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The Economic Times

Global Business / The Economic Times

Employee received boss's 'OK' on WhatsApp before taking two days extra leave, returned to find himself suspended; tribunal rules message doesn't prove approval

A North Central Railway employee challenged his transfer from Prayagraj to Fatehpur after claiming his senior officer approved two extra days of leave through a WhatsApp 'OK'. The Allahabad bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal ruled that the message did not conclusively establish official leave sanction and upheld the transfer, accepting the Railways' administrative justification.

23 Oct 2026 12:06 pm
Greece passes social media ban for children under 15

In a significant move towards online safety, Greece's parliament has enacted a law banning social media usage for children under 15, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of implementing age verification methods to safeguard minors. This initiative, in collaboration with six other EU countries and the European Commission, aims to assist parents in controlling their children's social media habits.

23 Oct 2026 11:59 am
Gold price falls Rs 1,500/10g; silver plunges Rs 7,000/kg as soaring oil fuels rate hike bets. Time to sell?

Gold and silver prices fall on the MCX as rising oil prices fuel inflation concerns and expectations of higher interest rates for longer. Investors track the US Federal Reserve meeting, dollar movements and geopolitical tensions for cues on precious metals.

23 Oct 2026 11:09 am
Tibet earthquake: CTA President says damage could be much more, cites limited access to information

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7 occurred in Tangnezong district, Nakchu, northern Tibet. Initial reports indicate that 16 people died, while dozens sustained injuries due to the quake. Over 300 houses have reportedly collapsed, with rescue operations currently underway in the affected areas. Emergency response teams have been activated to assist those impacted by the disaster.

23 Oct 2026 10:47 am
Elon Musks $445 million bet on Republicans as US midterms test Trump's grip

Elon Musk has contributed more than $445 million to the US election cycle, backing Republicans ahead of the November midterms. His America PAC is spending heavily on competitive Senate and House races as the party seeks to retain control of Congress, while Musks business interests and political influence remain under scrutiny.

23 Oct 2026 10:27 am
Australian agency mulled firing KPMG over data-handling rule breach, documents show

KPMG Australia breached its contract with Services Australia by transferring sensitive material outside the secure government environment, prompting consideration of termination of their engagement. Although no data breach occurred, Services Australia has not awarded new audit work to KPMG since the incident, which raised significant concerns about the firm's trustworthiness and compliance with data protocols.

23 Oct 2026 10:10 am
US Supreme Court allows New Hampshire to fully ban student IDs for voting in midterms

The Supreme Court blocked the use of student IDs for voting in New Hampshire during midterm elections. A Republican-backed law eliminated student IDs as an accepted form of identification for voters. This decision emerged following a judge's guidance that allowed their use temporarily. New Hampshire's state representative stated the law aims to strengthen voter identity verification.

23 Oct 2026 9:36 am
Airbnb guests no longer have to wash the dishes or strip the beds at checkout

Airbnb has announced new rules that limit hosts to reasonable checkout requests, effective November 20. Guests will no longer need to complete chores typically reserved for professional cleaners during checkout. These changes aim to create better expectations between guests and hosts regarding cleaning fees. Additionally, Airbnb requires that hosts disclose all house rules clearly in their listings before bookings.

23 Oct 2026 9:16 am
'Knocked the hell out of them, we may go a little further': Trump says Iran will never have nuclear weapon

US President Donald Trump said Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, defending his administration's pressure campaign against Tehran.

23 Oct 2026 8:49 am
Trump declares wind turbine imports as threat to national security; India among top suppliers

US President Donald Trump recently declared that imports of wind turbines pose a threat to national security. The declaration followed a Commerce Department investigation focusing on cybersecurity issues related to foreign-made equipment. Trump cited concerns regarding foreign reliance and interruptions to radar systems and air traffic operations. Instead of imposing immediate tariffs, he directed trade officials to negotiate with partners.

23 Oct 2026 8:40 am
SpaceX says potential Tesla merger would need Musk's approval

SpaceX has stated that any potential merger with Tesla will require Elon Musk's approval. Despite Musk's recusal from talks due to conflicts of interest, his endorsement raises concerns. Analysts believe a merger is likely, although opinions vary on shareholder compensation. Musk's recent comments have caused issues that may lead to delays in the process. The special committee and board of directors will review and approve any potential combination.

23 Oct 2026 8:06 am
Qatar Energy locks in US LNG supply from Cheniere as Hormuz disruption drags on

Qatar Energy has signed a significant liquefied natural gas agreement with Cheniere Energy to purchase 4 million metric tons annually. The deal ensures supply flexibility as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could affect exports. Two million metric tons per year will come from Cheniere's Sabine Pass facility, while the remaining will be sourced from Corpus Christi.

23 Oct 2026 7:58 am
Gold heads for sharpest weekly decline in four months on Fed rate outlook

Gold prices took a hit on Friday amid strong indicators of US economic growth and climbing oil prices. Spot gold prices sank to their lowest since August, and US gold futures mirrored the drop. Positive employment figures showed a decrease in unemployment claims, hinting at stronger job growth in October.

23 Oct 2026 7:56 am
Knauf Group to invest additional 350 million in India, plans four new plants

German building materials company Knauf Group plans to invest an additional 350 million in India to set up four new manufacturing plants, Managing Partner Murat Akyildiz said after meeting Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

23 Oct 2026 7:52 am
Nepal to get $20 million from climate fund after deadly August flood

Nepal will receive $20 million in aid from the UN's climate loss and damage fund after devastating floods. The floods, which occurred in August, resulted in approximately 1,500 fatalities and thousands missing. Essential infrastructure, including roads and schools, suffered massive damage, with estimated losses reaching about $2.7 billion. The reconstruction costs could exceed $4.7 billion, as reported by the Nepalese government.

23 Oct 2026 7:47 am
Oil Price Today (October 23): Crude oil ticks over $114, jumps nearly 8% this week as energy attacks intensify. What are experts saying?

Brent crude futures rose 50 cents, or 0.45%, to $114.02 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 40 cents, or 0.42%, to $100.

23 Oct 2026 7:37 am
Oil little changed as supply concern lingers amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Oil prices showed minimal movement as Brent crude futures dipped slightly. In light of intensifying Houthi attacks impacting oil supply, Saudi Aramco has temporarily evacuated its headquarters. Libya's production has faced cuts following the closure of a key oil pipeline. Amid these challenges, Russia expressed a willingness to continue talks with Ukraine, contributing to the recent volatility seen in global energy markets.

23 Oct 2026 7:26 am
'The press has ganged up...': Trump defends controversial ad targeting Ohio Democrat Amy Acton

'The press has ganged up...': Trump defends controversial ad targeting Ohio Democrat Amy Acton

23 Oct 2026 7:16 am
Mark Zuckerberg makes deal with Meta to help him pay billionaire tax if it passes

Mark Zuckerberg has made a deal to manage potential tax liabilities from a proposed wealth tax in California. The tax would impose a one-time 5 percent charge on billionaires' net worth. Zuckerberg's agreement allows him to maintain ownership of Meta while selling non-voting shares to finance his tax obligations. Proponents argue the tax ensures the rich contribute fairly to state revenues.

23 Oct 2026 7:09 am
US bans BYD from air base in Japan over security concern: Report

The US armed forces have prohibited Chinese carmaker BYD's electric vehicles from Kadena Air Base in Japan. This decision is based on concerns regarding potential security risks associated with the company's technologies. Vehicles affected include those used by base personnel, contractors, and commercial entities. In June, the US added BYD to a list of companies alleged to support China's military activities.

23 Oct 2026 7:02 am
Taiwan shuts down as Typhoon Champi approaches

Taiwan is preparing for Typhoon Champi, which may bring heavy rain and strong winds this Friday. Many shops and schools have been closed as people evacuate their homes in anticipation of the storm. The typhoon, previously a super typhoon, has weakened but is still dangerous with high wind speeds. Over 1,100 individuals have been relocated, and military personnel are on standby for assistance.

23 Oct 2026 7:00 am
New York state issues alert over potential PHP vulnerabilities

New York has issued a warning related to critical PHP software vulnerabilities that pose significant risks. These vulnerabilities can allow unauthorized remote code execution and access to sensitive data. The state department advises regulated entities to locate and fix these vulnerabilities promptly. This action is necessary to protect their information systems against potential exploitation. Entities must take immediate steps to ensure the security of their operations and data.

23 Oct 2026 6:56 am
Trump invokes Cold War-era Defense Production Act for oil production, refining

US President Donald Trump has determined that petroleum production and refining are essential for national defense. This decision allows potential funding for fossil fuel projects under the Defense Production Act. Rising crude oil and diesel prices have become a concern following recent conflicts involving the US and Iran. Additionally, the memo highlights issues like financing and infrastructure bottlenecks impacting energy service provision.

23 Oct 2026 6:47 am
2,700 detained amid riots and looting in France; Macron tightens curbs on 'illegitimate' protests

In response to riots and looting linked to public anger, France has arrested 2,700 individuals since Saturday. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to ban illegitimate protests in coming days. Authorities are preparing for further demonstrations which could severely disrupt events in major cities. While businesses are boarding up windows, a significant unrest reflects deeper economic issues in France.

23 Oct 2026 6:40 am
Tibet earthquake: At least 16 dead, 46 injured as magnitude 7.0 tremors hit China

A strong 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and 46 injuries. More than 300 houses were reported collapsed or damaged in the affected area. Rescue and relief operations have been initiated, with over 300 police officers dispatched to assist. The earthquake was clearly felt, causing damage to the township office in Maru township.

23 Oct 2026 6:13 am
US bond market down: Why are 10-year, 30-year, 2-year treasury yield notes are falling? Check latest predictions

US bond Yields have dropped in recent days, as concerns about a slowdown in AI spending and its impact on economic growth have overshadowed economic data, which showed persistent inflation pressures.

23 Oct 2026 3:58 am
US stock market today: Why have Nasdaq, S&P 500 slipped to lowest in months? Reasons behind Meta, Tesla, CoreWeave, Intel stock price fall, check top performing stocks

US Stock Market today: Chipmakers Western Digital, Intel, ADM , Sandisk, and Marvell all posted steep percentage losses amid the broader semiconductor selloff.

23 Oct 2026 2:50 am
LeBron James National Anthem Controversy: Why is Donald Trump accusing NBA star? Watch viral practice video

Donald Trump and LeBron James have been critical of each another for years, occasionally trading public swipes.

23 Oct 2026 2:12 am
Tom Skerritt of Top Gun dies: From US Air Force to Hollywood, all about Emmy-winning actor

Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor who embodied a solid, wry authority figure, whether as a flight instructor in Top Gun, a tough-but-fair sheriff on TV's Picket Fences or the doomed captain of Alien, has died.

23 Oct 2026 1:39 am
Over 1000 flights delayed, 58 cancelled in US on Thursday amid bad weather: What travellers need to know about refund rules

Flight interruptions have gripped the United States as severe weather affects several key airports. Gusty winds in Boston and New York have led to extensive delays, while thunderstorms in Phoenix and downpours in California have caused further operational chaos. Travelers are strongly urged to verify their flight statuses and review cancellation policies with their airlines.

23 Oct 2026 1:22 am
Riyadh seeks access to overseas storage

The move follows a flurry of attacks by Yemen's Houthis on infrastructure. Commercial storage available through partners is limited. The larger capacity lies in what we call strategic storage owned by governments, Nasser said in an interview.

23 Oct 2026 12:47 am
Aramco asks staff to evacuate Dhahran HQ

Saudi state oil company Aramco has told staff to evacuate its headquarters in Dhahran on the Gulf, six people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday, as fighting between the world's largest crude exporter and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis intensifies.The US ordered the departure of some diplomats and their families from Saudi Arabia due to the threat from Houthi militants, after the Iran-backed group carried out deadly strikes from Yemen.Clashes between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalitio

23 Oct 2026 12:40 am
Shelved plan to rename Atlantic after Sundar Pichai's no: Donald Trump

Addressing a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday, Trump appeared to suggest that his move to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America had encouraged him to consider renaming the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean.

23 Oct 2026 12:33 am
SoftBank's market cap halves from peak over AI fears

Global concerns over AI spending had accelerated after America-based cloud-computing provider CoreWeave Inc.'s bonds fell to levels associated with distress, exposing financing risks across the industry.

23 Oct 2026 12:27 am
Trumps $10 billion BBC defamation lawsuit takes a dramatic turn as federal judge backs subpoena for Mar-a-Lago membership records, orders him to face deposition

President Trumps $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC is encountering increased legal scrutiny. A federal judge has raised concerns over the efforts made by Trumps legal team to gather evidence. The court has ordered Trump to prepare for a deposition by December 11, in addition to supporting the BBCs subpoena for Mar-a-Lago membership records. The lawsuit addresses claims regarding a BBC documentary that allegedly misrepresented Trumps January 6 speech.

23 Oct 2026 12:20 am
UN biodiversity summit to take stock of 2030 goals

Representatives from 196 countries are meeting in Yerevan to evaluate biodiversity progress under the 2030 targets. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to restore ecosystems and phase out harmful subsidies. India's national report highlights progress with key wildlife species, despite challenges in land degradation and protected areas. The report shows India's successful ecosystem restoration and involvement in biodiversity-inclusive planning.

23 Oct 2026 12:02 am
GST return forms likely to be tweaked to curb mismatches

The government is looking to revamp GST return forms to minimise discrepancies between reported sales and tax payments. Draft forms will be available for public feedback starting November 1 and the changes take effect on April 1, 2027.

23 Oct 2026 12:00 am
Following Supreme Court directions, Andhra Pradesh urban polls paused

Even as SEC paused the process, YSRCP alleged that the ruling TDP cadres continued to attack and intimidate its candidates for the second consecutive day. The Opposition party released videos of several places and alleged that the modus operandi had been to not allow senior YSRCP leaders to accompany candidates to nomination centres and then snatch the nomination papers to prevent them from filing.

22 Oct 2026 11:59 pm
Berlin Global Dialogue: EU inviting disaster through carbon tax, says Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal expressed concerns over the EU's carbon tax and numerous regulations impacting their steel industry. He warned that these measures could lead to increased costs and decreased competitiveness for EU businesses. Goyal highlighted that the high import duties and standards could harm the economy and raise the cost of living. He mentioned the reciprocal nature of trade regulations in response to the EU's actions.

22 Oct 2026 11:55 pm
Airbnb new guidelines: What travellers need to know before booking a vacation rental

Beginning on November 20, Airbnb is rolling out updated guidelines to enhance cleanliness expectations for guests. Hosts can no longer impose extensive cleaning responsibilities, permitting only simple tasks. A new feature in the app aims to clarify house rules and host requests for better guest comprehension. If guests encounter unreasonable demands, they can report them. It's important for travelers to check house rules and total expenses before confirming their bookings.

22 Oct 2026 11:53 pm
Days after Trump sanctions, ICC receives EU's top rights honour

The award came just days after the Trump administration announced sweeping new sanctions on the court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, as part of its campaign to dismantle the tribunal over investigations into the United States and its allies, including Israel.

22 Oct 2026 11:45 pm
Only labour unions allowed to protest tomorrow: Emmanuel Macron

Macron acknowledged planning failings and elements of surprise last Saturday, when protests drew more than half a million people and degenerated into vandalism. Rioters attacked public buildings and looted stores in cities. Macron blamed seditious acts led by organised ultra-left groups that seek to bring down the republic, alongside acts of delinquency.

22 Oct 2026 11:25 pm