GENEVA (AP) — The World Trade Organization is sharply raising its forecast for trade growth in goods this year after an unexpectedly strong first half. This growth has been driven by rising AI-related purchases, front-loaded imports in the U.S. over tariff fears, and robust developing-world trade.
The Geneva-based trade body said Tuesday that its economists are increasing their prediction of global trade expansion, reflecting these positive developments.
A Crisis Brewing Within the Tata Empire: Government Intervention Underway
A crisis appears to be brewing within the highly respected Tata empire. Reports indicate escalating tension primarily between Tata Sons and a section of Tata Trusts over board appointments and governance issues.
Key Tata Group leaders—including Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran, Tata Trusts vice-chairman Venu Srinivasan, and trustee Darius Khambata—met on Tuesday with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was also present during the meeting. The Tata Group has refrained from commenting on the matter.
### Government Steps In to Maintain Stability
The Central government, reportedly keen on preserving stability within the $180 billion corporate behemoth, has decided to intervene in order to prevent the crisis from escalating. This development comes on the eve of the first death anniversary of Ratan Tata, the visionary leader who propelled the group to global prominence through major acquisitions in the West.
### Roots of the Conflict
It is understood that tensions began surfacing as early as 2017—not only between Tata Sons and Tata Trusts but also within the Trust itself. Ratan Tata’s towering personality and astute leadership had historically ensured internal stability, but his absence has allowed these fissures to widen.
Tata Trusts wields decisive influence over India’s most valuable conglomerate through its approximately 66% stake in Tata Sons, the promoter and holding company of the salt-to-semiconductor group.
### Divisions Within Tata Trusts
Sources reveal that Tata Trusts is currently vertically split. One faction aligns with Noel Tata, who took over as chairman of the Trusts following Ratan Tata’s death. The opposing faction consists of four trustees led by Mehli Mistry, who has affiliations with the extended Shapoorji Pallonji family—the family that owns roughly 18.37% of Tata Sons.
Mehli Mistry reportedly feels excluded from key decisions, exacerbating existing tensions.
### The Core Dispute: Board Seats at Tata Sons
The flashpoint centers on board seats at Tata Sons, which controls the 156-year-old Tata Group—comprising around 400 companies, including 30 publicly listed firms.
A source commented, “The primary question before the government, considering how significant the Tata Group is to the country’s economy, is whether it can allow an individual to take control of it. The infighting among trustees of Tata Trusts has an impact on Tata Sons.”
As one of India’s most iconic business conglomerates, the outcome of this internal dispute will be closely watched by industry experts and stakeholders alike. The government’s involvement underscores its commitment to safeguarding the stability of this vital corporate entity.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/tata-group-crisis-brewing-top-guns-meet-amit-shah-as-tensions-rise-over-governance-board-appointments
New Delhi: The Indian Railways is set to introduce a passenger-friendly feature allowing travelers to modify the travel date of confirmed online tickets without any additional fees. This move aims to make online ticketing more flexible and convenient. However, this change will come into effect only from January 2026, and not during the current festive season, according to reports.
### Free Date Modification for Online Tickets
A senior railway ministry official informed News18 that the Minister’s office has issued directions to enable free date modification for online tickets, with final details currently being worked out.
“The new system is likely to be implemented from January 2026 and will apply to tickets booked online,” the official said.
Passengers will have the option to change their travel date for the same origin and destination. However, seat confirmation on the new date will depend on availability.
“If you modify a confirmed ticket, there is no guarantee that you will get a confirmed seat for the new date. Confirmation will be subject to availability,” the official added.
In cases where the fare for the new travel date is higher, passengers will be required to pay the fare difference. The ministry is expected to clarify soon whether changing the class of travel will be permitted under this new system.
### Part of Wider Ticketing Reforms
Currently, passengers who wish to change their travel date must cancel their confirmed online ticket and rebook a new one, often incurring cancellation charges of up to 50%. The upcoming feature will simplify this process by allowing direct date changes without the need to re-enter passenger details.
This reform is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to modernize and simplify its digital services. With over 80% of tickets now booked through the IRCTC platform, officials believe this feature will significantly reduce cancellations and refund requests.
### Other Recent Measures
In recent months, the railway ministry has also introduced several other measures to improve transparency and accessibility:
– From October 1, only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book general reservation tickets during the first 15 minutes of the booking window.
– Last year, the advance reservation period for train bookings was reduced from 120 days to 60 days to better reflect genuine travel demand.
These initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through technology and streamlined processes.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/good-news-for-irctc-users-indian-railways-to-allow-free-date-change-for-online-tickets-from-january-2026-says-report
A heartfelt moment between Rohit Sharma and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, during the CEAT Cricket Awards recently went viral on social media. The video captured the couple sharing smiles and engaging in light-hearted conversation as they enjoyed a mimicry act featuring impressions of cricketing legends Dhoni, Morrison, and Ponting, which had the audience bursting into laughter.
Amid the glitz and glamour of the ceremony and the celebration of cricketing accolades, it was this genuine display of love and companionship that truly stole the limelight. Fans across social media platforms have been touched by this candid glimpse into the couple’s affectionate bond.
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### Rohit Sharma Puts Selectors on Notice with His Fitness Transformation
Rohit Sharma has sent a clear message to selectors with his leaner and fitter appearance ever since stepping down as India’s ODI captain. His fitness has often been under scrutiny, with critics commenting on his physical condition. However, on Tuesday night, the 38-year-old displayed a sharp, slim, and confident look that signaled his readiness to all those questioning his form.
Although Rohit lost the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, the two-time ICC title-winning skipper is now fully focused on an upcoming tour of Australia. This tour presents an opportunity to cement his place in India’s future plans as the team gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Many see Rohit’s physical transformation and renewed mindset as a strong indication of his determination to stay competitive and relevant in international cricket despite the recent leadership transition.
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### India’s Tour of Australia: Schedule Overview
India’s tour of Australia will feature three ODIs and five T20Is. The ODI series is scheduled to begin on October 19th and will conclude on October 25th, with all three matches starting at 9:00 AM IST.
Following the ODIs, the T20I series will commence on October 29th and run through November 8th. All T20I matches will start at 1:45 PM IST.
Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting this high-profile tour, which promises exciting contests and opportunities for players like Rohit Sharma to shine on the international stage once again.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/watch-rohit-sharma-ritika-sajdehs-chemistry-at-ceat-cricket-awards-goes-viral
A heartfelt moment between Rohit Sharma and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, during the CEAT Cricket Awards has gone viral on social media. The video captures Rohit sharing smiles and engaging in light-hearted chats with Ritika as they enjoyed a mimicry act featuring impressions of cricket legends Dhoni, Morrison, and Ponting, which had the audience in splits. Amidst the glittering ceremony and cricketing accolades, it was their genuine display of love and companionship that truly stole the limelight.
—
### Rohit Sharma Puts Selectors on Notice with His Fitness Transformation
Rohit Sharma has sent a clear message to the selectors with his leaner and fitter look ever since stepping down as India’s ODI captain. His fitness had been under scrutiny for a while, with critics often commenting on his physical condition. However, on Tuesday night, the 38-year-old made a strong statement by looking sharp, slim, and confident, signaling his readiness to those questioning his form.
Although Rohit lost the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, the veteran cricketer — who led India to two unbeaten ICC titles — is now focused on another successful tour in Australia. This upcoming tour could solidify his place in India’s plans as the team gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit’s change in physique and mindset is being seen by many as a clear indication that he is determined to remain competitive and relevant in international cricket despite the leadership transition.
—
### India’s Tour of Australia Schedule
India’s tour of Australia will feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The ODI series is scheduled to begin on October 19th and will run through October 25th, with all three matches starting at 9:00 AM IST.
Following the ODI series, the T20I matches will start on October 29th and continue until November 8th. All T20I matches are set to begin at 1:45 PM IST.
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With the combination of his renewed fitness and strong determination, Rohit Sharma aims to make a significant impact in this important series and beyond.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/watch-rohit-sharma-ritika-sajdehs-chemistry-at-ceat-cricket-awards-goes-viral
Japan has recently expanded its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification agreement to include Indonesia, marking its 15th such partnership with countries around the world. This strategic arrangement is designed to streamline customs clearance processes and boost logistics and business exchanges between the two nations.
The agreement was officially signed by the Japanese government and Indonesia on October 8th. Under this framework, companies that have demonstrated reliable security and compliance systems will be granted AEO certification. This certification allows eligible companies to benefit from faster and more efficient import and export procedures, reducing delays at customs checkpoints.
Japan has already implemented similar agreements with 14 other countries, and the addition of Indonesia further enhances this network. The Ministry of Finance, which oversees customs operations, emphasized that the new pact will enable cargo inspections during import and export to proceed more promptly, facilitating smoother trade flows.
Both Indonesia and Japan are key trading partners for each other. With this new agreement in place, the governments expect to strengthen bilateral economic ties while supporting seamless logistics and business operations. This move is anticipated to invigorate trade activities and promote greater cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147195.php
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an inquiry and systemic reforms in drug safety mechanisms. This comes in the wake of the deaths of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly due to the consumption of toxic cough syrups.
The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, requests a court-monitored probe into the incidents. It also urges the constitution of a National Judicial Commission or an Expert Committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to oversee the matter.
Additionally, the plea seeks the transfer of all pending FIRs and investigations related to the deaths of children across various states to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The plea further urges the court to direct the Central government to constitute a national-level judicial or expert body to identify regulatory failures that allowed the distribution of substandard medicines. It also calls for mandatory toxicological testing of all suspected products before they are allowed for further sale.
*Disclaimer: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content (without notice) at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pil-filed-in-supreme-court-seeks-inquiry-into-toxic-cough-syrup-deaths-of-14-children-23597687
The 2025 WNBA Finals kicked off with a bang, as the opening game became the most-watched Game 1 since the league’s inaugural season in 1997.
This impressive viewership milestone highlights the growing popularity and expanding fan base of the WNBA. Basketball enthusiasts across the country tuned in to witness the thrilling start to the championship series, signaling a bright future for women’s professional basketball.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-caitlin-clark-nation-weeping-right-now-wnba-fans-erupt-aces-mercury-finals-game-1-shatters-28-years-viewership-record-despite-fever-s-exit
At 59, Milind Soman continues to defy age, proving that fitness isn’t about strict routines or fancy diets — it’s a way of life. In an exclusive chat with the Free Press Journal, Milind and his wife Ankita Konwar opened up about their wellness habits, daily rituals, and the philosophy that keeps them both mentally and physically strong.
Despite being one of India’s most admired fitness icons, Milind insists that his approach to health is refreshingly simple and flexible. “I don’t have a job,” he joked, explaining that his schedule is different every single day, yet he manages to work out and eat right. No excuses there!
### Different Morning Routines, Same Discipline
The couple may be different when it comes to how they start their day, but they share the same commitment to balance. Milind confessed that he enjoys sleeping in, but the moment he wakes up, he starts “moving and twisting” right in bed before heading out for a run.
Ankita, on the other hand, is an early riser who dedicates the first 15 minutes of her morning entirely to herself — no distractions, no rush. Both begin their day with a glass of water, a simple ritual they swear by.
“It’s the best way to flush out toxins and hydrate your body,” Ankita said.
Neither believes in fancy detox drinks or fad diets. For them, wellness is rooted in consistency, not complexity.
### No Diets, No Calorie Counting, Just Mindful Eating
One of the most striking revelations the couple made is that they don’t count calories or obsess over macros.
“We don’t differentiate between carbs, proteins, or fats,” Milind shared. “We just eat a balanced, home-cooked meal.”
Ankita added that they avoid processed or packaged foods as much as possible.
Surprisingly, the duo doesn’t believe in the concept of cheat meals either. Milind explained, “If I want to eat a gulab jamun or a pizza, I’ll eat it. When your mind and body are in sync, you automatically choose what’s right for you. Food doesn’t control you anymore.”
### Intermittent Fasting and the Power of Listening to Your Body
Milind recently experimented with intermittent fasting and found great results, losing 7–8 kilos without even realizing it.
“People said I looked fit already, but fasting helped me shed extra weight naturally,” he said.
The couple’s philosophy is clear: fitness is not about restriction but about awareness. By listening to their bodies, staying active every day, and maintaining a stress-free relationship with food, Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar continue to inspire millions across the country.
Their mantra is simple yet powerful: move daily, eat mindfully, and let fitness flow naturally.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/no-cheat-meals-we-eat-everything-milind-soman-ankita-konwar-share-their-diet
Two Years Since the October 7 Massacre: The Trauma Is Far From Over
The calculated sadism inflicted on women and men, soldiers and civilians, young and old—entire communities—was unprecedented. Sexual violence was an intentional component of the enemy strategy.
Demonstrators hold signs against what they describe as international silence over sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women during the attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, at a protest in Jerusalem, November 27, 2023.
(Photo credit: REUTERS/DEDI HAYUN)
By ORIT SULITZEANU
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-869608
