The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Manufacturing activity in India experienced a slowdown in October, decreasing from the previous month's growth. Despite this, the sector remained above its long-run average due to stronger international demand. A survey indicated that nearly 18% of manufacturers anticipated increased output over the next year, supported by fresh client inquiries.
Learjet airplane crash: A Learjet 60 crashed in Floridas Palm Beach County on November 1, killing all nine people aboard. Before the crash, the crew reported icing, turbulence and precipitation at cruising altitude. Investigators are examining the jets sudden descent and whether severe weather played a role.
The Indian government is currently reviewing customs duty concessions applicable to 118 products set to expire. This review involves input from respective line ministries and industry stakeholders regarding these exemptions. Goods under review include materials for power projects and certain medical devices. A focus is on correcting the inverted duty structure to support local manufacturing initiatives. The outcomes of this review will influence the upcoming budget for 2027-28.
The standard Medicare Part B premium may go up by $6.60 a month next year. That is far smaller than the jump in 2026. Still, for people living on Social Security, even a small rise matters, because the premium usually comes out of the monthly check.
The rules establish a multi-tier grievance redressal mechanism at the gram panchayat, block and district levels. Designated grievance redressal officers will be responsible for receiving, registering, inquiring into and disposing of complaints. Inquiries must be completed within seven working days.
According to the air quality forecast provided by IMD/IITM, Delhi's overall air quality is likely to stay in the 'Very Poor' category in the coming days, the CAQM said, urging government agencies as well as citizens to take appropriate measures to address the air pollution menace.
Independent MLCs Bansidhar Brijwasi and Rahul Raj have joined BJP, which raises concerns for JDU. JDU Bihar chief Umesh Kushwaha highlighted BJP's disciplinary issues in recent months. After election losses, JDU candidates alleged inadequate support from fellow NDA members, which has added to the tension. A joint press meet planned by Jha and Pushkar was canceled after discussions with JDU leaders.
Anthropic reported a 1,100% surge in third quarter revenue to $17 billion ahead of its planned IPO later this month. However, the AI company also disclosed a $23.3 billion net loss and nearly $895 billion in spending commitments, raising questions about AI infrastructure costs and investor appetite for its proposed listing.
The Centre is planning to restructure the minimum support price mechanism for minor forest produce. This change aims to provide periodic hikes to benefit tribal communities relying on forest produce. TERI has been tasked to study the current MSP framework and assess potential rationalization. Concerns regarding stagnant MSP rates sparking exploitation among forest-dependent communities have been raised in parliamentary discussions.
Kiren Rijiju expressed gratitude towards Bhutan after the King dedicated Stupa number 76 to PM Narendra Modi. He attended the ceremony for consecrating 108 Stupas in Gelephu Mindfulness City. Rijiju conveyed thanks on behalf of PM Modi for this significant gesture of friendship. The occasion marked Lhabab Duchen, reflecting the enduring bonds between India and Bhutan. This ceremony highlighted Bhutan's rich Buddhist heritage and cultural significance.
India plans to host foreign ministers from various Indian Ocean Region countries later this month. The meeting will occur amid ongoing energy supply challenges stemming from the conflict in West Asia. Key discussions will revolve around predictable supply chains and energy supply disruptions. This ministerial meeting is part of India's preparations for the upcoming IORA summit in 2027.
Mohammad Azam Khan has approached the Supreme Court to challenge his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. He was detained by the ED shortly after his release from Rampur jail, where he had been imprisoned since November 2025. Khan's release came following an Allahabad High Court decision that granted him bail in a separate matter. The High Court suspended his sentence but did not stay his conviction.
The Supreme Court has authorized the use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on specific dates. Firecrackers can only be burst within designated time limits on November 7 and 8. Certain areas, including hospitals and educational institutions, will be declared as 'No-Cracker Zones' to ensure safety. Manufacturers must comply with specific certifications to produce authorized firecrackers during this period. A complete ban on all firecrackers will resume after November 8.
Donald Trump's administration asked the US Supreme Court to temporarily block California from counting mail-in ballots from more than 20,000 registered voters who federal officials allege are likely non-US citizens.
Judges hearing appeals related to electoral rolls in West Bengal are expected to utilize digital signatures shortly. This change aims to resolve a prolonged standoff that prevented the processing of appeals. Retired Calcutta High Court judge Indrajit Chatterjee has resumed his work on appeals in Murshidabad. The Election Commission of India is considering relocating some tribunals closer to Kolkata.
Rahul Gandhi said he was ready for a debate on the issue. To Modi's accusation last Saturday that the Opposition had become an obstructionist force using social media as a weapon to spread rumours, Gandhi responded by alleging that foreign social media fully backs the prime minister.
Supreme Court Justice PS Narasimha recused himself from a case regarding the Memorandum of Procedure for judicial appointments. The plea, filed by NGO Lok Prahari, seeks to finalize the MoP as it has been pending since 2015. This procedure governs the appointment and transfer of judges to higher courts in India. The petition also calls for enhanced transparency in the selection process and access to Collegium meeting minutes.
Union home minister Amit Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for his allegations against the government regarding electoral integrity. Shah stated that the government is prepared to hold a special session of Parliament to address these issues. He accused Congress of obstructing efforts related to the SIR exercise that aims to remove illegal infiltrators from electoral rolls. Shah confidently claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would dominate the debate if it occurs.
The Supreme Court concluded the court-monitored investigation on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft case. This decision came after the Uttar Pradesh government submitted a charge sheet regarding the allegations. The case involved claims of cash misappropriation by individuals during the donation counting process. The Supreme Court allowed petitioners to assist in the trial court proceedings. The trial court has been directed to proceed according to legal protocols.
CRPF has marked a significant achievement by completing a year without any operational fatalities. This milestone was last observed almost five decades ago in January 1979. The force attributes this success to enhanced training, contemporary hardware, and strategic planning. Efficient post-incident response is also a key aspect of this accomplishment. CRPF continues to engage actively in major operational areas while maintaining this remarkable record.
The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth 53,866.50 crore for constructing next-generation corvettes with public shipyards. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited will build five corvettes while Goa Shipyard Limited will construct three. The ships are designed for multi-domain warfare, including anti-surface and anti-submarine operations. This project is expected to create significant employment opportunities in shipyards and ancillary industries over the next decade.
Binance has recently reported a major security breach impacting approximately $6.3 billion in digital assets. After the hack, the exchange temporarily suspended withdrawals while assessing their security systems. Hackers allegedly linked to North Korea have raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in cryptocurrency exchanges. Investigators are working to trace the stolen funds and recover as many assets as possible.
Praful Patel met Amit Shah along with Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif, Dilip Walse Patil and Dhananjay Munde. The faction led by Patel claimed that the meeting was held to build pressure on BJP brass to return the finance ministry portfolio, held by the late Ajit Pawar, back to NCP.
A power cut occurred in Washington DC on Monday. It impacted over 1,176 Pepco customers. George Washington University and other government buildings in the area faced the power cut due to a power outage at a substation. Smoke was also reported to come out of manholes. This happened just one day before the US midterm elections 2026.
A 20-year-old co-pilot, Nathalia Gadelha, was among nine people killed in the deadly Learjet Florida crash. Her mother has now recalled her haunting fear that flying would one day take her daughter away, while Nathalia's final text to her boyfriend, sent around 10 minutes before the crash, revealed that she was facing turbulence and ice.
Strategy purchased 811 BTC USD worth more than $65 million, its largest acquisition since late September, while Bitmine added $19 million in ETH USD. The buying came as the crypto industry faced renewed security concerns following the massive Binance hack, with Bitmine chairman Tom Lee arguing that the markets relatively muted reaction was very constructive.
The BNP government has formed a wage board to determine revised pay scales for garment workers. However, protests have continued, potentially emerging as a major challenge for the Tarique Rahman government, which is already facing growing anti-incumbency amid a slowdown in the domestic economy.
Omar to Elmi & then? Ilhan repeatedly altered her surname on 'brother' marriage license?
US midterms 2026: A Democratic victory in the November 3 midterm elections would not remove Donald Trump from the White House. But it could make the next two years much harder for his administration.
Asian Games double silver medallist Harmilan Bains has joined reality show Roadies, choosing Gurbani Judge's gang. The Indian athlete also spoke to IANS about the mental health struggles she faced after missing qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024. Here's a look at her athletics career, achievements and television debut.
A fire occurred at the HPCL facility in Visakhapatnam on Monday night, as reported by the police. There were no casualties resulting from the incident, according to officials. The police commissioner confirmed the fire, although the cause remains undetermined at this time. Visuals of the incident showed a towering column of fire and thick smoke over the city. The situation has garnered widespread attention on social media platforms.
Japan has urged its citizens to stockpile food and water in preparation for potential natural disasters. The government emphasizes individual preparedness due to possible delays in emergency services. Authorities recommend maintaining at least three days' worth of supplies, ideally extending this to one week. The new Disaster Prevention Agency will coordinate disaster management efforts nationwide, focusing on earthquake risks and other emergencies.
A woman was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in the Tiger Shroff firing case from Haryana. This arrest brings the total number of individuals detained to 13, including alleged shooters and three women. The incident occurred on October 18 when Shroff's car was fired upon in Juhu, resulting in injuries to others. The Crime Branch is conducting raids across several states to apprehend all involved in the conspiracy.
Grand Theft Auto VI release date and time: GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the Standard Edition priced at $79.99 in the US. Heres when the game is expected to unlock, when pre-loading begins, and what Rockstar has revealed about PC, multiplayer and Netflix availability.
A Nicaraguan immigrant has described the chilling moment ICE re-arrested him just minutes after a federal judge ordered his release, comparing an agent's changed expression to a wolf about to devour Little Red Riding Hood. His account comes amid growing reports of ICE re-arresting immigrants after they win habeas corpus petitions in US courts.
Vivo Y32 5G features: Vivo Y32 5G has been listed with an 8,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor and IP68 and IP69 ratings. The smartphone also features a 120Hz display, 50MP rear camera and 44W fast charging. Here's a look at its specifications, battery, camera features, colours and expected availability.
India's central government anticipates a fiscal deficit exceeding budget estimates by Rs 1.2 lakh crore in 2026-27. This increase is primarily attributed to rising fertiliser, LPG, and petroleum subsidy expenses. Strong GST growth and disinvestment receipts may not offset the expected higher deficit. In addition, SBI Research recommends a revised long-term capital gains structure to generate additional revenue.
President Donald Trump's administration has appealed to the Supreme Court regarding disputed California mail ballots. The appeal aims to set aside about 20,000 ballots from suspected non-citizen voters. California officials argue that the list of suspects is unreliable and may include citizens. A district court previously warned that segregating these ballots could disrupt the election process. Voting has already begun in California, which is crucial for determining congressional control.
As the US midterm elections approach, Corporate America anticipates potential shifts in Washington's power dynamics. Analysts predict that a strong Democratic showing could benefit sectors such as clean energy, housing, and healthcare. Conversely, AI and defense stocks may face increased scrutiny from lawmakers. While Democrats could impose stricter regulations, Republicans may continue to influence major budgeting decisions.
As the midterm elections approach, Trump's dominance complicates the GOP's strategy for retaining the Senate majority. Candidates supported by Trump face the challenge of appealing to a broader electorate in competitive states. Despite Republican advantages, changing political dynamics and rising voter concerns could affect election outcomes. Republicans previously held a 53-47 Senate majority, defending several crucial seats.
Canva appears to be bracing for possible layoffs or a hiring freeze after recently downsizing their team by cutting 32 employees from the technical content department. Although user growth surged in 2025, the company has drastically revised its revenue forecasts for 2026. CEO Melanie Perkins noted that projections have not met earlier expectations but underscored their commitment to an AI-driven strategy.

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