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National News

The Economic Times

National / The Economic Times

FICCI seeks Dutch investment in mfg, tech; calls for project-level follow-up

FICCI has called for enhanced Dutch investments in Indias manufacturing and technology sectors during Piyush Goyal's visit. The discussions may lead to manufacturing partnerships and technology collaborations which would strengthen bilateral trade. Greater emphasis is placed on supply chain integration to meet Dutch quality and sustainability standards. The upcoming India-EU free trade agreement is expected to facilitate deeper commercial ties.

24 Oct 2026 4:53 pm
Congress seeks impartial probe into voter lists after errors appear in UP MLC polls; halt to SIR

Congress has raised concerns over discrepancies in the Uttar Pradesh voter list and demanded an impartial investigation. The party is calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged collusion with the BJP. Congress leaders have noted previous instances of vote record manipulations involving thousands of voters, particularly from specific communities.

24 Oct 2026 4:45 pm
Arizona put thermal cameras above I-17 ramps to spot wrong-way drivers; in the first 6 months, the system detected 33 vehicles before they caused a crash

Arizona has improved highway safety through the introduction of an advanced thermal camera system designed to identify wrong-way drivers. This initiative aims to establish a rapid response network capable of tackling such perilous situations. Upon detection, the system triggers warning signs and alerts traffic management operators instantly, significantly reducing response times and helping to avert possible accidents on the roads. This advancement showcases the ongoing evolution of traffic safe

24 Oct 2026 4:45 pm
Jamia Millia Islamia shifts classes online amid campus unrest: What are students demanding, and why has the row escalated?

Jamia Millia Islamia has shifted all classes online until further notice amid ongoing student protests on campus. The move comes as the All India Students Association (AISA) alleged that students were assaulted during negotiations with the university administration. Five students have been on hunger strike since October 12, demanding the restoration of the students union and the withdrawal of disciplinary action.

24 Oct 2026 4:37 pm
Tilak Varmas unbeaten 51 powers India to 2-0 T20I series lead over New Zealand

India achieved a four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the second T20I, leading the series 2-0. Tilak Varma played a crucial role by scoring an unbeaten 51 runs in 26 balls. The match saw India struggling at one point, being 112 for six while chasing a 180-run target. Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed with a vital 26 not out, scoring the winning runs for India.

24 Oct 2026 4:21 pm
Why are Android phones showing Google Play system update dated January 2027? What Pixel, Vivo and other users need to know

Google Play system updates are showing a January 1, 2027 date on several Android devices, including the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Vivo X300 Ultra and older phones running Android 12. The unexpected date has sparked discussions on Reddit and other social media platforms, raising questions about whether Google has rolled out an update early or if the date is incorrect.

24 Oct 2026 4:18 pm
Rajiv was very good-looking: Sonia Gandhi shares early memories with him on X debut

Sonia Gandhi has launched her debut on social media, sharing personal memories of her late husband Rajiv Gandhi. She announced her upcoming memoir titled Belonging - A Journey of Love, set to release on November 10. Through a video, Gandhi reminisced about their first meeting in a Greek restaurant while studying in Cambridge. The memoir covers significant events in her life, including overcoming personal tragedies.

24 Oct 2026 4:15 pm
Kamala Harris returns to campaign trail ahead of US midterms, leaves 2028 presidential bid undecided

Kamala Harris has returned to the campaign trail to support Democrats in important midterm contests. Her appearances span key states like Georgia, Mississippi, and Nevada ahead of the elections. Speculation about her potential 2028 presidential run increases as she rallies support for candidates. Harris emphasizes the significance of the upcoming elections over future political ambitions.

24 Oct 2026 4:14 pm
Noida fire tragedy: One dead as five shops catch fire

One person died after a fire broke out at five temporary shops in Raipur village under Sector 126 police station limits in Noida on Saturday. Six fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze, and the shops were evacuated. The victim was found unconscious during the firefighting operation and was declared dead at a hospital. The person's identity is yet to be established.

24 Oct 2026 4:12 pm
Protests great mechanism for governments to perform better: Sonam Wangchuk

Sonam Wangchuk highlighted the significance of protests for government performance during his remarks at the IPF Festival. He mentioned the unrest in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as cautionary tales against suppressing protests. Wangchuk argued that protests should not necessitate government permission, except for city management purposes. He noted that many countries allow protests in front of parliamentary buildings. His comments came amid criticism of the Indian government's restrictions on prote

24 Oct 2026 4:07 pm
Amit Shah to visit Delhi Police headquarters today, discuss law and order in Capital

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Delhi Police headquarters to review the national capital's law and order situation amid protests against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties are demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, while the INDIA bloc plans a November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan. Delhi traders have urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the event until after the festive season.

24 Oct 2026 3:59 pm
Divided over Israel, Detroit Democrats unite on rising costs for midterm elections

As Detroit voters prepare for the November midterm elections, many emphasize the importance of affordability and economic concerns. Various groups, including Jewish, Muslim, and Black voters, express worries about rising costs impacting their daily lives. Abdul El-Sayed's Senate campaign faces challenges as he seeks support amidst reservations regarding his stance on certain issues. While some voters lean towards economic issues and community safety, they remain hesitant about their voting choic

24 Oct 2026 3:50 pm
SP has finalised seat-sharing formula, announcement soon: SP MP Ramashankar Rajbhar

Samajwadi Party MP Ramashankar Rajbhar has said the party has finalised its seat-sharing formula for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with details expected to be announced soon. He also said the SP would release its manifesto on November 26. His statement comes days after Congress leader Rajendra Pal Gautam said a committee would discuss seat-sharing within the INDIA bloc.

24 Oct 2026 3:38 pm
Ban all Muslims from entering Poland...: Trump-linked politician Dominik Tarczyski tells Piers Morgan, says Islam not compatible with Western values

Polish politician Dominik Tarczyski has said he would ban all Muslims from entering Poland if elected to power, telling broadcaster Piers Morgan that Islam is incompatible with Western values. During the interview, Tarczyski defended his opposition to Muslim immigration and argued that Europe should not allow new mosques while Christians face restrictions on building churches in Qatar.

24 Oct 2026 3:35 pm
Europe Rare Temple Discovery: 1,500-year-old marble carving of mother goddess & 3 nymphs found at ancient Bulgarian sanctuary

Archaeologists have discovered a rare marble carving of the ancient goddess Cybele alongside three nymphs at the Balak Dere archaeological site in southeastern Bulgaria. The temple, believed to have been used for pagan worship from the third century AD, was destroyed by fire around the middle of the fifth century. The discovery could offer new clues about ancient religious practices in the region.

24 Oct 2026 3:32 pm
In 1982, NASA engineer George Alcorn invented an imaging spectrometer designed to analyze high-energy sources

George Edward Alcorn's groundbreaking invention of the X-ray imaging spectrometer has revolutionized the field of space exploration, allowing for in-depth analysis of celestial phenomena. This innovative device merges imaging with energy detection, yielding essential data from various X-ray sources. His contributions significantly advanced astronomy, enabling detailed mapping of planetary surfaces and stellar charts. Recognized for his achievements, Alcorn was inducted into the National Inventor

24 Oct 2026 3:30 pm
India, Uzbekistan discuss bilateral ties during foreign minister Jaishankar's Azerbaijan visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in Azerbaijans Baku to discuss bilateral issues and stress the timely implementation of agreements reached at the highest level. The meeting follows Prime Minister Narendra Modis August visit to Uzbekistan, during which the two countries upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and set a $5 billion bilateral trade target.

24 Oct 2026 3:18 pm
Portfolio Killers: 10 US stocks that wiped out up to 66% of investors wealth in 2026

Amid the AI trade and ongoing geopolitical tensions, several US-listed stocks have come under pressure in 2026. Here are the top 10 stocks with market capitalisations above $5 billion that have fallen between 49% and 66% year to date, according to Vested Finance data.

24 Oct 2026 3:15 pm
Courts cannot be unmindful when precious water bodies remain unprotected: SC

The Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of protecting water bodies as a vital resource for drinking water. It directed all states and authorities to undertake physical ground-truthing of wetlands, ensuring compliance and detail in their methods. After acknowledging concerns about the time-consuming nature of this task, the court has granted four months for completion.

24 Oct 2026 3:08 pm
Whose peace am I being asked to keep?: AISA chief Neha Bora refuses to sign peace bond, questions restrictions on dissent

Neha Bora, the president of AISA, publicly declared her intention to refuse a peace bond stipulated by police. After her detention during a protest, she challenged the police notice in the Delhi High Court. Bora emphasized that street demonstrations are a fundamental democratic right and should not be perceived as threats to public order. She asserted that the right to dissent needs to be protected within democratic systems.

24 Oct 2026 3:07 pm
Rahul Gandhi bent on holding protest on November 1 to toy with Sikh sentiments: BJP on rally against 'vote chori'

The BJP has criticised the Congress over the INDIA bloc's planned rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on November 1, with BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accusing Rahul Gandhi of hurting the sentiments of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Congress has said the rally will protest alleged irregularities by the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

24 Oct 2026 2:54 pm
Govt of Singapores India portfolio: 10 stocks rally up to 100% in FY27 so far

In terms of stock performance, around 14 stocks in the portfolio have delivered positive returns so far in FY27, while nearly half have posted negative returns.

24 Oct 2026 2:50 pm
Change of government through democratic means is what India wants: Kapil Sibal hits back at Bhagwat's 'regime change' remarks

Kapil Sibal addressed a press conference criticizing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's Vijayadashami address concerning regime change. He argued that calls for change in India are democratic and peaceful unlike unrest abroad. Sibal accused the government of stifling dissent and manipulating legal processes against opposition leaders. Additionally, he raised concerns about foreign interference and territorial integrity in Arunachal Pradesh.

24 Oct 2026 2:38 pm
UK Emergency Alert: Why Andy Burnham's govt is asking people to store food, keep cash at home & prepare for 3 days without essential services

The UK government has launched a three-year 'Be Ready' campaign urging households to prepare for emergencies such as extreme weather, wildfires and cyberattacks. The guidance advises Britons to keep three days' worth of essential supplies, including bottled water, non-perishable food, cash, a torch, spare batteries and a radio, in case essential services are disrupted.

24 Oct 2026 2:30 pm
Bihar MLC polls: 82.85% turnout in teachers seats, 53.42% in graduates constituencies

Polling for the biennial elections to eight Bihar Legislative Council seats concluded with notable voter turnout. Teachers constituencies recorded significantly higher participation compared to graduates constituencies across various districts. In total, 150 candidates contested, with a higher number in graduates constituencies featuring 4.92 lakh electors. The voting process was peaceful despite thirteen complaints being logged and promptly resolved.

24 Oct 2026 2:27 pm
Jarange audio clip row: Raut trying to create rift, but BJP-Sena united, claims MLC Lad

BJP MLC Prasad Lad addressed concerns regarding the perceived rift between BJP and Shiv Sena after the audio clip controversy. He accused Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut of attempting to create discord within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Lad further clarified that leaders discussed the matter and agreed to consider it resolved moving forward. He emphasized the respect for Eknath Shinde and characterized the issue as closed from the BJP's perspective.

24 Oct 2026 2:15 pm
Sanjay Raut main conspirator behind AI-generated audio clip, doing Rahul's bidding: BJP

BJP has accused Sanjay Raut of fabricating an AI-generated audio clip to undermine their credibility. The party claims the clip involves a Rs 500 crore payout meant to incite conflicts among political leaders. BJP officials are demanding an investigation into Raut's alleged dealings and connections to Rahul Gandhi. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic probe while Jarange has called for a Special Investigation Team inquiry.

24 Oct 2026 2:11 pm
Parliamentary Committee on Finance to examine 46 economic issues, including virtual digital assets, AI, in FY'27

Parliaments Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, has selected 46 subjects for examination in 2026-27, including artificial intelligence in finance, virtual digital assets, currency management and financial sector regulation.

24 Oct 2026 2:04 pm
Kotak Mahindra Bank Q2 results: Consolidated PAT rises 26% YoY to Rs 5,645 crore; lender's NII up 16%

Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced an impressive 26% year-on-year increase in consolidated profit after tax for the second quarter, highlighting strong financial performance. Their standalone profit after tax surged by 29% compared to last year

24 Oct 2026 1:54 pm
VIP culture in hospitals can compromise patient safety, equitable care: AIIMS doctors

AIIMS Delhi doctors discuss the ethical challenges posed by preferential treatment for VIP patients in healthcare. They emphasize that such practices compromise patient safety and can lead to avoidable complications. Examples of cases illustrate the pressures faced by healthcare providers impacting clinical decisions. The authors recommend implementing stricter admission criteria and equitable resource allocation in healthcare settings. Promoting uniform policies is essential to ensure fairness

24 Oct 2026 1:47 pm
Tiger Shroff shooting: 'Shooters received real-time updates from handlers based on media coverage'

The three men accused of firing at actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai allegedly received real-time updates about the police investigation from their handlers through encrypted messaging apps, helping them change their escape plans, police sources said. The suspects were arrested from a train in Kota on October 19. Mumbai Police are questioning them to trace the weapons and identify others involved in the attack.

24 Oct 2026 1:46 pm
FIIs dump Indian stocks for 10th straight week as markets slide: Is the worst over or more pain ahead?

The Nifty 50 declined in all four sessions of the holiday-shortened week, hitting an intraweek low of 22,372 on Friday before closing 2.4% lower at 22,600. The Bank Nifty fell 2.8%, while the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 plunged 5.6% and 7.3%, respectively, as selling pressure intensified beyond frontline stocks.

24 Oct 2026 1:41 pm
Siang dam protest turns violent as mob torches NHPC office and police station in Arunachal

Protests erupted in Arunachal Pradesh against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project amid local opposition. Following a 12-hour bandh, protesters clashed with police and vandalized several properties, including political leaders' residences. Several police personnel sustained injuries from stone-pelting incidents during the unrest. The Arunachal Pradesh government has called for caution against misinformation regarding the project. Authorities stress the need to consider local i

24 Oct 2026 1:37 pm
Smallcap mutual funds attract 44% of equity inflows despite stretched valuations. Should investors be cautious?

Investor confidence in small and mid-cap stocks is strong, with rising valuations when compared to large caps. Last month, small and mid-cap funds garnered Rs 16,873 crore, accounting for 44% of the total equity fund inflows. Despite a drop in equity fund assets, overall inflows have seen a 31% uptick, indicating healthy market dynamics.

24 Oct 2026 1:34 pm
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Bihar home is far from a celebrity mansion: Inside the house, family life and roots of cricket's teenage sensation

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become one of cricket's most talked-about young talents, but his roots remain in Tajpur, Bihar. From his two-storey family home and his father's efforts to support his cricket training to family moments shared on Instagram, here's a look at the Rajasthan Royals batter's life away from the IPL spotlight and what is known about his house.

24 Oct 2026 1:27 pm
Financing demand set to shift to emerging sectors like AI, semiconductors: Report

Indias emerging sectors are set to attract fresh bank financing over the next three to five years, with AI, semiconductors and defence leading investment opportunities, according to a Union Bank of India report. Battery storage, green hydrogen, semiconductor packaging and defence suppliers could gain funding as industries expand. However, technology obsolescence, uncertain revenues and long payback periods remain key lending risks.

24 Oct 2026 1:22 pm
German businesses now see India as manufacturing, R&D and innovation hub: Piyush Goyal

German companies are increasingly viewing India as a strategic manufacturing and innovation hub for the future. During a recent visit, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal engaged with major firms about expanding cooperation. The India-EU free trade agreement is set to strengthen trade ties significantly later this year. Indian capabilities in research and development are attracting substantial German investment and workforce expansion.

24 Oct 2026 1:21 pm
Jantar Mantar violence: SC panel to hear evidence on pellet gun use, harassment of female protesters

The Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Enquiry Committee will hold hearings on October 29 and 30. Affected persons may submit complaints or evidence regarding the protests. The committee will examine allegations of pellet gun use and harassment of female protesters. An online portal has been created for vulnerable witnesses to submit their statements. The hearings aim to ensure transparency and protect the identities of those involved.

24 Oct 2026 1:10 pm
Global cyber alert rings as two critical PHP flaws leave millions of web services exposed to remote takeover

Two significant vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language could allow hackers to execute code remotely. PHP has released updates to address these flaws, which affect millions of internet-facing services. Many installations remain unpatched, including those running outdated versions. Security experts warn that nearly all PHP installations face security risks from these vulnerabilities. Organizations are urged to implement immediate patches and isolate affected systems from public networks.

24 Oct 2026 12:57 pm
Rs 28 per copy under BJP vs Rs 55 under AAP: Delhi Education Minister challenges AAP over textbook procurement allegations

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has rejected AAP allegations of irregularities in school textbook procurement, claiming the BJP government purchased books at Rs 28 per copy compared with Rs 55 under the previous government. Challenging claims that the new books were smaller, Sood asked reporters to compare the editions and questioned the alleged price difference as a political row over textbook printing and tendering intensified.

24 Oct 2026 12:57 pm
Four Philippine Air Force pilots killed in training accident

Two SF-260 trainer aircraft from the Philippine Air Force crashed during a training flight at Fernando Air Base. The midair collision occurred on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four pilots. Fortunately, there were no additional casualties reported on the ground. The military has grounded the SF-260 trainer fleet to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

24 Oct 2026 12:50 pm
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits China, South Korean news agency reports

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China, arriving in Dandong after crossing a newly opened bridge. This visit marks his first trip to China in over a year, following President Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang. Kim has focused on enhancing relations with China after previously prioritizing connections with Russia. The New Yalu River Bridge, which opened recently, facilitated Kim's arrival in the border city.

24 Oct 2026 12:47 pm
India, Russia aim for $100 billion trade by 2030 as Modi, Putin push cooperation

Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar announced collaboration plans between India and Russia to increase trade significantly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin have directed efforts toward enhancing mutual investments. India is ready to provide qualified workers to meet Russia's industry requirements by training specialists. The leaders reviewed these plans during their recent meeting at the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

24 Oct 2026 12:46 pm
SSC JE 2026 exam city intimation slip released at ssc.gov.in: Direct link to check exam city, admit card date & October 27 deadline

SSC JE 2026 exam city intimation slip: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the exam city intimation details for Junior Engineer (JE) 2026 Paper 1 at ssc.gov.in. The examination is scheduled for November 2 to 6, while the admit card is expected two to three days before each candidate's exam. Candidates using their own scribe or seeking eligible subject preference changes must complete the required process by October 27, 2026.

24 Oct 2026 12:45 pm
Arjun Prajapati: This 5-year-old with Vadodara roots started reading before turning 2, has an IQ of 141, ranks in the top 2% and has read 3,000 books

Five-year-old Arjun Prajapati has drawn attention for his exceptional learning abilities, scoring 141 on an IQ test and qualifying for Mensa International and Intertel at the age of four. He reportedly began reading independently at 18 months and has explored more than 3,000 books on subjects including mathematics, astronomy, genetics and human physiology. Despite his advanced interests, his parents want him to learn at his own pace and enjoy his childhood without academic pressure.

24 Oct 2026 12:44 pm
Five appeals, 15 visits, 30 calls: Sonam Wangchuk cites administrative delays in execution of HIAL land lease

Sonam Wangchuk has blamed administrative delays for the failure to execute a lease deed for land allotted to his Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), citing a February 2021 letter from the Ladakh administration that said the process was pending a new lease policy. Wangchuk said he made five written appeals, 15 visits and 30 phone calls seeking the deed.

24 Oct 2026 12:25 pm
Bitcoin hovers near $80,000 and Ethereum at $2,370 as macro uncertainty and weak institutional flows weigh on crypto markets

In recent developments, Bitcoin has dropped to roughly $80,685, while Ethereum hovers around $2,370 due to various market influences. Major altcoins such as XRP and Dogecoin have also experienced dips, some decreasing by 2.2%. A noticeable decline in institutional interest is evident, with substantial outflows from Bitcoin and Ether ETFs. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum are facing challenges sustaining their momentum amidst the market's volatility.

24 Oct 2026 12:22 pm