The Economic Times
Elections 2026Global Business / The Economic Times
Norway's government is considering a temporary prohibition on smart AI glasses to tackle rising privacy concerns. The primary focus lies on sensitive areas such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public gatherings, where the need for privacy is critical. Officials are evaluating which devices should be included in this ban, aiming to foster an informed public dialogue.
An Indian man went on trial in Paris on Monday, accused of running a neo-Nazi child exploitation ring in which young girls were allegedly coerced into performing sexual acts online and engaging in self-harm. - Closed-door trial - The Paris criminal court on Monday ordered the trial be held behind closed doors.
Sass Jordan, the Canadian rock star and former Canadian Idol judge, has died at 63. It was Sass Jordan who gave Taylor Hawkins his first break and catapulted him to fame. From her successful music career and biggest hits to her connection with Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, here is everything to know about the singers life, career and legacy.
In a bold statement, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of unlawfully changing Form 6 without consensus. The Supreme Court confirmed that these alterations to electoral rolls were not sanctioned. Gandhi emphasized the need for accountability for the CEC and his colleagues. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh further alleged that this modification was aimed at silencing the Gen Z voter demographic.
Jupiter will not disappear in an instant like a star. The planet appears large enough in the sky for the process to take about a minute. When Jupiter comes back into view, its return should take roughly the same amount of time.
Get ready for the Fall 2026 anime season, which brings a delightful mix of beloved series and exciting new entries. Fans can anticipate the return of Black Clover Season 2 and The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, alongside newcomers Overgeared and Firefly Wedding. From October to December, therell be a fantastic variety of options, ensuring that anime lovers have something exhilarating to watch as this season unfolds.
Russian Plague is not the medical name of a newly discovered disease. The term is being used in connection with concerns over an incident at an anti-plague research facility near Irkutsk. Plague itself is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
Last week, a laboratory technician at a Russian anti-plague research institute succumbed to pneumonia of unknown origin, prompting worldwide alarm. This unsettling event took place at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, Irkutsk. Rospotrebnadzor indicated the infection's source remains a mystery while assuring the public that local conditions are stable. In response, strict safety protocols have been enhanced, with nearly 200 individuals placed under medical observation.
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to three scientists for their groundbreaking discoveries. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel contributed significantly to the field of optogenetics and light-gated ion channels. Their work allows researchers to control nerve-cell activity with precision using light technology. The Nobel Prize announcement signifies their impactful role in advancing neuroscience studies.
A Nobel nomination does not amount to an endorsement by the Nobel institutions, with thousands of candidates put forward each year by eligible academics, lawmakers, previous laureates and other recognised experts. Specialist committees assess the nominations and recommend candidates, while the final winners are chosen by the relevant prize-awarding bodies; current nominations remain confidential for 50 years.
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. They were recognized for their groundbreaking discoveries related to light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. The technique developed by these scientists allows researchers to control nerve cell activity using light. The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded 116 times since its inception in 1901. Frederick G.
Eurozone business activity experienced significant growth in September due to strong demand despite inflation concerns. The S&P Global Eurozone Services PMI and composite index reflected this growth, reaching high levels not seen in several months. Strong performance was observed in Spain and Ireland, along with an accelerated recovery in Germany. Inflation pressures increased, raising speculation on potential European Central Bank interest rate hikes.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez has called for early elections after his government experienced a legislative defeat regarding housing measures. The elections are scheduled to take place on November 29, in response to public protests over housing affordability. Snchezs governmental coalition has struggled with several smaller parties impacting legislative progress. The conservative Popular Party, which holds the most Parliament seats, is expected to challenge Snchez in the elections.
Captain Smit Machchhar became a hero after averting a disaster involving 174 people on a flight. His family faced a difficult journey as they rushed to his hospital bedside in Saudi Arabia. Smit was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi for treatment, where his condition is improving. While receiving numerous calls from world leaders, he maintained his composure despite the pain from deep wounds.
This year's Nobel Prizes will commence on Monday with the medicine prize awarded at the Karolinska Institute. Last year, three scientists won the medicine prize for their work on the immune system. Their research has been crucial for understanding autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and lupus. Following the medicine prize, additional prizes for physics, chemistry, and literature will be announced.
A flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain and allegedly attempting to crash a flight into Israel had told UAE investigators that he planned the attack before joining the airline, according to Israeli officials familiar with the probe.
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar urged people to use Tarun Bharat instead of Gen Z, saying Indias younger generation should be welcomed rather than viewed through a generational gap.
A Delhi man living in Canada says he reached the best shape of his life after giving up Indian food about 1.5 years ago. He now eats four meals a day, tracks over 150 grams of protein and stays in a calorie deficit, a claim that has sparked a mixed debate online between support and pushback.
Aadhaar name change rules have been revised by UIDAI under a new Standard Operating Procedure issued on September 18, 2026. The updated process categorises name updates into minor corrections, data-entry errors, marital changes, regional-language errors and major name changes. Check the required documents, step-by-step process, Gazette notification rules and the applicable Rs 75 demographic update fee.
A banyan tree in Landi Kotal, Pakistan, has remained chained to the ground since 1898, when a reportedly intoxicated British officer, James Squid, allegedly believed the tree was moving towards him and ordered it to be arrested. A board still reads I am under arrest. Passed down through generations and reported by media, the bizarre colonial-era story has since become a symbol of British authority in the region.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin is undertaking a three-day State visit to India at Prime Minister Modi's invitation. He aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration across various sectors including commerce and technology. Both leaders are scheduled to hold discussions on trade, investment, and multilateral cooperation. President Parmelin will also meet President Droupadi Murmu during his visit. This trip marks a significant opportunity for India and Switzerland to enhance their long-standing partner
Traffic snarls on the newly opened Barapullah Phase-III corridor have created significant delays for motorists. Commuters have reported long waits while the old Barapullah flyover is creating a major bottleneck. The Delhi Traffic Police noted that traffic personnel are deployed to manage vehicle flow at merging points. While the corridor was opened to improve connectivity, peak hours see ongoing congestion.
Donald Trump mistakenly stated that 125 million people voted in an Indian presidential election on social media. He compared this with the US election process, claiming results take longer to calculate. Trumps comments actually referred to Brazil's presidential election that occurred recently. India does not have a presidential election system resembling that of Brazil. The confusion arose from a mix-up between the two countries' electoral processes.
'Super Intelligence Force': Trump unveils new task force led by DNI Jay Clayton to oversee AI policy
A 28-year-old worker at an Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, Siberia, died from unknown pneumonia. Russian authorities are investigating the incident, and special measures have been implemented in the region. Although there are concerns about pneumonic plague, officials emphasize that there is no outbreak. Close contacts of the deceased worker are under medical supervision and show no symptoms of illness.
Indian founder shared a video of his three bedroom Airbnb in Barcelona after the one week stay cost him Rs 3.5 lakh. His walkthrough of the apartment, paired with his comments on cost of living in Europe, sparked a debate online, with several users questioning the comparison he drew with India.
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is meeting to discuss potential interest rate hikes. Inflationary pressures and external factors are leading to anticipation of a rate increase. Analysts expect a 25 basis points hike in the upcoming policy announcement. This decision aligns with current inflation trends and economic forecasts for the country. The market is closely monitoring these developments as they will impact future economic stability.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking legal action against Thames Valley Police following his recent arrest. He faces allegations of leaking documents to Jeffrey Epstein during his time as trade envoy. Following his arrest, Mountbatten-Windsor was questioned and denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. His relationship with Epstein led to his resignation from royal duties in 2019. He has requested a judicial review concerning police search warrants for his homes.
Gold and silver prices opened mixed on the MCX, with silver gaining while gold declined. Weak US economic data reduced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike in October, supporting precious metals. Spot gold and silver also rose. Analysts expect further gains if key resistance levels are breached, but advise avoiding fresh positions amid geopolitical tensions and US-Iran peace talks.
Indias food inflation: Food prices are rising unevenly, impacting household budgets, while inflation is projected to persist in upcoming months. Economists expect food inflation to reach up to 7% in the near future due to various factors. Weather risks, particularly from El Nio, could significantly affect crop yields and consequently food prices. Additionally, global events in West Asia contribute to higher energy and logistic costs.
India and the US are currently negotiating a trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and addressing trade balance concerns. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that both sides appear to have reached a plateau in negotiations. She indicated that further concessions may be challenging following rigorous discussions. Despite this, she believes there could be opportunities for additional negotiations. The US is particularly focused on reducing its trade deficit with India.
Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, planned a terrorist attack to crash the aircraft. He was detained after attempting to incapacitate the captain during the flight. Israeli passengers intervened and successfully restrained al-Hammami, averting a disaster. Investigations revealed his prior radicalization and connections to extremist ideology. Authorities are continuing to explore his background and any potential external influences.
Wanying Zhang, a 34-year-old woman from Irvine, was arrested by the FBI at a Los Angeles airport. She is accused of acting as an unregistered agent for China and spying on a Taiwanese official. During 2025, Zhang surveilled a close relative of a Taiwanese government official in Seattle and collected sensitive information. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the arrest signals a warning to foreign espionage activities in the country.
FBI Director Kash Patel is engaged to country singer and commentator Alexis Wilkins, following their relationship since 2023. They announced their engagement on social media, sharing a photo that displayed Wilkins' ring. The couple met at a Nashville event and attended high-profile occasions together after Patel's appointment. Wilkins, an accomplished artist and political commentator, has performed alongside notable country singers.
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with National Iranian Oil Company chief Hamid Bovard appointed as acting minister. The resignation comes as the US intensifies its naval blockade and sanctions targeting Irans oil revenues amid the ongoing Middle East war.
A pro-Al Qaeda publication has urged followers to conduct copycat attacks on US and Israeli airliners. This call for violence references the September 11 attacks and the recent Flydubai flight incident. The Omani co-pilot involved in the attempted takeover is under investigation for extremist views. Authorities are examining the security implications of these events for commercial aviation. The situation raises concerns about the potential for future terrorist attacks on airliners.
Flavio Bolsonaro secured 47 percent of votes against incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's 45 percent. Several members of the Bolsonaro family won Congressional seats, indicating strong political support. Michelle Bolsonaro received the highest votes among senatorial candidates in Brasilia and may pursue a presidential bid in 2030. Flavio's election would require support from his family members in Congress to fulfill campaign promises.
Trump is 'hell-bent and determined' on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons: Hegseth
Elections on November 3 will determine control of Congress, affecting Trump's agenda as he finishes his term. Voters will decide on all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats in this midterm election. Democratic candidates currently have an advantage according to recent polls among registered voters. Major spending on campaign advertisements is expected to surpass previous records for midterm elections.
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is set to visit Beijing for crucial discussions regarding trade relations. As European leaders express concerns about unfair competition from Chinese industries, a potential trade war looms. The EU aims to reduce its significant trade deficit with China, which reached around 360 billion euros last year. Sefcovic seeks action on export surges from China and plans to enhance EU's trade defense measures.
Brent crude futures fell 70 cents, or 0.69%, to $101.60 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $90.15 a barrel, down 90 cents, or 1.07%.
The 2026 Nobel season is set to reveal the winners of various prestigious awards, starting with medicine. The medicine prize is anticipated to acknowledge research on appetite-regulating hormones related to weight-loss drugs. Alongside this, other fields such as skin regeneration and immunology are also potential candidates for recognition. The peace prize is expected to generate significant interest due to last year's controversial winner.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denied reports about the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from the United States. Following the UN General Assembly, he stated all but one diplomat left as scheduled. Reports suggested two members defied a US State Department order to leave the country. The Iranian delegation was instructed to ensure full compliance with exit directives.
During early Monday trading in Asia, gold prices surged due to lackluster US job growth figures. This disappointing employment data notably diminished the Federal Reserve's likelihood of raising interest rates in October, prompting investors to pivot towards safe-haven assets. Spot gold climbed to $4,153.32 per ounce, while silver and platinum also experienced price increases as market reactions unfolded. Economic trends are steering investment behaviors in precious metals significantly.
On Monday, oil prices surged following missile and drone strikes from Yemen's Houthis aimed at Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and the Khurais region. This escalation has sparked fears over potential disruptions in oil production from one of the world's primary exporters. Consequently, Brent crude futures climbed by 0.79%, hitting $103.06 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 0.50% to reach $91.57 per barrel.

34 C