ICELAND
Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement: A look at his 234 appearances, 146 goals and other Portugal records
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football through a video on social media. He will return his No. 7 jersey after the November international break. Ronaldo holds the records for most international appearances and goals, with 234 matches and 146 goals for Portugal. He became the first player to score in six FIFA World Cups during his career.
Forget solar and wind: India bets on heat buried deep underground for round-the-clock clean electricity; here's the big plan
India is stepping up efforts to tap its estimated 10.6 GW geothermal energy potential, with its first two geothermal wells commissioned in Ladakh's Puga Valley in July 2026. The government is also supporting pilot projects across Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana, while its 2025 National Geothermal Energy Policy aims to promote research, technology development and private investment in the sector.
India’s FTAs to open access to $85 trillion market; Piyush Goyal urges exporters to go global
India's trade agreements are expected to provide exporters preferential access to markets with a combined GDP of $85 trillion, covering 76% of the global economy, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He urged businesses to expand internationally, improve product quality and build global brands as India pursues additional trade pacts.
PM Modi, Liechtenstein's Prince Alois hold talks to boost ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held talks with Liechtenstein's Hereditary Prince Alois to strengthen bilateral ties and advance cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology. The visit comes as the India-EFTA trade pact opens opportunities for investment, with the four EFTA states committing to invest USD 100 billion in India over 15 years.
The young people we never see
Recent research underscores the importance of social interaction in mitigating adolescent substance abuse risks. Key elements, such as a sense of belonging in schools and nurturing relationships, significantly contribute to prevention efforts. Initiatives in Iceland demonstrate the benefits of community engagement and structured programming. Gaining insight into how external factors shape teenage decision-making is crucial for crafting effective strategies while empowering youth to cultivate resilience for healthier lifestyle choices.
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India’s $100 billion European Free Trade Association cheque is slow to clear as Vietnam joins the club
Vietnam recently signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, expanding its trade network. This agreement comes as India's interaction with EFTA continues to evolve, with potential impacts on competition. Both countries aim to enhance exports to these markets despite different timelines of agreement enactment.

Iceland is turning 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into stone. It is locking away the greenhouse gas underground to fight global warming
Scientists in Iceland are using volcanic rocks to turn captured carbon dioxide into solid minerals, locking the greenhouse gas underground instead of storing it as gas. The Carbfix project has stored more than 120,000 tonnes of CO2 in rock, with recent results showing that its Steingerður plant processed 99.6% of the CO2 entering the facility.

India needs to leverage FTAs, export promotion mission initiatives to boost shipments: CII's Budhia
Indian businesses are encouraged to utilise free trade agreements and the export promotion mission for expansion. Recent data shows that India’s merchandise exports have increased significantly over the past year. Services exports show a small decline yet cumulative growth remains positive compared to last year. Ongoing efforts aim to strengthen India’s overall export capabilities and international partnerships.

World's strongest passports: UAE leads, US ranks 10th; where does India stand?
The United Arab Emirates leads the 2026 Passport Index with a Mobility Score of 182 and access to 182 destinations. India stands at the 72nd position with a Mobility Score of 70, highlighting limited travel access. The rankings reflect significant disparities in international mobility for different nationalities.

Five Gulf nations pursue Schengen visa waiver: What travellers should know
Millions of Indians live and work in the Gulf, but a Gulf residence permit does not open Europe's doors visa-free. That distinction is central to a proposal in which Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar seek easier access to the Schengen area for their citizens. With the EU-GCC summit scheduled in Riyadh on October 24, 2026, the initiative could reshape short-term travel between the regions. But who would actually benefit, why is the UAE already ahead, and would Indian expatriates see any change in their own visa requirements?

The Vikings crossed the Atlantic centuries before Columbus. Why did their American adventure disappear from history?
Norse voyages to North America occurred centuries before Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1492. Archaeological evidence from L'Anse aux Meadows confirms Viking presence around AD 1021. The Vikings established temporary settlements but did not create permanent colonies in the region. The lack of resources and changing relations with Indigenous peoples contributed to their withdrawal. While Columbus's arrival in 1492 initiated significant European colonization, the Norse achievements largely remained overlooked.

Charting the Global Economy: Sentiment among US consumers wanes
As consumer sentiment declines in the US and Japan experiences weakening household spending, Europe faces challenges with rising bond yields and falling factory orders. Meanwhile, China introduces fiscal measures to bolster growth and inflation dynamics shift across emerging markets.

Rubio says US pressure on NATO allies to boost defense spending is 'not hostile'
During his visit to Portugal, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated the urgency for NATO allies to bolster their defense expenditure. Citing rising threats, particularly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, he underlined the necessity for a united military front. While acknowledging the difficulties faced by smaller NATO nations, Rubio emphasized that every member must play its part in defending against potential aggression. Despite the challenges, the U.S.

Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature: Who is this poet who made Ancient Greek stories feel new again? Here's what makes her writing so unique
Anne Carson has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, recognizing her innovative literary contributions. The Swedish Academy commended her for creating new forms while engaging with classical traditions. Carson's work encompasses poetry, translation, and essays, profoundly influenced by ancient Greek literature and other traditions. She has adapted ancient myths into contemporary narratives, exploring themes like love, loss, and memory.

Anne Carson Nobel Prize 2026: Why did the Canadian poet win? How her unusual work brought Helen of Troy and Marilyn Monroe together
Renowned Canadian poet Anne Carson has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. Known for her innovative blending of poetic forms, Carson has made significant contributions to modern literature and art since the 1990s. Expressing her astonishment at the recognition, she reflects on her journey as a translator of classical Greek texts, affirming her impact on the literary scene.

Commerce ministry sets up FTA utilisation cell to boost industry awareness, leverage pact benefits
The Department of Commerce has created an FTA utilisation cell to assist businesses in leveraging free trade agreements. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal stated the cell aims to educate entrepreneurs about emerging opportunities.

‘Emerging Markets’ is Obsolete: India, Taiwan and South Korea no longer fit neatly in the same box
Current classifications distinguishing between emerging and developed financial markets fall short of accuracy, as illustrated by South Korea and Taiwan's advanced economic standing. Meanwhile, Bulgaria's classification as a frontier market seems contradictory to its EU affiliation and growth. Therefore, a more sophisticated framework is crucial for investors, aiming to gain insights into the intricate realities of these diverse markets.

How Russia and the world are responding to possible case of pneumonic plague after lab worker dies
The World Health Organisation has confirmed that Russian authorities reported no cases of plague in Siberia. A laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute recently died from pneumonia. Investigations revealed she had a typical acute respiratory viral infection and not pneumonic plague. Russian officials have completed contact tracing and concluded that the epidemiological situation remains stable. US officials are advising Russia to share more information about the ongoing investigation.

Man working away from home uses Claude and old laptop to stay connected with mother through 24x7 video call
In a heartwarming initiative, Harsh Savergaonkar transformed an old Linux laptop into a constant video link to his mother. This innovative setup facilitates an effortless visual connection as he works in Iceland, allowing both to coexist in their routines despite physical distances. Thanks to AI, the connection remains uninterrupted and reconnects on its own as needed, showcasing how technology can bolster relationships in a simple yet profound way.

India, Switzerland sign migration pact, expand trade, investment and defence ties
India and Switzerland have signed a migration and mobility partnership pact and expanded market access for Indian exports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin discussed deepening cooperation in nuclear energy and defence. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade and investment ties following the recent Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. New opportunities will also emerge for Indian students and professionals in Switzerland through the agreements.

PM Modi, Swiss President Parmelin hold talks to deepen trade, investment and tech ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Swiss President Guy Parmelin for talks to enhance bilateral relations. Discussions focused on trade, investment, mobility, and critical technologies between the two countries. Parmelin's visit included a ceremonial reception followed by tributes at Rajghat. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met with Parmelin to discuss strengthening the India-Switzerland partnership. An official banquet will be hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honor of Parmelin.

EAM Jaishankar calls on Swiss President Parmelin, highlights momentum of India-EFTA TEPA
Swiss President Guy Parmelin is undertaking a three-day State visit to India at Prime Minister Modi's invitation. He aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration across various sectors including commerce and technology. Both leaders are scheduled to hold discussions on trade, investment, and multilateral cooperation. President Parmelin will also meet President Droupadi Murmu during his visit. This trip marks a significant opportunity for India and Switzerland to enhance their long-standing partnership.

Friday OTT releases of the week: Bethlehem Kudumba Unit to Doing Life to Pooja Meri Jaan, new movies and shows on Netflix, JioHotstar, Prime Video and ZEE5
Several new OTT releases are available for streaming starting October 2 across various platforms. Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is a Malayalam romantic comedy with Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju in lead roles. Pooja Meri Jaan is a crime drama featuring Mrunal Thakur and Huma Qureshi that explores complex relationships. Additionally, Netflix has released the romantic comedy series #Love and Tyler Perry’s Doing Life.

India's motor car exports witnessing healthy growth in EFTA market: Piyush Goyal
India's exports of motor cars and heavy waters have seen significant growth since the trade agreement implementation. The trade and economic partnership agreement with EFTA has created market access for the majority of India's exports. The EFTA countries have committed to invest USD 100 billion in India over 15 years.

Double-engine government in West Bengal poised to witness "golden period" in coming days: Union Minister Jitin Prasada
Prasada stated that the Centre is planning to set up export facility centres in every district across the country so that industrialists can enjoy a seamless experience and greater ease of doing business, rather than having to travel to Delhi.

In 1960s, military barracks facility was built in remote part of Greenland, the secluded Arctic outpost could soon host American troops
Under the defence agreement, Washington will be allowed to establish a new base at Mestersvig and Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland, potentially marking the first US military expansion on the vast, semi-autonomous Arctic island in decades.
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