Coming up roses? How Trump planted a new seed for Chinese gift diplomacy

South China Morning Post - Oct 17, 2026

Donald Trump was apparently captivated by the “beautiful” roses in the garden of the Communist Party’s leadership compound when he visited Beijing in May. It was a relaxed moment between the US and Chinese leaders – otherwise locked in disputes ranging from trade to technology and Taiwan – that led to a new opportunity for gift diplomacy between the rival powers. Strolling around the former imperial garden at Zhongnanhai with Xi Jinping, Trump was so taken with a China rose variety in bloom that...

Read full article
More News
In 1897, gold discoveries helped establish Ballarat near Death Valley, and its population reached 400 by 1898; today, adobe ruins remain after the mining boom faded
Oct 17, 2026
In 1897, gold discoveries helped establish Ballarat near Death Valley, and its population reached 400 by 1898; today, adobe ruins remain after the mining boom faded

Ballarat, founded in 1897 in the notorious Death Valley of California, flourished as a mining hub following the gold rush in the nearby Panamint Mountains. Once boasting a vibrant community of around 400, it was home to saloons, hotels, and essential services for miners. Sadly, as key mines closed, the town's population dwindled, and by 1917, the post office's closure signified its decline into obscurity.

Delhi High Court directs Home Secretary to appear in person over non-compliance of order
Oct 17, 2026
Delhi High Court directs Home Secretary to appear in person over non-compliance of order

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government’s Home Department Secretary to appear in person in a contempt petition filed by Sonu Sonkar, alleging non-compliance with a May 2025 order to reconsider the cancellation of his remission. The court noted that the authorities had not filed a compliance affidavit.

Delhi High Court directs Home Secretary to appear in person over non-compliance of order
Oct 17, 2026
Delhi High Court directs Home Secretary to appear in person over non-compliance of order

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government’s Home Department Secretary to appear in person in a contempt petition filed by Sonu Sonkar, alleging non-compliance with a May 2025 order to reconsider the cancellation of his remission. The court noted that the authorities had not filed a compliance affidavit.

10 smallcap stocks surge up to 65% in 3 months despite market weakness
Oct 17, 2026
10 smallcap stocks surge up to 65% in 3 months despite market weakness

Despite a nearly 4% decline in the Nifty 50 over three months, several Nifty Smallcap 250 stocks have rallied sharply. Cupid led with 66% gains, followed by Sterlite Technologies and Welspun Corp, highlighting pockets of resilience amid market volatility.

HDFC Bank Q2 Results: Net profit rises 5% YoY to Rs 19,510 crore; NII grows 10%
Oct 17, 2026
HDFC Bank Q2 Results: Net profit rises 5% YoY to Rs 19,510 crore; NII grows 10%

HDFC Bank Q2 Results: India’s largest private lender HDFC Bank on Saturday reported a net profit of Rs 19,509 crore for the second quarter of FY27, marking a 4.6% year-on-year jump from Rs 18,641 crore posted in the same period last year.

Rising household costs undermine economic mobility, push Americans to delay major life decisions: McKinsey
Oct 17, 2026
Rising household costs undermine economic mobility, push Americans to delay major life decisions: McKinsey

Rising living costs are a significant barrier to economic mobility impacting many Americans' financial security and aspirations. About 60 percent of Americans identify affordability pressures, especially food and grocery expenses, as major obstacles. Younger adults prioritize careers and mental health, while parents focus on their children's opportunities. Many individuals connected to their communities feel more in control of their future.

In 2024, a New York dairy farmer kept farming alongside a 6.5-megawatt solar project; wider panel spacing allowed tractors to pass and hay to grow
Oct 17, 2026
In 2024, a New York dairy farmer kept farming alongside a 6.5-megawatt solar project; wider panel spacing allowed tractors to pass and hay to grow

An increasing number of farmers are exploring solar leases as a way to secure consistent income while maintaining their agricultural practices. The partnership between solar developers and farmers focuses on effectively implementing agrivoltaics within productive farmland. To achieve this, various design elements must be considered to meet the requirements of both crops and solar installations.

In 2018, over 6,000 volunteers examined pictures of tuberculosis bacteria exposed to drugs; their answers helped researchers test resistance to 13 medicines
Oct 17, 2026
In 2018, over 6,000 volunteers examined pictures of tuberculosis bacteria exposed to drugs; their answers helped researchers test resistance to 13 medicines

In a collective effort in 2018, over 6,000 volunteers joined the BashTheBug project, focusing on tuberculosis bacteria images. Utilizing the Zooniverse platform, they gathered crucial data on antibiotic resistance through crowd-sourced analysis. Participants meticulously assessed photographs to evaluate bacterial growth under varying antibiotic conditions. Remarkably, their findings resonated with those of seasoned experts, reinforcing the integrity of the evaluations.

Crypto’s leverage machine finds new life beyond Bitcoin bets
Oct 17, 2026
Crypto’s leverage machine finds new life beyond Bitcoin bets

Despite a decline in crypto trading activities, there is a rising interest in traditional assets among investors. Open interest in real-world asset contracts has increased to $9 billion, claiming 14% of total volume. The transition marks a significant change in the derivatives markets as crypto inroads are being utilized for traditional trading. This shift indicates a maturation of the digital asset space, making it more accessible to mainstream investors.

PM-AJAY: 18,093 villages declared Adarsh Grams, 785 student hostels completed
Oct 17, 2026
PM-AJAY: 18,093 villages declared Adarsh Grams, 785 student hostels completed

The Centre has declared 18,093 villages Adarsh Grams under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), while 785 student hostels have been completed, the Social Justice Ministry said. The scheme supports infrastructure development, livelihoods and educational access for Scheduled Caste communities, with Rs 1,730 crore released to states between 2021-22 and 2025-26.

PM-AJAY: 18,093 villages declared Adarsh Grams, 785 student hostels completed
Oct 17, 2026
PM-AJAY: 18,093 villages declared Adarsh Grams, 785 student hostels completed

The Centre has declared 18,093 villages Adarsh Grams under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), while 785 student hostels have been completed, the Social Justice Ministry said. The scheme supports infrastructure development, livelihoods and educational access for Scheduled Caste communities, with Rs 1,730 crore released to states between 2021-22 and 2025-26.

Delhi Lok Adalat next date: When can you settle your traffic challan? Check slip download date, eligibility, daily limit and other details
Oct 17, 2026
Delhi Lok Adalat next date: When can you settle your traffic challan? Check slip download date, eligibility, daily limit and other details

Delhi Lok Adalat news: Delhi Traffic Police will now hold Lok Adalat hearings on October 25, 2026, after previous deferment. Motorists can download challan slips starting October 19, 2026, with a daily limit of 50,000. The Lok Adalat will be organized in various district court complexes across Delhi. National Lok Adalat will also take place on October 19, 2026, at different legal venues. This initiative aims to offer a faster resolution to traffic-related disputes.

Recommended
Copyright © 2015 - 2026 The Financial Capital.

All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe Now!

About Us

The Financial Capital is your independent source for finance information and advice. We provide insights and offer advice from financial experts so you can make the best decisions.