The Economic Times
Elections 2026Delhi / The Economic Times
The Delhi High Court has directed the MCD commissioner to constitute a high-powered committee in consultation with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to explore alternatives to demolition of dangerous and dilapidated buildings during GRAP restrictions. The committee will examine options such as sealing, repairs and controlled demolition to prevent building collapses and protect lives. The court's directions follow recent fatal incidents in Delhi, including the Satya Niketan and Chawri Bazaar building co
Delhi government plans to ban non-Delhi-registered vehicles below BS-VI emission standards beginning November 1. This ban will continue annually until January 31 to improve air quality. Vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas or electric power are exempted from these restrictions. The transport department is enforcing rules with 250 personnel at key entry points across the city. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented emergency measures due to severe pollution levels.
Delhi-NCR has emerged as a key player in the Asia-Pacific office market, marked by a notable 5.4% rise in prime office rents yearly by Q3 2026. This uptick showcases persistent demand in the region, which ranks seventh in occupancy costs among major markets. While overall office leasing has declined, the focus on enhancing workplace quality continues to lead rental rates upward, underscoring its significance for boosting productivity.
A significant fire erupted at a Kia car showroom in South Delhi's Saidulajab area, injuring seven individuals. Emergency services swiftly mobilized to control the situation and coordinate rescue operations. Approximately 15 people were rescued from the building's roof and rear, with several suffering from smoke inhalation. The injuries of those hospitalized are reportedly stable, and no fatalities have been confirmed.
Donald Trump recognized that the Iran war played a significant role in the Republican losses during the midterm elections. He stated that the decision to pursue the war was essential and justified, despite its consequences. Trump's remarks came a day after his party lost control of Congress, highlighting the political fallout of the conflict. He expressed a commitment to continuing the actions related to Iran.
The midterm results put Democrats in line to control both chambers of Congress. Some of their first oversight fights could begin with questions lawmakers have already asked. Four potential inquiries show where the pressure could build and how far Congress can go.
Republicans suffered significant losses in the midterm elections, resulting in Democrats gaining control of Congress. Donald Trump downplayed his responsibility for these defeats, stating he was not on the ballot. While voters expressed dissatisfaction with Republican candidates, Trump insisted his presence would have led to a victory. The former president has a history of avoiding accountability for various outcomes during his political career.
Democrats won control of Congress in the 2026 midterms, putting Donald Trump on the defensive. Voters frustration over prices and the Iran war made it harder for Republicans to defend the administrations record.
Elon Musk's substantial political contributions to Republican candidates now face challenges after Democrats gained control of Congress. His significant investments in Texas could complicate relationships due to the recent political shift. Both Tesla and SpaceX might experience increased scrutiny regarding their government contracts and regulatory approvals. Investors are concerned about the potential implications for Musk's businesses amidst changing political dynamics.
Republicans midterm losses have put Vice President JD Vances ties to Donald Trump in a different light. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is drawing fresh attention as the party considers who might lead it in 2028.
According to a statement by the office of the chief electoral officer (CEO), no action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, would be initiated against an elector solely on the ground that their name figured in a previous electoral roll and they had submitted Form 6 during or after the SIR process.
'5 minutes to prove Modi is a traitor': Rahul dares PM to debate, says 'he can't face me'
At UC San Diego, researchers have made an exciting discovery: adding volcanic ash to soil can significantly enhance plant growth. Their study revealed that incorporating just 3% basaltic ash not only boosts the biomass of coleus plants but also positively influences beneficial soil microbes. This finding showcases volcanic ash as a viable solution for rejuvenating poor agricultural soils, making it an effective tool for sustainable practices and carbon capture initiatives.
Delhi High Court has refused to grant interim relief against a ban on non-Delhi-registered pre-BS-VI vehicles. This ban is imposed by the city government and will be in effect between November 1 and January 31. A petition was filed challenging this restriction, arguing that it creates unfair differential treatment. The petitioner contends that Delhi needs a cohesive approach to combat pollution effectively.
CAIT has urged the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to notify designated protest sites to safeguard trade activities. They highlighted the growing disruptions caused by protests and their impact on daily economic life. The traders' body emphasized the need for a balanced solution that respects both the right to protest and the need for uninterrupted business.
A Delhi-NCR techie couple allegedly claimed Rs 40 lakh in tax deductions after donating just Rs 50 to a political party. An Income Tax Department probe uncovered fabricated donation receipts, a ChatGPT-generated Yale education loan certificate, bogus housing loan claims and undisclosed rental income, estimating tax evasion of Rs 5.3 crore over five years.
Shah Rukh Khan's property journey stretches from the South Delhi home where he began married life with Gauri Khan to Mumbai's iconic Mannat and Dubai's Palm Jumeirah villa Jannat. In July 2026, the actor also became the sole owner of his former Delhi residence after acquiring its remaining floors for around Rs 37 crore.
The Winter Action Plan kicked off successfully in Delhi, with enforcement teams collecting fines of Rs 68.4 lakh on day one. A total of 14,930 vehicles underwent inspection, with 1,539 turned back and 566 challans issued for pollution discrepancies. In their efforts to mitigate dust pollution, officials examined 300 construction sites, resulting in Rs 9.8 lakh levied for infractions.
Delhi is facing poor air quality with the Air Quality Index ranging from hazardous to severe. Several areas, including Akshardham Temple and ITO, recorded AQI values in the 'Very Poor' category. Enforcement teams are actively checking vehicles and inspecting construction sites to mitigate pollution. The Delhi Traffic Police have intensified restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan to control the situation.
Weather today, November 2: IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu on November 2 as Cyclone Murasu intensifies and approaches the coast. While several states face rain and strong winds, Delhi-NCR is expected to remain dry, even as air quality readings across the region remain in the hazardous category.
Three individuals were arrested in connection with pro-Khalistan graffiti found at Delhi Metro stations. The graffiti contained threats against those described as community traitors and was linked to the banned outfit SFJ. The accused claimed to have been promised financial rewards for their vandalism. Police investigations revealed connections between the perpetrators and their handlers in Punjab. Further inquiries are underway to uncover additional individuals involved in this network.
Delhi Police have arrested three people, including a woman, over pro-Khalistan graffiti targeting singer Diljit Dosanjh at Jahangirpuri and Shastri Nagar metro stations ahead of his October 30 concert. Police allege the accused acted on instructions from an SFJ-linked associate and were offered financial rewards for defacing public property.
Parents and students are verifying whether schools will remain closed on November 2 due to upcoming festivals. Different states may begin Diwali vacations at varying times, impacting school schedules. Institutions in Delhi-NCR are likely to maintain regular classes unless stated otherwise. Schools in Maharashtra may have holidays beginning on November 2, leading to potential closures until November 14.
Delhi Police rescued a 13-year-old boy within three hours after a man allegedly kidnapped him and demanded Rs 40,000 from his mother. Officers transferred Rs 5,000 through the accused's UPI barcode to trace the transaction to a Karawal Nagar cybercafe and lure him back for arrest.
Delhi and Lucknow could be connected by a bullet train in 2 hours and 12 minutes under the proposed Northern Corridor approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also shared estimated travel times for Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi as the planned network is set to extend from Delhi to Guwahati.
Around 2.5 lakh shops near Ramlila Maidan may remain closed due to the upcoming INDIA bloc rally. The Chamber of Trade and Industry expressed concerns over economic losses and transport disruptions during Diwali. Traders fear that the anticipated crowd will deter shoppers from visiting local markets. Rahul Gandhi urged rally participants to support Delhi's traders by shopping during the event.
Companies are shifting towards offering travel vouchers as a preferred gifting option for employees. This change allows for more personalised experiences with loved ones during holidays. Many firms are also providing flexibility in travel options, catering to individual preferences and interests.
After the Bihar MLC elections, Neeraj Kumar has openly criticized Lalan Singh for lack of support. Neeraj Kumar, now victorious, met with party leaders to express gratitude for their assistance. He emphasized that he will not seek blessings from Lalan Singh in the future. Additionally, Kumar is advocating for leadership under Nishant Kumar, the son of Nitish Kumar. JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha has encouraged internal resolution of these issues.
Karnataka's Congress government has approved an increase in Nandini milk prices, raising it from 46 to 54 per litre. The government claims this hike will enhance farmers' income and address financial pressures. However, the Opposition BJP argues that this will add to the cost of living for citizens. The government's five guarantees are estimated to cost 51,000 crore this year, creating further financial strain.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office apologised after its official X handle posted a sarcastic response to AAP leader Sanjay Singh's allegation of caste bias over a voter's name being mistranslated. The exchange triggered criticism from Opposition leaders, prompting the office to promise more polite and formal communication.
Azam Khan, a senior leader of the Samajwadi Party, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate shortly after his bail. His bail was granted by the Allahabad High Court in an alleged dual PAN card case. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating financial irregularities linked to the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and Mohammad Ali Jauhar University. Khan's land and buildings were provisionally attached under anti-money laundering laws by the agency.
Kant also stressed the need to transform rural India into centres of economic activity, innovation and entrepreneurship rather than limiting it to welfare delivery.
The 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganga water-sharing treaty faces uncertainty ahead of its December 12 expiry, with New Delhi unlikely to renew it automatically without a visit by Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman. Both countries are weighing changes to the agreement, amid India's rising domestic water needs and Bangladesh's push for revised allocation terms.
A massive turnout in Imphal and Senapati saw thousands rallying for peace, justice, and the safe return of displaced individuals amidst the rising tensions in Manipur. The gatherings, led by various community organizations, stressed the urgent need to reassess the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta.
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has warned of a credible threat targeting the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve on October 31, 2026. Visitors are advised to avoid the area and remain alert to their surroundings. The embassy provided safety recommendations for individuals in the vicinity to ensure their security. Tsaritsyno, a popular cultural site, has historical significance as it served as Empress Catherine II's intended summer residence.
Meghalaya cabinet minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh has resigned amid a series of defections that have sharply weakened his party's strength in the Assembly. The exits include three MLAs who joined the ruling National People's Party and eight others whose merger with the BJP was recognised by the Assembly Speaker.
The court found that the call recordings relied on by the prosecution did not attribute criminality to Reddy. None of the accused, it noted, had said in the recordings that Reddy demanded a bribe on any particular day or time to favour Bengaluru-based Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL).
An Associated Press analysis of satellite imagery and regional officials' accounts found that Iranian strikes damaged or destroyed structures at 26 US military bases and other sites across the Middle East through August. Iran initially targeted early-warning radars and aircraft infrastructure before hitting warehouses, troop accommodation and other facilities, causing billions of dollars in equipment damage.
KIM alleged that the act was committed by cadres of the NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) terrorist groups. This atrocity is a direct, unprovoked assault on the lives, dignity, and survival of the Kuki-Zo people in their own homeland.
CCI has granted approval for five significant business transactions in sectors like food services and renewable energy. The merger of Sapphire Foods India Limited with Devyani International Limited aims to combine their restaurant operations in India. Aditya Birla Renewables Limited is set to acquire Solenergi Power Private Limited from Shell for approximately Rs 17,200 crore. In financial services, Prosus N.V.
Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper flagged off by Yogi Adityanath, Ashwini Vaishnaw
Major oil companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell, reported higher earnings in the third quarter. This comes as the conflict in Iran leads to increased fuel prices for American consumers. Trump's investments in oil and gas stocks have significantly appreciated during this time. More than 94% of his oil stock purchases occurred after the conflict began. Rising fuel prices serve as a crucial issue ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Delhi vehicle restrictions from November 1: The Delhi government will enforce various anti-pollution measures to improve air quality from November 1. From restricting older vehicles to banning dust-generating construction activities, the government has launched a winter action plan to combat the air pollution that chokes the city annually. Under the restrictions, parking charges will double to discourage the use of private vehicles and encourage public transport usage. Additionally, a 50% work-f
Recent discussions have emerged about the looming threat of a catastrophic solar storm projected for November 13, 2026. Even though past solar storms have impacted air travel, expert consensus indicates no credible proof of this specific forecast. Studies show that solar storms can heighten radiation exposure for passengers and disrupt aircraft systems, particularly on polar routes.
Like Halloween 2026 Trick or Treating hours timing, there is no timing for commencement of Halloween 2026.

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