The Economic Times

As crude oil prices rose, India paid more for this critical import even though it got less of it, data shows. Trade with major partners in the region remains affected, households and companies are staring at high inflation, and the govt is footing an elevated subsidy bill.

Michael Douglas has confirmed that he and Kathleen Turner had a secret romantic relationship while filming Romancing the Stone. The affair began in 1984 when Douglas was separated from his wife but still married. Both actors denied their romance publicly for over four decades to protect his family. Their relationship ended when Diandra, his wife, interfered after visiting the filming location in Mexico.

The UNDP analysis - which looked at data from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the International Energy Agency - found the number of countries deploying different relief measures nearly doubled between April and September as the war's impact continued.

The Cockroach Janta Partys Abhijeet Dipke has announced a protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar does not resign.

The government is considering tighter compliance rules for bonded warehouses, including a 24-hour deadline to electronically report shortages or discrepancies and mandatory digital records tracking goods from receipt to clearance, transfer or export. The proposed framework also envisages five-year record retention, monthly reporting and insurance against potential customs duty liabilities.

Both Election Commissioners -- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi -- are learnt to have interpreted that the AG opinion and Hegde case inputs favoured resuming the decades-old convention of annual SSR, which was paused after 2024, skipped in 2025 and is yet to be announced in 2026, already late given the usual announcement timeline of May-July.

Adani Group has announced plans to invest over 6 lakh crore in Maharashtra across multiple sectors. The investments are aimed at aiding Maharashtra's goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The group has committed to significant infrastructure projects, including the management of Mumbai's airports and renewable power sourcing. Additionally, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project will transform the area with modern housing and economic opportunities.

The government has extended the RoDTEP scheme for exporters until December 31, 2026, while raising insurance risk coverage to 95% for eligible shipments to specified regions amid geopolitical and logistics disruptions in West Asia. Existing RoDTEP rates and value caps will remain unchanged under the extension, the commerce ministry said.

As per the notification recently issued by the Ports and Transport Department regarding this decision, transport and non-transport vehicles manufactured as per Mass Emission Standards Bharat Stage-I (BS-I) and earlier standards have been covered under this provision. In addition, a concession has also been provided for all medium and heavy goods motor vehicles as well as all medium and heavy passenger motor vehicles manufactured as per BS-II standards.

The government is considering extending the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme until 2030-31 with an estimated Rs 15,000 crore outlay, while easing access for vulnerable, rural and first-time entrepreneurs. Proposed changes include less documentation and no collateral requirements, as the scheme has sanctioned Rs 91,000 crore in loans so far.

India does not have structural excess manufacturing capacity in sectors flagged by the G20 presidency, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said, rejecting broad assumptions that could trigger trade measures. He called for border action to rely on specific, verifiable evidence and comply with WTO rules, while defending Indias manufacturing expansion.

For self-employed owners, the biggest 2026 tax decision may not be another deduction. It could be how the business is structured. An S-Corp can let eligible owners split income between wages and distributions, potentially reducing self-employment taxes. The catch is that the rules require reasonable compensation, proper payroll and careful planning before year-end.

The 2026 midterm elections will take place on November 3, involving all 435 House seats and multiple Senate races. Several prominent senators, including Mitch McConnell, will be retiring, creating open-seat contests across states. Key battlegrounds include Kentucky, Iowa, North Carolina, and Michigan for the Senate races. Numerous House races are also closely contested in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Michigan.

The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code, 2026, will govern and regulate the laws relating to marriage and divorce, succession, live-in relationships and matters related thereto in the state, the government said in a gazette notification published on Thursday. The legislation received President Droupadi Murmu's assent on September 17, the notification said.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Bronze Medal Match Playing 11: Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are set to compete for the bronze medal in the Asian Games 2026. Both teams are aiming to conclude their campaigns positively following disappointing semi-final exits. Bangladesh reached the semi-finals and are seeking a repeat of their previous bronze medal success. Sri Lanka looks to recover from a significant batting collapse in their last match.

Tax authorities have taken a softer approach towards gaming companies in the first four final GST orders issued after the Supreme Court ruling on real-money gaming.

Netanyahu reiterated his claim that the attacker co-pilot, underwent Islamist radicalisation and attempted to crash the plane, but his plan was foiled due to the heroic efforts of Captain Machchhar and other passengers.

We just had a long protest (for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation). Because this government is so incompetent and are thieves, we have to agitate again... We are aware of the Jantar Mantar barricades. However, we are going to bring in so many people in Delhi that the barricades will break, said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.

Indias foreign exchange reserves fell $18.34 billion to $747.56 billion in the week ended September 25, marking the third consecutive weekly decline. The reserves have dropped $38.15 billion in three weeks from their record high of $785.71 billion on September 4.

Anthropic has launched Claude Frontier Academy, a $100 million training program to produce 10,000 Frontier Deployed Engineers by the end of 2027. This initiative addresses a shortage of workers who can deploy enterprise AI and turn these systems into products that deliver value to organisations. The first cohorts of this training program consist of engineers from eight companies.

Delhi Metro temporarily closed entry and exit at several stations in central Delhi, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Jantar Mantar, amid the security arrangements. Internet services were also suspended at the protest site and surrounding areas, according to reports.

The Centre has officially identified 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh for better recognition. This step aims to enhance public awareness of important border friction points such as Gogra and Hot Spring. The identification was conducted in consultation with the Ladakh administration to streamline cartography efforts. Key places include several peaks and passes which were significant during recent tensions.

Pragat Singh has been appointed as the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He succeeds Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned amidst internal party dissent. Singh is recognized as a former captain of the Indian hockey team and has political connections. His leadership style and ability to unite the party are under scrutiny by Congress members. Warring acknowledged the support of Rahul Gandhi during his time in leadership roles.

MK Stalin criticized the Tamil Nadu government for its attempt to impose Hindi in the state. He emphasized that Tamil Nadu's core principle is the two-language policy, which should not be disrupted. Stalin pointed out that the Hindi imposition was previously a Union government issue now exacerbated by state actions. Minister Aadhav Arjuna supported Stalin's view and announced the suspension of officials responsible for the recent signage incident.

Linking the flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the pilot and attempting to crash the Tel Aviv-bound flight to Omans establishment or Royal Family is completely uncalled for and called for a thorough probe into his background, diplomatic sources told ET.

NASA has selected 24 organizations to partake in a new Science Activation portfolio aimed at public engagement. This initiative will provide hands-on opportunities in scientific research across various fields, such as astronomy and Earth sciences. Communities nationwide, particularly underserved groups, will gain access to authentic NASA experiences. Participants can analyze data, conduct experiments, and observe astronomical events through robotic telescopes.

The Congress Party has appointed Aradhana Misra-Mona as the new president of its Uttar Pradesh unit. Imran Masood has been named as the working president, while Chaudhary Virendra Singh becomes the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party. These strategic appointments aim to enhance the party's electoral prospects in the upcoming assembly elections next year. The leadership reshuffle seeks to achieve social balance within the party's organizational structure.

Before the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, voters are encouraged to check their registration status for accuracy. They should visit Vote.gov and follow the provided links to their state election website. Verification is essential, particularly after moving or changing their name, as rules may differ by state.

After relocating to Panna, Guddi Devi and Rajkumar Shrivas decided to lease a mining pit. They discovered four diamonds during their six-month digging effort, including two high-quality stones. The diamonds, weighing a total of 5.16 carats, are valued at approximately 12 lakh. These diamonds will be sold through a government auction, with royalties and taxes deducted from the proceeds.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Nike executives in Milwaukee during the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting. He encouraged them to enhance investments in India's growth story and local sourcing initiatives. Goyal emphasized the importance of deepening Nike's presence in the Indian market and expanding manufacturing opportunities. The discussions also focused on improving the broader sports ecosystem in India.

At 102 years old, Rita Georgeff from Windsor finally walked across the newly inaugurated Gordie Howe International Bridge, a moment she had dreamed of for two long years. Joined by her friends, she showcased incredible determination, leaving onlookers inspired. After admiring the scenic views, they made their way back to Canada, with Rita smiling as she expressed her desire to celebrate her 103rd birthday next year.

The 2026 tax rules quietly give retirement savers more room to plan. The IRA contribution limit has climbed to $7,500, while 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) limits have also increased. The standard deduction is higher, too. These changes may look modest individually, but together they can affect how much income you save, shelter or keep during the year.

Hundreds of opposition activists protested in central Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Delhi Police detained approximately 700 protesters, including members from various youth organizations and political parties. Internet services were suspended in the area, and major metro stations were closed for security. Protesters accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral roll revision process and mass deletions.

Captain Smit Machchhar displayed remarkable bravery by thwarting an attack from his co-pilot during a flight. His courageous actions undoubtedly saved the lives of 180 passengers on board. Former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel recommended that Machchhar receive Israel's Medal of Honour for his incredible efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also applauded the captain's composure during the crisis in a video call.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke took an unusual route to rally support for Fridays Mumbai protest, posing as an autorickshaw driver at Bandra station and calling out Shivaji Park, Shivaji Park to commuters. The outfits Jail Bharo Andolan sought Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars resignation amid the SIR controversy.

Eligible individuals who bought 2026 coverage via HealthCare.gov but did not receive premium tax credits may get a $500 payment. More than 950,000 people are included in this program across 30 states, but criteria vary based on income levels. Payments are automatically sent, either by check or direct deposit, without requiring application.

Recent research indicates elevated stress levels at Cajon Pass, affecting interactions between the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults. The stress is reportedly at its highest point in the last 1,000 years of observations. While this research does not predict a specific earthquake, it sheds light on how future ruptures may behave. Understanding the relationship between the fault segments could be vital for seismic hazard assessments.

BTS and Stray Kids have opted not to submit their music for the 2027 Grammy Awards, a decision intertwined with the newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. BTS voiced their discontent, emphasising the importance of music appreciation beyond geographical or linguistic boundaries. Stray Kids echoed this sentiment, choosing not to participate in the Grammy process.

US midterm elections 2026: Voters can register online or update their registration for the upcoming General Election. Those missing the registration deadline may still register on Election Day. Active registered voters will receive their ballots in the mail before the election date. Ballots can be returned via drop box, in person, or by mail, with specific deadlines. Voters are encouraged to track their ballot status for updates on receipt and counting.