant location for family memories and artistic expressions over the decades. Originally referred to as Hema Malini's house, it has historical and cultural importance. The home features special spaces dedicated to classical dance, reflecting Malini's passion.

Upon experiencing a violent attack mid-flight, Captain Smit Machchhar showcased remarkable bravery to protect his crew. The incident occurred on the flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the captain successfully unlocked the cockpit door, enabling assistance from crew members.

In a deeply tragic incident, Texas mother Cibelle Savella fatally shot her four-year-old daughter Vivian before taking her own life, following a court ruling that favored the child's father, Aaron Savella. This heartbreaking event unfolded in their Houston home, leaving family members and the community in shock and mourning. When the shots rang out, Cibelle Savella's new husband and a babysitter were present inside the house.

Mumbai police filed an FIR against the Cockroach Janta Party and 400 to 500 unidentified persons. This action followed a protest at Shivaji Park on October 2. The protest aimed to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The charges include unlawful assembly and disobedience of lawful orders, according to police officials. Currently, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

Bengaluru news: Harish Varadharajan moved his agritech business from Chennai to Bengaluru and found significant advantages in the city's ecosystem. After one year, he noted improved access to investors, talent and customers, which helped his business grow. Bengaluru's favorable climate also reduced operational costs for his company. Other entrepreneurs shared mixed reviews about relocating, with some favoring Nashik for its agricultural resources.

Homeowners may want to look twice before claiming mortgage interest and property taxes as tax breaks in 2026. Those expenses help only when itemized deductions beat the standard deduction. For many taxpayers, they will not. Retirement contributions, HSAs, charitable giving and newer deductions may offer better opportunities, depending on income, age and filing status. The right choice comes down to the numbers.

Girish Chodankar of Congress expressed confidence that BJP could be reduced to five seats in the assembly elections. He emphasized the importance of opposition parties uniting to effectively challenge the ruling party. Chodankar criticized the alliance between Goa Forward Party and Aam Aadmi Party for their misleading campaigns against Congress. He mentioned that Congress is working towards bringing other opposition parties together.

Vishal Kumar Metre, a 24-year-old resident of Bhalki Taluk in Bidar, has been arrested on terrorism charges. He allegedly communicated with Shahzad Bhatti, a recognized terrorist in Pakistan, using social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. Initially denying ties to terrorist activities, he ultimately handed over his phone, which uncovered discussions focused on illegal weapons and anti-national endeavors.

Khandu said the State Government had introduced several interventions and schemes under agriculture and horticulture over the past five to six years, but coffee had not received a dedicated policy intervention so far.

Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the proposed Keralam Institute of Organ and Tissue Transplant will be established in Kozhikode within 30 months. The new hospital complex will have 350 beds and 10 operation theatres. A fully equipped skin disease hospital will also be constructed on the same campus at Rs 35 crore.

India made Asian Games history on Saturday, beating Malaysia 5-1 in the mens hockey final to retain their gold medal. The victory gave India back-to-back Asian Games titles for the first time and secured their place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, extending their dominance in continental hockey.

Steven Spielbergs Disclosure Day is set to make its streaming debut after its theatrical run, bringing its mystery around extraterrestrial life and a secret government operation to viewers at home. Starring Emily Blunt, Josh OConnor, Colin Firth and Eve Hewson, the sci-fi film follows two people who uncover information that could change what the world knows about humanitys place in the universe.

A Bengaluru man expressed feelings of loneliness after relocating to the city for better job opportunities. He noted that making friends as an adult is much more difficult than in school. Despite the bustling environment of the city, many individuals feel socially isolated. The man aims to create a community space for people to forge connections and combat loneliness.