The Economic Times

A laboratory worker in Russia has died from pneumonic plague after breaking a test tube with live bacteria. Health authorities have reported over 197 people in medical isolation due to potential contact with the deceased. While officials have not confirmed the cause of death, local media suggest a significant public health risk. Hospitals in Irkutsk have been closed for quarantine as precautionary measures are enforced.

Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a significant increase in its cheetah population. A female cheetah born in India has successfully given birth to five cubs. This marks the birth of the Botswana lineage in India, adding diversity to the cheetah genetics. Project Cheetah's team has been acknowledged for their continuous conservation efforts in this endeavor.

Indian customs officials are currently examining a notable uptick in soybean imports, which are purportedly sourced from Niger. Authorities suspect that these shipments are actually originating from Nigeria to avoid applicable tariffs. As a result, importers must now validate the authenticity of their cargoes or incur significant duties. This scrutiny has effectively paused purchases labeled as from Niger, leading to potential delays for goods en route and altering trade dynamics.

On October 5, 2026, Garena Free Fire MAX players in India will have the chance to snag redeem codes that can unlock fabulous in-game rewards like diamonds, unique weapon skins, and fashionable outfits. To redeem these codes, gamers can visit the Garena Rewards Redemption website and follow a few straightforward instructions. It's important to act quickly, as these codes may expire or hit their redemption limits, so timing is everything.

Social Security checks are likely expanding next year. The exact increase remains weeks away, but early data points toward a 4.7% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2027. If independent forecasts hold true, older Americans will receive the fourth-largest benefit hike in a quarter-century.

'Russia stood by India when much of the world backed Pakistan': Jaishankar hails Delhi-Moscow ties

India's infrastructure challenge has evolved from capital raising to the need for investable projects. A significant proportion of respondents view private-sector participation and complex approval processes as major obstacles. The report emphasizes the necessity of modernizing infrastructure through digital technologies and enhanced cyber defenses. Public sector initiatives have successfully attracted private investment in greenfield sectors like renewables and highways.

Retired judges have expressed their disapproval of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan's comments regarding disenfranchisement during recent remarks. They emphasized that the issue he spoke about is currently sub judice before the Supreme Court. Former Chief Justice B R Gavai stated that judicial propriety prohibits such comments from a sitting judge. Additionally, the judges questioned whether the electoral roll exercise actually constitutes disenfranchisement.

Punjab National Bank has launched its 2026 festive retail loan campaign, offering concessions across home, car and other retail loans. Under the scheme, home loan borrowers will get a full waiver of upfront and processing fees along with a 5-basis-point rate concession, while car loans will also carry a full fee waiver.

On October 17, Indonesias new halal-certification policies will take effect, significantly influencing Indian exporters across sectors. Encompassing food, cosmetics, medicines, and medical devices, these requirements are projected to increase operational costs. Indian businesses must obtain certifications from accredited entities to prevent customs disruptions and product recalls. This regulation, especially impactful for buffalo meat and pharmaceuticals, highlights the urgency of ensuring prope

Norway's government is considering a temporary prohibition on smart AI glasses to tackle rising privacy concerns. The primary focus lies on sensitive areas such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public gatherings, where the need for privacy is critical. Officials are evaluating which devices should be included in this ban, aiming to foster an informed public dialogue.

The GST Council is likely to recast its tax officers' committees to make them leaner as the system matures. It is proposed to reduce the current structure into three consolidated bodies, including a standing committee. The new arrangement is based on political ownership and transparency in handling proposals from trade and industry. After nine years, the indirect tax regime shows signs of stability with settled rates.

An Indian man went on trial in Paris on Monday, accused of running a neo-Nazi child exploitation ring in which young girls were allegedly coerced into performing sexual acts online and engaging in self-harm. - Closed-door trial - The Paris criminal court on Monday ordered the trial be held behind closed doors.

Sass Jordan, the Canadian rock star and former Canadian Idol judge, has died at 63. It was Sass Jordan who gave Taylor Hawkins his first break and catapulted him to fame. From her successful music career and biggest hits to her connection with Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, here is everything to know about the singers life, career and legacy.

Menlo Ventures' Deedy Das on Why India Could Lose its Human Capital Advantage

While mowing his lawn in Orange County, New York, a homeowner stumbled upon fossilised mastodon teeth, sparking the interest of researchers. Upon investigation, they unearthed a complete jaw and additional bones, marking the first significant Ice Age find in over a decade. This rare discovery may unlock secrets about ancient ecosystems, prompting plans for carbon dating and further analysis, shedding light on potential prehistoric remains still hidden in developed areas.

School Assembly News Headlines: The article outlines crucial national and international news fit for a school assembly. It addresses significant occurrences, like the deportation of unauthorized immigrants and the establishment of Indias migration accord with Switzerland. Sports insights share that Bhuvneshwar Kumar will captain the team in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament. Furthermore, the business sector notes robust growth in the Eurozone despite ongoing inflation issues.

Constance Zimmer bravely shared her breast cancer journey on Instagram, discussing her Ductal Carcinoma In Situ diagnosis, which she received on March 13, 2026, while traveling. Initially advised to undergo a mastectomy, she chose a lumpectomy as her treatment. The emotional toll was profound, prompting her to seek multiple medical opinions. Zimmer emphasized the value of openness in navigating tough times, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Fireflies.ai's Krish Ramineni on India As a Stress Test for AI

The Ayush services sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods in India and has a significant female workforce. Women's participation in organized segments, including hospitals, exceeds 50 percent in several areas. The sector has the potential to expand substantially, generating an estimated USD 216-318 billion by 2047. Ayurveda remains the largest individual system of revenue generation within the sector, contributing significantly.

Many financial analysts expect the Reserve Bank of India to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points. This forecast is driven by persistent inflation, soaring crude oil prices, and a depreciating rupee. Should the RBI implement this hike, it could lead to higher fixed deposit returns for investors. Meanwhile, public sector banks continue to offer lower rates, struggling against fierce competition from government securities and small savings schemes.

JioBlackRock Mutual Fund has filed a draft document with Sebi for JioBlackRock Gold ETF, an open-ended scheme tracking domestic gold prices. The ETF will invest 95-100% in gold and related instruments, with a minimum investment of Rs 500.

In a bold statement, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of unlawfully changing Form 6 without consensus. The Supreme Court confirmed that these alterations to electoral rolls were not sanctioned. Gandhi emphasized the need for accountability for the CEC and his colleagues. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh further alleged that this modification was aimed at silencing the Gen Z voter demographic.

Non-banking finance companies accounted for nearly half of new-to-credit loans below Rs 2 lakh as of June 2026. Their retail delinquency rate remained lower than the overall industry average, reflecting improved asset quality. Monitoring credit positively impacted borrowers' cure rates compared to those who did not monitor. The customer base for NBFCs grew significantly over the last decade, indicating increasing access to credit.

Jupiter will not disappear in an instant like a star. The planet appears large enough in the sky for the process to take about a minute. When Jupiter comes back into view, its return should take roughly the same amount of time.

The top five value and contra mutual funds held up to 16% cash in August, with DSP Value Fund recording the highest allocation. Fund managers may retain cash to meet redemptions and deploy funds when investment opportunities emerge.

Biocon Electric has filed DRHP with Sebi for a Rs 59 lakh-share IPO, comprising a fresh issue and OFS. The company plans to use fresh proceeds primarily for working capital, with shares proposed for BSE and NSE listing.

Top five conservative hybrid funds delivered SWP returns of up to 9.5% over three years as of September 30, 2026.

Bengaluru faces significant pothole issues that worsen during rainy conditions. Commuters experience frequent bumps that can inadvertently serve as an egg-peeling method. A Bengaluru man shared a humorous perspective on using these bumps to peel boiled eggs. Other users joined the conversation, sharing more food-related suggestions based on the city's pothole situation. Additionally, residents have expressed concerns about traffic hazards from road conditions and severe waterlogging.

A momentous occasion unfolded as the cargo vessel 'DLB Patkai' set sail from Bogibeel Terminal in Dibrugarh, heading to Dhaka. This significant shipment is the first direct trade from Upper Assam to an international market since Independence. Carrying methanol from Namrup, the vessel will embark on a 1,300 km journey to Bangladesh.

Arijit Singh has confirmed a nine-city tour for January to May 2027 to celebrate his 20 years in music. The tour will include performances in cities like Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, among others. Each concert is designed with advanced features such as 360-degree audio and visual effects for an immersive experience. Singh stated that he looks forward to connecting with fans and sharing these memorable songs live.

A special charity tea auction held in Guwahati raised Rs 1.61 crore for flood relief. An additional contribution of Rs 65 lakh from a generous donor brought the total to Rs 2.26 crore. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's presence encouraged active participation from the tea fraternity and buyers. Leading tea companies made significant purchases, contributing to the auction's success and overall fundraising.

Get ready for the Fall 2026 anime season, which brings a delightful mix of beloved series and exciting new entries. Fans can anticipate the return of Black Clover Season 2 and The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, alongside newcomers Overgeared and Firefly Wedding. From October to December, therell be a fantastic variety of options, ensuring that anime lovers have something exhilarating to watch as this season unfolds.

Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper: Indian Railways is preparing to launch its second Vande Bharat Sleeper train, connecting KSR Bengaluru with Mumbai CSMT. The overnight service is expected to cover the journey in under 16 hours, with tentative timings of 10 pm departure from Bengaluru and 10:30 pm from Mumbai. The train will feature AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier and First Class coaches.

Diamond Brown has recently submitted court documents accusing Chris Brown of threats and harassment following their separation. Their four-year-old daughter, Lovely Symphani Brown, is at the centre of a custody dispute. This isn't the first time Chris Brown has faced such serious allegations, having previously dealt with a restraining order from another former partner.

Maharashtra will enforce a 10 percent reduction in water supply starting October 16 due to insufficient rainfall. The state has prioritized drinking water and will reserve it through August 31, 2027. Local bodies are instructed to prevent water leakage and maximize sewage treatment plant operation. Industries must recycle at least 30 percent of their water usage under new directives.

Sumitomo Corporation has acquired a 49% stake in a Hero Future Energies project vehicle that will develop a 500 MW wind-solar-battery project in Karnatakas Bidar district, while HFE will retain 51%. The partnership strengthens Sumitomos renewable energy presence in India and supports HFEs wider 10 GW development pipeline.

Pawan Khera of Congress criticised the Aam Aadmi Party for its attacks regarding defections to the BJP. Khera emphasised that AAP had also experienced significant defections, highlighting their hypocrisy. He noted the failure of the BJP government in Goa regarding employment opportunities and law enforcement issues. Additionally, Khera discussed the removal of many voters from the electoral roll ahead of the upcoming elections.

A 28-year-old software engineer died by suicide at Noida's Supernova building on Saturday. A court had ordered him to pay his former wife Rs 15 lakh in alimony after their divorce, and he was also carrying a Rs 30 lakh loan taken for his premature son's hospital treatment. Police are examining his finances and the days before his death.

Srinagar authorities have deported 150 Bangladeshi nationals who were staying illegally in the Union territory. They were transported on a special Indian Air Force plane to Bagdogra for processing. After their arrival, they were handed over to Border Security Force personnel. Another group of 150 Bangladeshis is scheduled for deportation on October 7.

A 27-year-old Reddit user questioned taking a Rs 45 lakh personal loan for a Rs 50 lakh wedding, despite his fiances family offering a Rs 15 lakh alternative. Bengaluru CA Meenal Goel warned that the loan could mean roughly Rs 1 lakh EMI for 60 months, totalling Rs 60 lakh in repayments. She called it five years of financial pressure driven by social expectations.

Russian Plague is not the medical name of a newly discovered disease. The term is being used in connection with concerns over an incident at an anti-plague research facility near Irkutsk. Plague itself is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.

Fertilisers have gone through the roof; no country can sustain buying at this level: FM Sitharaman

Indias sunflower oil imports fell 36% in September to their lowest level in more than four years as the Ukraine war disrupted Black Sea shipments, pushing refiners towards palm oil. Palm oil imports climbed to a seven-month high of 810,000 tonnes as buyers also built stocks ahead of the festive season.

US bombers have been withdrawn from RAF Fairford in the UK after five arrests linked to a potential Iranian plot. The arrests, made by counter-terrorism police, resulted from a local farmer's report about suspicious activity near the base. Initially, the suspects were detained under terrorism-related charges, but they were soon released on bail. Meanwhile, Iran has denied allegations of involvement and summoned the British ambassador.

The Supreme Court has requested responses from the government and various commissions about the staffing issues of State Human Rights Commissions. The petition highlights the defunct status of certain commissions in states like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It calls for timely appointments to vacant positions and adequate infrastructure for the commissions. Additionally, the petition seeks compliance reports until the issues are resolved.

Nitesh Rane said that Aaditya Thackeray might have skipped the protest due to fear of arrest while claiming he may leave the country. Rane alleged Thackeray's link to the Disha Salian death case, repeating his name in the FIR multiple times. Subsequently, Rane demanded investigating agencies to question Thackeray and to seize his passport if warranted.

India's residential property market exhibited stable sales during January-September when compared to the previous year. Major markets like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata demonstrated positive trends, while NCR faced a significant decline. Higher-ticket homes are increasingly preferred, with sales of properties priced above Rs 1 crore climbing sharply. Sales for lower-priced segments, however, experienced a downturn, reducing buyers' options.

The ET Alpha Wealth Summit 2.0 is scheduled for October 8, 2026, in Mumbai. This event will gather various investment professionals including high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Some of the discussions will focus on the implications of AI for portfolio management and investment allocation. Expert sessions will explore the balance between human judgement and AI in making investment decisions.

SpiceJet said that the DGCA's regulatory monitoring should not indicate new safety issues. The airline clarified that safety audits and surveillance are routine actions by the DGCA. It said that previous regulatory reviews have not revealed new safety concerns. SpiceJet's domestic market share fell recently, reflecting its operational challenges. Additionally, the company's shares experienced a decline in late afternoon trade.