The Economic Times

In 1892, Jesse Wilford Reno patented a moving conveyor designed to transport people between different levels. His invention was first exhibited as an amusement ride at Coney Island, attracting around 75,000 visitors in two weeks. The conveyor consisted of metal boards and operated at a 25-degree gradient, differing from modern escalators. Although seen as an entertainment novelty, it laid the groundwork for future escalator development.

Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement to produce 850 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets over the next decade. The contract is not an order but a prearranged long-term arrangement with the Department of Defense. This agreement aims to stabilize annual production at 156 aircraft, while also covering international orders and spares. Lockheed anticipates that this deal will support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the US.

The Nationalist Congress Party has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of misleading the public. NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto emphasised the need for a legitimate electoral process to change government. Allegations arise regarding irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision concerning electoral rolls. Crasto specifically mentioned the BJP's defense of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid these controversies. Opposition parties continue their calls for Kumar's resig

Union home minister Amit Shah has set December 31, 2029, as the target to make India drug-free, saying the Centre will focus on tackling the narcotics menace after its fight against terrorism and armed Naxalism. Speaking on Police Commemoration Day, Shah also credited security forces for their role in LWE-affected regions. Around 7,000 people from 126 districts affected by left-wing extremism will attend the Ekta Diwas parade in Gujarat on October 31.

Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson, best known for hits like Swingin and Seminole Wind, has died at 71. With an estimated net worth of $7 million, Anderson built his fortune through hit albums, music royalties, live performances and a career spanning four decades. John Andersons hit album Wild and Blue went multi-platinum, earning him royalties that continue to bring in money.

Prabhas, the renowned Telugu actor, lives in a stunning villa situated in the Jubilee Hills area of Hyderabad, valued at around Rs 60 crore. The residence boasts contemporary architecture with refined interiors, including a spacious living room and an impressive spiral staircase adorned with exquisite artwork. The terrace offers breathtaking views of the Hyderabad skyline, reflecting Prabhas stylish living.

Willis Whitfield's innovative cleanroom concept emerged at Sandia National Laboratories to combat contamination issues in engineering. By introducing a system of filtered air that flowed continually, he created cleaner workspaces, profoundly impacting semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and space endeavors. His approach dramatically lowered airborne particle concentrations, establishing a new standard for contamination management that influences practices today.

US Midterm election 2026: More than 11 million Americans had voted early in the 2026 US midterm elections by October 20, ahead of the November 3 polls. With voter registration deadlines, early voting schedules, identification requirements and mail-in ballot rules varying by state, voters must check local election guidelines to ensure they can cast their ballots.

The first case of Shamonda virus infecting a human being has been reported in France, causing the death of an infected individual. Health authorities have indicated there is currently no threat to public health overall. The virus primarily affects livestock, especially cattle, and is transmitted by biting midges. Previously, it was believed to be non-transmissible to humans until this incident.

Rutgers University recently performed a groundbreaking experiment on agrivoltaics to assess soybean yield productivity beneath solar panels. The results were promising, as both single and double-panel systems outperformed non-panel plots. However, given the preliminary data, ongoing research is crucial. The unique dry conditions experienced in 2024 required additional irrigation, influencing the experiment's results. Continued evaluation will uncover the long-term potential of integrating agricu

Barclays is cutting around 5,000 jobs, or 5% of its workforce, this year as it deploys technology, including artificial intelligence, to reduce fixed costs and improve returns. Chief financial officer Anna Cross said 1,000 job cuts have already been completed, with another 4,000 expected by the end of the fourth quarter.

Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, told an economic forum in Istanbul on Thursday that the undersea Nord Stream gas pipelines, damaged by blasts.

A 56-year-old man threatened staff at Hannah Beazley's electorate office in Perth with nunchucks. Beazley was not present during the incident, which raises safety concerns for female politicians. This event followed another attack on lawmaker Helen Haines, who is in critical condition after being struck by a car. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his concerns about the increasing violence against women in politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced new measures to promote cooperation with Poland in several key areas. These areas include defence, space, and nuclear energy, aiming to strengthen ties between the two nations. Modi emphasized the importance of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement in broadening partnership opportunities. He highlighted India's growing economic strength over the last two years, which further supports this partnership.

A shocking incident unfolded in Bengaluru when a 25-year-old worker from Bihar, Hazrat Ali Shoiab, was detained for creating and posting an AI-generated video that depicted a simulated bomb explosion at Vidhana Soudha, the government seat of Karnataka. This alarming video was flagged during police's standard digital surveillance. Investigators are currently interrogating Shoiab to uncover his intentions and any possible connections to others involved.

Sheetal Devi secured a gold medal in the women's compound para-archery event at the Para Asian Games. She won by defeating Singapore's Nur Alim Syahidah with a score of 142-139. Earlier, Sheetal and Toman Kumar also won gold in the mixed team event. India has now achieved a total of 73 medals at the Games, including 17 gold medals. Other Indian athletes have also performed well, achieving various podium finishes.

Indian companies must adopt a strategic approach to fully leverage the European free trade agreement benefits, as tariff concessions alone may not suffice. The focus should be on product quality, market penetration, and building significant relationships with European buyers. Compliance with European standards will be crucial for export success, particularly for small enterprises.

Consumers in the US are experiencing significant changes in their wardrobes due to weight-loss medications. Many individuals are opting for alterations instead of purchasing new clothing items. This trend is impacting various services, including cobblers and tailors. Discount stores and thrift shops are also benefiting from the rise in GLP-1 drug users. As clothing sizes fluctuate, many people seek more affordable wardrobe options while adjusting to their new sizes.

Gold and silver prices fell sharply on the MCX on Thursday, with gold declining Rs 2,000 per 10 grams and silver dropping Rs 5,700 per kg. Investors are tracking the US Federal Reserves upcoming policy meeting and inflation data, while analysts advise long-term investors to accumulate gradually and traders to await stability.

Thailand and Malaysia have advised their citizens to reconsider travel to Europe due to ongoing protests. The Thai Foreign Minister highlighted concerns regarding unrest in France, Italy, Spain, and other countries. As demonstrations against the cost of living continue, safety is a major priority for traveling citizens. China also issued warnings for its nationals traveling to France amid rising violence.

The Ebola outbreak from Congo has now spread to Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, raising urgent health concerns. Nigeria confirmed a case involving a woman who arrived from Uganda, and contact tracing is ongoing. Uganda previously reported an outbreak after Congolese patients crossed the border for treatment, but this is now declared over. Kenya has identified nine cases linked to a traveler from Congo, with health workers also affected.

Elon Musk's endorsement of a potential $3.5 trillion SpaceX and Tesla merger has sparked shareholder concerns. Insiders worry his comments may invite scrutiny, delaying the merger process. Musk cannot be involved in discussions due to potential conflicts of interest, indicating the influence of his prior dealings. Advisors are striving to ensure independent board oversight amid heightened investor scrutiny.

Israel's upcoming election is unlikely to change its aggressive stance towards Iran and Palestinian statehood. Even if Benjamin Netanyahu retains power, he may escalate military actions and settlement expansions. The election reflects a broader trend of hardline politics, where consensus exists against Palestinian statehood. Regional policymakers expect continued confrontations while underlying issues remain unaddressed. The situation may lead to prolonged tensions in the Middle East with unreso

Emmanuel Macron's presidency is nearing its end while France experiences significant protests and political unrest. Candidates from both the far-right and far-left are utilizing the chaos to bolster their positions. Marine Le Pen aims to capture support by criticizing the current government's failures during the protests. In contrast, Jean-Luc Melenchon expresses solidarity with the protesters while denouncing violence.

Young students attending their debut political gathering, longtime supporters coming since 2015, or curious onlookers witnessing a presidential spectacle, as Donald Trump runs his final campaign, no one will be able to replace his rallies. He attended his first Trump campaign event in 2015.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi held a meeting to address ongoing dust pollution problems. Agencies were instructed to comply with measures for dust mitigation as pollution levels deteriorated. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi was specifically directed to enhance dust control on roads and open spaces. Stage one of the Graded Response Action Plan has been implemented due to worsening air quality.

India strongly condemned the UN rapporteurs for showing bias in a counter-terrorism report related to Dawood Ibrahim. Indian diplomat Raghoo Puri stated that the report contained factual inaccuracies regarding Ibrahim's criminal status. Puri emphasized that Ibrahim is a wanted criminal based in Pakistan and associated with Al-Qaeda. Additionally, India rejected Pakistan's claims regarding Jammu and Kashmir, asserting its integral part of the nation.

Taiwan has been waiting months for US President Donald Trump to approve a $14 billion sale of weapons and equipment, which the island democracy would use to fend off a potential Chinese attack. - Taiwan is developing a multi-layered air defence system, known as the T-Dome, that it hopes could counter a potential Chinese attack.

A live performer impersonating US President Donald Trump behind bars has drawn attention at Tehran's busy Tajrish Square, where a billboard-like art installation went on display late Tuesday. Featuring a mock prison cell, the display carries messages criticising Washington, while a Tehran resident expressed hope that the depiction becomes reality.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined a significant financial plan for supporting manufacturing in Ontario. This strategy includes billions to assist steelmakers, automakers, and critical mineral development. Carney emphasized that U.S. tariffs have negatively impacted trade relations and increased costs for American consumers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the diplomatic relationship with the U.S. has permanently changed.

China has introduced a 20 percent tax on dividends and interest from offshore trusts to combat a fiscal deficit. Wealthy citizens must settle these taxes by Thursday within a 90-day transition period. This measure aims to reclaim billions of dollars held overseas and bolster the economy amidst ongoing financial challenges. Officials emphasize the importance of these taxes in keeping capital within China for technological advancement.

Israeli forces detained U.S. Congressional candidate Brad Lander while he assisted Palestinian farmers with their olive harvest. The military stated the harvest lacked proper coordination, viewing it as a security risk. Lander expressed concern over the detentions and emphasized the right to harvest olives. Several other volunteers, including American rabbis, were also detained during the incident. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding Palestinian land access and Israeli military con

The United States and Israel have devised plans for military strikes on Iran following the midterm elections. Iranian officials have also threatened to unveil a new weapon called the 'Father of All Bombs.' US military forces are reportedly being reinforced in anticipation of potential action against Iran. This situation could lead to wider regional conflict if tensions escalate further.

Brent crude traded 1.18% higher at $110.18 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading more than $98 a barrel. Brent had settled largely unchanged on Wednesday, while WTI had eased 67 cents.

One individual died and eight were injured in an attack at King Fahd International Airport. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident, which caused material damage at the airport. Following the attack, some flights were diverted away from the location for safety. The Iranian-backed Houthis have previously targeted Saudi airports amid rising tensions in the region. U.S.

US on Wednesday (local time) accused Russia of threatening actions in space, saying Moscow's COSMOS 2612 military satellite deliberately maneuvered dangerously close to what it called one of its commercial satellite.

Gold prices saw a decline as investors shift attention to the looming Federal Reserve policy meeting regarding interest rates. Spot gold prices dipped to $4,115.50 per ounce, with US gold futures for December slipping to $4,132.30. Analysts anticipate potential rate hikes in the coming months, particularly in December, where the likelihood stands at 90%. Other precious metals like silver and platinum also noted price drops.