The Economic Times

In Lakeville, Indiana, a fascinating project incorporated shredded car tires into highway embankments, proving beneficial for waste management while ensuring road integrity. Over the course of a year-long study, officials noted negligible subsidence and no major heating issues. However, prevailing regulations and contractor biases remain significant barriers to the broad application of this innovative recycling technique in construction, highlighting the ongoing struggle to adopt eco-friendly pr

Several Indian states are predicted to experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on October 31. Areas including Arunachal Pradesh, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala may face significant rainfall. Additionally, thunderstorms with gusty winds are likely in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karnataka. Delhi will have partly cloudy skies with no expected rainfall on the same day. The India Meteorological Department has issued various advisories for these regions.

US President Donald Trump, speaking ahead of November 3 midterm congressional elections, said on Friday he believed the war with Iran will end soon, but did not say how that would happen.

Off the coast of Taylor's Island, Maryland, a barge has sunk, transforming the seafloor into a barren landscape. In response, Maryland's Artificial Reef Program has strategically placed concrete rubble to stimulate marine life and fish populations. Initial research suggests a notable uptick in local flounder fishing, though continued research will be crucial to assess the long-term benefits and sustainability of this artificial reef initiative.

A nationwide Digital Life Certificate campaign is scheduled to begin across 2,000 locations in India. This campaign aims to simplify the process of submitting life certificates for pensioners by adopting digital methods. The initiative will use face authentication technology to facilitate easy access for elderly pensioners. Various government departments and organizations will work together to ensure effective outreach.

Tarek El Moussa has defended gifting his 16-year-old daughter Taylor a $150,000 BMW X5, insisting she earned the luxury car through her hard work. The real estate star revealed how her 4.2 GPA and freshman soccer MVP achievement influenced his decision, while explaining why he believes she deserved the expensive gift.

The use of shredded tires as a base for light rail tracks offers a cost-effective solution for reducing noise. Many transit authorities have successfully implemented this method, leading to significant savings in construction costs. Additionally, using shredded tires prevents tires from ending up in landfills where they can pose environmental hazards. Despite successful trials, this method remains underutilized in many US transit expansions.

During a recent farm auction, Renay Davis stumbled upon an old cast-iron fireplace cover, which she artfully reimagined as a captivating backsplash in her kitchen. This resourceful decision allowed her to sidestep the hefty costs of conventional tiles while also contributing to the upcycling phenomenon in home renovations. Her project exemplifies the rising admiration for antique materials, revealing a strong shift toward incorporating distinctive salvaged pieces in modern living spaces.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has cautioned police officers against allegedly framing party workers in fabricated cases. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari responded by claiming Banerjee is incoherent due to a sodium-potassium imbalance. Adhikari also alleged that an aide of Banerjee has provided information against him. Banerjee demanded the arrest of members of a Durga Puja committee following a tragic stampede.

Akhilesh Yadav criticized Yogi Adityanath for securing a win in Gorakhpur at the expense of Varanasi. He alleged that the BJP's victories resulted from manipulation, leading to losses in several regions. Yadav congratulated SP candidates for their successful campaigns, highlighting their commitment to democracy and social justice. He invoked historical figures to emphasize the importance of people's voice in governance.

Some midterm election contests in the United States are expected to face delays from recounts and legal challenges. The outcomes may hinge on a few tightly contested races that could affect congressional control. Historical precedents show that disputes can result in lengthy legal battles in both the House and Senate. Both parties may file lawsuits to challenge results and delay seating candidates.

Texas Democrats are proactively contesting every major election as they seek to end a long-standing Republican dominance. The state has become a battleground with rising Latino voter turnout and unrest among conservative women. Disturbing issues involving Attorney General Ken Paxton have led to doubts among Republican voters. Democrats are focusing on affordability while Republicans delve into culture wars.

The Thomas Viaduct, completed in 1835, stands as a testament to innovation in American railway engineering. Built with 63,000 tons of granite featuring a curved design, this bridge overcame early doubts about its strength. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, emphasizing its cultural importance. Today, it exemplifies how historic structures can be preserved while supporting contemporary transportation needs.

Israel held elections, resulting in Prime Minister Netanyahu's bloc securing 53 seats, while the opposition won 48. The historic performance of Arab-led parties, which captured 19 seats, adds complexity to coalition talks. President Isaac Herzog will determine who is tasked with forming the new government amidst these negotiations. Allegations of electoral misconduct were raised by Netanyahu and his supporters against Arab-led parties.

In Burgundy, France, engineers have made strides in sustainable construction by incorporating about 17,000 tons of foundry sand waste into a highway project. This initiative sought to assess the safety and efficiency of using recycled materials in roadwork. Over two years of observation, the highway demonstrated commendable structural integrity with no adverse environmental effects, emphasizing a notable shift towards utilizing industrial waste and easing landfill burdens for sustainable practic

The Supreme Court addressed concerns over criminal cases following relationship failures, emphasizing consent during the relationship. It asserted that retrospective regret cannot redefine consensual acts as rape due to relationship dissolution. The court highlighted the importance of distinguishing between genuine cases of coercion and consensual interactions. It pointed out that misuse of rape allegations undermines the serious nature of the crime.

Dattatraya Suryakant Kumbhar, a farm labourer, was found hanging at his home in Rani Ankulga village. His suicide is linked to alleged harassment from four credit firms regarding loan repayments. The Shirur Anantpal police have registered a case based on his wife's complaint. Officials from Equitas Bank, Shriram Finance, Ring loan app, and HDB Financial Services are implicated.

A helicopter operated by Trans Bharat Aviation is missing after taking off from Badrinath towards Dehradun. Local media sources indicate that the helicopter is suspected to have crashed near Chayi village. Search operations are hampered by poor visibility and persistent rainfall in the area. Two additional helicopters have been deployed to assist in locating the wreckage. The incident involves six individuals who were on board the missing helicopter.

Despite numerous rounds of counseling, approximately 2,000 MBBS seats in India still remain empty. High tuition fees are deterring potential candidates from enrolling, especially in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where significant vacancies persist. Authorities are contemplating lowering eligibility cut-offs to fill these spots, prompting discussions on the accessibility of medical education and its future ramifications for students.

NCLAT overturned the insolvency proceedings against Polycab India Limited, which originated from a claim by Asier Metals. The tribunal found unresolved disputes regarding payments and alleged operational dues amounting to Rs 2.78 crore. NCLAT noted that effective communication existed between the two parties detailing ongoing disagreements over credit notes and charges. Additionally, Polycab disputed the creditor's demand, indicating significant unresolved financial matters.

In a tragic incident, Sandeep, a 35-year-old driver, lost his life following a heated argument over an extra serving of chhole with food vendor Chintu Gupta. The disagreement escalated, resulting in Gupta allegedly stabbing Sandeep. Despite being rushed to two different hospitals, Sandeep succumbed to his injuries. The vendor has been apprehended and charged with murder.

A chartered accountant has warned that biggets threat to middle class in the next few year is not layoffs, market crash or inflation. He has said that excessive lifestyle EMIs could become a major financial threat to India's middle class. From smartphones and holidays to personal loans, rising monthly repayments can leave households vulnerable to layoffs, market crashes and inflation.

IIT Guwahati has signed an MoU with Tata Electronics to establish a Centre of Excellence for semiconductor education. This collaboration aims to develop educational programmes that align with industry needs and create skilled professionals. Additionally, the partnership will provide hands-on training opportunities for students at Tata Electronics. It includes developing relevant course content and training faculty from various institutions.

Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party recently accused officials of manipulating voter lists for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. He alleged that some officials are colluding with BJP workers to delete votes of SP supporters. The claims include a target of deleting around 10,000 SP votes from each assembly constituency. Uttar Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer has requested specific details to conduct an inquiry into these allegations.

The French economy experienced a contraction of 0.1% in the third quarter due to declining exports. Exports fell significantly, particularly in transport equipment, which had previously shown strong growth. Investment, as indicated by gross fixed capital formation, also continued to drop, extending previous declines. Household consumption, however, showed an increase, driven by electric vehicle purchases and a rebound in energy consumption.

France's Senate has approved a law to hold families accountable for damages caused by riots and unrest. This legislation allows authorities to recover compensation from family benefits like housing aid and allowances. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately affect vulnerable families and discourage peaceful protests. Similar accountability measures are being considered in other European countries amid concerns over riots.

Elon Musk has urged voters to back Republican Senate candidates in the November 3 midterms, warning that a future Democratic sweep of the presidency and Congress could lead to changes such as DC and Puerto Rico statehood and an expanded Supreme Court. His intervention comes as he pours hundreds of millions of dollars into Republican candidates and political groups, making him one of the most influential donors of the election cycle.

Mumbai has faced unusually poor air quality throughout October as the average air quality index has sharply increased. According to data, this month has seen significant concentrations of PM2.5 particles that pose health risks. The ongoing El Nio effect is causing slower coastal winds that usually help disperse pollution. Factors such as construction activity and urban development further contribute to the deteriorating air quality.

ISRO is scheduled to launch its GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the NVS-03 navigation satellite at 11:51 pm on October 30 from Sriharikota. The mission aims to strengthen India's NavIC network with an additional L1 navigation signal and improved timing capabilities through an indigenous atomic clock.

Israels election results have left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus bloc with 53 seats and the main opposition with 48 in the 120-member Knesset, triggering weeks of coalition negotiations. Arab-led parties won the remaining 19 seats and could become kingmakers, though their potential role has sparked controversy. If parties fail to form a government, Israel could hold another election early next year.

A Delhi court has adjourned the framing of money laundering charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members. The judge stated that all accused, except those exempted, must be present at the next hearing. The Enforcement Directorate's case involves the alleged IRCTC hotel scam, with nine of the sixteen accused facing charges. The investigation indicates no political vendetta against Lalu Prasad, despite defense claims.

Tripura has inaugurated its first tea auction centre in Agartala to improve local tea marketing and reduce expenses. The new facility aims to shorten the time required to sell tea consignments by about 40 percent. Currently, a significant amount of Tripura's tea is sold outside the state, which increases costs for producers. The establishment of the auction centre is expected to facilitate better coordination between sellers and buyers.

US midterm elections: Four days before the US midterms, major national polls show Democrats leading Republicans by roughly 8-10 points on the congressional ballot, putting the House within reach while Trumps weak approval ratings and voter concern over the economy remain major headwinds for the GOP. The Senate is tighter, but recent CNN battleground polling shows Democrats ahead in several key races, giving the party a possible path to the four-seat gain needed for control.

President Donald Trump has suggested that his administration may withhold assistance from Democratic leaders after the midterm elections. At recent rallies, he has used the threat of political favoritism to bolster Republican candidates. His comments have concerned some voters, especially veterans seeking aid linked to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, Trump's remarks in North Carolina and Kansas have sparked controversy among local Democratic candidates.

Sintaphu Lake in Bhutan experienced a glacial lake outburst flood that washed away a hot spring complex. The Punakha-Gasa highway also suffered significant damage, leading to road closures. Authorities are assessing the situation and advising avoidance of non-essential travel in affected areas. Precautionary evacuations were executed as floodwaters reached nearby communities. Flood advisory alerts were issued in India for regions along the Sankosh River.

Top diplomats from the G20 nations are convening in Atlanta to discuss pressing global issues. Key topics include regional conflicts and trade tensions affecting international security. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aims to facilitate cooperation among member countries. However, deep divisions are evident, especially regarding military actions and the Ukraine situation. This meeting serves as a precursor to the upcoming G20 summit hosted by President Trump.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swiss President Guy Parmelin are set to sign a significant trade deal. The accord offers Switzerland extensive market access to China, enhancing the trade relationship between the two nations. This agreement notably contrasts with increasing trade barriers established by the United States and the European Union. Swiss officials believe this deal will provide stability in a volatile global trade environment.

Singapore recorded 4,800 retrenchments in the third quarter of 2026, the highest level since late 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The rise, driven by business reorganisations, came despite overall employment growth of 27,700 during the quarter. The Ministry of Manpower flagged emerging weaknesses in parts of the labour market, with more companies indicating plans to retrench employees over the next three months.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in her first public remarks since returning from 10 months in exile, said the country is moving irreversibly towards presidential elections in 2027. She called for the dismantling of the repressive system and the release of political prisoners, while denying any contact with interim President Delcy Rodriguez or Washington over a possible meeting.

US President Donald Trump has shifted to phone rallies in the final days of the midterm election campaign, cancelling planned appearances in Iowa and Kansas as Republicans face tight Senate races across several states. Trump travelled to South Carolina to campaign for Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham, who is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Annie Andrews. With voter concerns over the economy, fuel prices and the war in Iran weighing on the campaign, both parties are making a fin