The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
A garage discovery has taken the art world by storm as an antiques dealer unearthed a striking illustration by Salvador Dal, named Vecchio Sultano. Valued at approximately $40,000, this confirmed original draws inspiration from Arabian Nights, showcasing an unfinished segment of Dals genius. This incident serves as a poignant reminder that remarkable artworks can lie in unexpected corners of our lives.
The Supreme Court addressed the practice of forum shopping in its recent order regarding a commercial suit. The court transferred the case from Delhi High Court to Madras High Court to ensure appropriate jurisdiction. Both parties involved in the suit were located in neighboring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The ruling emphasized the importance of having cases heard in relevant local courts.
Manchester United has opened talks with Mauricio Pochettino regarding the managerial position currently held by Michael Carrick. Carrick's management has faced scrutiny due to the club's poor start in the season. The team is currently in the relegation zone after a series of winless matches. A decision regarding Carricks future is expected to be made soon by the club's executives.
India's government ordered internet providers to block 129 betting websites based on fraudulent high court orders. Investigations have been initiated after it was revealed that these court orders were fake. The Rajasthan and Allahabad High Courts confirmed that the supposed orders did not exist in their records. Concerns about the authenticity of legal documents are growing due to technology advancements.
Volunteers from around the world are actively participating in the Space Warps project to analyze galaxy images. They help identify rare gravitational lens candidates using data from the Euclid Space Telescope. This collaboration combines human observations with machine-learning systems for more accurate results. The project emphasizes the importance of citizen science in exploring vast astronomical datasets.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed world leaders at the COP31 summit in Turkey regarding climate change action. He warned that the slow international response threatens the planet's future and urged countries to implement clean energy solutions. Negotiators from nearly 200 nations are currently seeking agreement on enhancing electricity's role in global energy consumption. The summit occurs amid significant geopolitical challenges and alarming climate data highlighting increasing gl
China's exports of rare earth ores and metals increased significantly in value during the January to October 2026 period. Despite the value increase, export volumes saw a decline of 8.7 percent in the same timeframe. China's export value for refined petroleum products also rose sharply, while quantities fell slightly during these months. In contrast, the export of fertilizers experienced a notable decline both in value and volume.
Once a bustling coal mining hub, Madrid, New Mexico, boasted around 2,500 residents until the arrival of natural gas in 1949 prompted a swift decline in coal usage. By 1960, only two families remained amidst a landscape of deserted homes and shops. However, the 1970s ushered in a renaissance as artists and craftsmen rejuvenated the area, transforming Madrid into a vibrant tourist attraction while preserving its rich mining history.
Idemitsu Kosan has raised its profit forecast for fiscal 2026 to 295 billion yen due to strong performance. The company's net profit for the first half of the fiscal year exceeded expectations, reaching 322.4 billion yen. Idemitsu aims to increase its crude oil sourcing from the Middle East following improvements in shipping. Moreover, the Nghi Son Refinery in Vietnam is projected to be profitable in fiscal 2026.
Nissan Motor Co. has reported a reduced loss of 39.7 billion yen in the first half of the fiscal year. The automaker's sales increased by 8.8% to 6.07 trillion yen due to favorable exchange rates and pricing strategies. Significant challenges remain in the Chinese market, along with increased raw material costs from Middle Eastern unrest.
The launch of Volkswagen's ID. UNYX series in China has resulted in lackluster sales for its electric vehicle joint venture. With no new models planned for 2027 or 2028, consumer interest is dwindling. As the market in China contracts, Volkswagen finds itself in a tough position. They are strategizing to streamline operations and potentially roll out fresh models to regain their competitive edge in this evolving landscape.
Gulf energy producers are facing higher operational costs due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. While crude oil exports have shown a recovery, incidents in the Strait of Hormuz remain frequent, increasing risk levels. The United States is building military forces in the Middle East but is refraining from direct action for now. Diplomacy efforts by other nations are ongoing, but significant issues remain unresolved.
Spain recently marked its first general strike in over a decade, driven by millions of workers advocating for essential government responses to housing challenges. Major sectors joined in, causing widespread transportation disruptions and protests across the nation. Activists pushed for decisive reforms including rent regulation and tenant rights. As the political landscape shifts ahead of the elections, the strike's impact may reverberate into government decisions.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey have signed an agreement to develop 3,000 MW of wind power capacity in Turkey, taking the total planned capacity under their energy partnership to 5,000 MW. The latest pact builds on a February agreement for 2,000 MW of solar projects, as Ankara expands renewable energy investments.
U.S. President Donald Trump's policies have greatly affected Latin America, particularly concerning immigration and security. Following the midterm elections, potential changes may occur in Trump's approach towards the region. The focus on deportations and cartel pressures suggests a continuation of certain hardline strategies. However, Democratic lawmakers are expected to push for investigations into oil agreements and increased electoral pressure in Venezuela.
Western Union has scrapped its agreement to acquire US-based money transfer firm Intermex for about $500 million after failing to secure regulatory approval from California. The company termed the state's final merger conditions unacceptable, saying they would have required material changes to its business model. Neither company will pay a termination fee.
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, the director of the Geoeconomics Program of the Center for the Study of Democracy)- China doesn't
As scrutiny intensifies, Chinese pharmaceutical companies are shifting gears toward digital marketing initiatives. Traditional face-to-face communications are waning, prompting the industry to embrace AI-fueled applications for connecting with healthcare providers. These tools facilitate compliant relationships, sparking partnerships among health-tech firms to disseminate clinical information through digital channels. This marks a pivotal change in marketing dynamics within the pharmaceutical la
Pradas Milan exhibition, Pradasphere, is turning its century-old fashion legacy into a business opportunity, with the brand expecting it to generate an additional 100 million euros in annual revenue.
World leaders are gathering in Turkey for the UN climate conference COP31 amid mounting pressure to translate climate commitments into concrete action. The summit comes after a year of deadly climate-related disasters, stalled progress on fossil fuel reductions and growing concerns that global warming will exceed the 1.5C threshold set under the Paris Agreement. Rising energy prices linked to the Iran war and the absence of the US delegation add to the challenges facing negotiations.
The affair between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and a Chinese businesswoman suspected of spying for Beijing has triggered investigations in the US, raising concerns over national security and the security of sensitive AI technology. The controversy has drawn scrutiny from Congress, the Justice Department and Nvidia's board, with President Donald Trump also weighing in.
The woman accused of spying for China during an affair with Nvidia chief Jensen Huang used a Hong Kong passport to enter Taiwan, the island's immigration agency said Wednesday, as authorities investigate the incident. Our government's relevant agencies are fully informed of the relevant records and information, National Immigration Agency Director-General Lin Horng-en told reporters, confirming that Alice Huang used a Hong Kong passport to enter Taiwan.
Nima Momeni, convicted of killing Cash App founder Bob Lee in April 2023, has been sentenced to 16 years to life in prison. A San Francisco judge rejected his request for a new trial, while Momeni's lawyers plan to appeal the verdict. Lee's daughter confronted him in court, speaking about the future her family lost.
Thomas Markle was arrested and charged on Friday on a single federal count of possessing child sexual abuse material, including two explicit photographs of himself posed with a naked underage girl and other images of him with children in various stages of undress.
A vehicle crashed into pedestrians at a busy intersection in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Tuesday evening, killing three people and leaving three others in critical condition. The white SUV struck at least five people near a metro station shortly before 6 pm. The driver was also hospitalised.
Ireland is implementing its largest-ever security operation as around 50 European leaders convene in Dublin this week. Growing concerns over hybrid attacks have prompted heightened vigilance and extensive preparations by the police. Many bomb threats in recent days have caused disruptions across Europe and targeted various institutions in Ireland. Specialist units, supported by military forces, will ensure safety during the significant political gatherings.
ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: Pakistan blamed poor air quality this week on pollution drifting from neighbouring India, where firecrackers set off during the festival of Diwali over the weekend blanketed much of the north in toxic smog.The northern Pakistani city of Lahore topped Swiss group IQAir's ranking of the world's most polluted major cities for a second day on Tuesday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 263, categorised as very unhealthy.Also read | Pakistan farmers in long fight to make German f
The last major sticking points are the geographic scope to be covered by the agreement, the definition of sensitive terms and whether the accord should be legally binding or not, according to the three diplomats. They spoke on condition of anonymity and without elaborating because they were not authorized to discuss the issues in public.
The market value of Nvidia has plummeted following troubling accusations against CEO Jensen Huang, linked to his association with Alice Huang, who faces espionage allegations. The FBI is currently investigating whether foreign intelligence agencies have targeted Huang due to this connection. In response, Nvidia's board has begun an internal review to mitigate potential threats, highlighting vital concerns about the company's security measures and governance structure.
Farmers from Pakistan's Sindh province are pursuing legal action against German firms RWE and Heidelberg Materials. They claim these companies' emissions contributed to severe flooding that devastated their livelihoods in 2022. This case marks a significant attempt to hold major polluters accountable for climate change impacts.
Myanmar imports 90 percent of its fuel oil, official figures show, making it particularly vulnerable to supply issues caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Garment workers in Bangladesh are facing financial struggles due to rising costs of living. Many workers, such as Shilpi Khatun, have seen wages stagnate while expenses continue to rise. Protests erupted recently, demanding an increase in the minimum monthly wage to 30,000 taka. The government plans to revise wages but has not announced the increase yet. The ongoing economic pressures are affecting workers' daily lives and choices.
Oil prices rose after a two-month decline due to ongoing tensions in the Iran war and attacks on shipping. Brent futures climbed following reports of multiple attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Data indicated a significant rise in shipping incidents in October, with continued threats observed into November. Concerns remain about insurance costs and risks associated with shipping in these waters.
In a filing in Manhattan federal court, the SEC asked a federal judge to close the Fair Fund, created after Musk settled the SEC case in 2018 charging him with securities fraud for posting on August 7, 2018, that he had funding secured to potentially take Tesla private.
Huang, who co-founded Nvidia and turned it into the world's leading supplier of the processors that power artificial intelligence, admitted on Sunday to an affair with Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed whom US intelligence officials believe was working for Chinese intelligence.
Gold prices rose 0.2% to $4,039.07 per ounce in early Asian trade on Wednesday. This increase followed a nearly 3% decline in the previous session due to US inflation data. The data indicated stronger inflation, leading to heightened expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike next month. Traders now believe there is a 100% chance of an interest rate increase in December.
A federal judge on Tuesday said President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC over a misleadingly edited clip of a speech can go forward, but threw out Trump's unfair trade practices claim against the broadcaster.Trump is suing Britain's publicly funded broadcaster for at least $10 billion over edited clips of a speech that made it appear he directed supporters to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The case is one of several Trump has privately filed against the n
The vote came as Republicans grapple with the fallout from sweeping midterm losses that some in the party have blamed on the war in Iran and the resulting surge in gas prices. But after President Donald Trump signaled strong support for Hegseth, GOP lawmakers largely stood by the secretary Tuesday.
Higher interest rates can help rein in inflation, but they do so by making it more expensive for everyone to borrow money.
S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Russell 2000 -- all indexes of the US Stock Market were down ahead of Veterans Day 2026.
'Left-wing activist's false allegations': Ted Cruz, Cantwell clash over Trump's Coast Guard pick
Nvidia co-founder owns 3.6 per cent of Nvidia's stock and has dozens of direct reports, suggesting a tight grip on the company.

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