The Economic Times

On Wednesday, the INDIA bloc parties plan to stage a protest outside the Delhi Election Commission office, voicing their concerns over the flawed SIR process and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Unified in their stance, representatives from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), RJD, NCP, and RSP aim to promote transparent electoral roll revisions that uphold the integrity of democracy and protect the rights of voters in Delhi.

Mani Shankar Aiyar criticised the BJP-led government for avoiding dialogue with Pakistan despite military actions taken. He proposed holding discussions at the Attari-Wagah border to facilitate continuous communication between both nations. Aiyar emphasised the importance of addressing unresolved issues through dialogue rather than arguing about the past. He highlighted the need for political unity among non-Hindutva factions to influence Delhi's policies.

The Karnataka BJP has warned of statewide protests if police continue registering FIRs against party workers over Form-7 objections filed during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. State BJP president BY Vijayendra said such complaints should be handled under electoral laws, while rejecting Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's allegations that the party was targeting voters from OBC, Dalit and minority communities.

Tejashwi Yadav has accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of manipulating the electoral process to favor the BJP, sparking outrage among citizens and resulting in protests. He slammed the Bihar government's failure to effectively manage flood responses and criticized the improper allocation of funds that hindered relief efforts. Yadav underscored the urgency in tackling serious issues like rising inflation and unemployment that plague the state.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan laid the foundation for three lakh houses. This initiative utilises 3D printing technology to construct durable and efficient homes. In Burripalem village, they joined a beneficiary family to mark the occasion. A pilot project for building 117 houses is expected to complete within six months. This approach aims to cut construction time and reduce labor costs significantly.

In a thrilling encounter in Kolkata, Brazil dominated India with a decisive 4-0 win. Despite the score, Indian players displayed remarkable resilience and grit on the pitch. After the match, Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti commended Indian coach Khalid Jamil for his efforts, while Jamil acknowledged the crucial need for experience and focus in upcoming games. This match added an unforgettable moment to Kolkata's legacy in football.

Russia has warned it will intensify strikes on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed to step up attacks on Russian oil refineries. Moscow said it would target military facilities, defence industry sites and related infrastructure, while Kyiv has accused Russia of escalating strikes on the capital. Both sides deny targeting civilians.

In Koh Kong province, approximately 198,000 square metres of land has been cleared of mines and returned to residents. This effort is part of Indias Quick Impact Project which aims to support local communities. About 134 families are set to benefit from the newfound access to safe land for various uses. The clearing ceremony was attended by officials from both India and Cambodia.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to create a religious tourism circuit with a budget of Rs 1,000 crore. The plans will be executed over the next two years to promote religious tourism. Furthermore, Adhikari declared that no Durga Puja will be inaugurated during Pitrupaksha this year. Ashtami will be observed as a no liquor day, reinforcing adherence to traditions.

Devansh Tyagi, a creative content maker, decided to set up a coffee stall just outside a bustling corporate office to assess his potential earnings. He priced his cups at Rs 40 and claimed to have served around 450 customers in a single day. During their breaks, people shared their thoughts on the coffee's flavor, while sales varied throughout the hours.

A Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau investigation has been ordered regarding the allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. These allegations date back to his tenure as the Public Works Department secretary in 2006. The probe will specifically examine irregularities in awarding public works contracts and the death of Malaysian engineer Lee See Been. Previously, an inquiry into these matters was reportedly stalled due to external influences.

C Joseph Vijay participated in a roadshow in Dharapuram supporting his party's candidate ahead of the upcoming bypolls. During the event, he criticized the DMK for derogatory remarks made against women, especially his candidate. He emphasized that he would not tolerate attacks on women and called for respect and dignity. The campaign covered significant areas and included interactions with voters and community members.

The Nifty IT indexs 25% fall in 2026 may have already priced in much of the threat from AI. Chintan Haria of ICICI Prudential AMC sees selective opportunities in companies positioned to benefit from data engineering, cloud migration, legacy modernisation and AI integration.

The 20th Asian Games recently wrapped up in Aichi-Nagoya, highlighting remarkable achievements by young athletes from diverse nations. China led the way with an astounding 169 gold medals, while Japan celebrated a historic total of 83. However, the event was not without its hurdles, facing substantial logistical issues such as transportation setbacks and lodging mistakes for participants. These challenges resulted in delays in competition schedules, leaving some teams frustrated.

In Jammy and Kashmir, two primary recruiment agencies collected more than 113 crore as application fees from job aspirants. The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) have conducted 369 recruitment examinations for 15,964 advertised posts. Howeverm the actual number of roles filled in the last two years have been low, raising concerns about the transparency of the process.

A Pakistani terrorist identified as Mohd Asif alias Hashim Moosa, believed to be a former Pakistan Army SSG commando and a Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, allegedly used pure honey to treat bullet wounds while hiding in the forests of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said photographs of his honey-treated injuries were recovered from an associates phone after his death.

World Teachers' Day 2026 is set for October 5, shining a spotlight on the pivotal contributions of educators. This year's theme is centered around the importance of advocating for teachers globally. Celebrations at UNESCO Headquarters will include meaningful discussions about the pressing challenges educators face today, urging both policymakers and society to elevate teachers' statuses amidst issues like the effects of digital technology, climate change, and migration.

A woman from Yangebup, is facing charges following a blaze that led to the rescue of six children. The incident occurred when one child inadvertently ignited a blanket while cooking. Firefighters found the residence extensively damaged, but fortunately, all children were transported to a hospital and are reported stable.

A car owner whose vehicle caught fire after being parked on a highway following a tyre puncture was denied an insurance claim over the vehicle being left unattended. A consumer commission rejected the insurer's reasoning and ordered a full payout along with interest and compensation.

Japanese anime Aoashi returns with Season 2, continuing Ashito Aois journey from a talented footballer in Ehime to a determined player at Tokyo Esperion youth academy. Produced by TMS Entertainment, the second season premiered in October 2026 after the first season aired from April to September 2022. Based on Ygo Kobayashis manga, Aoashi has surpassed 25 million copies in circulation and won the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award.

The BJP has announced its candidates for various constituencies in the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. Dr Smita Jadhav will contest from the Pune Division Graduates constituency, while Sudhakar Kohle is fielded from Nagpur. Additionally, Kaustubh Gawde represents the Pune Division Teachers constituency in the elections. These biennial elections will occur on October 23, with results expected on October 27.

The RBI could raise the repo rate by 25 basis points in October and signal further tightening as inflation, elevated crude prices and a narrowing rate gap with the US pressure the rupee. Strong reserves and a manageable current account provide crucial buffers.

Google searches for Gen Alpha slang are surging in 2026 as adults struggle to keep up with a rapidly changing teen vocabulary. A study by Unscramblerer found terms including '6-7', 'crine', 'scuba', 'quiet on the creek', 'rizz' and 'larping' among the expressions people are searching to understand, highlighting how social media, music and online communities are creating a new kind of generation gap.

Ashish Shelar criticised the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, calling it a march of foxes and accusing the Opposition of questioning EVMs and the Election Commission after losing elections. Shelar also defended the EVM system, cited past poll victories using EVMs and questioned the parties opposition to the ongoing SIR exercise.

Asaduddin Owaisi accused BJP members of submitting Form 7 to eliminate Muslim voters from electoral rolls. He called for scrutiny of these forms, alleging that names are being wrongfully removed. Owaisi threatened significant protests in Hyderabad if the actions do not cease. In response, Telangana BJP claimed Owaisi should provide evidence and pursue legal action. Both parties are engaged in a heated exchange regarding electoral integrity and voter suppression.

In a significant announcement, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami revealed a raise in stipends for Senior and Junior Resident doctors, elevating them from around Rs 75,000 to exceeding Rs 1 lakh. Furthermore, the deadline for regularising 'Class B' lands in areas like Dehradun has been prolonged by one year.

India's leading IT firms are projected to exhibit modest revenue growth and stable margins for the second quarter. Analysts anticipate that discretionary spending will remain constrained due to geopolitical issues affecting client budgets. As such, decision-making cycles are expected to prolong for upcoming quarters. Additionally, AI advancements are predicted to impact traditional services and revenue generation timelines.

The RBI is expected to raise the repo rate by 25 basis points in its October policy review as inflation pressures build from higher crude prices, the West Asia conflict and global monetary tightening, according to a PTI poll of economists and bankers. Most also expect a hawkish tone, a higher FY27 inflation forecast and possibly further rate hikes later in the fiscal year.

A Delhi couple who alleged they were lured into buying a holiday membership after being promised free hotel stays and other benefits has secured relief from a consumer commission. The commission directed Royalty Holidays International to refund Rs 65,000 with 9% annual interest, besides paying Rs 30,000 compensation for mental harassment and Rs 11,000 towards litigation costs.

India needs deeper integration into global value chains, lower logistics costs and better use of free trade agreements to boost exports and move into higher-value manufacturing, according to Deloitte India. It also called for stronger supply-chain resilience, tariff rationalisation and greater support for MSMEs facing trade-finance, compliance and currency risks.

Parimals hilarious hostel memory about falling off a plastic-covered mattress three times has struck a nostalgic chord online. He recalled his wardens strict instruction to keep the cover intact and how the slippery bed reminded him of home. His story also highlighted Indias habit of preserving plastic covers on everything from sofas to remotes. Netizens praised his storytelling and shared similar memories from humble beginnings.

India and Canada are set to hold the fifth round of negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in October. These discussions aim to conclude the pact by the end of 2026, following previous rounds and negotiations. Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is scheduled to visit New Delhi with a large business delegation later this month.

Maintaining a clean shoe rack is vital for a hygienic home environment and helps to prevent annoying odours and unsightly stains. Start by clearing all shoes from the rack. For effective cleaning, mix mild soapy water with white vinegar, applying it with a toothbrush to eliminate dust and unpleasant smells. Ensure the area is well-ventilated post-cleaning to prevent moisture issues.

Government data reveals growth of 8 percent in industrial output for August 2026, driven by manufacturing. Apparel production, however, declined by 7.4 percent in the same month, indicating ongoing challenges. In contrast, the textile industry has shown strong growth of 13.1 percent, signaling a divergence in trends. Experts suggest that upcoming festive seasons could boost demand for apparel manufacturing in the near future.

DC Studios show Lanterns is set to conclude its first season with a finale that seeks to solve Hal Jordan's death mystery. Multiple suspects are highlighted, besides clues suggesting he might still be alive. The show has enjoyed high ratings and a positive critical reception since its August premiere. HBO has not officially renewed Lanterns for a second season, but may announce a decision soon.

BJP has revealed its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for October 16. Rukmini Mallick will represent West Bengal while Dinesh Arya will be the candidate from Uttarakhand. Elections are set to cover twelve seats, including ten from Uttar Pradesh. The current terms of existing members are concluding on November 25. Additionally, there will be a bypoll for one seat in West Bengal.

Uddhav Thackeray alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar serves as a tool for the BJP government. Raj Thackeray demanded that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Maharashtra be canceled. Both leaders participated in a protest march that culminated in a rally at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters. Various state leaders joined them in demanding the resignation of the CEC over election irregularities.

Zannone, a volcanic island near Rome, successfully removed black rats that threatened local seabird populations. Conservationists undertook this effort in 2007 and led to a notable rise in Scopoli's shearwater numbers. Their breeding pairs increased from 27 to 80, showcasing the impact of eradicating invasive species. Despite this success, the ongoing threat of new rat introductions remains a concern.

An Indian Navy sailor, 31-year-old Pradeep Mukherjee, was arrested for allegedly passing classified maritime intelligence to a Pakistani intelligence operative through a social media honey-trap, officials said.

Tensions between the Samajwadi Party and Congress over seat-sharing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections intensified after SP Rajya Sabha MP Shiv Pal Singh Patel criticised Rahul Gandhi and Congress' reported demand for 150 seats. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav later asked party leaders to keep their views on seat-sharing within internal channels.

Lucki was reportedly injured during an altercation at ComplexCon, with viral videos appearing to show blood around his neck as security escorted him to a car. While several reports linked the incident to Playboi Cartis entourage, the exact nature of Luckis injury and what triggered the clash remain unconfirmed. The incident has also brought back attention to the rappers 2024 dispute over Luckis Crossed up chain post, which Carti reportedly took as a diss before Lucki denied targeting him.

D'Arros Island in Seychelles has witnessed a remarkable revival of wedge-tailed shearwaters after the successful elimination of invasive rats. From just around 250 breeding pairs in 2009, the population surged to nearly 2,800 pairs by 2021. Researchers emphasize that seabirds are vital for nutrient cycling in ecosystems, yet questions surrounding their ecological impacts and future challenges persist.

After a busy fundraising period, the primary market turns its focus to 29 listings this week. Grey market trends remain mixed, with Vans Electroengineerings signalling a potential 59% gain, while several companies indicate flat debuts.

The ET Alpha Wealth Summit 2.0 set to be held on October 8 at ITC Maratha in Mumbai. Leading investment experts will convene to discuss trends affecting capital flows and investment strategies. Keynote speeches and panel discussions will cover topics such as alternative assets, structured debt, and family office investment frameworks. The summit aims to provide insights into evolving wealth creation methodologies and the role of technology in investing.

The Aam Aadmi Party has criticized the Congress in Goa over past defections of its MLAs. AAP used a mocking slogan to question Congress's credibility as it prepares for upcoming elections. The Congress is mobilizing support through its 'Goy Rakhon Yatra' campaign to unite the opposition. Sunil Kawthankar of Congress condemned AAP for not focusing on the ruling BJP's actions.

Attention all aspiring law students: You have until 3 PM on October 5, 2026, to register your options for Kerala LLM Allotment 2026. Make sure to complete your registration online via the official website, and keep in mind that fees differ based on your category. It's essential to upload all necessary documents by October 4, 2026, as missing this step will lead to disqualification.

India's kabaddi captain Sunil Kumar nearly missed the Asian Games after shattering the bone in his palm just two months before squad selection. A Mumbai doctor skipped the usual plate and screw surgery for a faster, minimally invasive technique, and Kumar went on to lift gold after India beat Iran in the final.