The Economic Times

During the UN General Assembly, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conferred with officials from Russia and Iran, highlighting vital areas like bilateral ties, BRICS collaboration, and the Gulf conflict. He reaffirmed India's focus on energy security in light of recent US sanctions. Furthermore, Jaishankar participated in discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council to fortify partnerships, alongside co-chairing a dialogue centered on the ramifications of artificial intelligence on

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to New York for the 81st UN General Assembly. He held meetings with various world leaders to discuss U.S.-Iran relations and issues of conflict. Pezeshkian emphasized the atmosphere of distrust between Iran and the United States during his interviews. The U.S. has rejected a proposed ceasefire and anticipates renewed military action after upcoming elections.

AIIB intends to expand its water sector funding in India, which faces severe drought conditions this monsoon season. The bank is prioritizing water-related projects as extreme weather threatens agricultural growth. It has allocated $13.8 billion in total funding to India since 2016, but only 7% is aimed at water projects.

Sawan Barwal won Indias first Asian Games marathon medal since 1982, clinching silver in Nagoya with a national-record time of 2:11:37. The 28-year-old Army athlete, who switched to marathon racing earlier this year, said winning a medal validated years of training and made the transition worthwhile after breaking the national record again.

BJP leader Peeyush Mohanty defended the MMDR Act amendment amid Opposition protests in Odisha, alleging the previous BJD government under Naveen Patnaik failed to act on recommendations linked to a mining scam. Mohanty said the amendment aims to regulate mining, prevent fraud and ensure better use of mineral resources, while rejecting Opposition claims of potential annual losses for Odisha.

Virat Kohli expressed confidence in Shubman Gill's abilities as the Indian cricket team captain. He emphasized Gill's clarity in strategy and leadership intensity. Kohli shared his observations on his own batting changes, focusing on playing more freely. He aims to contribute significantly to the team's score by taking calculated risks. The first ODI against West Indies is scheduled to take place soon on September 27.

A passenger bus incident on the Saveh-Hamedan freeway in Markazi province resulted in 11 deaths. Authorities reported that the crash was caused by driver fatigue and drowsiness. Injuries from the accident affected 24 individuals, but details about the bus's destination remain unclear. Iran is noted for its alarming traffic safety record, where over 17,000 fatalities occur annually.

India Medal Tally at Asian Games 2026: India added a silver in the men's marathon, a silver in women's shooting and a bronze in mixed doubles squash on day 7 of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, taking the country's overall medal count to 26 and its rank to 12th. China continues to lead the table by a wide margin, followed by hosts Japan and South Korea.

Jadumani Singh lost to Carlo Paalam in the men's 55kg round of 16 boxing match at the Asian Games. The contest ended in a split decision after a closely fought battle, with Paalam securing a lead early on. India's athletics team achieved success, as Sawan Barwal won silver in the men's marathon with a national record.

Thousands are without power as a powerful nor'easter disrupts the U.S. East Coast this weekend. Coastal areas in New Jersey face severe flooding and high winds expected to worsen from Saturday. Concerts have been canceled and numerous flights are being disrupted across major East Coast airports. Residents are advised to prepare for possible evacuations due to dangerous conditions.

The White House has assured Senator Ted Cruz that the Trump administration will not impose a blanket ban on US diesel exports, Bloomberg reported, even as President Donald Trump weighs restrictions to curb record diesel prices. The administration is also considering measures involving tax-exempt red diesel and biofuel blending rules.

Authorities in Nagaland reported 19 deaths linked to spurious liquor consumption in Mokokchung and Tuensang districts. Police have arrested 19 individuals and seized approximately 3,000 bottles of illicit liquor. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to trace the source of the adulterated liquor. Forensic samples have been sent to Guwahati for examination to determine the cause of the deaths.

Dimple Yadav from the Samajwadi Party has raised issues regarding alleged discrepancies in the voter lists. Allegations suggest that 13 crore voters have been deleted, raising concerns over electoral transparency and integrity. Opposition parties, including Congress, demand accountability from the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner. Union Minister Chirag Paswan has stated that the Election Commission must address these allegations to maintain public trust.

Indian shooters Tilottama Sen and Vidarsa Vinod finished fourth and fifth respectively in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions individual final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday.

World leaders gathered at the United Nations to discuss ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Diplomatic talks between US and Iranian officials showed some progress amidst sharp rhetoric. Discussions focused on achieving limited ceasefires for grain exports and energy infrastructure. Attention shifted significantly from climate change to the rising concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. The future of the United Nations remains uncertain as key leadership transitions approach amid multipl

India's women's kabaddi team claimed another gold medal by defeating Iran 37-34 in the final. The match saw India leading 22-16 at halftime, while Iran fought back in the second half. This victory marks a significant achievement for India, maintaining their dominance in women's kabaddi at the Asian Games. India's women's team has won gold every edition except for the 2018 Jakarta Games.

A Joint Counter Terrorist Mock Exercise was conducted at Delhi airport involving multiple agencies and personnel. This exercise aimed to validate the preparedness of various stakeholders in counter-terrorism efforts during a crisis. The Central Industrial Security Force has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IHBAS to address stress among personnel.

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council held a Troika Ministerial Meeting to review their Joint Action Plan. The meeting included discussions on regional and international issues, including the situation in West Asia. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led the Indian delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and cultural ties.

Japan is progressing steadily in medal count during the Asian Games and seeks to surpass its previous record. The country's officials are focused on maximizing athlete performance in light of upcoming events, particularly the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Japan's head of mission acknowledges the influence of China's success on their efforts. The team aims for each athlete to achieve their personal best during the Games.

Trump hails tremendous strides after talks with Xi at White House; says talks were productive

The Trump administration is currently airing taxpayer-funded advertisements promoting President Trump, which has raised concerns. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the ads for their political tone and timing, especially close to the midterms. One ad features Trump speaking at Mount Rushmore, while another highlights achievements like tax cuts and American manufacturing. Despite the administration's defense, citing past practices, questions about legality persist.

TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama $100 million following claims about its harmful impact on youth mental health. The settlement involves implementing safety features for teens to reduce negative effects from the platform. These features will include limiting daily usage and banning cosmetic filters for young users. Additionally, Alabama may receive further funds if other states reach similar arrangements.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime on the sidelines of UNGA81, calling it a step towards stronger international cooperation for a safer digital future. He also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and co-chaired an India-GCC meeting that reviewed cooperation and welcomed FTA negotiations.

Super El Nino Deaths: A University of Chicago Energy Policy Institute report projects that a super El Nino could cause around 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India over the next six months. Researchers say the estimate uses seasonal temperature forecasts and established temperature-mortality relationships, while experts caution that the mortality figures are model-based projections and urge stronger heat preparedness and action.

The Supreme Court restored an award of compensation for the parents of Maheshbhai, a deceased passenger. He died after falling from a moving train in Gujarat on September 27, 2017. The court noted the absence of a train ticket should not invalidate their claim for compensation. The Railways Claim Tribunal had held Maheshbhai was a bona fide passenger deserving of compensation, which was initially undermined by the Gujarat High Court.

Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-on Friday (local time) said that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is very difficult and challenging, while calling for an end to the manipulation and blackmailing of waterways.

S Jaishankar firmly responded to a heckling question from a Pakistani reporter at a press conference. The event was held during the High Level Week at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. India continues to emphasize Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism and urges credible actions against it. Recent attacks, including the Pahalgam terror attack, were acknowledged internationally for their severity.

India's men's sabre team achieved a significant 45-27 victory over the Philippines in the pre-quarterfinals. However, they faced elimination after a 25-45 loss to Korea in the quarterfinals. In the women's foil event, the Indian team lost 14-45 to Japan after defeating Indonesia in the round of 16. The Indian team featured athletes Gisho Nidhi Kumaresan Padma, Karan Singh, and Lakshay Badser among others.

Congress party officials allege that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar broke laws regarding voter enrollment forms. They claim he unlawfully altered Form 6, creating obstacles for young voters who wish to register. The party requested the Supreme Court to hold Kumar accountable for these alleged violations of law and constitution. Despite accusations, Election Commission officials assert that major revisions have not occurred to the voter registration process.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran wants to return to a June memorandum of understanding with the United States, backing Chinas call to revive the agreement. His comments came after weeks of stalled diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war, despite indirect US-Iran talks at the UN General Assembly.

India's men's and women's kabaddi teams will battle for gold medals while two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu begins her singles campaign in badminton as the country's key events at the Asian Games 2026 take place on Saturday.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan event in Moirang. He announced a financial assistance scheme for women street vendors before Ningol Chakouba, 2026. The Chief Minister emphasized the negative impact of recent crises on the State's economy and revenue. Singh urged unity among communities to restore peace after the crisis period.

Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico have returned to the White House after a federal judge temporarily ordered the Trump administration to restore their press credentials. The legal battle continues, with the case raising questions over First Amendment protections, due process rights and the role of the presidential press pool.

The Election Commission of India will hold special enrollment camps across Delhi on September 27. Citizens who are eligible but not included in the draft electoral roll can apply during these camps. Additionally, there will be special camps on September 29 and 30 for young electors aged 18-25 years at educational institutions. The claims and objections period will remain open until September 30 for various electoral applications.

Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles squash event at the Asian Games. They were defeated by Hong Kong's Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong in a close semi-final match. In athletics, Sawan Barwal achieved a national record by winning the silver medal in the men's marathon. Meanwhile, other Indian athletes performed well in various events, contributing to the country's overall medal tally.

India launched a strong response to Pakistan at the UN General Assembly regarding claims of terrorism and Kashmir. India's First Secretary highlighted the Pakistani regime's military dominance and treatment of minorities. The statement referenced the historic presence of Osama bin Laden near a Pakistani military site. India reiterated its stance on Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the country.

The Indian women's 50m rifle 3 positions team secured a silver medal at the Asian Games 2026. Shooters Tilottama Sen and Vidarsa K Vinod qualified for the individual final in this event. In athletics, Sawan Barwal achieved a historic silver medal in the men's marathon, setting a national record. Various other Indian teams in sports like fencing and canoe sprint advanced in their respective events.

Lakshya Sen lost to Loh Kean Yew in the men's singles opening round at the Asian Games 2026. After leading initially, Sen struggled to secure a win in the first game, which Loh took with ease. Despite improving in the second game, Sen ultimately lost the deciding game, ending his campaign. Meanwhile, other Indian athletes are still competing in different events, including PV Sindhu in women's singles.

Donald Trump has dismissed Iran's offer to restore maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz within a week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi linked the reopening of the strait to several conditions, including sanctions relief. Trump previously suggested that the strait could become US territory due to naval control, reinforcing America's position. The region remains critical to global oil and gas trade and is central to US-Iran tensions.

President Donald Trump, who pledged to campaign in 35 competitive battleground races ahead of the November midterms, will instead open October with rallies in Alabama and Oklahoma. The Republican National Committee says the events can reach voters across state lines and media markets, while Republicans seek to mobilise turnout.

A father in Secunderabad paid Rs 21,000 to admit his daughter at a Hyderabad school in February 2019, only to cancel the admission within a week after his plan to shift residence fell through. The school refused to refund the money, calling it non refundable, even though the child never attended a single class. Seven years later, a consumer commission has ordered the school to pay him a total of Rs 36,000.

Bill Giles, a visionary in sports management, was instrumental in transforming the Philadelphia Phillies' experience. Under his leadership as owner and executive, Connie Mack Stadium closed its doors, giving way to the modern and vibrant Veterans Stadium in 1971. He also played a key role in launching Citizens Bank Park in 2004, ensuring fans enjoyed a top-tier venue.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal met EDF Chairman and CEO Bernard Fontana to discuss deploying the French utilitys EPR nuclear reactor technology in India, the power ministry said. The talks also covered the evolving regulatory framework for the nuclear sector and cooperation on pumped hydro storage projects, with senior officials present.

India will keep taxation outside the framework of bilateral investment treaties, with a revised model BIT expected to be considered by the Cabinet soon. The Finance Ministry has circulated a note, while negotiations with four-five countries are underway. Foreign investors will also have to exhaust local remedies before seeking arbitration.

India and Australia are working towards a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty to deepen trade and investment ties, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. The countries are also expanding cooperation in critical minerals and education, while addressing cross-border taxation and compliance issues affecting businesses and service providers.

Iran awaited a US response to its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt fighting across the Middle East, after the Wall Street Journal reported President Donald Trump rejected the plan. Tehran said the proposal could reopen the waterway within seven days and lead to broader talks, including on its nuclear programme.

India is revisiting a proposed trade secrets law and will soon consult industry and startups on whistleblower safeguards, contract enforcement and compliance. DPIIT is weighing whether a dedicated law is needed or whether amendments to the Indian Contract Act can address contract fulfilment, while protecting confidential business information.