The Economic Times

Mumbai has faced unusually poor air quality throughout October as the average air quality index has sharply increased. According to data, this month has seen significant concentrations of PM2.5 particles that pose health risks. The ongoing El Nio effect is causing slower coastal winds that usually help disperse pollution. Factors such as construction activity and urban development further contribute to the deteriorating air quality.

ISRO is scheduled to launch its GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the NVS-03 navigation satellite at 11:51 pm on October 30 from Sriharikota. The mission aims to strengthen India's NavIC network with an additional L1 navigation signal and improved timing capabilities through an indigenous atomic clock.

Israels election results have left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus bloc with 53 seats and the main opposition with 48 in the 120-member Knesset, triggering weeks of coalition negotiations. Arab-led parties won the remaining 19 seats and could become kingmakers, though their potential role has sparked controversy. If parties fail to form a government, Israel could hold another election early next year.

A Delhi court has adjourned the framing of money laundering charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members. The judge stated that all accused, except those exempted, must be present at the next hearing. The Enforcement Directorate's case involves the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, with nine of the sixteen accused facing charges. The investigation indicates no political vendetta against Lalu Prasad, despite defense claims.

Tripura has inaugurated its first tea auction centre in Agartala to improve local tea marketing and reduce expenses. The new facility aims to shorten the time required to sell tea consignments by about 40 percent. Currently, a significant amount of Tripura's tea is sold outside the state, which increases costs for producers. The establishment of the auction centre is expected to facilitate better coordination between sellers and buyers.

US midterm elections: Four days before the US midterms, major national polls show Democrats leading Republicans by roughly 8-10 points on the congressional ballot, putting the House within reach while Trumps weak approval ratings and voter concern over the economy remain major headwinds for the GOP. The Senate is tighter, but recent CNN battleground polling shows Democrats ahead in several key races, giving the party a possible path to the four-seat gain needed for control.

President Donald Trump has suggested that his administration may withhold assistance from Democratic leaders after the midterm elections. At recent rallies, he has used the threat of political favoritism to bolster Republican candidates. His comments have concerned some voters, especially veterans seeking aid linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, Trump's remarks in North Carolina and Kansas have sparked controversy among local Democratic candidates.

Sintaphu Lake in Bhutan experienced a glacial lake outburst flood that washed away a hot spring complex. The Punakha-Gasa highway also suffered significant damage, leading to road closures. Authorities are assessing the situation and advising avoidance of non-essential travel in affected areas. Precautionary evacuations were executed as floodwaters reached nearby communities. Flood advisory alerts were issued in India for regions along the Sankosh River.

Top diplomats from the G20 nations are convening in Atlanta to discuss pressing global issues. Key topics include regional conflicts and trade tensions affecting international security. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aims to facilitate cooperation among member countries. However, deep divisions are evident, especially regarding military actions and the Ukraine situation. This meeting serves as a precursor to the upcoming G20 summit hosted by President Trump.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swiss President Guy Parmelin are set to sign a significant trade deal. The accord offers Switzerland extensive market access to China, enhancing the trade relationship between the two nations. This agreement notably contrasts with increasing trade barriers established by the United States and the European Union. Swiss officials believe this deal will provide stability in a volatile global trade environment.

Singapore recorded 4,800 retrenchments in the third quarter of 2026, the highest level since late 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The rise, driven by business reorganisations, came despite overall employment growth of 27,700 during the quarter. The Ministry of Manpower flagged emerging weaknesses in parts of the labour market, with more companies indicating plans to retrench employees over the next three months.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in her first public remarks since returning from 10 months in exile, said the country is moving irreversibly towards presidential elections in 2027. She called for the dismantling of the repressive system and the release of political prisoners, while denying any contact with interim President Delcy Rodriguez or Washington over a possible meeting.

US President Donald Trump has shifted to phone rallies in the final days of the midterm election campaign, cancelling planned appearances in Iowa and Kansas as Republicans face tight Senate races across several states. Trump travelled to South Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham, who is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Annie Andrews. With voter concerns over the economy, fuel prices and the war in Iran weighing on the campaign, both parties are making a fin

The Supreme Court expressed discontent with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs regarding appointments in the National Company Law Tribunals. The court emphasized the need for NCLT and NCLAT to gain full autonomy over their staff. It criticized arrangements outsourcing tribunal staff recruitment to private companies, which could jeopardize existing contractual employees. The court urged comprehensive proposals from NCLT and NCLAT presidents to improve operational requirements.

Finance has become the main sticking point at COP17 in Armenia, with India, Brazil, China and other developing countries opposing efforts to widen the pool of nations contributing to biodiversity funding. They argue developed countries should first meet existing commitments, while the EU and others support bringing more countries into the funding base as negotiations remain deadlocked ahead of the summits close.

US President Donald Trump verbally attacked a journalist during a tense press exchange after being questioned about his health and cancelled weekend campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa, insisting he is in perfect health and shifting to virtual tele-rallies instead.

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and La Liga have apologised after the footballer sparked outrage in China with comments about former leader Mao Zedong. The controversy has led major Chinese brands to cut ties with the French striker, while La Liga matches have been pulled from state broadcaster CCTV. Experts warn that the apologies may not be enough to repair the damage to their reputation and commercial interests in the country.

Crude oil price : Oil prices rose on October 30 amid fears of a potential US military strike against Iran. Crude oil prices have reached a six-month high due to ongoing security risks in the Strait of Hormuz. Uncertainties surrounding the conflict's escalation have led analysts to predict further price increases. Attacks on oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia are also contributing to market volatility.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on the BIG-B initiative. The initiative aims to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region. Japan is particularly interested in developing the Matarbari deep-sea port with Bangladesh's support. Both countries plan to expand supply chain networks linking India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Chinese electric vehicle makers such as BYD are making inroads into South Korea, challenging established domestic brands with competitively priced models and growing dealership networks. BYD has sold more than 20,000 vehicles in the country in the first nine months of the year, overtaking Toyota and Lexus combined. Japan, however, has proved a tougher market due to low EV adoption, consumer preference for hybrids and scepticism towards Chinese brands.

Gold prices fell in early Asian trading, reflecting a decline of over 1% from the previous session. Spot gold is currently valued at $4,006.06 per ounce, while US gold futures have dipped to $4,018.50. Heightened inflation worries have raised fears of a potential interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December.

Ukraine has paused its strikes on Russian oil refineries following pressure from US President Donald Trump, the Wall Street Journal reported. Ukrainian units were reportedly told in mid-October to complete ongoing missions but hold off on further attacks. The unofficial pause could last until after the US midterm elections and potentially deeper into November, amid renewed efforts to revive peace talks.

Israels election has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu without a clear path to a governing majority, with his bloc winning 53 seats against 48 for Gadi Eisenkots opposition and Arab-led parties holding the remaining 19. The result makes Arab parties potentially decisive in coalition talks, even as Likud alleges without evidence that the vote was stolen and authorities investigate separate claims of possible foreign interference.

Binance.US, a separate cryptocurrency exchange, said it was not affected by the security incident.

Wall Street today saw one of the shocking losses as Google-parent Alphabet sufferedthe worst day since the company began trading at the US Stock Market.

US Treasury yields were down ahead of the US midterm elections 2026 due to a number of factors.

Along with Alaska election in the US midterm election 2026, California's voter rolls is also under scanner.

'Sylvia failed three polygraphs': Hegseth fires top Pentagon strategist as Trump warns 'leakers'

According to the filing, Kalshi required the agent to confirm his location before each bet, and he truthfully reported he was in Utah. The company collected a fee on every wager, which prosecutors say amounted to proceeds from illegal gambling.

Google's planned expansion in Finland is facing scrutiny due to alleged environmental violations at a data centre site. Authorities are investigating whether the company breached local laws related to water management. The controversy has drawn public criticism and highlighted the need for responsible corporate practices. As investment in artificial intelligence increases, balancing economic growth and environmental protection remains challenging.

Microsoft, Barclays Bank and supermarket chain Kroger are among the latest entries on a growing list of companies that have announced AI-related workforce reductions this year.

In August, military commissaries in the United States experienced freezer malfunctions that resulted in significant food spoilage. Investigators are exploring these incidents as possible cyberattacks, with updates being shared with French counterparts. A similar attack in France impacted hundreds of commercial freezers, causing significant financial losses. The vulnerability of refrigeration systems to cyber threats poses risks to food safety and supply chains.

'Communists, Islamists have taken over Dems': Cruz tears into Talarico, Abdul, Mamdani at GOP rally

November 2026 could bring success for three Chinese zodiac signs. Trying something new early in the month may lead to well-earned recognition by its end.

'Why cant I have opponent like her': Trump mocks Acton in a final pitch for Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio

Find Dan Sullivans: Peltola's secret spoiler plot exposed? Trump demands, 'Either quit, else'

In a flash, money vanishes overseas': DOJ uncovers massive Ghost Student identity theft scheme

Trump LIVE | POTUS fires up Republicans in South Carolina, rallies for Darline Grahams victory

Bridgerton Season 5 has finished filming, with Netflix confirming a 2027 premiere. Hannah Dodd and Masali Baduza lead the new chapter as Francesca and Michaela explore their feelings.

Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior US Army officer, was reportedly removed from his role as director of Strategy, Plans and Policy on the Pentagons Joint Staff by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over alleged leaks of classified information. His dismissal has raised questions about Pentagon security protocols and senior military leadership.

On April 21, 2026, armed men hijacked the Honour 25, a diesel tanker, in a swift attack. The crew was held hostage on board, with a ransom demanded for their release, which created a tense situation. Somali security forces intervened in September to recover the vessel, resulting in tragic consequences. Five crew members lost their lives during the operation, compounding the crisis.

'Trump's billionaire sidekick...': Gov. candidate Bottoms rallies Georgia with fiery Midterms speech

A new exhibition titled A Century of the Popemobile is now on display at the Vatican Museums. It features eight historic Mercedes-Benz vehicles that have served the Pope over the years. The exhibition highlights the evolution from luxury limousines to vehicles designed for public interaction. It illustrates the relationship between the German automaker and the Holy See since 1930. This transformation reflects changing priorities regarding comfort, safety, and public engagement.