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Eye on the price: Retail inflation at 5.54% in September, most on new base
India's retail inflation increased to 5.54% year-on-year in September, the highest since January. This rise is attributed to higher food prices, particularly onions and other essentials. Economists predict inflation could approach 6% in the coming months, influencing upcoming policy decisions. The Reserve Bank of India has indicated a likelihood of rate hikes due to ongoing price pressures. Rural areas experienced sharper inflation increases, outpacing urban regions this month.
Alcaraz exits Shanghai Masters in straight-sets loss
Seven-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock 7-5 7-6(4) defeat by unseeded Belgian Zizou Bergs in the Shanghai Masters round of 32 on Monday, a result that also confirmed Alexander Zverev as the ATP's year-end world number one. Fresh from defending his Japan Open title and building momentum after a wrist injury that sidelined him for nearly five months, Alcaraz never found his rhythm in a scrappy two-hour, two-minute contest. The second-seeded Spaniard joined 24-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and US Open runner-up Ben Shelton among the high-profile casualties at the ATP Masters 1000 event. Bergs produced a composed all-court performance, thriving in the quick conditions as the 27-year-old broke Alcaraz's serve three times to clinch the biggest victory of his career. Bergs had lost their only previous meeting, falling to Alcaraz in the last 16 of last year's Japan Open, but showed no signs of intimidation as he outplayed the 23-year-old in key moments. "I often have too much respect for these guys, which is part of my culture and I'm proud of that. But it gets a little bit in the way when you have to play them," Bergs said. "The more experience you have practising against them and playing matches, the more it becomes the new standard a little bit. To have this moment, for me it is a little bit of a relief. I feel like now I really can win against these guys." Alcaraz conceded he was below his best. "I didn't play the way that I wanted to play. A lot of mistakes. I didn't find a good position on the return," Alcaraz said. "Obviously, credit to him. I would say he served really well. "But when I got into the rhythm, when I got into the point, I made a lot of mistakes. I wasn't feeling comfortable with my shots. So, I'm really disappointed with today's match because I didn't find the solution. I just made a lot of unforced errors." The upset also guaranteed French Open and US Open champion Zverev, 29, the ATP's year-end world number one ranking, making him the first German and the oldest first-time player to achieve the feat. Zverev's rise to year-end number one was aided by the absence of five-times Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner, who has not played since beating the German in the Wimbledon final in July due to a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season, including the ATP Finals in Turin. "It's been a fantastic season for me winning in Paris and New York and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true," said Zverev, who will face Kazakhstan's 19th seed Alexander Bublik in the round of 16 in Shanghai. "So much work and effort have been put into achieving this goal, especially after coming back from the ankle injury (at the 2022 French Open semi-finals)."I look forward to finishing the season in style." (Reuters) Edited by Cecil Wong
From laser shields to iPhone detectors: inside China’s booming secrecy industry
A group of Chinese officials are in the middle of a highly sensitive meeting involving critical decisions yet to be made behind closed doors, with documents stamped “classified” spread across the table. Suddenly, an invisible laser beams into the room, sweeping across a glass window and allowing the contents of the meeting to be transmitted elsewhere. China’s Ministry of State Security laid out this seemingly futuristic scenario six months ago, warning government departments and other entities...
SC asks govt to broaden inflated pricing review beyond oncology
The Supreme Court has asked the government to address high markups on medicines and medical devices. The court questioned the decision to limit recent price controls to anti-cancer drugs alone. Concerns were raised about the inflated prices of common medical devices such as cardiac stents. The court emphasized the importance of controlling medicine prices for the benefit of patients. Further hearings on this matter are scheduled for October 27.
SC calls for safer firecrackers, voluntary restraint over curbs
The Supreme Court called for a balanced approach to firecracker usage during discussions on air pollution. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized public awareness and self-restraint over enforceable restrictions. Discussions included concerns about health risks particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The bench suggested promoting safer alternatives to highly polluting firecrackers during festivals.
Sunil Mittal gets highest French civilian award
The honour recognises Mittal's contributions to strengthening economic ties between France and India as well as his achievements in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure and satellite communications space.
No ruling yet on revised Form 6, says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarified that it has neither approved nor disapproved the Election Commission's revised Form 6. The court explained that the validity of this modified form was not previously adjudicated. A bench emphasized that the revised Form 6 did not exist when delivering the Bihar judgment in May 2026. Counsel for the petitioner referred to prior court observations regarding the form's approval.
Jantar Mantar locked out as protest site; Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground named designated sites
Delhi Police has decided to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site amid security concerns. The new sites for protests include Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi. Both Ramlila and Burari Grounds are significantly farther from the previous location, causing logistical considerations for demonstrators. However, Ramlila Maidan has limited availability for bookings until late December.
No takers: Amid SIR tussle, EC's cloud-linked electoral operations hit turbulence
The Election Commission of India is undergoing difficulties related to the contract with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. As the expiration of the contract approaches, the Commission faces operational risks. Discussions are underway to ensure continuity of electoral IT services during the Special Intensive Revision. A tender has raised concerns as the sole qualifying vendor has not met all requirements.
Supreme Court bars coercive steps against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's aide in corruption case
A division bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale issued notice on the Punjab government's petition challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing the CBI to register a case and investigate allegations of corruption involving Ghuman and others.