The Economic Times

Questions over Kim Jong-un's whereabouts have resurfaced after North Korea released photographs purportedly showing him with his daughter at a textile and footwear exhibition. Social media users Jie Lijian and Wanjun Xie have made separate allegations about his death, Kim Yo-jong's alleged takeover and disruptions to North Korean websites. However, the claims remain unverified, and no evidence has confirmed a change in the country's leadership.

Modi was to inaugurate 'Prerna Sthal' featuring a statute of Lord Buddha and exhibits related to other iconic figures on the premises of Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institution, on November 3.

IPO at US Stock Market: With the 30-year Treasury yield sitting at near two-decade highs, the surging cost of capital has dramatically altered the risk appetite of prospective issuers. This shift has effectively chilled the IPO window over the past two months.

India has firmly dismissed the UN report authored by Special Rapporteur Gehad Madi, citing numerous inaccuracies and unfounded assertions. Deputy Secretary Barkha Tamrakar pointed out typographical mistakes pertaining to Assam, saying the report's ambiguous phrasing lacks precise legal context and identifiable claims.

The Road Ministry aims to implement Advanced Emergency Braking Systems for all new car models by October 2030. For pre-2030 models still in production, these systems will be mandatory starting October 2032. Additionally, the ministry will enforce revised braking standards for trucks, set to commence on October 1, 2027. Electronic stability control systems will also be mandated for trucks from the same date.

A recent clinical trial involving older adults found no cognitive improvements from high-dose DHA supplements. Researchers confirmed that the DHA reached the brain but did not enhance memory. Participants demonstrated no significant cognitive benefits after two years of supplementation. The study raises questions about the effectiveness of fish oil supplements for preventing Alzheimers disease. Overall health and dietary habits remain crucial for maintaining brain health in aging individuals.

ITBP Director General (DG) Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor told his troops at a force base in Rajasthan's Alwar that countering China through raditional means of warfare was a thing of the past and hence they were investing in modernizing the force, its weapons, vehicles and border posts.

In 1890, an Iowa farmer sold a 66 pound meteorite for $105. A sheriff seized it, the buyers university took it back, and the Iowa Supreme Court ruled it belonged to the landowner. A jury later priced the stone at $480.

Since its inception in August 2020, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan initiative has reached more than 35 crore people in its quest to prevent substance abuse. It focuses on at-risk districts and enhances awareness in schools and colleges. By providing credible information and encouraging youth to seek support, the program also seeks to dismantle the stigma linked to substance-use challenges.

Reports indicate that an incident has occurred involving 14 Indian nationals aboard a yacht near Yemen. The Indian Embassy in Yemen is currently gathering information about this incident and its implications. According to Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree, Saudi forces targeted the yacht in the Red Sea. Residential safety for the Indian nationals remains a priority as tensions escalate in the region.

According to programme details shared by Northern Command, the 75-day internship will comprise 15 days of online learning and 60 days of physical internship, they said.

Rainfall alerts remain in place for October 23 across several states and Union territories, with the IMD forecasting heavy rain in Coastal Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and continued rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected in parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, while Odisha is forecast to face thundersqualls on October 27 and 28.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the evolving nature of international relations. He explained how trade is increasingly being used as a weapon among nations. Modi highlighted that technology has emerged as a new battleground for competition and conflict. Additionally, he pointed out the rising geopolitical tensions affecting global sea routes. These remarks reflect India's acknowledgment of current shifts in the global order.

Anand Nadathur, inheritor of a huge fortune in India, has reduced the asking price of his opulent Surrey property from 19.5 million to 15 million. This adjustment is indicative of the declining state of the UK's luxury real estate market. Following tax reforms unfavorable to affluent expatriates, Nadathur relocated to Singapore, mirroring a trend of wealthy individuals distancing themselves from Britain.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the quake, which hit Baqen County of Nagqu City around 10.33 PM local time. The epicentre was monitored at 32.40 degrees north latitude and 93.79 degrees east longitude.

In his media statement following talks with his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk at the Hyderabad House, Modi said people of Poland remember Jam Saheb with great respect, and he is known there as the 'Good Maharaja'.

In a significant move towards ethical considerations, Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has taken ancient Egyptian mummies off public view, guided by a draft Human Remains Policy that prioritizes respect and consent. Among the mummies now removed are notable artifacts, including a male head and the remains of a priest known as Nekt.

Electricity supply disruptions across Gurugram on Thursday affected homes and industrial units as power sector employees protested against a proposed 25-year distribution licence for private firm Eleven Power. The unions have warned that the move could threaten jobs, increase costs for consumers and weaken the position of state-run DHBVN.

US Midterm elections typically favor the party out of power in Washington. With Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress and the White House, it's a distinctly different environment than 2022, when Democrats were in charge.

In an ambitious move, Elon Musk is contemplating merging Tesla with SpaceX, a deal poised at roughly $3.5 trillion. Public sentiment appears favorable, yet no official contract has been signed. Teams of independent evaluators will scrutinize the merger plan to assure shareholder fairness. Should this merge succeed, it could significantly enhance Musk's sway in business decisions, though regulatory obstacles and shareholder needs could complicate the pathway ahead.

Michael and Susan Dells luxurious Boston penthouse, purchased for $10.9 million in 2016, is heading to a sealed-bid auction with a minimum reserve price of $6.5 million. Inspired by the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, the couple has never lived in the penthouse, and its kitchen oven reportedly has not been used in a decade.

As the quest for a new White House press secretary begins, potential names surface including Scott Jennings, Danielle Alvarez, and Maria Bartiromo, who are currently leading the discussion. Anna Kelly, the principal deputy press secretary, also emerges as a strong contender. Otros names such as Monica Crowley, Elizabeth Pipko, and Margo Martin contribute to the buzz, with a final decision expected post-midterm elections.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the progress towards a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Negotiating teams are working to finalize outstanding issues that could pose challenges ahead. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also emphasized that both countries are very close to concluding the deal. Discussions have included various sectors such as trade, energy, and technology partnerships.

The funds raised will be used to provide skilling and employment opportunities to 600 youth from economically weaker other backward classes (OBC) households in Madhya Pradesh. The programme, with an estimated outlay of Rs 11.25 crore, aims to prepare 600 candidates for international employment opportunities, with 300 candidates earmarked for Japan and another 300 for Germany, the ministry of skills development and entrepreneurship said in a statement on Thursday.

Brian Louis Sguros, a police officer, allegedly took control of Dennis West's home after his death. Investigators claim he used West's identity to facilitate renovations and obtain permits. The renovations reportedly cost over $214,000, which Sguros sought to recover through a civil complaint. The situation escalated when a real estate company claimed rightful ownership of the property. Ultimately, a criminal investigation was launched, leading to various felony charges against Sguros.

The European Commission said a flash estimate showed euro zone consumer morale decreased to -17.9 this month from a revised -16.8 in September.

Introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, Japanese hops were initially valued for their ornamental and medicinal qualities. However, they quickly transformed into invasive species that disrupt local ecosystems. Their rapid growth blocks sunlight, hindering native plants and habitats. To manage their spread effectively, ongoing strategies that focus on long-term control are essential, as their prolific seed production complicates eradication efforts.

A vaccination drive was launched in two Gorakhpur villages after a cow died following unusual behaviour, raising fears of possible rabies exposure among people who had consumed a religious offering made using its milk. Health workers administered anti-rabies shots to around 450 residents as a precaution, though the animal's infection has not been confirmed.

National polling ahead of the US midterm elections indicates a Democratic lead over Republicans in congressional races. Various surveys show that dissatisfaction with the current administration is affecting voter preferences. President Trump is experiencing low approval ratings, particularly regarding his economic management. Economic concerns, particularly rising gas prices, are influencing voter sentiment as the elections approach.

Jeff Bezos has been linked to a recently sold oceanfront mansion in Golden Beach, Florida, for $69.5 million. The luxurious 17,500-square-foot property features seven bedrooms and multiple pools, among other amenities. It is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean, enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. Major sources assert that the property was purchased by a company associated with Bezos.

During his visit to Sydney and Melbourne, the Minister will participate in various programmes and hold extensive discussions with government representatives, mining companies, research institutions and industry leaders from Australia and other countries.

Candidates in Michigan and Kansas addressed pressing issues such as rising fuel costs and immigration enforcement. As the midterm elections approach, these topics influence voters' concerns about household finances and national security. Economic arguments varied between the two states, reflecting local priorities and the candidates' positions. The outcome of these Senate races may affect control of the Senate and federal policy directions.

BrahMos has evolved from a 290-km supersonic cruise missile into a multi-platform weapon system used by India's armed forces. Its reported role in Operation Sindoor, export agreements with the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, and plans for BrahMos-NG have renewed interest in its development. BrahMos Aerospace is also exploring a 1,500-km variant, although that capability remains at the conceptual stage.

In Minnesota, a trial was conducted to explore the use of recycled tire rubber for enhancing roadway performance in winter. Utilizing PlusRide technology, granulated rubber was mixed into asphalt. While the results showed decent performance, the method fell short in offering better de-icing benefits. Moreover, the costs were not justified when compared to traditional asphalt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Independence Day celebrations. Modi expressed gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the cooperation between India and Israel on terrorism. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their long-standing relationship over the years. Netanyahu shared this conversation on social media to highlight their collaboration.