Good morning. In today’s news:

• Indian solar companies see opportunity in the US

• Indonesia’s coal producers face growing scrutiny

• The swing states that will decide the US election

But first: Chinese authorities are demanding that a growing number of schoolteachers and other public sector employees hand in their passports as President Xi Jinping tightens his grip on society.

The passport collection drive allows local government officials to control and monitor who can travel abroad, how often and to where.

Interviews with more than a dozen Chinese public sector workers and notices from education bureaus in half a dozen cities show restrictions on international travel have been greatly expanded from last year to include rank-and-file employees of schools, universities, local governments and state-owned groups.

“All teachers and public sector employees were told to hand in our passports,” said a primary school teacher in a major city in the western province of Sichuan.

In central Hunan province, a mid-level official at a local government investment fund said he gained approval from nine different departments for a holiday abroad but still could not retrieve his passport. 

“No one would tell me what exactly was needed to get my passport back,” he said. Read more about the widening restrictions on foreign trips.

Here’s what else I’m keeping tabs on today:

• Economic data: Thailand publishes September inflation data. China, Hong Kong and Singapore report foreign exchange reserves.

• Diplomacy: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol meets Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for bilateral talks in Manila.

• Middle East: Today is the first anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel.

Five more top stories

1. Indian companies are moving to fill the gap left by the exclusion of Chinese exports from the fast-growing US solar industry. Sumant Sinha, chief executive of ReNew, among India’s largest renewables companies, told the FT that there “will be demand” for solar components from India as Washington steps up its crackdown on manufacturers with ties to Beijing.

2. European households are saving at higher rates than the pre-pandemic era, according to data that highlights a clear divergence from more buoyant US consumers driving America’s economic recovery. “The European consumer is just very, very cautious, and the US consumer is much more comfortable to spend, spend, spend,” said Nathan Sheets, chief economist at US bank Citi. Read the full story.

3. Ireland has rejected Israeli calls for its UN peacekeeping troops to withdraw from Lebanon, insisting it will not evacuate them even as Israel intensified its air campaign against the militant group Hizbollah. Irish President Michael D Higgins slammed what he called “outrageous” threats against the peacekeepers from the Israel Defense Forces that “sought to have them evacuate the villages that they are defending”.

4. One of Saudi Arabia’s richest tycoons Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has launched a comeback attempt, reviving a project to build the world’s tallest tower. The Jeddah Tower is set to surpass the 828-metre Burj Khalifa in neighbouring Dubai as the world’s tallest building when completed in 2028. It is the most high-profile deal involving Prince Alwaleed since he was detained in Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton in an anti-corruption drive in 2017.

5. The co-founder of Regeneron has warned that blockbuster weight-loss drugs could cause “more harm than good” unless the rapid muscle loss associated with the treatments is solved. Regeneron is among a growing list of drugmakers researching experimental medicines to preserve lean muscle mass in combination with weight-loss drugs.

News in-depth

From mine sales to expansion into nickel and aluminium smelting, coal producers in Indonesia are reducing their exposure to the commodity as finding financing for the “dirtiest” fossil fuel becomes increasingly difficult. The corporate efforts to diversify underscore the scrutiny businesses are now facing amid the energy transition and concerns over long-term demand for coal.

We’re also reading . . . 

• US swing states: From a “blue wall” to the American desert, these are the places where the 2024 presidential race will be decided.

• FT Magazine: Here’s the unlikely story of the greatest prison break in British history — and why it took 25 years to solve.

• The case for office pettiness: There is a reason white-collar workers obsess about the most apparently trivial things, writes Pilita Clark.

Chart of the day

The scorching rally in Chinese stocks over the past week or so underlines one of the key rules of markets, writes columnist Katie Martin: always keep an eye on the crowd.

Take a break from the news

Affluent Indians are getting serious about wine. That should give the world’s wine producers, concerned about shrinking sales elsewhere, some reason to be hopeful, writes Jancis Robinson, the FT’s wine correspondent.

SHOPPERS are racing to their nearest branch to snap up new curry-flavoured crisps scanning at a major supermarket for just £1.15.

The supermarket’s new range, inspired by various Indian dishes, celebrates National Curry Week which starts October 7.

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Aldi revealed two new flavoured curry crips which hit shelves in stores across the UK starting October 8.

The bargain supermarket’s new Specially Selected Hand Cooked Bombay Potato Crisps features a rich Indian spice blend to give shoppers a spicy kick.

The 150g crisps are available to buy in stores for just £1.15.

Similarly, Aldi’s new Specially Selected Hand Cooked Spiced Tikka Crisps are packed with a variety of spices, aiming to “transport shoppers to the streets of New Delhi“.

This sought-after crisp packet is also 150g and costs £1.15.

The Indian-inspired crisps can only be purchased in stores, and Aldi fans will need to act quickly before branches run out of stock.

Bear in mind availability will vary between stores – you can find Aldi’s store locator on its website.

The popular discount chain recently announced that one lucky shopper has the chance to win free shopping for a year.

To win, customers must write no more than 250 words explaining why they deserve to receive the ultimate gift.

Judges at Aldi will review all the submissions before choosing who will hold the exclusive card.

To be eligible, candidates must be aged 18 or over.

Applicants must explain why they are Aldi’s biggest superfan to have a chance at winning.

Aspiring winners must send their letters to aldicompetitions@citypress.co.uk, including their name, age, and location.

Shoppers have until October 31 at 11.59pm to apply for the Superfan Card, and one lucky customer will be notified about their win on November 30.

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi, said: “We know how passionate our customers are about Aldi, and we wanted to find a way to give something truly special back to Aldi’s biggest fan.

“We can’t wait to see the creativity and enthusiasm in the entries. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we’re thrilled to be launching it.”

It comes after McDonald’s revealed that they would bring back a menu item which has not been seen in almost a decade in just a matter of days.

And M&S customers are delighted after spotting a classic treat which has made a reappearance on supermarket shelves for the holidays.

How to bag a bargain

SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…

Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.

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Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.

Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.

Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.

Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.

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When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.

Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.

Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.

And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.

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A NEW term called “luggage rage” has been causing chaos for airline passengers – here’s how to avoid it

Airlines are beginning to increase prices for checked luggage and are cracking down on carry-ons, according to Elliot Report.

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This has led to outrage from passengers, who have dubbed it “luggage rage”, as they struggle to downsize or are forced to pay extra for their baggage.

As a result, reports of passengers having luggage tantrums have begun to spread, with no real solution in sight.

One passenger was asked to pay a whopping £50 after crew members claimed her carry-on was too big for the flight.

Unable to pay, she angrily unpacked her bag and tossed her personal belongings.

New airline rules have led companies to focus their efforts on generating more revenue from cabin luggage.

This means passengers will face higher check-in fees for their bags and smaller spaces for their carry-ons.

Some travellers have had to rip wheels off their suitcases and cut handles or straps of their backpacks to avoid paying extra.

This infuriates passengers, who are forced to rearrange their luggage in front of fellow travellers, hence the term “luggage rage.”

Jay Ternavan, founder of Jayway Travel, said: “The aircraft cabin is a stressful and vulnerable place to be and pushes people to angry outbursts more often than is the case in other places.”

To avoid becoming the latest passenger to experience “luggage rage,” travellers should check the rules of the airline they’re flying with before packing.

Airlines in Southeast Asia and Australia are notoriously strict with luggage size, Elliot Report added.

One passenger was asked to pay an extra £40 by an Australian airline because their bag was over the limit by less than a pound.

Another tip for travellers is to avoid over-packing to prevent giving the airline a chance to impose a fee.

Instead, passengers should aim to fit all their luggage into a small, regulation-size carry-on while being careful not to overdo it.

Kimberly Davis, travel advisor, said: “Look, if you haven’t figured out by now that your oversized carry-on isn’t going to fit over your seat, I don’t know where you’ve been for the last decade.”

Finally, to avoid having a meltdown over luggage travellers should steer clear of airlines known for trying to squeeze the most out of their passengers.

Airlines that advertise themselves as “ultra-low fare” or “discount” carrier are likely to cause a large amount of “luggage rage” amongst its customers.

However, Thomas Plante, a Californian psychologists, claims the easiest way to avoid “luggage rage” is to change your mindset.

“Lower your expectations,” he added.

It comes after travellers with hand luggage breathed a sigh of relief after European airlines revealed that they hoped to unify bag dimensions.

And passengers have been left fuming after being forced to check in their hand luggage – only to find the overhead lockers empty anyway.

OUR Winter Fuel SOS campaign kicks off this week – as we help thousands of pensioners worried about staying warm.

It comes as ten million OAPs are set to lose their Winter Fuel Payment, due to government cutbacks, and this month’s ten per cent rise in the Energy Price Cap.

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The Winter Fuel SOS crew are ready to offer advice on getting all the money and benefits that are yours by right.

Our experts are waiting to answer your questions on Wednesday, or you can email them ahead of time.

We also welcome messages from people who contact us on behalf of a friend or relative of pension age.

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So if there is a vulnerable older person in your life who might be entitled to Pension Credit or other benefits, please get in touch.

Our expert panel includes Baroness Ros Altmann and ­former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb.

It also includes consumer champion Martyn James and experts from Age UK, who will be on hand to guide you through your rights and entitlements.

Baroness Altmann said: ­“Congratulations to The Sun for raising awareness of Pension Credit and encouraging anyone who knows a pensioner on a low income to apply for this benefit.

“Not only will they get more money to live on from the ­Pension Credit itself, but they will be entitled to extra financial help for housing costs, council tax, health-related expenses, cold weather payments and more.”

Around 800,000 ­people risk not getting the £300 fuel payment, and other ben- efits they may be ­entitled to, as they have not registered for Pension Credit, which unlocks access to payment.

Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months, so the last date you can make a claim and still get the Winter Fuel Payment is December 21.

And even if you aren’t eligible, our team will share tips on how to switch energy providers and save money, get help if you are in debt or need to save money this winter.

Your cases will be considered by our panel, who will aim to advise you within a week of your email or call.

PENSIONS EXPERT

SIR STEVE WEBB

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AGE EXPERT

BARONESS ROS ALTMANN

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YOUR RIGHTS EXPERT

MARTYN JAMES

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DEBTS EXPERT

JONATHAN CHESTERMAN

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ENERGY EXPERT

JOE RICHARDSON

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COSTS CRISIS EXPERT

JENNY ROSS

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ENERGY EXPERT

ELISE MELVILLE

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NATIONAL Curry Week is here – so it’s the perfect time to make the most of Britain’s favourite takeaway.

Don’t let those masala leftovers go to waste.

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Instead, transform them into fresh and exciting meals with a few easy tweaks.

ROAST & TOAST: Got some leftover roast meat?

It can be easily repurposed into a new curry dish.

Firstly, add any cupboard curry powder, cumin and turmeric to a hot pan and toast the spices to release the flavour.

Then shred the meat and add it to the pan, before adding your leftover curry sauce, letting it simmer until heated through.

DAAL-ICIOUS: If you have got leftover daal, a few eggs can elevate it into a hearty shakshuka-inspired dish.

Reheat the daal in a pan, create small wells, and crack eggs into them.

Cover the pan and let the eggs poach in the lentils, or pop it under the grill to finish.

Serve with bread for a protein-packed dish that is perfect for breakfast or dinner.

VEGGIE HEAVEN: Leftover curry sauce makes for speedy vegetarian meal prep.

Bulk up the sauce by adding a can of coconut milk and then throw in any veggies going out of date, or frozen spinach and peas.

Simmer until everything is cooked through for a creamy, delicious vegetable curry.

RICE IDEA: Leftover curry can be turned into a quick biryani.

To pimp your rice, cook as usual but add a few crushed cardamom pods into the rice pan and cover to release the flavour as it cooks.

Add leftover curry to a frying pan containing the cooked rice, as well as extras such as raisins and fried onions.

BULK UP: If you want to make your curry go further, try pulses.

Lentils and chickpeas are excellent options to add both texture and protein.

They will absorb the curry’s flavours while stretching the meal to feed more people, or give you extra leftovers for the next day.

CRACK ON: Do not throw out leftover poppadoms.

Blend them into crumbs for a crispy coating for chicken, or make poppadom nachos.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

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BUY yourself the BeautyPro.com sheet mask Advent calendar.

Or split up the 25 sheet masks and stash them to use as stocking fillers or Christmas presents.

It is £25 but with each mask usually costing £5 to £6, it is worth £62.

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Simply sign up to the Chinese politics & policy myFT Digest — delivered directly to your inbox.

Chinese authorities are demanding that a growing number of schoolteachers and other public sector employees hand in their passports as President Xi Jinping tightens his grip on society.

The passport collection drive, carried out under what is known as “personal travel abroad management”, allows local government officials to control and monitor who can travel abroad, how often and to where.

It comes as Xi steps up state involvement in everyday life and clamps down on official corruption. China’s powerful state security apparatus has also intensified its campaign against foreign espionage.

Interviews with more than a dozen Chinese public sector workers and notices from education bureaus in half a dozen cities show restrictions on international travel have been greatly expanded from last year to include rank-and-file employees of schools, universities, local governments and state-owned groups.

“All teachers and public sector employees were told to hand in our passports,” said a primary school teacher in a major city in the western province of Sichuan.

“If we want to travel abroad, we have to apply to the city education bureau and I don’t think it will be approved,” said the teacher, asking that they and their city not be named.

Teachers in Yichang in the central province of Hubei and in another city in neighbouring Anhui province told the Financial Times they had also been told to hand in their travel documents. This summer, in the weeks ahead of the school year start, educators in Guangdong, Jiangsu and Henan provinces complained on social media of being forced to hand in their travel documents.

“I was an English major, my life-long dream is to visit an English-speaking country, but it feels like that is about to be shattered,” posted one Henan teacher to social media site Xiaohongshu.

The passport collection appears to be based on national regulations from 2003 that established a system to restrict travel for key personnel such as mid- to high-level officials and allowed local authorities to set rules for all state employees’ international travel.

Residents of restive regions such as Tibet lost their freedom to travel more than a decade ago. Starting in the mid-2010s, some areas applied “personal travel abroad management” rules to local teachers. Last year, after pandemic-era travel restrictions were lifted, more education bureaus began to introduce teacher travel restrictions and stepped them up this summer.

China’s ruling Communist party has long prioritised instilling loyalty in students and has made the political education of teachers central to those efforts. Pre-travel instructions for teachers in the eastern city of Wenzhou indicates local authorities are concerned about the ideas they would encounter outside the country.

Educators travelling abroad must not have contact with the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement or other “hostile foreign forces”, according to instructions published by Wenzhou’s Ouhai district education bureau in March on the district’s website along with the new teacher travel restrictions.

The district demanded that all public pre-school, primary school and secondary school teachers hand in their passports and said their names would be registered with the public security bureau’s border control unit.

To travel abroad, teachers must file applications with their schools and would generally be restricted to a single trip of less than 20 days each year, the district notice said.

Teachers who refused to hand in their passports or who travelled abroad without permission would be subject to “criticism and education” or referred to China’s anti-corruption authority, depending on the severity of their case, the notice said. Offenders would also be barred from travel for two to five years.

The restrictions on staff at state-owned enterprises appear to be connected to a growing campaign to root out foreign espionage.

An entry-level salesperson at a bank in Nanjing said she was told to hand in her passport when she joined the state-owned group last year. After quitting in March, she had to wait six months for a “de-secrecy process” before she was able to retrieve it.

In central Hunan province, a mid-level official at a local government investment fund said he gained approval from nine different departments for a holiday abroad but still could not retrieve his passport. 

“No one would tell me what exactly was needed to get my passport back,” he said.

The restrictions are hitting retirees as well. A 76-year-old who retired from a state-owned aircraft maker more than 10 years ago said his former employer took his passport back this year for “security reasons” and barred him from visiting family abroad.

“I have no access to sensitive information and I am a patriot,” he said. “My former employer has no reason to keep me from visiting my grandson.”

China’s foreign ministry said it was not aware of the situation and referred questions to the relevant authorities. The education bureaus in Sichuan, Yichang, Anhui, Wenzhou, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Henan did not respond to requests for comment.

Additional reporting by Tina Hu in Beijing