Hegseth calls US$1.5 trillion defence budget ‘critical’ to counter China

South China Morning Post - Oct 14, 2026

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has called a nearly US$1.5 trillion defence budget request “absolutely critical”, warning that whoever falls behind in autonomy, robotics and AI will fall “even further behind” as Washington eyes China’s rapid military modernisation. Speaking at a panel discussion during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition on Wednesday, Hegseth said that Project Agincourt, the Pentagon’s initiative to accelerate drone and autonomous...

Read full article
More News
Mitchell Santner hopes New Zealand conditions can blunt India's firepower
Oct 14, 2026
Mitchell Santner hopes New Zealand conditions can blunt India's firepower

New Zealand's white-ball captain Mitchell Santner is optimistic about home conditions helping in the series against India. The series begins with five T20Is on October 22 and will feature various venues. Santner acknowledges India's strong batting lineup and emphasizes the need for strategic bowling plans. Both teams aim to gain momentum ahead of the ODI World Cup next year.

Wholesale inflation hits series high of 11.4% in September as fuel, food prices surge
Oct 14, 2026
Wholesale inflation hits series high of 11.4% in September as fuel, food prices surge

India's wholesale inflation reached 11.4% in September, significantly increasing from 9.9% in August. Rising prices of fuel, food, and manufactured goods contributed to this surge. Food inflation climbed to 8.7%, marking a 23-month high. Retail inflation also saw an increase, rising to 5.54% year-on-year in September. Economists expect inflation to remain elevated in the coming months due to ongoing global commodity pressures.

Bridgerton spinoff: Young Lady Danbury expected to return; who will play Young Violet Bridgerton?
Oct 14, 2026
Bridgerton spinoff: Young Lady Danbury expected to return; who will play Young Violet Bridgerton?

Netflix and Shondaland have announced a limited series about young Violet. It will follow her romance with her future husband. A familiar face from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is also reportedly returning.

DP World bidding for all assets on offer: CEO Yuvraj Narayan amid West Asia conflict
Oct 14, 2026
DP World bidding for all assets on offer: CEO Yuvraj Narayan amid West Asia conflict

DP World is increasing its focus on the Indian port sector to explore new opportunities. The company plans to expand its capacity at Tuna Tekra and aims to renew concessions in Mumbai and Mundra. Significant disruptions in West Asia have heightened global supply chain costs and influenced capacity planning within logistics. As companies shift away from just-in-time supply chains, larger inventories are now prioritized for resilience.

CBDT nudges 12,000 tax professionals to file pending audit reports
Oct 14, 2026
CBDT nudges 12,000 tax professionals to file pending audit reports

CBDT has launched the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign aimed at tax professionals to encourage timely filing of tax audit reports. The campaign targets those who filed fewer than 50% of their reports in the previous financial year. Messages were sent via SMS and email, urging quick compliance ahead of the new deadline. The deadline for submitting tax audit reports is extended to October 21, accommodating pending submissions. With over 19.

US stocks: AI shares tumble up to 16%, erasing $80 billion as hot US inflation fuels rate fears
Oct 14, 2026
US stocks: AI shares tumble up to 16%, erasing $80 billion as hot US inflation fuels rate fears

Amid rising inflation, major AI firms like CoreWeave and Dell Technologies experienced significant stock price drops, losing around $80 billion in market value. Increased US interest rates have investors worried about the borrowing hurdles faced by less profitable firms within the sector. Even with the strong performance of giants like Nvidia and Microsoft, skepticism remains high, reminiscent of the dot-com era's cautionary tales.

Abhishek Sharma’s luxurious Amritsar home is worth up to ₹8 crore, featuring a lush garden, grand entrance, wooden swing and spacious living room
Oct 14, 2026
Abhishek Sharma’s luxurious Amritsar home is worth up to ₹8 crore, featuring a lush garden, grand entrance, wooden swing and spacious living room

Abhishek Sharma, a promising talent in Indian cricket, lives in a stunning bungalow situated in Amritsar, Punjab. The property is valued between ₹6 crore and ₹8 crore and boasts a grand entrance. Inside, the warm wooden decor in the spacious living room ensures it is bathed in natural light, while a dedicated puja room highlights his cultural values.

'Data centres must be seen as strategic infrastructure': Niti Aayog report
Oct 14, 2026
'Data centres must be seen as strategic infrastructure': Niti Aayog report

Niti Aayog has released a report urging states to consider data centres as strategic infrastructure. The report suggests a structured approach to developing data centres sustainably. It highlights the need for common standards and guidance from the central government to support growth. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of assessing local resources and economic benefits. This framework aims to strengthen India's data-centre sector and its artificial intelligence economy.

Xbox’s new Nano controller signals a shift beyond the traditional console as Microsoft targets gaming across devices
Oct 14, 2026
Xbox’s new Nano controller signals a shift beyond the traditional console as Microsoft targets gaming across devices

Microsoft has launched the Xbox Nano Controller, which aims to enhance accessibility across various gaming devices. The compact controller is designed for younger players and portability, measuring just over five inches. In addition, Microsoft is partnering with television manufacturers to enable cloud gaming on supported devices. This strategic shift focuses on making Xbox games accessible beyond dedicated consoles through various other platforms.

EAM S Jaishankar meets Georgian counterpart in Abu Dhabi, discusses trade, connectivity and regional developments
Oct 14, 2026
EAM S Jaishankar meets Georgian counterpart in Abu Dhabi, discusses trade, connectivity and regional developments

S Jaishankar met with Maka Botchorishvili in Abu Dhabi to bolster bilateral relations. The talks revolved around enhancing business partnerships, improving connectivity, and promoting cultural exchanges, while also addressing current regional challenges.

EAM S Jaishankar meets Georgian counterpart in Abu Dhabi, discusses trade, connectivity and regional developments
Oct 14, 2026
EAM S Jaishankar meets Georgian counterpart in Abu Dhabi, discusses trade, connectivity and regional developments

S Jaishankar met with Maka Botchorishvili in Abu Dhabi to bolster bilateral relations. The talks revolved around enhancing business partnerships, improving connectivity, and promoting cultural exchanges, while also addressing current regional challenges.

Rajnath Singh pitches drones, radars and choppers to ASEAN partners
Oct 14, 2026
Rajnath Singh pitches drones, radars and choppers to ASEAN partners

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of military cooperation with ASEAN partners during a recent forum. He proposed exploring collaboration in various defense sectors such as patrol vessels and drones. Singh highlighted co-development and co-production as methods to enhance local capabilities and industry support.

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.