The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Maharashtra's Opposition parties staged a protest in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They claimed the Election Commission is rigging the electoral process to favor the BJP. The leaders voiced concerns about the removal of millions of voters during the State Identification Registration exercise. BJP representatives countered by highlighting previous demands for removing duplicate names from electoral rolls.
With global financial risks in the spotlight, the Reserve Bank of India is indicating a shift towards higher interest rates. Governor Sanjay Malhotra has highlighted emerging challenges, including significant global debt levels and surging asset prices. The rise in US treasury yields and crude oil costs suggests trials ahead for the Indian economy.
California-based think tank said there will be more demand for natural gas for electricity because the administration is canceling new wind, solar and hydrogen projects and there will be more gasoline demand for transportation because Trump and Congress are revoking policies that incentivized efficient and lower-emissions vehicles. Higher demand increases prices.
Carcasses have been washing ashore around the gulf city of Puerto Madryn, including near the central waterfront where they alarm residents and tourists.
Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam said the party should receive equal respect and an equal share in seat-sharing talks for the 2027 Assembly polls. He said Congress was preparing across all 403 constituencies and wanted the alliance arrangement finalised in October to give candidates adequate time to campaign.
The Ambassador's statement came in response to a special prayer gathering organised at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, where priests and devotees assembled to honour Captain Machchhar's heroic actions during the cockpit attack by his co-pilot on the flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
BJP leaders lambasted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi as illegal. Kharge's call for fresh elections highlighted his belief that the current polls lack authenticity, advocating for a return to the traditional ballot papers. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi demanded an apology from Kharge, challenging the legitimacy of his own election due to Congress's controversial past elections.
In a shocking incident, a female researcher from the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute has died due to severe pneumonia of unknown cause. Close to 200 people who could have been exposed are being carefully observed by health officials. It appears she accidently broke a test tube filled with live plague bacteria while working on experiments.
Ukraine is ready for a proposed trilateral meeting with the US and Russia at the technical level by the end of October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The announcement came after fresh Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, while India said it was separately engaging Moscow and Kyiv on issues including Black Sea shipping and exports.
Georgia shooting: A shooting occurred early Sunday at a homecoming block party in Vienna, Georgia, injuring up to 35 individuals. The gunfire led to the deaths of two men, aged 20 and 23, whose identities are not yet disclosed. Dooly County Sheriffs Office deputies were present during the incident as part of their patrols.
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with NIOC chief Hamid Bovard set to serve as acting minister.
Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jains reported Rs 50 crore 8BHK Mumbai home offers a glimpse into their lavish lifestyle, with elegant white interiors, a pool table, dramatic red-and-gold room, spacious walk-in wardrobes, greenery-filled balconies and a beautifully decorated puja room.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India's non-signatory status under the NPT gives it a different position from Iran, which is an NPT signatory, while stressing that India's immediate concern is the impact of the West Asia conflict on energy and trade. He called for restoring uninterrupted supply and trade flows.
Tom Cruise's latest film Digger may be one of the biggest flops of Hollywood, according to reports. However, the actor insists that he is proud of the film which was directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu who previously made Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer The Revenant in 2015.
Quote of the day by Kate Hudson: Actress Kate Hudson calls unmindful sugar intake he worst thing, but she refuses to give up her favorite treats. Instead of extreme elimination, her approach centers on conscious awareness and moderation, a strategy that aligns closely with global dietary guidelines for heart health and diabetes prevention.
Emergency services were on their way to the scene, the mayor said. In recent days, the Southern Bridge across the river has been struck several times by Russian drones, amid an escalation in attacks on infrastructure in the Ukrainian capital.
The Supreme Court plans to hear pleas regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's alleged unilateral decisions and actions. Petitioners Rakesh Kumar Singh and Shailendra Mani Tripathi challenge Kumar's adherence to collective decision-making principles. They seek his suspension pending a final ruling and the appointment of officials based on consensus.
Iran is currently evaluating a diplomatic proposal put forth to the United States aimed at easing rising regional tensions. This proposal was conveyed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi via diplomatic channels. In related news, a commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz suffered damage from an unidentified projectile, but fortunately, the crew remained unharmed.
Bangladesh's government is urging India to facilitate the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina promptly. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized the need for both legal and political willingness in this process. Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh following the July Uprising in 2024.
In a recent statement, Masayoshi Son underscored the critical importance of international unity in managing the safety risks associated with advanced AI technologies. As AI grows increasingly capable, apprehensions about the dangers in unrestricted environments intensify. The White House is at the forefront of a collaborative initiative involving 17 countries aimed at enhancing AI for scientific exploration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Indian squad for their remarkable achievements at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where the nation proudly stood fourth with a tally of 85 medals. He lauded the athletes for their resilience and tenacity throughout the events. The Games witnessed the establishment of more than 350 records, including several world records.
Kumkum Anil Mohod stood out in India's stellar archery achievements during the Asian Games 2026. The Indian archery team celebrated a remarkable run, securing five gold medals and multiple podium finishes. Notable performances from Neeraj Chauhan and Sahil Jadhav showcased their exceptional skills. This campaign exemplified the team's dedication and effort, solidifying archery's status as one of India's premier sports disciplines in recent years.
In a recent meeting, the Assam Cabinet has ratified a Green Cess on vehicle ownership transfers. This initiative aligns with the introduction of a 12% recruitment reservation for ex-Agniveers residing in Assam, specifically for police and emergency roles. Furthermore, the Madhupur Satra will receive financial support of Rs 1 lakh each month.
Jitender Mann quit his lucrative IT job to pursue organic farming after a health scare. He began growing moringa and other greens on his Delhi terrace as a personal project. This small experiment eventually evolved into a successful organic farming venture with a turnover of Rs 30 lakh. Mann's journey illustrates how personal experiences can lead to significant career changes.
NASA has announced the selection of a dedicated team to investigate the Marius Hills Pit on the Moon. This innovative project, known as GIMLI, focuses on uncovering potential underground caves that could serve as future habitats for astronauts. Utilizing advanced technology such as ground-penetrating radar and seismic sensors, the team aims to verify the presence of ancient lava tubes, providing essential insights into the Moon's geological history and volcanic activity.
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party commenced a long march towards Islamabad following unsuccessful negotiations. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the march from Lakki Marwat's Gandi Chowk as a response to political tensions. Negotiations between Khan's party and the government focused on various demands but ended in deadlock.
With an ambitious target of 8% GDP growth, India aims for Viksit Bharat by the year 2047 through innovative reforms. The government is dedicated to increasing domestic capabilities in crucial areas such as energy and manufacturing. Significant measures are being implemented to strengthen long-term finance and bolster involvement in global supply chains.
The GST Council may end the IGST exemption on gold, silver and platinum imported by banks and nominated agencies, sources said. The exemption, introduced in 2017 when precious-metal imports were tightly regulated, could be withdrawn as the government seeks to curb non-essential imports and manage foreign exchange outflows.
School holiday news: Students and parents in India are inquiring about school closures on October 5, 2026. Most states will operate normally except for Tamil Nadu, where schools reopen after a break. Local calendars and state decisions determine school holidays, particularly during festive seasons. The upcoming Dasara holidays for several states begin later in October, influencing school schedules. Parents should check for any announcements specific to their schools regarding holidays.
Iranian airlines have resumed flights to Najaf, Iraq, following a US exemption allowing sanctioned carriers to operate. The agreement permits 40 daily flights to and from Najaf, excluding Mahan Air, which remains banned. The resumption is crucial for Shia pilgrims traveling to sacred sites in Iraq and Iran.
Assam Police arrested two people, including a retired army jawan re-employed on contract, for allegedly sharing security-related information with a Pakistani intelligence operative. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the arrests followed inputs from central agencies. Preliminary findings suggest the accused may have been honey-trapped to obtain sensitive information.
The University of Utah has revealed its strategy to cut up to 15% of its non-faculty and non-clinical roles. This decision is designed to allocate more resources towards bolstering education, research, and patient care. Facing substantial challenges from reduced funding and falling enrollment, the university is actively pursuing modernization efforts to streamline operations and optimize resource use.
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The Houthi movement said it targeted Saudi Aramco installations in Riyadh and Khurais with ballistic missiles and drones. The Iran-aligned group claimed the strikes caused extensive fires and came in response to 50 air and missile attacks carried out by the Saudi-led coalition against targets in Yemen over 12 hours.
Harry Kane scored twice in England's impressive 7-0 victory against Croatia during the Nations League match. This win illustrated England's potential ahead of co-hosting Euro 2028 and demonstrated their attacking style. Manager Thomas Tuchel's approach emphasized relentless play, contrasting with previous defensive strategies in major tournaments. Kane is poised to equal Peter Shilton's record for caps, highlighting his ongoing contributions to the national team.
A 40-year-old man named Manish Patel staged a kidnapping plot to extort money from his father. He informed his father about a trip to Gadag and later claimed he was abducted. The father received ransom demands totaling Rs 90 lakh, prompting him to contact the police. Authorities traced the calls to Hassan, where they found Manish safe with two accomplices.
The GST Council is gearing up to consider a proposal regarding input tax credit for employee insurance premiums. Currently, businesses cannot claim input tax credit on insurance policies purchased for their employees. An 18 percent GST is imposed on these group insurance policies, impacting business expenses.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's anticipated decades of growth during a recent Munich meeting. He emphasized the potential of emerging powers and India's unique demographic advantage in this context. Jaishankar also addressed India's approach to artificial intelligence as a model for social equity and public welfare.
India weather news: Rain and thunderstorms are expected across various states, particularly in southern India, while north India remains dry. Delhi is predicted to experience a sunny day on October 5, with rain possible from October 6 to 8. The southwest monsoon is currently withdrawing from numerous regions, with implications for rainfall patterns. Rainfall activity will persist in eastern and northeastern states, with thunderstorms in parts of Kerala.
Gold Price today: Top bullion consumer China imported 1,077 metric tons of gold in the first eight months of 2026, suggesting that this year's annualised imports are on track for the highest in 11 years.
Yemen's Saudi-backed government has initiated a military counteroffensive against the Iran-backed Houthis, seeking to recover lost territory. The renewed warfare has increased tensions in the region, jeopardizing Red Sea shipping routes and disrupting energy exports. The Houthis have previously demonstrated their missile and drone capabilities, impacting global trade and regional stability. The conflict, which has caused significant humanitarian crises, has recently escalated after a period of r
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 wrapped up with a spectacular closing ceremony that highlighted Japans rich cultural tapestry alongside the achievements of its athletes. Neeru Dhanda proudly hoisted the Indian flag as a three-medal winner in shooting, contributing to India's impressive fourth-place finish with a tally of 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze medals.
Social Security regulations establish varying earnings thresholds and benefit reductions for retirees at different stages of retirement. For those born in 1960 or later, specific earning limits come into play, along with potential deductions during early work. This includes the withholding of benefits when earnings surpass the established limits, but adjustments are made to account for withheld amounts once full retirement age is attained.
The GST Council is weighing changes to GST enforcement, including ending officials' arrest powers and shifting to court-ordered arrests. Criminal prosecution may be limited to cases involving more than Rs 5 crore, while routine disputes over GST interpretation could be handled through civil penalties and kept outside criminal courts.

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