The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
The BJP-led government is aiming to hold a special session in Parliament to discuss women's reservation legislation. This session seeks to address previous legislative defeats and upcoming electoral needs. The government is trying to secure broader support for the bill amidst political negotiations. Recent protests highlight growing opposition related to various socio-political issues across states. These political dynamics could influence the governments legislative strategy and electoral perfo
Sonia Gandhi's life story to be made into film, Congress leader Jagga Reddy announces
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has said Opposition parties have not been informed about any proposed special session of Parliament to discuss the Delimitation Bill. Responding to media queries during her four-day visit to her constituency, she said she had no information about the government's reported plans. She also accused the BJP-led government of silencing dissent and weakening constitutional institutions.
Mohan Bhagwat addressed the significance of compassion and responsibility in contributing to society after presenting an award. He urged individuals to help those in distress, irrespective of personal relationships, reflecting true humanity. Bhagwat emphasised that social service should not be driven by the expectation of recognition or rewards. He articulated that the essence of work is to serve society rather than solely earn a livelihood.
The ET HR Excellence Awards 2027 feature the Excellence in Responsible & Purpose-Driven HR category, celebrating businesses that harness HR for positive social and environmental change. This award recognizes efforts in areas like employee volunteering, sustainable initiatives, and community involvement. It underscores the significance of weaving purpose into the workplace experience while demonstrating tangible results.
Draft photo electoral rolls for all Assembly constituencies in Manipur were published recently as part of a revision process. The rolls feature nearly 20 lakh electors, including over 10 lakh women and a small number of third-gender voters. Electors are encouraged to verify their details between November 12 and December 11, 2026. Help desks have been set up in all districts to assist voters.
Rahul Gandhi has renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a one-on-one public debate, claiming the PM would lose his position after the exchange. The Congress leader proposed a direct format without lengthy speeches and said Gautam Adani or RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat could judge the debate.
The Rajouri Police in Jammu and Kashmir have seized immovable property valued at Rs 81 lakh belonging to Mohd Arshad, a terror handler operating from PoJK. This land in Thanamandi is part of a larger initiative aimed at dismantling terrorist networks within the area. Meanwhile, Baramulla Police conducted a separate operation, unearthing two hand grenades from Ghulam JeelReshi, with investigations underway to trace the explosives' origins and potential terrorist affiliations.
India has recorded a 38 percent reduction in tuberculosis mortality since 2015, surpassing the global decline rate. The treatment success rate of drug-susceptible TB patients stands at an impressive 94 percent. Key interventions include early detection, timely treatment, and community support through various initiatives. Technological innovations such as AI-enabled diagnostics have significantly strengthened the TB elimination efforts.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is attempting to manage an election campaign amidst recent deadly train accidents. He is emphasising the importance of public services and government accountability as key campaign themes. Recent nationwide protests highlighted the urgent housing crisis affecting many Spaniards and have drawn attention back to this issue. Sanchez's government recently passed emergency housing measures aimed at addressing these concerns.
Eight killed in Brooklyn building collapse; rescue teams search through rubble
Food inflation in India is projected to remain elevated in the coming months due to a shortfall in crops. The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to manage retail inflation. Factors such as weak monsoon and high energy prices contribute to the rising inflation. Many essential food items are experiencing upward price pressure amid ongoing inflationary trends.
Ueno Bank's recent collapse has severely affected local vendors at Mercado 4 in Asuncion, where sales have plummeted. Many customers find themselves without money, leading to decreased foot traffic and consumer spending. Although the central bank has provided some refunds to depositors, the relief has not reached the local market. Vendors express deep concerns over their ability to sustain their businesses amidst ongoing uncertainty.
China executed extensive military drills in the western Pacific and around Taiwan, aiming to exert pressure. These unannounced exercises involved over 100 vessels and included simulated attacks on various targets. Taiwanese officials described the drills as a tactic of silent intimidation before key international meetings. While the number of active vessels has decreased, air force activity near Taiwan remains high.
The targets have been set under the state's Industrial Policy 2025-30, with Karnataka seeking investments in sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, artificial intelligence, clean energy, life sciences and electric mobility.
Negotiations for a phase one trade agreement between the US and India are ongoing and complex. Both countries express a desire to conclude the deal by the upcoming G20 Summit in Florida. Former diplomat Nisha Biswal indicated that significant issues remain, particularly concerning India's comparative advantages. India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the country expects one of the best trade deals with the US.
Japan is facing potential deep cuts to its military spending as fiscal constraints limit future investments. Finance ministry officials propose allocating only 50 to 60 trillion yen for defence over five years. This proposal falls short of the desired 80 trillion yen advocated by some lawmakers and defense officials. The government's efforts to cut the sales tax on food could further hamper funding resources.
Congress has raised concerns regarding a significant cost reduction by Adani Green Energy for a hydropower project. The price dropped from Rs 5,675 crore to Rs 56.75 crore, attracting allegations of misconduct. Following complaints, environmental authorities are investigating the claim to ensure proper handling. Congress leaders demand a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into Adani Group operations amid ongoing scrutiny.
Sonia Gandhi news: Sonia Gandhi discussed her journey of adapting to Indian cuisine after moving to India. Initially overwhelmed by variety and spices, she gradually developed a love for various dishes. She shared her favorite foods, including kebabs, tandoori chicken, and Gujarati khandvi. Sonia reflected on how food fostered bonds in her life, especially her relationship with Rajiv Gandhi.
Mukesh Khanna demands panel to vet films on Mythology
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram on Friday. He will also participate in the Birth Centenary Commemoration of author H. V. Sheshadri during the event. Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, will be a distinguished guest at this occasion. Additionally, he will virtually lay the foundation stone for a new Compressed Bio-Gas plant in Bengaluru.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that clean energy investments helped India withstand the oil price shock, calling them very salient. Stiell also welcomed India's Green Energy Corridor, emphasising the role of renewable energy, stronger electricity grids and battery storage in protecting economies.
US lawmakers from both parties are pushing tougher restrictions on China's access to advanced AI chips following reports about former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's affair with a suspected Chinese spy. Congress is weighing measures to tighten export oversight, track advanced processors, pressure US allies and close remote-access loopholes.
For the first half of FY27, NHC Foods posted total income of Rs 821.45 crore, an increase of 282 per cent from Rs 214.68 crore a year earlier. Profit rose nearly 13-fold to Rs 38.68 crore, compared with Rs 3.01 crore in the year-ago period.
US President Donald Trump has urged Senate leadership to immediately advance a $350 billion defence funding bill, calling it essential to strengthening America's military capabilities. The push comes as Republicans seek to secure additional military spending through budget reconciliation before Democrats take control of Congress in January.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigned Thursday, capping a spectacular downfall for a poster boy of the artificial intelligence boom whose exit following reports of extramarital affairs now thrusts the chipmaker into an uncertain future.After a dizzying series of headlines about Huang's infidelity and ties to an alleged Chinese spy, his departure sets off a scramble to find a permanent replacement to lead the multitrillion-dollar colossus that grew from obscurity to a perch between Apple and Microsoft
PM Modi: Govt absorbing 14,000 crore monthly burden amid oil crisis
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if Tehran targets American officials, saying those responsible will not exist any longer. Trump also threatened further military action, called Iran's continued leadership a potential defeat for his presidency and claimed Washington had complete control over the Strait of Hormuz.
India's equity market is witnessing a vibrant revival, boosting earnings prospects for brokerages and exchanges. A surge in trading activity, spurred by favorable market dynamics and declining crude oil prices, indicates robust investor engagement. The NSE India Volatility Index has climbed, reflecting increased confidence in derivatives trading. Analysts predict significant growth opportunities as the trading environment stabilizes following the rollback of the closing-auction framework.
US lawmakers have demanded answers from the Trump administration over what it knew about former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's alleged affair with a woman suspected of spying for China. The controversy has renewed scrutiny of US chip exports to Beijing, national security risks and alleged links between Nvidia and the administration.
While oil prices have dropped from their multi decade highs which they hit earlier this year, analysts remain cautious amid the seesaw political game in the Middle East. Goldman Sachs recently raised its oil price forecasts, citing increasing risks to global supplies. The investment bank warned that Brent crude could climb to $140 per barrel in 2027 if oil production across the Gulf region remains significantly below its 2025 average.
Yemen's Houthi militia announced a series of drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including key facilities. They claimed to have successfully hit Aramco in Riyadh and a military cargo plane at Sharurah Airport. Additionally, the Houthis targeted Khamis Mushait Air Base, asserting their operations achieved their objectives. The Saudi-led Coalition Forces reported intercepting and destroying several drones launched by the Houthi militia.
India's Manufacturing Push: 64% Target Achieved With Just 18% Incentives
Treasury yields rose after US President Donald Trump said the US does not need a deal with Iran and as traders weighed the chance of a larger-than-usual Federal Reserve rate hike next month. Two-year Treasury yields gained 34 basis points over the past two sessions, the sharpest two-day rise in 3-1/2 years.
US Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott has asked former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to testify over national security concerns, alleged Chinese espionage and oversight of chip exports to China. Scott warned he could subpoena Huang, as lawmakers intensify scrutiny of Nvidia and the Commerce Department.
India remains a 'shining star' in gloomy global economy: NITI Aayog VC
Gold prices edged higher on Friday, recovering from the previous session's lowest level in more than a year, but stayed on track for a weekly fall as higher oil prices stoked
Republican Paul LePage has won Maine's 2nd congressional district, becoming the only candidate to flip a Democratic-held seat to the Republicans without redistricting in the 2026 US midterm elections. The Associated Press called the race after ranked-choice voting, confirming LePage's narrow victory over Democratic state auditor Matt Dunlap.
'We got crushed in Texas because': Roy points finger at 'corrupt' Paxton after GOP's midterm loss
US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department has not determined whether Alice Huang, whose affair with former Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang preceded his exit, was a Chinese spy. President Donald Trump also said the question remained unresolved, while confirming he had spoken to Jensen Huang a day before his resignation.
The relinquished awards represent roughly 0.08% of his net worth, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which puts his fortune at $138.4 billion.
Blackstone is in the process of arranging a $200 million loan for ASK Investment Managers. This loan aims to refinance an existing sponsor-financing facility that matures in 2027. Four banks are leading this transaction, which is currently being syndicated among international lenders. The refinancing effort reflects private equity investors' strategy to manage acquisition-related debt maturities.
PM Modi extends Chhath wishes, thanks journalists for joining amid busy schedules
In a bold move, Kalyan Jewellers India announced a significant 31% rise in revenue and a notable 64% boost in net profit. Plans include launching 84 new Kalyan stores along with expanding the Candere and Akshaya Thanga Maligai outlets. Analysts have expressed optimism, issuing 'Buy' ratings based on the growth from non-South markets, which climbed by 21%, positioning the company favorably against unorganized competitors amidst fluctuating gold prices.

29 C