The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
The BJP has condemned the INDIA bloc's protest for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Congress and its allies of trying to create political confusion. Patra mentioned that Rahul Gandhi misquoted the Supreme Court regarding election procedures. He further alleged that these actions aimed to politically elevate Gandhi without merit. The BJP claims such efforts undermine democratic institutions and threaten the stability of governance.
According to a press release, BRS former Corporation Chairman Manne Krishank has demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged business interests, assets and financial transactions of the Telangana Chief Minister and his family members.
Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, reported peaceful polling in the Nandigram by-election. Around 50 percent of voters had participated by midday as he cast his vote. He anticipated a turnout exceeding 85 percent based on historical trends in the constituency. Adhikari mentioned he would continue to serve as the MLA for Bhabanipur while promising to remain a voter in Nandigram.
To effectively remove candle wax from fabric, begin by freezing the wax to solidify it. Once hardened, gently scrape the fabric to lift off as much wax as possible. Follow this by applying heat with an iron to eliminate any remaining traces. For faint stains that linger, a specialized stain remover may be necessary. Always handle heated materials cautiously and refer to care instructions to achieve optimal results.
A Delhi court granted regular bail to Swatantra Bhardwaj, a Hindutva influencer, after observing his conduct. The previous interim bail allowed for three weeks, with specific conditions imposed by the court. He was instructed not to communicate with any witnesses or discuss the case publicly during this period. The case involved the alleged assault of a student activist's father during protests at Jantar Mantar.
Rosatom organised an International Fishing Tournament near Russias Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant in the Tver region, bringing together 22 amateur anglers and 28 journalists and experts from 11 countries, including India. The Indian team comprised Tamil Nadu fishing enthusiasts Ziegen Joseph and Chandrasekar Ravi.
Harmanpreet Kaur home: Harmanpreet Kaur, who recently stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team, owns a family home in her hometown Moga in Punjab. Media reports estimate the house to be worth up to Rs 1.5 crore. The home has spacious rooms, open outdoor areas and modern interiors.
Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, remains under house arrest while his family gains political power. His son Flavio Bolsonaro won a surprising victory in the presidential election's first round. The right-wing Liberal Party saw significant success, indicating growing public support despite Jair's legal challenges. The new Congress will prioritize potential amnesty for Jair Bolsonaro in the upcoming session.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of threatening citizens' rights obtained after Independence. During a protest march, Congress leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Kharge alleged that the Election Commission was acting under the government's influence and failing to uphold democratic principles. He emphasized the importance of protecting voting rights to ensure democracy and citizens' freedoms.
UP man Akshay Kumar, 25, who travelled to Russia on a study visa in December 2024, has been missing since August 24 after his family alleged he was persuaded to join the Russian army on promises of citizenship and non-combat duties. His relatives have appealed to the Indian government to locate him and facilitate his return.
A conference on business opportunities in BIMSTEC countries took place in Delhi. Indian businesses learned about potential partnerships for trade, investment, and technology. Senior diplomats from BIMSTEC member states shared insights regarding economic cooperation. Ambassador Rudrendra Tandon emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity and collaboration among BIMSTEC members. Around 80 representatives from Indian industry attended to discuss areas of cooperation and engagement.
India currently imposes a 10% import duty on red lentils and chickpeas, while yellow peas attract a 30% duty.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has initiated a five-day official visit to three African nations. This visit aims to enhance bilateral partnerships between India and Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ethiopia. Meetings will focus on various sectors including trade, development cooperation, and capacity building. During his time in Ethiopia, he is scheduled to chair the Regional Heads of Mission Conference.
Rickshaw in UK: Anand Mahindra shared a video of a Mahindra auto-rickshaw being driven on a London road, calling attention to the unusual sight. The post sparked humorous reactions online, with users joking about Indian auto culture, British roads and the idea of reverse colonisation.
'Not unusual': Marco Rubio on US withdrawal of B-1 Bombers from RAF Fairford base
Rajnath Singh hails Navy's valour, assures personnel of support amid evolving security challenges
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was detained on Tuesday after security personnel stopped an INDIA bloc march towards the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi
Delhi CM explains working of new Integrated Command and Control Centre for pollution control
The World Bank has upgraded India's economic growth forecast to 7.1% for fiscal 2026-27. This change reflects strong domestic consumption, despite ongoing inflationary pressures. Other major forecasters, including Moody's and S&P Global Ratings, have also revised their projections upward. However, elevated oil prices and potential climate-related challenges pose risks to this outlook. The World Bank emphasizes the need for accelerated AI adoption in the region for sustained economic growth.
Cheteshwar Pujara believes the Indian team is well-prepared for the first T20I against the West Indies. He mentions that players have adapted to challenging pitches in Japan during the Asian Games. Pujara highlights the importance of match-ups, particularly between Abhishek Sharma and Roston Chase. Additionally, he supports Sanju Samson for the opener position while praising Tilak Varma's development as a finisher.
Delhi Police, RAF deployment ahead of INDIA bloc's march to Election Commission office
Trump confirms specific threats prompted withdrawal of US B-1 Bombers from RAF Fairford base
The Delhi government is considering direct recruitment of former Agniveers into police and fire services. This recruitment may occur without requiring written or physical examinations for candidates. Eligible ex-Agniveers could receive additional age relaxation on top of existing rules. The recruitment process may happen in two stages for better efficiency in filling vacancies. Amendments to recruitment rules will require approval from authorities before official notification.
Opposition MPs, including important leaders, protested near Parliament demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over electoral issues. They were stopped by police while marching towards the Election Commission headquarters. The protest followed recent Supreme Court remarks regarding changes to the voter registration process. Opposition leaders accused Kumar of undermining public trust in the Election Commission. The MPs questioned security measures surrounding Parliament as they aimed to peacefully
The EU says its AI Act is strong enough to address risks from advanced AI systems, including loss-of-control incidents, but lawmakers and experts warn of gaps around liability, enforcement capacity and access to cutting-edge models. Concerns are also growing over whether Brussels has enough technical resources and political appetite to aggressively police mostly US-based AI companies.
PS5 Pro Lottery: Sony has rolled out a lottery system in Japan to sell its PS5 Pro console, and only gamers who can prove at least 60 hours of past PlayStation playtime are allowed to apply. The move comes as demand for the console spikes ahead of the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI, with Sony citing GTA 6 related interest as a key driver of the shortage, according to Mashable.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal promoted India as an investment destination during meetings with leading global firms. He highlighted the country's regulatory reforms and demand for services, especially in the insurance sector. Goyal met with executives from AIA Group, MetLife, General Atlantic, and IBM to discuss growth opportunities. He emphasized the importance of India's technology talent pool for future collaborations.
Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team after a remarkable tenure. She is celebrated for numerous achievements including India's first senior women's World Cup title in 2025. Harmanpreet was the first Indian cricketer to play in 100 and then 200 T20 internationals. Additionally, she holds the record for the most international appearances by a woman cricketer.
Smriti Mandhana appears the frontrunner after years as Harmanpreets deputy, but Deepti Sharmas all-round leadership, Jemimah Rodrigues rise and Richa Ghoshs leadership potential give India several options for the next phase.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday inaugurated major shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure projects at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. He launched the Indian Navys first Fleet Support Ship, Surya, laid the keel for FSS-5 and inaugurated an upgraded slipway and 300-tonne Goliath crane capable of supporting construction of vessels up to 45,000 DWT.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected a petition requesting the recitation of the Constitution's preamble in schools during morning assemblies. The bench included Justices Vikram Nath, Augustine George Masih, and Sandeep Mehta. The petitioners counsel cited Article 21A, which addresses the right to education. The bench noted that the preamble is included in educational curricula for Class 6 students. Ultimately, the court found the petition unnecessary and dismissed it.
iPhone 18 Pro: India vs US vs Japan vs China | Price, SIM & Battery
China is accelerating oil and gas exploration in ultra-deep and offshore reserves to strengthen domestic energy supplies amid global market uncertainty. PetroChinas Hade-Fuman field in Xinjiang has produced more than 26 million tonnes of oil equivalent from reservoirs deeper than 6,000 metres, while China is also expanding offshore production and pipeline infrastructure.
A case was registered against two Booth Level Agents accused of fraudulent voter deletion in Jayanagar. The complaint was filed by Karnataka Mahila Congress president Sowmya Reddy, who alleged bias against minority voters. Reddy, a former MLA, conducted an inquiry revealing false applications submitted by Ramakrishna and Yogesh. Names of innocent citizens were allegedly used without their knowledge, contributing to the fraudulent activities.
Sugar stocks, including Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar and EID Parry, rallied sharply on Tuesday as raw sugar futures remained near two-year highs. Rising supply concerns in Brazil, Europe and Thailand, along with stronger festive-season demand, have lifted expectations of tighter global sugar supplies and supported the recent rally.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav indicated his party's attention is on the upcoming Assembly elections instead of the Rajya Sabha polls. He mentioned that the focus is on securing all 403 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. The party has already nominated two candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections, Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani. The BJP has named eight candidates for the same polls, including various representatives.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has applied to trademark her voice in the EU, submitting a four-second recording of herself saying I am Giorgia Meloni as protection against AI-generated deepfakes. While approval would not automatically block voice cloning, the trademark could give Meloni an additional legal tool to challenge unauthorised AI imitations.
Indias services sector expanded at its fastest pace in three months in September, with the HSBC Services PMI rising to 55.2 on stronger domestic demand. However, quarterly growth was the weakest since early 2022, reflecting softer hiring and exports. Manufacturing gains lifted the Composite PMI to 55.9, signalling a moderate recovery.
The US Department of War has selected four high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems for operational evaluation against growing drone threats. The pilot, led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, will assess their effectiveness, safety and integration into layered homeland defence, while further directed-energy technologies undergo competitive testing.
The US military has moved closer to executing Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people and wounding more than 30 in the 2009 Fort Hood mass shooting in Texas.
Jim Bakker, known for his work in Christian television, passed away at the age of 86. He gained fame alongside his first wife, Tammy Faye Bakker, during the 1980s. Their ministry drew millions of viewers and included the Heritage USA theme park. After facing various controversies, including legal issues, his career took a downturn. Bakker's later life saw him continuing to host a television program with his second wife, Lori.
A video showing utensils being washed on a toilet floor at New Delhi Sweets in Korbas Niharika area has triggered a food safety inspection. Officials issued an improvement notice after finding the practice unhygienic and in violation of food safety norms, directing the outlet to correct deficiencies within two to three days or face suspension of its food licence.
Delhi's minimum temperature reached 25.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.9 degrees above normal today. The maximum temperature is predicted to be around 36 degrees Celsius throughout the day. The air quality index stood at 187, classifying it as moderate according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Several monitoring stations reported poor air quality, with Dwarka Sector 8 recording the highest AQI at 285.

34 C