The Economic Times
Elections 2026Bengaluru / The Economic Times
Karnatakas provisional electoral rolls show 2.28 crore women against 2.25 crore men, a lead of nearly 3.7 lakh that breaks the pattern in available historical data. Women outnumber men in 25 of 34 districts, while officials work to clear pending hearings and applications before the final roll is published on October 27.
BJP leader Ram Madhav responded to Rahul Gandhi's comments regarding Elon Musk's Starlink and spectrum allocation. He emphasized that spectrum allocation in India will follow legal protocols without discrimination. The BJP criticized Congress for their previous stance claiming Starlink was a national security threat and questioned their sudden support of Musk.
Arvind Kejriwal announced his participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar organized by the Cockroach Janata Party. This protest is set for October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Kejriwal accused the central government of tampering with voter lists and manipulating elections. He urged citizens across the country to join this peaceful demonstration for national integrity.
The 57th GST Council meeting has introduced measures to simplify compliance and expedite refunds for businesses. Recommendations include increasing the prosecution threshold and reducing penalties for non-compliance. The proposed framework features faster acknowledgement timelines for claims and provisional refunds for taxpayers. Changes to the inverted-duty structure are set to unlock credits in various sectors including textiles and manufacturing.
Indian Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja is set to play for Saurashtra against Chhattisgarh in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Jaydev Unadkat will continue as captain following his successful stint with Sussex. Saurashtra has retained 14 players from this season's squad and made two new additions. The team aims to improve after their early exit in the previous tournament. Their opening match will take place at the NIranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
Nobel Peace Prize 2026 winner Navanethem Navi Pillay has served as a judge on South Africas High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has paid an emotional tribute to Nana Patekar, remembering a friendship that began in 1994 and continued through regular conversations over the years. Ali recalled how the actor checked on his mother during her hospitalisation and later reached out when he faced a heart-related health issue. He also said Patekar had many admirers in Pakistan.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressed Elon Musk's concerns regarding the licensing of Starlink in India. He emphasized the importance of national security while processing satellite internet licenses. Chandrasekhar stated that all satellite communication companies must comply with the same regulatory requirements. He also highlighted the principles guiding technology governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The telecom ministry denied Musk's claims of domestic interests blocking Star
The 2026 Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition brings styling enhancements, updated cabin finishes and added convenience equipment to the SUV lineup in India. Available with manual and automatic 4x2 options, it also comes with financing schemes, complimentary roadside assistance and warranty benefits. Bookings are set to begin on October 12, with three exterior colour choices.
Arvind Kejriwal revealed six promises for Goa, including free electricity and health insurance for families. The party aims to provide 3000 monthly aid for women and free bus travel. He assured round-the-clock power supply and the establishment of sports grounds in every village. AAP is collaborating with the Goa Forward Party for the upcoming elections, targeting non-BJP and non-Congress voters.
Suvendu Adhikari stated that the BJP has gained substantial support from the minority community in recent bypolls. He claimed that around 60 percent of Muslim voters in Rejinagar and 80 percent in Nandigram backed the BJP. Adhikari indicated that this reflects a shift in the political mindset among minority voters. He attributed the peaceful conduct of the bypolls to the BJP's governance.
The Supreme Court has expressed concerns regarding the proposed closure of Delhi Metro entry gates. It emphasized the challenges faced by commuters from the National Capital Region traveling to Delhi. The court recognized the need for regulating movement to maintain public order. However, it advised against implementing measures that could entirely disrupt transportation. The need for corrective steps by the government was highlighted to avoid inconvenience for many travelers.
Yoga is often associated with flexibility and relaxation, but regular practice may also support heart health by helping manage stress and potentially improving certain cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A combination of gentle physical postures, controlled breathing and relaxation may be particularly useful as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, research on yoga and cardiovascular health is still developing, and it should complement rather than replac
A BTech graduate's account of missing a time-sensitive job assessment after receiving a referral for a software engineer position at Zensar Technologies has sparked discussion on Reddit. The graduate said the missed deadline led to criticism from relatives and left his parents facing blame. Responding users shared similar recruitment experiences, questioned the family's reaction and praised him for accepting responsibility.
The Cycling Federation of India is optimistic about hosting the 2032 Road World Championships in Pune. This event is seen as crucial for India's bid for the 2036 Olympics, which is centered around Ahmedabad. Pune was selected shortly after India's involvement in international cycling competitions increased significantly over the past decade. Preparations are underway to improve infrastructure and public understanding of the event.
Mary Kom's ex-husband, Karong Onkholer, filed a defamation complaint against her for alleged false statements. These statements were reportedly made during a television interview and aim to damage his reputation. The complaint claims that she described him as dishonest and unemployed, which contradicts his support for her career. The case is pending in court and will be heard on November 19.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026: IAF showcases air power at India's multinational air combat exercise
Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai on US Green Card program suspensions
No permission for CJP's Jantar Mantar protest, Delhi Police seek closure of 57 metro stations
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on October 16 regarding deleted voters in West Bengal. These voters are seeking to participate in the upcoming civic polls. The court is aware of the challenges faced by the SIR tribunals and aims to resolve them effectively. Lawyers representing petitioners emphasized the need for a swift resolution of pending appeals.
Saudia airlines confirmed that an incident occurred at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The incident led to the death of one employee and damage to an aircraft while on the ground. Fortunately, there were no passengers on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. Flights and operations at the airport resumed normal operations as of 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Historian Ramachandra Guha addressed Gandhi's use of the phrase 'Ram Rajya' at the launch of his book. Guha acknowledged that the phrase could be seen as off-putting to Muslims despite Gandhi's interfaith practices. He highlighted Gandhi's contributions against untouchability and noted his significant role in bringing women into politics. Guha also emphasized the importance of understanding Gandhi and Ambedkar as complementary figures.
Elon Musk has accused influential business interests of blocking Starlink's entry into India, prompting a response from Rahul Gandhi. UPSC educator Shekhar Dutt has fact checked the allegation. He said that India should prioritise national security and make its own decisions on satellite internet approvals.
Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah faced a defeat in the men's doubles semifinals against South Korea's Lim Jonghoon and Oh Junsung. The Indian pair lost in straight games, with a final score of 8-11, 6-11, and 3-11. Prior to this, Manush Shah had exited the mixed doubles competition while partnering Diya Chitale. They lost their semifinal match to the seventh seeds from Chinese Taipei.
BSP president Mayawati raised concerns regarding poverty, inflation and unemployment during an event marking Kanshi Rams death anniversary. She emphasised that these issues now resonate with younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The party chief reiterated her demand for Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, focusing on his contributions to social transformation. Additionally, she urged party workers to prepare for upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and other states.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced plans to question the Congress government in Kerala during the Assembly session. He mentioned three BJP MLAs inquiring about the legality of the Assembly after recent remarks regarding the electoral revisions. Meanwhile, KPCC president Sunny Joseph dismissed the BJPs claims as excuses and defended the electoral process.
During a seminar discussing modern warfare dynamics, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh pointed out the importance of predicting shifts in conflict to ensure success in today's battlefields. He stressed that air power is essential for defending national priorities amidst global unrest. The seminar also marked the occasion of the 'Tarang Shakti' air exercise, showcasing the Indian Air Forces transformation into a premier military force since its establishment in 1932.
A Delhi consumer commission has held Flipkart guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice after a customer received bars of soap instead of a Realme Narzo 50A smartphone worth Rs 10,574. The commission directed Flipkart to refund the purchase price with 7% annual interest and pay Rs 5,000 as compensation for mental harassment and Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses. The company has been given 60 days to comply with the order.
Arvid Lindblad, the 19-year-old Racing Bulls driver, highlights his Indian heritage during the Formula 1 season. He maintains close ties with his Indian family, spending time with his grandparents and enjoying Indian culture. Recently, Lindblad gained support from fans in India due to his exceptional racing performance. He acknowledges the differences between life in Europe and India, particularly in terms of social dynamics.
The Indian Army athletes shone at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, bringing home a record-breaking 20 medals, including six golds. Their achievements, particularly in shooting and marathon, highlight the growing impact of Army sports programs. With increased female representation, their remarkable performance greatly contributed to India's overall medal tally in the prestigious event.
Delhi Police has intensified security measures in anticipation of the INDIA bloc's march to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Over 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in central Delhi for this event. Additional contingents of Central Armed Police Forces have been mobilized to secure key areas such as Parliament and Connaught Place. Police are advising commuters to plan their journeys accordingly due to possible traffic restrictions.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has been granted time by a Delhi court to reply to an appeal. This appeal was filed by four women wrestlers against his recent acquittal in a harassment case. A lower court previously acquitted Singh due to a lack of evidence presented in the case. The court will continue proceedings on October 28, during which the arguments will be held in camera.
The UGC NET December 2026 registration schedule sets out the deadlines for applications, examination fee payments and form corrections. Candidates planning to appear for the 87-subject examination should check the applicable fee, JRF age criteria and eligibility rules before completing the online process.
FanCode will stream the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 live and exclusively on their app in India. This tournament is scheduled from October 30 to November 1 at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. India is set to compete against Pakistan, the defending champions, in their opening match. The tournament features twelve teams competing in a fast-paced format consisting of six players per side.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. During their meeting, Singh provided updates on measures taken to restore peace in Manipur. The Chief Minister highlighted the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service, which has benefitted the public. Shah accepted Singh's invitation to visit Manipur later this month to assess the situation.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry has called for a ban on large protests in Delhi's commercial zones. They state that protests disrupt business during the crucial festive season, including Navratri and Diwali. Current demonstrations have led to a significant decline in customer footfall and overall business activity. The organization has proposed a permanent protest zone outside central Delhi to mitigate these issues.
After an unprecedented deployment of over 10 months, the USS Lincoln returned to San Diego Bay recently. Families eagerly awaited the arrival of their loved ones, with many sailors meeting their newborns for the first time. While the Navy initially downplayed issues aboard the carrier, some crew members faced food shortages during their mission. The deployment involved extensive combat operations and significant missions in the Middle East.
Jaipur-based couple Vibhor and Ishita Jain started Kinaya Organic Farms and Life in 2018 with 20 rented Gir cows. Today, the venture has grown into an integrated farming business with 100 Gir cows, over 2,000 trees and a reported annual revenue run-rate of up to Rs 2.4 crore. The farm combines dairy production, value-added products, agroforestry, biogas, solar power and rainwater harvesting.
GTA 6 Leaks: A new 24-minute GTA 6 gameplay leak has reignited speculation about Rockstar Games upcoming title, with footage reportedly showing story cutscenes, playable characters Jason and Lucia, and features that may have been enabled through developer tools. The release comes after earlier leaks triggered an investigation by Rockstars parent company, Take-Two Interactive. The leaker has also used the video to seek funding for a separate gaming project.
Coca-Cola is reportedly seeking to unwind its $5 billion acquisition of Costa Coffee after a failed sales process. The beverage company previously scrapped plans for selling Costa due to low offers from private equity firms. In 2018, Coca-Cola acquired Costa in its strategy to expand into healthier beverages. A strategic buyer considered a deal for Costa but ultimately passed on the opportunity.
Pitru Paksha Amavasya 2026 Date: Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 is being observed on October 9, marking the final day of Pitru Paksha. According to Drik Panchang, the day is dedicated to honouring known and unknown ancestors through Shraddha, Tarpan and Pinda Daan. Check the Amavasya Tithi timings, Kutup Muhurat, Rohina Muhurat, rituals and religious significance of Mahalaya Amavasya.
Raytheon has secured a significant contract with the US military valued at $6.3 billion. This contract focuses on producing and maintaining Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors for missile defense. The award is part of efforts to rebuild military stockpiles depleted due to various conflicts. Additionally, Raytheon has previously received another substantial contract for Standard Missile-6 interceptors.
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