The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
John Lennon, a Beatles icon, championed peace using his global fame. He believed in promoting peace like a product, making it visible and achievable. He stressed individual accountability for societal issues, not just blaming others. His message remains relevant today, encouraging active participation in creating a more peaceful world. Read on!
Missiles and explosive drones targeted the area near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops, with loud blasts and thick smoke reported a day after several aerial threats were intercepted.
The DMK has finalized seat-sharing agreements with the IUML and MMK, granting each party two constituencies. Negotiations are ongoing with the Congress and the MDMK. Talks with the VCK and DMDK are yet to begin. The IUML will use the ladder symbol, while MMK candidates will contest using the DMK's Rising Sun symbol.
Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration has granted a free seven-day visa extension to foreign nationals stranded due to Middle East flight cancellations. This measure addresses complications arising from escalating regional tensions and widespread flight suspensions, allowing affected travelers to make alternative arrangements lawfully.
West Bengal's electoral rolls have seen a significant pruning of 63.66 lakh names, impacting voter profiles across districts ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. This demographic churn, particularly in border and minority-heavy regions, introduces uncertainty and could reshape constituency margins. The adjudication of over 60 lakh names adds another layer of electoral fluidity.
Netflix's stock surged after abandoning its $83 billion Warner Bros. Discovery bid, pocketing a $2.8 billion breakup fee. While losing a coveted studio, Netflix avoided significant debt and regulatory hurdles. Analysts suggest this disciplined financial move, focusing on its core strengths, might be a strategic win, allowing it to observe rivals merge.
Actress Sonal Chauhan is stranded in Dubai. Flights have been cancelled due to rising tensions in the Middle East. She has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assistance for a safe return to India. Many other passengers are also facing similar difficulties at Dubai International Airport.
India's rich diversity of pulses faces a threat as trade deals push for standardized imports, overlooking local varieties like Goa's merule. Declining farmer support and supermarket simplification are eroding traditional pulse consumption, urging consumers to actively preserve this culinary heritage.
Singer Adele remains grounded despite immense fame. She prioritises her music and inner strength over superficial judgments. Adele's honesty about insecurities and focus on talent resonate globally. Her journey from humble beginnings to global stardom highlights the power of authenticity. Read on to know more about her.
A startup professional earning 24 lakh annually was unexpectedly laid off due to cost-cutting measures, despite no performance issues. This experience highlights the precariousness of startup employment and the importance of financial preparedness, skill development, and strong professional networks for career resilience.
Actor Rajpal Yadav, recently released on interim bail in a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case, announced ambitious plans including Rs 1200 crore in branding and business projects over seven years, alongside ten films. He also launched a YouTube channel for clean entertainment and expressed gratitude for public support. Read on!
President Donald Trump ended weeks of negotiations with Iran and launched a major military campaign after talks failed to secure limits on Tehrans nuclear and missile programs. The U.S. had built up its largest military presence in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq war, deploying aircraft carriers, destroyers and advanced fighter jets.
Operation Epic Fury, launched by President Trump, aims for regime change in Iran with ambitious goals including eliminating its nuclear program and military capabilities. While the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei offers a potential opening, the operation carries significant risks of retaliation and regional instability. The success of this unprecedented air-power-driven regime change now hinges on the Iranian people's uprising.
Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard on Sunday threatened to launch what it called its most-intense offensive operation after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has triggered questions about who will lead the country next and how the transition will unfold under its clerical system. An 88-member body known as the Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing and in theory removing the supreme leader.
The romantic drama With Love is coming to OTT this coming week. The film stars Abishan Jeevinth and Anaswara Rajan. It tells a nostalgic love story about two people revisiting their past. With Love had a theatrical run and is now available for a wider audience online. Fans can watch the movie from home.
A 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolted the mountainous Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday morning. The tremor, felt at 01:25 am, had its epicenter five kilometers below the surface. Fortunately, officials reported no damage or casualties resulting from the seismic activity.
China's foreign ministry has voiced concern over recent US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran. Beijing is urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue. China's embassy in Israel has advised its citizens to seek safer locations or leave the country. A major airline has also suspended Middle East operations due to rising regional tensions.
Olivia Dean dominated the 2026 BRIT Awards, securing Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for The Art of Loving. She also won Best Pop Act and shared Song of the Year with Sam Fender. Harry Styles delivered a memorable performance of his new track Aperture. Read on!
The United States and Israel launched significant attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Trump outlined key objectives including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, containing its missile program, and eliminating threats to Americans and allies. The operation also aimed to address Iran's treatment of protesters and implicitly supported regime change.
Explosions and gunfire rocked Kabul on Sunday. This marks the fourth day of fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Taliban officials stated Afghan forces targeted Pakistani aircraft over the capital. Pakistan has not yet commented. The conflict follows Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan. Both nations report heavy losses. This escalation raises fears of a wider war along their border.
World leaders reacted warily to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, following reports of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. While some nations expressed support, others, including Russia and China, criticized the action. European and Middle Eastern governments largely condemned Iran's retaliation while remaining silent on the initial strikes, urging a return to negotiations.
The U.S. military deployed a range of advanced weaponry, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and F-35 stealth fighters, in strikes against Iranian targets. For the first time in combat, the U.S. utilized low-cost, one-way attack drones modeled after Iranian designs, reflecting a new affordable mass strategy in warfare.
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session as the United States and Iran clashed over recent airstrikes. UN chief Antonio Guterres urged an end to attacks and a return to talks to prevent wider regional conflict. Ambassadors from both nations exchanged sharp words.
Israeli Air Force jets reportedly struck military targets in Iran, killing seven senior defense officials, including Ali Shamkhani and Mohammad Pakpour. This action follows recent missile launches from Iran toward Israel, prompting defense system interceptions and public alerts. The strikes signal a significant escalation, with reports of joint US-Israel attacks and Iranian retaliation against Israel and US assets.
Israel and the U.S. timed strikes on Iran to coincide with a meeting of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top aides, killing him and other leaders. Intelligence pinpointed Khamenei's movements, enabling the attack. The strikes have escalated regional conflict, with Iran launching retaliatory actions.
President Donald Trump has dramatically escalated his approach towards Iran. Following months of stalled negotiations, Trump ordered military strikes targeting Iranian leadership. This included the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The move signifies a significant shift in his risk assessment regarding military action against Tehran's clerical rule. This action follows previous US military operations against Iran.
Oil tanker operators, energy companies and trading houses have suspended crude, fuel and LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehrans announcement that navigation was closed, trading sources said.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced direct Iranian missile strikes, shattering the UAE's reputation as a regional safe haven. Explosions and falling debris caused panic, disrupting daily life and leading to airspace closures. The attacks threaten vital trade routes, particularly Jebel Ali Port, and could impact tourism and investment as the nation braces for potential prolonged uncertainty.
Was Burj Khalifa and Dubai mall attacked by Iranian drones, and which places have been hit in airstrikes on UAE till now? Dubai Bombing reports spread online after smoke videos surfaced. Officials confirmed a Palm Jumeirah fire. No authority confirmed a strike on Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall amid Iran Dubai tensions.
Hollywood legend Burt Lancaster believed in selling oneself first. His journey from circus acrobat to Oscar winner highlights this principle. Lancaster's life and career demonstrate that confidence and credibility are key to achieving professional and personal goals. His impactful words continue to inspire, reminding us that self-belief is the foundation for convincing others.
Indonesia has put on hold an order for 105,000 vehicles from Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra following pushback from policymakers, Bloomberg reported.
A sharp escalation in the military conflict between the US-Israel bloc and Iran has brought regional aviation to a standstill. Indian carriers have suspended all operations to West Asia, with at least 170 flights from India cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded. Airports across India remain on operational alert as airlines continuously monitor airspace advisories.
Apart from Iran and Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain are among those that have stopped flights. This closes off a crucial aviation corridor connecting India to Europe, the US and Africa as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar are key hubs, said travel industry associations and industry insiders. Those employed in the Gulf and visiting home in India and elsewhere in the region are stuck for the foreseeable future, they added.
Indian exports of rice, tea, and fruits to Africa and West Asia face significant disruption. Joint military operations by the US and Israel, and Iran's retaliation, are expected to impact maritime traffic. This could lead to longer shipping times and increased costs for goods destined for Western markets. The situation creates uncertainty for major buyers of Indian agricultural products.
India's Directorate General (DG) of Shipping issued advisories for seafarers presently in Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and adjacent waters including those awaiting joining of vessels or awaiting wages and safe repatriation after sign-off. In a separate advisory for Indian flagged vessels, the DG shipping said all ships operating in or near the region are urged to conduct comprehensive shore security drills encompassing pertinent security scenarios, including loitering munitions, drone bo
Adani Andhra solar deal: CM Naidu had kept the decision in abeyance and the state was examining the financial impact of cancelling the power supply agreement. Last year, Andhra Pradesh had realised the adverse financial implications of such a move and was trying to look for options.
Sir Isaac Newton, a pivotal figure in the Scientific Revolution, believed that groundbreaking discoveries stem from old guesses. His theories on motion, light, and gravity, developed through daring imagination and intellectual bravery, transformed our understanding of the universe. Newton's legacy emphasizes the crucial role of creativity and courage in scientific progress.
Industry executives said the scale and stated objectives of the latest US action appear far broader than last year's flare-ups, raising the risk of a prolonged conflict. The consequences this time could be far more significant, one executive said, warning that sustained tensions could drive oil prices higher and keep them elevated for longer.
What is Iranian Shahed-131/136 drone and did it hit high-rise building in Manama, Bahrain? A viral video claims a drone strike in Bahrain after US and Israel strikes on Iran. Airspace closures, airline suspensions, Khamenei reports, and regional tensions have raised travel disruption and security concerns.
India and Canada are set to sign a significant 10-year uranium supply agreement. Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This deal aims to strengthen bilateral ties. Canada is a major global uranium producer. The agreement will ensure a steady supply of uranium ore concentrate for India's nuclear reactors.
The United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), a BJP ally, will contest the Assam assembly elections on its own, fielding candidates in 21 constituencies. UPPL says it has become a significant political force, claiming influence that eclipses the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People's Front.
Ranabaali, starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, is their first film together after marriage and their third collaboration overall. The historical drama, set in 19th-century India, follows a freedom fighters fight against colonial oppression. After its theatrical release on September 11, 2026, the film will be available to stream on Netflix in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. The movie features Arnold Vosloo as the antagonist and music by Aj
A jobseeker shared a frustrating experience where a recruiter actively pursued them, promised top salary and full relocation support, but the final offer fell far below expectations. With pay $35k below the advertised minimum and relocation costs largely uncovered, the situation highlights how corporate promises dont always match reality and the importance of carefully reviewing offers before accepting.

19 C