The Economic Times

The International Monetary Fund has nominated Min Liao, Chinas Vice Minister of Finance, for Deputy Managing Director. His appointment follows the term expiration of Bo Li, which ends on November 30, 2026. Liao has extensive experience in financial regulation and macroeconomic governance, contributing to global economic policy coordination. He has played significant roles in various financial institutions since beginning his career.

In April 2026, Texas took a significant step by deploying 400 tonnes of concrete railroad ties to form two artificial reef piles. This project is designed to transform the flat bottom of the Gulf into a thriving habitat for marine life. Researchers are closely examining how these artificial reefs influence fish communities, with valid concerns about potential fish migration from other regions.

A local police official said patients were being transferred to another hospital when the explosion occurred. Images on social media and on television stations showed flames engulfing a vehicle, with one door open. Another image showed its blackened frame outside a building as people stood nearby.

A vessel is currently on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, with the crew's status still unknown. The UK Maritime Trade Operations have received the report from a nearby vessel. Vessels in the area are advised to exercise caution and report suspicious activity. The origin of the fire has not been verified, and no damage assessment has been conducted.

Delhi Traffic Police announced traffic advisories for Diljit Dosanjh's concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 30, 2026. The traffic restrictions will be implemented from 1 pm to midnight in the vicinity of the venue. Commuters are encouraged to use public transport, with Delhi Metro considered a suitable option. Motorists should remain patient and follow traffic rules to assist with smooth movement.

Flavio Bolsonaro, a Brazilian senator, fled to Miami with his family after losing the presidential election. He had been under investigation for corruption and faced passport seizures ordered by the Supreme Court. His father, Jair Bolsonaro, had previously claimed electoral fraud without providing evidence. Despite allegations of voter suppression, the electoral results were widely accepted by political leaders around the world.

The Indian government has identified 762 potential applications of artificial intelligence across 62 ministries and departments, spanning farming, railway safety, tax compliance, public grievances, customs and healthcare. While some tools are already in use, others remain in pilot or development stages.

The November 3 US midterm elections will determine whether Donald Trump continues to rule the US a Congress largely aligned with his agenda, or faces two years of heated resistance from an opposition empowered to challenge each and every decision of his.With all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senates 100 seats up for election, the results will shape the balance of power in Washington, influence key policy decisions and set the stage for the 2028 presidential contest.Also

Abhijeet Wanjari won the Nagpur Division Graduates' Constituency seat against Sudhakar Kohale from the BJP. The election results were declared after an extensive 40-hour vote-counting process. Wanjari secured 67,231 votes while Kohale received 63,960 votes in this close contest. This victory indicates a shift from the traditional BJP stronghold to a Congress bastion in this constituency. The outcome signifies a continued trend of Congress winning similar elections in the region.

Karwa Chauth Moonrise Time: Celebrated by married women, Karwa Chauth involves a day-long fast until the moon appears. The rituals commence early with Sargi, a pre-fast meal. As evening falls, women engage in traditional prayers, culminating in breaking their fast upon sighting the moon. Since different cities in India experience varied moonrise timings, women must confirm their local schedules to participate meaningfully.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha and Chhattisgarh following Cyclone Arnab, assuring them of the Centres assistance in relief and rescue efforts. He said NDRF and SDRF teams were working to mitigate the impact of the storm, while inter-ministerial central teams would soon assess the damage and determine the need for further assistance. The IMD had forecast that the cyclone would gradually weaken.

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran emphasized that 2025-26 could be a significant inflection point for India's economy. He mentioned the challenges posed by global shocks and supply-side disruptions in recent years. The reliance on imported crude oil adds to India's vulnerability to fluctuating international energy prices. Strengthening resilience to external disruptions is crucial for managing such risks effectively.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed state-sponsored terrorism and Indias commitment to regional security during the ADMM-Plus forum. He emphasised the need for sharing practical counter-terrorism experience with partners to strengthen collective capabilities.

US President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama stepped up campaigning ahead of next Tuesday's congressional elections, which could shift control of Congress. Obama rallied support for Democrats in Georgia, criticising Trump's policies and leadership, while Trump campaigned for Republicans in Ohio amid protests and declining approval ratings.

The firms are Susquehanna International Group and Jump Trading, both high-frequency trading firms focused on algorithmic and automated strategies.

Spain is in three days of mourning following a train collision that resulted in 68 fatalities. The crash involved a state-operated train colliding with a stationary service run by a private operator. An automatic control system failure is believed to have led to the tragedy as traffic was resumed inexplicably. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to search the wreckage and assist injured passengers during chaotic scenes.

Karwa Chauth is being celebrated on October 29, 2026, with traditional fasting and worship rituals. Married women observe a day-long fast for the long life and good health of their husbands. The rituals include a pre-sunrise meal called Sargi and evening puja with offerings to deities. The Karwa Chauth vrat katha highlights the importance of devotion for married life.

Seoul: Massive demand for AI chips delivered record quarterly profits to South Korea's Samsung Electronics on Thursday, but shares fell as investors questioned the resilience of the global tech boom.Samsung is the world's largest maker of memory chips -- components in short supply as advanced types are snapped up for use in data centres powering artificial intelligence.Also read: South Korea fines Google, Apple a combined $47.6 million over app store payment practicesThe company posted July-Sept

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is negotiating a seven-day plan for peace and stability. The plan aims to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz and involve crucial conditions like enforced ceasefire. Regional mediators, particularly Qatar, are facilitating communication to revitalize US-Iran discussions and prevent ongoing conflict. The proposal also includes demands for sanctions relief and asset unfreezing, which remain unresolved.

Crude oil price : In light of recent diplomatic talks surrounding potential U.S. military engagements with Iran, oil prices have taken a dip. These crude prices remain sensitive to the fluctuating situation marked by ongoing regional conflicts and the threat of further military interventions. Despite Iran's openness to negotiations, escalating hostilities from the Houthi faction targeting Saudi Arabia add to the uncertainty.

Spain's trade union CSIF is urging the resignation of Transport Minister Oscar Puente after a tragic train collision. The accident, which occurred in Castilla-La Mancha, resulted in the death of 68 individuals and numerous injuries. Following the incident, the union has called for a thorough investigation into rail safety and infrastructure maintenance. Minister Puente mentioned a failure of an automatic control system as a contributing factor to the accident.

US officials have alerted regional allies about potential military action against Iran following the upcoming elections. President Trump's administration is considering renewed strikes against Iran, emphasizing preparations for possible retaliatory actions. Iranian officials express a willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions despite the tensions. The conflict has intensified with Houthi rebels targeting Saudi infrastructure amid unrest. The situation remains fragile as both sides anticipate fu

'They were treated very unfairly: Trump defends Flavio Bolsonaro after his family reaching in Miami

Gold prices experienced a decline as the dollar strengthened following the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady. Market participants are now paying close attention to forthcoming inflation statistics, which could sway the Fed's future decisions. Spot gold dropped by 0.7%, while both silver and platinum recorded slight downturns. However, palladium saw a modest uptick due to ongoing market volatility.

The price of US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 0.9%, settling at $101.86 a barrel, showing sharp fluctuations after a previous days 3% climb. The situation worsened as Houthis targeted Aden airport and a key Saudi oil facility, which threatens energy security. In addition, Qatari mediators' draft for a deal with Iran was rejected by senior officials, amplifying the region's tension.

Around 300 people protested across major cities in Israel, calling for a Jewish-Arab government and inclusive governance. Demonstrators displayed placards with slogans advocating for freedom and cooperation between communities. As protests unfolded, initial election results indicated a tightly contested political landscape with significant implications. Key opposition leaders expressed intent to form a new government addressing pressing issues and restoring hope.

Israel's Palestinian citizens are expected to secure a record number of seats in parliament after high voter turnout. Their participation was driven by concerns over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and its policies. The Arab parties may block an outright victory for Netanyahu's coalition, which is short of a majority. Gadi Eisenkot's bloc also seems likely to require Arab support to form a stable government.

Warsh used his assessment of a strong economy and warnings over persistent inflation to signal the Feds job is not yet done. The message reinforced expectations that officials will raise borrowing costs in December after holding them steady Wednesday with the potential for another increase in early 2027.

The Federal Reserve held its key rate steady at around 3.9%, signaling cautious optimism about inflation trends. Chairman Kevin Warsh emphasized the importance of inflation control while dismissing political influences on monetary policy decisions. Analysts expect a potential rate increase at the next meeting as inflation persists, affecting consumer sentiment. Some Fed officials dissented, indicating ongoing discussions about future rate hikes remain relevant.

A U.S. District Judge dismissed the Trump administration's bid to halt ballot processing in California. This decision followed claims that some voters might not be U.S. citizens. The ruling aims to prevent disenfranchisement and election uncertainty. More than 3.7 million Californians have already cast their votes ahead of Election Day. Similar actions have been attempted by the administration in Washington and Alaska over electoral processes.

Major American and foreign airlines have urged the CDC to reconsider upcoming travel rules concerning Ebola. They argue that the requirement for attestations from travelers is unreasonable so soon. The new regulations will begin next week and aim to prevent potential exposure to the virus. Airlines express concerns regarding the logistics involved in implementing these requirements. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges associated with managing public health threats during travel.

US Vice President JD Vance has reached out to Mohsen Rezaei in hopes of opening negotiations with Iran. This initiative comes as President Trump considers military strikes after the upcoming midterm elections. While trying to facilitate dialogue, Vance navigates internal conflict regarding the ongoing war. Rezaei has stated that Iran will not negotiate until its core demands are met.

Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami alongside his family after fleeing Brazil following his election defeat. He traveled through Argentina and Ecuador before landing in Florida. Bolsonaro accused President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of electoral fraud and persecution in a statement on X. Brazil's Supreme Court has been investigating him for corruption and money laundering.

Heck of a family fight: Kevin Warsh signals dissent in FOMC committee as Fed holds rates steady

On Wednesday, the Union cabinet approved a 3% increase in dearness allowance for employees and pensioners. This increase is expected to benefit over 11.6 million individuals ahead of the festive season. The change will take effect retrospectively from July 1, costing the exchequer 10,016 crore. Additionally, the government revised dearness allowance rates for employees under the Fifth and Sixth Pay Commissions.

Kristen Wiig has reduced the asking price of her midcentury modern home in Pasadena, California to $5.495 million after initially listing it for nearly $6.3 million in May 2026. The actor purchased the property for $5.5 million in February this year. The property is located in San Rafael. The 1965 residence is spread in 5,559 square feet.

Israel's president expressed hope for avoiding another election following the recent vote with no decisive outcome. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc remains ahead but lacks a majority. Meanwhile, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot leads a broad opposition bloc seeking coalition opportunities. Israeli Arab parties may play a crucial role in determining the next government. Both political factions are actively looking to form alliances in this uncertain political landscape.

In the first eight months of 2026, countries aligned with the US purchased a net total of $174.3 billion in Treasuries. This amount represents a significant decline, reflecting a drop of over 60% from the previous year. It marks the lowest investment level recorded for this period since 2021. The data highlights a shift in fiscal relationships between the US and its partners.

Prediction markets are actively trading Anthropic contracts following the company's IPO filing earlier this week. Traders are making binary bets on various elements of the IPO, such as its valuation and listing exchange. Anthropic's IPO could potentially value the company between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion, offering a keen financial interest. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are facilitating these bets and generating excitement among investors.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. has informed Asian refiners about future crude supply via a new pipeline. The pipeline aims to circumvent the strategic and vulnerable Strait of Hormuz, enhancing oil delivery security. Adnoc plans to initiate some supplies from Upper Zakum crude to customers at Fujairah terminal early next year. This move follows the UAE's decision to leave the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, allowing for more production flexibility.

Qatar and Pakistan are leading efforts to mediate a peace deal between Iran and the US. A new draft has been proposed, which addresses concerns of both Tehran and Washington. Iran is expected to respond to this draft by the end of the week. The deal proposes a seven-day timeline for confidence-building measures between the two nations.

Yemen's Houthis launched an attack on the Aden airport after issuing evacuation warnings due to escalating violence. Residents reported hearing explosions near the facility, leading to a halt in air traffic operations. An aid source indicated that some UN staff had left just before the attack occurred. There were also reports of explosions heard in other parts of the city during the incident.

Terrestar Solutions Inc. has entered into a partnership with Space42 Plc and Viasat Inc. to enhance mobile satellite connectivity. This collaboration aims to create an open standard for sharing satellite infrastructure globally. The parties signed a memorandum of understanding in Ottawa during an important diplomatic visit. Terrestar plans to develop a low-Earth orbit satellite system to improve coverage in underserved areas.