The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Amritsar Rural Police apprehended five individuals tied to the shooting incident involving Assistant Sub-Inspector Jaswant Singh. Two identified shooters, Karanveer Nandi and Gurpreet Gopi, were allegedly financed by overseas handlers. Nandi sustained serious injuries during the confrontation and later died at the hospital.
Weather conditions on September 26, 2026, will differ significantly among major US cities. Boston will experience heavy rain and strong winds, while Los Angeles will remain sunny and warm. Dallas is set for high temperatures and poor air quality, in contrast to Chicago's cooler weather. Washington DC will see a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a chance of rain.
Maharashtra has declared drought in 265 out of 358 talukas due to significant rainfall deficits. The government announced various relief measures, including crop loan restructuring and power bill subsidies. Financial assistance for farmers will be evaluated after ground assessments are completed. Opposition parties have criticized the government's response and demanded immediate financial assistance.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the need for investment in AI, semiconductor chips, and quantum technology. She stated that strengthening digital infrastructure will support AI adoption across various sectors. Additionally, Sitharaman underscored the importance of providing AI solutions to micro, small, and medium enterprises. She believes that achieving over 10 percent economic growth is possible with greater effort in all sectors.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday demanded the removal of legal safeguards provided to the Election Commissioner, alleging that the legal mechanisms instituted by the BJP protects the organisation from accountability. She also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying the INDIA bloc was united in seeking his removal. Vadra also pointed out that the EC could not have committed such a crime without the tacit support of the leadership.
Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal announced plans for a Rs 1 lakh crore investment drive in Odisha. The investments will focus on aluminium, mining, refining, and downstream manufacturing to enhance industrial activity. Agarwal emphasized the need for faster land allocation and government clearances to advance these projects. The proposed expansion in Jharsuguda could create around 50,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
Amazon Prime FTC settlement refunds: The Federal Trade Commission just forced a massive recalculation of how much digital friction a company can legally use. Amazon is now distributing the next wave of a $2.5 billion settlement reached in 2025. The agency claimed Amazon enrolled users in Prime without clear consent and built deliberate design roadblocks to stop them from canceling. The company ultimately agreed to pay a $1 billion civil penalty and establish a $1.5 billion refund pool.
Vinod Kambli has shared a video message from an elderly care centre in Thane, where he is currently staying, speaking positively about the facilities and treatment he has received. The former India cricketer praised the centres hygiene and cleanliness as first class and said the affection shown to him has made him feel comfortable and at home.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent address at the United Nations drew criticism from Indian diplomats. The Indian delegation highlighted Pakistan's history of supporting terrorism and its roles in global conflicts. India emphasized its right to self-defense amid continued threats from Pakistan and addressed the Kashmir issue in its response. Furthermore, India called for international recognition of Pakistan's misleading claims regarding governance and human rights.
The Election Commission announced its decision regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls on Saturday. All meetings will now have agendas circulated in advance, and minutes will be published post-meeting. Unanimous approval was given for the nationwide exercise, which has also been upheld by the Supreme Court. The process will simplify how voters address notices regarding discrepancies.
Mamata Banerjee addressed a rally in Serampore, alleging that the Election Commission conducted a biased revision of electoral rolls. She claimed that valid voters' names were deleted specifically to benefit the BJP in upcoming elections. Additionally, Banerjee accused police of acting on behalf of the ruling party in Rejinagar constituency. She stated that protests would continue until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns.
Virat Kohli is preparing for the first ODI against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. He is only 59 runs away from reaching 15,000 ODI runs, joining an elite group. Kohli hopes to achieve his 100th international century during this match, having scored 199 runs at this venue without being dismissed. Additionally, he needs two centuries to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's List-A record of 60 tons.
Mehbooba Mufti has called for a rally at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on September 29 to protest injustices against democracy and cultural integrity. Organized by the Monitoring Committee for Indian Muslims, the event is set for 2 pm to 5 pm. She encourages all secular voices to unite in defense of essential values, opposing the demolition of religious sites and advocating for fairer voter registration practices.
A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at a police checkpoint in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. The attack killed at least 11 people and injured around 30 others, with some in critical condition. Rescuers transported the victims to a nearby hospital after the explosion occurred on Saturday. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the incident, highlighting a surge in militant violence.
The Indian Super League will return for the 2026-27 season on Saturday, featuring a double-header of matches. The first match will be between Bengaluru FC and Sporting Club Delhi at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Season games have been scheduled primarily for weekends to enhance fan engagement.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee on Saturday told a vernacular news channel that only the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) can remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar if it posed a serious challenge. He said CJP's focused approach could help it achieve results quickly. Banerjee spoke about efforts by opposition parties to protest against the CEC. The leader also criticised political parties over defections in West Bengal.
The word confabulate has two distinct uses in English. It can mean engaging in conversation, while in psychology and medicine it describes producing inaccurate memories or information without deliberately attempting to deceive. Its Latin roots connect it to conversation and storytelling, making it a word whose meaning changes significantly with context.
A teacher at Dr. W.A. MacLeod Consolidated School has been charged with sexual assault against multiple victims in incidents reported to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shortly after the start of the school year. While an investigation is in progress, he has been placed on unpaid leave and is expected in court on October 19.
Aaditya Thackeray endorsed a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar if he does not resign. The Cockroach Janta Party aims to mobilize significant public opposition starting October 2. They are concerned about the exclusion of over 13 crore names from electoral rolls across the country.
The September 24 INSAT-3DS image captured a notable contrast across India, with extensive cloud formations covering central and eastern areas while parts of the northwest remained comparatively clear. The satellite view also showed moisture extending from the Bay of Bengal as a deep depression influenced rainfall across several states, offering a glimpse of the uneven nature of the late-monsoon transition.
Jyothi Yarraji, a silver medal winner, withdrew from the 100m hurdles heat race after feeling pain. The athlete was part of a 75-member Indian athletics team and received late fitness clearance. However, she sustained a minor stress injury on her knee before the event. Yarraji had made a comeback after knee surgery to fix an ACL tear.
RJD workers staged a protest at Ranchi's Albert Ekka Chowk, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest arose from accusations of unfair electoral advantages given to BJP through manipulated electoral rolls. RJD leaders claimed that around 65 lakh names in Bihar and 27 lakh names in Bengal were removed from voter rolls.
Kleyton Zacarioto, a butcher, expresses frustration with high food prices impacting household budgets ahead of elections. Incumbent President Lula highlights improving economic indicators like falling unemployment amidst voter dissatisfaction. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro argues that the economy has worsened, stating that families are financially strained. Lula's recent measures to boost disposable income have had little effect on voter sentiment.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant affirmed the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding students' rights to peaceful protests. He addressed police responses to student demonstrations during an event at Chanakya National Law University. Additionally, he discussed the importance of personal dignity in judicial collegium decisions.
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, radiated confidence in India's economic future, forecasting a growth rate surpassing 10 percent. She stressed the necessity of embracing technology and innovation in all sectors, celebrating the impact of startups since 2015. Furthermore, she emphasized technology's ability to revolutionize agriculture for increased productivity. The minister called upon citizens to nurture a constructive approach in pursuit of these vital economic objectives.
U.S. Weather Update: Concerts were canceled, along with dozens of flights going into airports in Boston, Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard on Friday and Saturday. Several airlines were offering to waive some change or cancellation fees for some East Coast flights through the weekend.
Recent discussions at the United Nations General Assembly focused on the effectiveness of multilateral governance. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns that the current international system fails to address major conflicts effectively. He emphasized that the United States will prioritize its national interests over the international order. Comments from UN officials stressed the need for member states to recommit to diplomacy and international law.
Anahat Singh has made a remarkable comeback to reach the final of the Asian Games women's singles competition. She fought back from two games down against Japan's Satomi Watanabe after intense pressure. Anahat is motivated by the chance to secure an Olympic spot, which drives her performance on the court.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian revealed a plan to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This plan requires the United States to meet specific conditions, including lifting sanctions on Iranian oil. A six-member team in Iran has been granted the authority to make decisions regarding this initiative. The proposal includes the release of frozen Iranian assets worth around $12 billion.
Anahat Singh staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Satomi Watanabe and reached the women's singles finals. Abhay Singh won his semifinal against Muhammad Irfan, securing a spot in the men's final. Both players have the opportunity to qualify for the 2028 Olympics through their final matches.
Tehran has spent long weeks in discussions with Oman, on the other side of the strait, on how to manage shipping traffic. Its new rush for a deal with Washington, analysts said, reflects its eye on the midterms.
A shocking encounter unfolded in Langwarrin, Melbourne, where a 41-year-old man was critically wounded while confronting teens attempting to break into his car. The man faced multiple stab wounds during the altercation and was later discovered by neighbors who promptly called for help. He underwent emergency surgery following his hospitalization. Authorities swiftly apprehended three suspects involved in this incident, but further investigations are underway with pending charges.
India claimed gold medals in both men's and women's kabaddi at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou. The mens team won the final against Iran with a score of 40-34, reclaiming their title after the 2018 loss. Earlier, the womens team also secured victory against Iran by a score of 37-34, despite a strong second-half challenge. This victory marks Indias ninth overall gold medal in kabaddi at the Asian Games.
J Infratech Ltd has submitted preliminary papers for an initial public offering valued at Rs 600 crore. The IPO includes a fresh issue and an offer for sale by its promoters. The Haryana-based firm, established in 2005, focuses on infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges. Proceeds from the IPO will support working capital and repay borrowings, among other corporate purposes.
Iran's president and foreign minister proposed a deal to the US to end fighting and assist diplomacy. They seek the lifting of sanctions, access to funds, and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Ongoing indirect talks indicate both sides are willing to negotiate despite rising tensions. The urgency for Iran reflects its economic struggles and the upcoming US midterm elections.
Virat Kohli has said the 2027 ODI World Cup will be his last for India as he prepares for a fresh season of white ball cricket. With that announcement now out, focus shifts to exactly how many ODIs he has left before that final tournament. This piece lays out the full list of matches coming up for Kohli, series by series, with dates, venues and days
Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's interim President, attended the UN General Assembly in search of business deals. Her visit aimed to showcase Venezuela's potential for financial recovery after US sanctions were imposed. Despite high visibility, no concrete agreements were reached, illustrating deep US influence over her administration. Opposition parties are pressing for election timelines, emphasizing the need for political change. Rodriguez's meeting with US officials included discussions on restr
A month after the flash floods struck Nepal, the death toll has reached at least 1,453 people. The floods, originating near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept away homes and infrastructure, leaving many unaccounted for. While rescue operations have helped over 13,000 individuals, the identification of remains remains an ongoing challenge. Authorities are using DNA profiling to identify the deceased, with many samples collected from both bodies and relatives.
Tej Pratap Yadav and Shehzad Poonawalla are contestants on the new season of Rise & Fall. The show is hosted by former cricketer Virender Sehwag and features a Rulers-versus-Workers format. Both participants have expressed their intentions for entertainment and friendly competition. Tej Pratap previously faced controversies leading to his six-year expulsion from RJD, while Poonawalla resigned from BJP citing personal issues.
Mamata Banerjee alleged that TMC leaders faced house arrest before a rally in Serampore as BJP supporters disrupted the route. She accused the police and BJP government of ignoring attacks on TMC members and expressed her determination to attend the rally. TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh's vehicle was reportedly attacked while heading to the event.
Defending champions India secured a place in the semifinals after defeating Japan by 2-0. Abhishek opened the scoring with a field goal in the 15th minute of the match. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute to double the lead. India will face Bangladesh in their final pool match on September 28. The team maintained an unbeaten streak throughout the tournament, showcasing their attacking capabilities.
September 2026's full moon, called the Harvest Moon, peaks on 26 September at 10:19 PM IST. It rises around sunset and can be seen with the naked eye across India tonight and tomorrow night. This year it comes with Saturn visible nearby, making it a rare double sighting.
Kunal Ghosh, a TMC MLA, faced an attack on his vehicle in Uttarpara while heading to a meeting. Protesters surrounded his car and hurled stones and eggs, leading to a broken rear windshield. Ghosh condemned the incident, claiming it represented lawlessness and lack of police presence. TMC leaders accused the BJP of orchestrating the pre-planned attack, while BJP MLA Dipanjan Chakraborty described it as public response.
Karnataka Congress organized a protest at Freedom Park against the Election Commission's SIR exercise on Saturday. Party leaders accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of making unilateral decisions that led to voter deletions. Senior Congress figures, including Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, participated in the protest and demanded accountability.
Jan Suraaj Party has named Shyam Nandan Yadav as their candidate for the Tirhut Teachers' constituency. Yadav, who is well-known among teachers, replaced Bhushan Jha after concerns were raised. The party maintains that candidate selection is made transparently and democratically.

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