The Economic Times

'Radical Islam trying to erase western civilization': Sen. Marshall warns in fiery democracy warning

US President Donald Trump has proposed an $8 billion relief programme for farmers struggling with diesel costs. This financial support aims to assist producers during the 2026 harvest season amidst rising production expenses. Additionally, he suggested sending $5,000 checks to adult citizens if Republicans maintain congressional control. Meanwhile, a one-time payment to Medicare beneficiaries has also been announced separately.

India and the US are actively working to expand energy and defence cooperation amidst existing tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized India's potential as a crude oil refining superpower. Discussions included increasing energy trade and promoting the purchase of American technologies for mutual benefit. Rubio also plans to visit Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar Refinery to discuss energy security.

Lay's is gearing up to unveil its exciting Holi-LAYS collection that playfully captures the essence of festive meals with a twist. Limited-time flavors such as Cheddar Scalloped-Style Potatoes and Roasted Holiday Turkey will grace store shelves starting October 25. The delightful Maple Bacon chips are set to debut on November 8, while chocolate-covered treats will arrive on December 1.

In a significant shift, the BBC will discontinue its BBC Three and BBC Scotland channels this spring as part of a strategic initiative aimed at reducing costs by 500 million over the next two years. Additionally, BBC Radio 4 Extra will be closed, although its programming will still be available on BBC Sounds.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India from October 20 to 22 to discuss energy cooperation. He will visit Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, highlighting its refining capabilities. Rubio stated that energy is directly linked to national security during a media interaction in Mumbai. He expressed concerns about energy disruptions affecting global supply and economic stability.

S Jaishankar expressed gratitude to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for honoring 26/11 terror attack victims. He highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration in trade, technology, energy, and defense. Jaishankar welcomed the extradition of one of the culprits involved in the attacks, emphasizing India's right to self-defense against terrorism. The strategic partnership between India and the US has expanded significantly over recent decades despite differences.

Addressing a gathering at a Vijayadashami event in Ludhiana, the Home Minister said that the transfer of Parwinder Singh Jhota's murder inquiry to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ensures that influential conspirators will not be spared.

At US's 250th-anniversary celebration in Mumbai, Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the importance of more regular engagements with India. Pointing to the country's status as a crucial geopolitical partner, he discussed mutual interests in technology, trade, and Indo-Pacific security. Rubio asserted that strategic collaboration in these areas would be instrumental in defining the future relationship between the United States and India.

Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped significantly, causing concern for the Republican Party ahead of midterm elections. Recent polling reveals a 12-point lead for Democrats over Republicans, increasing electoral pressure. Rising living costs and international conflicts contribute to voter dissatisfaction affecting election outcomes. Historically, low presidential approval ratings correlate with seat losses for the incumbent party during midterms.

A three-year-old girl dangled from a 12th-floor apartment in China's Fujian province after her head became trapped between window grille bars. Neighbours, security guards and property staff rushed to help, holding a stool beneath her to prevent a fall until firefighters arrived and freed her. A video of the dramatic rescue has garnered over 400,000 views on social media.

Russia conducted missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, causing civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Norway seeking increased American and European support for his country. Despite ongoing attacks, Zelenskyy expressed concerns about the delay in U.S. military aid, including critical air defense interceptors. European nations have stepped up their support, fearing Russian aggression will extend further.

Gregor Corse, a 5-year-old boy from Scotlands Orkney Islands, has raised more than $106,000 for a local charity by completing a 30-day walking challenge despite an undiagnosed neurological condition affecting his balance and motor skills. His efforts earned him the Youngest Fundraiser of the Year award at the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards.

A Gurugram realtor has offered Ashneer Grover a tongue-in-cheek job as a field associate after mocking his tour of DLF Camellias, where he showcased the clubhouse and greenery instead of his apartment. Grover said tenants currently occupy the flat and he wanted to respect their privacy. The realtor's post sparked reactions on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed heartfelt greetings to all Indians on Vijayadashami. They highlighted the significance of the festival, marking the victory of good over evil. Modi's wishes emphasized happiness, prosperity, and success for everyone during this time. Murmu called for upholding the ideals of morality and duty within society. The festival encourages overcoming social evils and promotes an inclusive community across the nation.

Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, met a tragic fate during a dive to the Titanic wreck when the Titan submersible imploded. According to his friend Karl Stanley, Rush was eager to weave his own narrative into Titanic's legendary history, chasing fame. The US Coast Guard's investigation found that operational failures led to the disaster, while negligence on Rush's part was implicated in the loss of four lives.

An unpaid interns Reddit post has sparked debate over workplace exploitation after they claimed to have been fired for refusing to mentor two interns and conduct an HR crash course alongside their regular duties. The post drew thousands of upvotes, with users criticising the companys alleged work culture and backing the interns decision to set boundaries.

Bihar Police is currently verifying the identity of a man arrested for allegedly firing at actor Tiger Shroff. The accused, Ritik from Begusarai, was apprehended along with two others after the incident in Mumbai. Authorities are investigating claims made by Ritik's parents, who do not recognize him in the photograph shown. An audio clip linked to a gangster suggests the attack was motivated by a feud with Salman Khan.

In an emotional message to supporters, Dipke urged them to spend time with their families during the festive period, while remembering Das and Ranka, who have been in jail since October 13 and could not be with their loved ones. He said the families of those involved in the movement were also bearing the consequences of their decision to protest.

Amit Shah slammed the AAP government, saying it failed to curb the menace, and the drug trade continues to grow day by day in Punjab. After visiting Gurdaspur, Mansa and Sangrur, Shah spoke to reporters in Ludhiana, where he said he never felt so deeply saddened in his life.

Vivek Ramaswamy is focusing on local issues as he campaigns for Ohio governor after his presidential run. His proposed property tax reductions are raising questions about funding and service impacts in communities. Ramaswamy's campaign is also addressing concerns about data centers and their local effects. Despite Trump's endorsement, the election remains competitive, illustrating voter concerns about broader economic conditions.

Launched at the UN Biodiversity Conference, the New Species Recovery Alliance has garnered a substantial pledge of $500 million. This collaborative initiative, involving nine organizations including the Bezos Earth Fund, is set to combat species extinctions and facilitate the recovery of endangered species globally. With over 31,000 species facing extinction, urgent conservation measures are more crucial than ever, as the alliance partners with local groups to develop effective recovery strategi

Neha Bora, the president of the All India Students Association, has emerged as a notable activist advocating for farmers rights, educational reforms, and electoral transparency. Originating from Khatima, Uttarakhand, she is a dedicated PhD scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Recently, her stand against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls led to her detention, highlighting the vigorous student activism in India tackling critical social issues.

Indian designer Rahul Agarwal secured a $350,000 deal on Shark Tank USA for his origami-inspired foldable measuring spoon. His company, Polygons Design, replaces six conventional measuring spoons with two compact tools. Investors Lori Greiner and Mindy Kaling backed the invention, valuing the business at $3.5 million.

Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, has criticized the RSS for gender inequality. He described the organization as an all-male, anti-constitutional cult that devalues women. Gandhi expressed that many women within the RSS align themselves with his political stance. He has urged the youth to continue protesting against what he perceives as unjust actions by the RSS-BJP.

How RBI Took Oils Dollar Demand | The Morning Brief Decode

The event was held in Mumbai on Monday and marked the first public appearance of the actor after the incident. In the pictures and videos circulating online, Jackie is seen posing alongside Fadnavis and other attendees at the event.

Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained for allegedly breaching a protest site. They have since challenged the extension of their judicial custody in the Delhi High Court. The party alleges that legal procedures are being misused to keep their leaders in custody without justification. Founders of the party are mobilizing support for their release and challenging restrictions on demonstrations.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have revealed the name of their second daughter, Devi Padukone Singh, on Dussehra. The Bollywood couple shared a family photograph featuring their younger daughter and elder child, Dua, in a heartwarming moment. The announcement comes after the actors welcomed their second baby girl on September 19.

Cami Lane, a former Utah nurse, has transitioned into a flourishing furniture-flipping venture over the past two and a half years. What began with the revival of a couple of nightstands has blossomed into a lucrative source of monthly income. Through this endeavor, she has gained financial stability and the freedom to manage her own schedule.

A missile strike by Houthi rebels in southern Yemen killed 73 new military recruits early this week. The recruits were training at the al-Alam camp in Shabwa province when the attack occurred. More than 200 individuals were wounded in the incident, which was part of escalating violence following the breakup of a ceasefire. The conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Businessman Harsh Goenka took a hilarious dig at Vinod Khoslas Chief of Staff job listing, mocking its demanding work hours, 24/7 availability and limited personal time. His post sparked reactions on X, with users joking about Gen Z employees, intense corporate work culture and the expectations placed on modern professionals.

NASA's CHAPEA mission, which simulates living on Mars, involves four crew members in a controlled environment. The study focuses on how humans manage isolation and limited resources during long-duration missions. Insights gained could inform the design and functionality of future lunar habitats. Participants will undergo evaluations after their mission to assess their health and performance. Findings will help NASA prepare for sustained human activity on the Moon.

During his visit to India, Marco Rubio emphasized the country's refining capabilities for heavy crude oil. He noted that Indian companies have oil concessions in Venezuela, offering potential for increased production. Rubio mentioned the importance of addressing sanctions and other challenges to facilitate this collaboration. The US delegation aims to explore further cooperation on Venezuelan oil production with Indian firms.

Marco Rubio expressed support for high-level arms control discussions among the US, Russia, and China. He highlighted the importance of communication among nuclear-armed nations, despite existing differences. Rubio noted that it is unclear if China will engage in these talks, referencing their historical stance. Reports indicate a potential meeting of the three leaders at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Britain is increasing military support for Saudi Arabia in response to Houthi attacks on its cities. Royal Air Force Typhoon jets will conduct defensive operations over Saudi Arabia to protect civilians. Additionally, military transport will be sent along with advisers to assist the Saudi forces. The U.K. had previously promised in-air refueling for Saudi operations against the Houthis.

School Holiday Tomorrow, October 21, 2026: Schools across India will follow different schedules amid ongoing Dussehra and Durga Puja vacations. Haryana, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may see continued closures, while schools in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Maharashtra may reopen. Heavy rainfall forecasts could prompt local closures in southern India, subject to official orders.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has directed his Cabinet colleagues to prepare for the forthcoming local body elections. The State Election Commission is expected to announce the elections soon, following the revised voters' list release. These elections are significant as they will be the first for Bengaluru's newly formed city corporations. The government is now committed to conducting all pending local body elections across the state.

Islamic State-linked militants conducted attacks in the Menaka region of Mali, resulting in at least 48 deaths. These attacks were reportedly in retaliation for prior abuses committed by pro-government forces against suspected informants. Civilians were forced to flee as attackers set homes ablaze and stole livestock. Mali has faced ongoing violence from Islamic State and al Qaeda affiliates, further destabilis ing the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations for a trade deal with India are approaching completion. He highlighted discussions with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar about energy security and defense cooperation. While tensions over tariffs and energy continue to challenge negotiations, both countries aim to deepen their economic ties. Rubios visit to India includes a tour of the Reliance Industries refinery and meetings with business leaders.

Nishant Saboo, a businessman in Hyderabad, spotted two kids mesmerized by a shiny Lamborghini parked outside his showroom. He graciously invited Yashvika and Vihaan to explore the luxury cars. The following visit was even more special when he arranged a thrilling ride in his Lamborghini for them. The beaming smiles of the children and their father told a heartwarming story, gaining widespread admiration on social media.

Alberta separatists have vowed to continue their push for independence after 76% of voters rejected a proposal to begin the process toward separation from Canada. The result marks a setback for the independence movement and a win for Prime Minister Mark Carney, but campaigners say their grievances with Ottawa remain unresolved

A Madhya Pradesh familys attempt to trace a Rs 35,000 investment made during World War I has hit a fresh hurdle after the UKs Debt Management Office said it could find no evidence the 1917 Indian War Loan was a British government obligation. The family wants historical records to establish whether the money was ever repaid or settled.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar highlighted the importance of collective solutions involving farmers and sugar factories. He mentioned addressing sugarcane growers' demands, such as minimum support price, through discussions. Shivakumar has sought an appointment with the Central government for drought relief. He aims to hold meetings with both farmers and sugar factory owners to resolve conflicts. Ongoing protests by farmers have disrupted the normalcy of life and delayed the crushing season.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government is preparing for a contentious budget season ahead of elections. The opposition parties are increasing their resistance to proposed deficit-cutting plans. Budget discussions in parliament have faced numerous delays and amendments, complicating passage. If the budget is not approved within 70 days, emergency legislation may be needed. The overall outcome could significantly impact investor confidence and the government's financial strategy.