The Economic Times

The Supreme Court recently cancelled elections in 50 municipal wards across Punjab's Patiala and Moga districts and ordered repolls within six weeks. The decision follows a fact-finding inquiry that reported serious irregularities, including alleged intimidation of candidates, destruction of nomination papers and obstruction during the election process.

Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that lawyers have the right to participate in peaceful protests at designated locations. Concerns were raised regarding police excesses and the alleged detention of lawyers during recent protests. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan highlighted incidents of violence against protesters and the lack of public orders under relevant laws. The Supreme Court will hear the matter, addressing the concerns of police actions against citizens and lawyers alike.

The Supreme Court of India has prevented the CBI from taking coercive action against Punjab government officials. This directive follows a plea from the Punjab government seeking a stay on a previous high court order. The high court had directed the CBI to investigate alleged corruption involving cash for transfers and favorable policies. The Punjab government argues that the investigation process violates legal protocols intended for public servants.

Since the Asian Champions Trophy began, the Indian men's hockey team has enjoyed impressive success, clinching their first title in 2011 and repeating the feat in 2016 against Pakistan. In 2018, the final was a draw with Pakistan due to unfavorable weather. India's latest victory came in 2023 over Malaysia, and they successfully retained their title in 2024 against China, further solidifying their legacy in Asian hockey.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to lead a march, that includes parties from the opposition bloc, to the Supreme Court on Monday in a bid to protest demanding the halting of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and a resignation of Chief Election Commission Gyanesh Kumar.He is expected to brief members of the media shortly, ahead of the proposed protest march.The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha had earlier announced that the INDIA bloc would take to the streets again on Octobe

Industrialist Harsh Goenka has shared a comparison showing Nvidias $5.5 trillion market capitalisation exceeding the combined $4.4 trillion value of all listed Indian companies. Users pointed out the comparison and differences in valuation dates and market fluctuations.

A female elephant was trapped in slush at the Gunderipallam dam in Tamil Nadus Erode district on Sunday, triggering a rescue operation by forest officials and fire and rescue personnel. Efforts were delayed after an earthmover got stuck in the muddy terrain. A veterinary team from Sathyamangalam was also mobilised to provide medical assistance and monitor the elephants condition amid water scarcity in the forest.

India's inflation is projected to reach 6-7% due to increasing price pressures and consumer expectations. The Reserve Bank of India has acknowledged risks stemming from rising input costs and resilient domestic demand. Recent trends show that household inflation expectations are significantly higher than headline inflation rates. The RBI has raised its GDP growth projection while revising inflation forecasts upwards to 6% for the upcoming quarter.

The Supreme Court has ordered the MMRDA to deposit Rs 646 crore with its registry by November 6. This order is in relation to a delay in construction by Reliance Industries at Bandra-Kurla Complex. Additionally, the court has issued a notice to Reliance Industries promoted by Mukesh Ambani. The MMRDA is challenging a Bombay High Court order that quashed an earlier demand against the company.

Cement manufacturers in India are likely to increase prices by Rs 10 to 15 per bag soon. This price hike is necessary to address high input costs, particularly for fuel and packing materials. Market conditions remain favorable, supporting steady demand growth in the sector. Furthermore, private construction projects and upcoming elections are expected to enhance demand over the next year and a half.

Coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants have been maintained above 18 million tonnes since late September. The Ministry of Coal has reported a significant decrease in the pace of coal depletion in October compared to September. Daily coal supply in October has exceeded planned levels for most days thus far. Increased rake loading has facilitated better coal availability to power plants, ensuring consistency in power generation.

Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted that the Supreme Court is accessible to every Indian citizen. He emphasized that citizens should file petitions rather than seeking private meetings for legal matters. This statement comes in response to the INDIA bloc's planned protest regarding alleged electoral irregularities. Security measures have been heightened in Central Delhi in anticipation of the protest march.

Goa recorded a record 10.8 million tourist arrivals last year and expects visitor numbers to match or exceed that level this year, tourism minister Rohan A Khaunte said. Domestic travel has helped offset weaker international arrivals affected by the US-Iran conflict and flight curbs.

IREF has introduced a bulk-shipping initiative aimed at cutting freight costs for Basmati rice exports to Iraq. This initiative will lower costs from USD 350 to USD 90 per tonne, significantly improving competitiveness in the Middle East market. The collaboration with Eximwala Solutions Pte. Ltd. involves bulk shipments totaling 1,02,210 metric tonnes. The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen Indias position in global rice exports.

Nakul Dhull, a social media influencer with over one million followers, entered Bigg Boss 20 this week. While conversing with contestants, he clarified a controversial video that had sparked major backlash. Nakul stated his remarks were misunderstood, as they were intended to highlight women's safety concerns. Read on!

The Railways have begun a final location survey for the proposed Mathura-Aligarh railway line via Medu junction to improve connectivity between the two cities, around 60 km apart. The proposal was raised by Mathura MP Hema Malini. The Railways are also considering extending the Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express to Mathura after adequate train maintenance facilities are developed at the station.

India's Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sector is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 91 per cent between FY26 and FY32E, according to a recent report by Nuvama. The expansion reflects a critical infrastructure cycle designed to support renewable integration, grid balancing, and round-the-clock power requirements across the country.

Salons and services apps have increased their prices significantly due to a surge in demand for festive services. The rise in costs is attributed to factors including supply chain disruptions and high taxation. Consumers are booking elaborate packages for festivals like Navratri, resulting in doubled prices compared to last year. Chain salons and beauty platforms are expanding their offerings and pushing private labels during this festive period.

Kelly Clarkson took to social media to express her disappointment with a shopping trip at Art of Play in Brooklyn. She alleged that the staff behaved as though she couldn't afford an expensive item she was interested in. In response, Art of Play stated that the item was not available for sale and assured that they have a welcoming approach to all customers.

Ben Affleck has joked that he is only 75 per cent as good a parent as ex-wife Jennifer Garner, but their children reportedly rated him at 40 per cent. Speaking to People Magazine, he praised Garners parenting while admitting he was maxing out at a B+. In a Variety interview, Affleck also discussed shared custody and explained why he wants to prioritise spending time with his three children.

Heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging in grain markets across Punjab and Haryana, resulting in significant damage. Farmers have reported that lakhs of quintals of stored paddy are now soaked and ruined. Lack of drainage infrastructure has been identified as a primary issue contributing to this situation. Continued rainfall is forecast, raising concerns about additional damages to crops already affected.

Kelly Osbourne experienced significant weight loss due to overwhelming grief after her father's passing. She revealed that she was unaware of her thin appearance until seeing photos from the BRIT Awards. The reality star has since regained nearly 30 pounds as part of her recovery process. Osbourne also emphasizes that her weight loss was not due to an eating disorder.

Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3 continues to perform well at the box office. The film has earned nearly Rs 500 crore globally, placing it among the year's top films. The movie has surpassed other major releases like Hanuman Ansh and Border 2. Read on to know more about it.

Yemens Houthis have increased their attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting Riyadhs main airport this weekend. These strikes resulted in significant casualties and increased pressure on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The escalation of hostilities raises concerns regarding potential US intervention and the collapse of a previous truce. Saudi Arabia's relationship with its allies may also be tested amid this ongoing conflict.

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party in Jharkhand faced intimidation while traveling to Delhi for protests. Several members noticed they were being followed by men in plain clothes on their train journey. One member, Khusboo Choudhary, abandoned her trip after receiving a warning from the TTE. Others also shortened their journeys, citing similar concerns over their safety. Despite this, at least 15 members managed to reach Delhi for the protests.

Bengaluru-based founder and marathon runner Keerti Siddeshwar has revealed how completing a 42.2-kilometre marathon boosted his confidence more than a masters degree or self-help books. Sharing his experience on X, he explained how months of training and overcoming physical challenges changed his perception of himself. He encouraged people struggling with self-doubt to pursue challenging experiences that help them believe in their own abilities.

The week's OTT lineup covers several genres, from political intrigue and dark comedy to celebrity conversations and reality competitions. From Koffee With Karan Season 9 to The Diplomat Season 4, read on to know when and where to watch these new OTT releases of the week online.

Jennifer Meyer tied the knot with Geoffrey Ogunlesi in a beautiful ceremony in Hawaii on October 10, with her ex-husband Tobey Maguire officiating the event. The couple, who have been romantically involved since 2023 and share a daughter, celebrated their nuptials surrounded by an array of celebrity guests. Read on!

Delhi weather today: Flight operations at Delhi Airport remained normal despite the heavy rain and thunderstorms affecting the national capital. The India Meteorological Department predicted adverse weather conditions, including waterlogging and possible traffic disruptions. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for flight information and updates. Maximum temperatures are expected to stay between 31 and 35 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

In a heartfelt ceremony at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Jennifer Meyer wed businessman Geoff Ogunlesi, with her ex-husband Tobey Maguire officiating the event. The star-studded guest list featured A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, and Courteney Cox. Meyer dazzled in a strapless gown while Ogunlesi opted for a classic black suit.

Entry and exit will remain closed at six Delhi Metro stations from 6 am to 4 pm. This action is taken due to security concerns amid a planned protest by Congress. The Delhi Traffic Police has warned of traffic disruptions and road diversions throughout Central Delhi. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, considering possible delays. Security agencies will review the situation during the day and provide necessary updates.

Cutting through money jargon, one topic at a time. This week, Sanket Dhanorkar explains what are specialised investment funds and how they differ from other investment products.

Welcome to TrendMap, your guide to the performance of different investment segments. In this edition, we present a 10-year performance tracker of various asset classes. By Sameer Bhardwaj

The distinction matters for how HR teams design the benefit. A fixed benefit CI policy addresses income replacement and non medical costs that a health insurance policy does not cover, e.g. months of lost salary and family support during recovery. An indemnity CI policy addresses treatment cost coverage for critical conditions specifically.

Some insurers now reimburse visa fees if your application is rejected. But modest payouts, exclusions and multiple conditions can limit the covers value.

In the US, parents tend to protect their assets for their own use in retirement, and choose to not spend it disproportionately on their childrens education or marriage. In India, there is a clear understanding that the assets accumulated by parents will be bequeathed by their children, for many of whom it is a major wealth transfer.

Sebi has mandated a new colour-coded Credit Risk-o-Meter for all debt securities. This tool aims to provide transparent risk assessment to investors prior to investments. It categorizes risk levels with distinct colors representing credit ratings. Additionally, issuers must comply with standardized disclosures regarding unsecured bonds. This initiative is expected to enhance investor understanding and facilitate informed decision-making in the bond market.