The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Indians are increasingly earning from non-salary sources like trading and freelancing as reported by ClearTax. The percentage of self-filers reporting such income grew significantly from previous years. Data shows that young individuals are entering investment opportunities earlier than ever before. Additionally, women's participation in capital gains and higher income brackets has increased noticeably. This reflects a significant change in financial habits and diversification of income sources
The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences' policies. The court questioned the limited disclosure of answer keys for the NEET-PG exams. Legal counsel for NBEMS defended their position by citing the preservation of examination integrity. The court highlighted concerns about transparency and requested further justifications for NBEMS' stance.
Indian consultants are under scrutiny for allegedly engaging in election manipulation on a global scale. These activities reportedly range from creating false narratives on social media networks to shape voter perceptions. Reports say these firms have operated in multiple countries, including the US.
Cyberattacks involving supermarket refrigerators and freezers have raised concerns about the security of everyday internet-connected devices. From smart appliances and security cameras to routers, thermostats and connected cars, several products could be vulnerable to hacking. Here is what cybercriminals could do after accessing these devices and the precautions users can take to protect themselves.
Imran Khan submitted an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court as he challenges a 'Leave India Notice'. This notice was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office after his alleged participation in a protest. The court has scheduled a hearing for December 7, which keeps the notice in abeyance for the time being.
The 2026 US midterm elections are set to take place on November 3, 2026, with voting varying by state. Polling hours and ballot submission deadlines will be influenced by local regulations. Election night will kick off the reporting of results, but official affirmations could take longer. Tight races may result in delayed announcements due to close margins or mail-in ballots. Voters should refer to state election websites for credible updates.
India Is Now Having Too Few Babies. Why?
Delhi High Court has refused to grant interim relief against a ban on non-Delhi-registered pre-BS-VI vehicles. This ban is imposed by the city government and will be in effect between November 1 and January 31. A petition was filed challenging this restriction, arguing that it creates unfair differential treatment. The petitioner contends that Delhi needs a cohesive approach to combat pollution effectively.
India's refurbished smartphone sector is booming as shoppers lean towards affordable options. With skyrocketing prices on new models, older favorites like the iPhone are gaining traction. Retailers such as ControlZ and Cashify are witnessing a sales surge, notably among premium devices. This upward trend is observable in both urban hubs and smaller towns, with trade-in values on the rise.
A man in Guangzhou, China, is offering to argue on behalf of people who struggle with confrontations for 188 yuan (around Rs 2,600). His service covers disputes over unpaid wages, refund requests, poor services and cosmetic surgery results. Videos of his unusual work have drawn attention online, with users sharing the complaints they would want him to handle.
As midterm elections approach in the US on November 3, 2026, voters must prepare for varied state-specific voting laws about polling places and ID requirements. Options for early voting and mail-in ballots are also available, depending on individual state rules. It is vital for voters to confirm registration status and get acquainted with candidates and measures on the ballot. Help is offered for those needing assistance or accessible voting options.
The Jan Suraaj Party has formally lodged a petition with the chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council, seeking to disqualify two MLCs who have defected to the BJP. These representatives, who were elected as Independents, face scrutiny for their actions after the election, as they are alleged to have breached Article 191 of the Constitution. The party has declared that further escalation will occur if no prompt response is received.
Euro zone countries are experiencing increased economic integration with the United States compared to internal collaboration. The European Central Bank highlights concerns about economic vulnerabilities amid geopolitical tensions. Barriers to cross-border investment with the US have declined significantly since 2014. Research indicates that fragmented capital markets diminish economic resilience during shocks like COVID-19. A lack of integration may exacerbate investment reductions in times of
Andrew Ng: AI Fear Is a Funding Stunt
SIR news: BJP has initiated a nationwide campaign called 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' to counter opposition protests. Senior leaders will conduct padyatras in various states and challenge the opposition's claims. The campaign addresses the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which is currently under scrutiny. BJP intends to engage with the public through targeted programs, social media, and public meetings.
Mamata Banerjee's nameplate was removed from the main hall of Kolkata's cultural centre Nandan and painted over. This action occurred before the annual Kolkata International Film Festival, while Jyoti Basu's plaque remains intact. Banerjee participated in a mega rally in Delhi addressing alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision exercise. She accused the BJP of looting West Bengal and emphasized the need to protect democracy.
India's manufacturing sector is highly fragmented, with large factories significantly outpacing small units in productivity and output. While large establishments employ most industrial workers and generate high GVA, smaller units remain burdened with debt. The productivity gap is exacerbated by limited access to technology and training for smaller factories. Additionally, women workers constitute a small fraction of the overall workforce in manufacturing.
Senior advocate Darius J Khambata has declined reappointment as a trustee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, citing concerns over trustee independence, governance issues within the Tata Group and the proposed listing of Tata Sons.
Nationalist Congress Party leaders met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi regarding various party issues. Sunetra Pawar and Parth Pawar had previously met Shah to discuss matters following Ajit Pawar's death. The party spokesperson Umesh Patil emphasized the pre-planned nature of the meeting, dismissing claims of internal divisions. He urged the media to avoid sensationalizing formal interactions between alliance partners.
To permanently delete a Snapchat account, users must navigate through the Snapchat Accounts Portal and follow a designated procedure. Initially, the account undergoes a 30-day deactivation phase, during which reactivation is possible. After this window closes, the account is permanently deleted. It's essential to back up any important memories, as account data will be irretrievably lost.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed a video featuring Dia Mirza promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision followed objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam regarding the videos message. Other campaign videos from different celebrities remained on social media despite the backlash. Opposition leaders criticized the removal, claiming it reflected increasing BJP influence over civic operations.
The recovery of Rs 3.2 crore from three buried blue drums in Uttar Pradesh's Nawabganj has prompted investigators to examine two brothers' property purchases and financial links in Maharashtra. Their changing statements have complicated efforts to trace the cash, while excavation has resumed amid suspicion that more money may be buried at the site.
The head of the European Space Agency will visit the United Arab Emirates to discuss collaboration. This meeting aims to reduce Europe's dependence on the United States for space exploration. The ESA hopes to establish a framework agreement with the UAE to strengthen its exploration initiatives. Additionally, discussions may include potential investments and participation in upcoming programs. European governments must first ensure adequate funding before pursuing international cooperation.
On Monday, BJP leaders and members of the Sikh community participated in a protest march against Congress. They accused Congress of reopening old wounds by holding a rally on November 1. Protesters carried banners and raised slogans highlighting the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and their victims. BJP leaders criticized Congress for failing to acknowledge the suffering of the Sikh community.
Nitin Nabin criticized opposition parties during a rally in Bhagalpur as part of the BJP's campaign. He accused Rahul Gandhi of being manipulated by foreign powers to incite anarchy in India. Nabin stated that opposition parties struggled to present complaints during the electoral process due to insufficient grassroots support. He pointed out that past elections demonstrated voters rejecting the Congress-led UPA due to various issues.
The Texas Senate race has become the most expensive non-presidential contest with advertising costs exceeding $573 million. Democrat James Talarico currently leads Republican Ken Paxton in the polls ahead of the November 3 elections. While Republican spending has surged in recent weeks, Democratic groups initially dominated with their advertising efforts. Outside funding has heavily favored Paxton, with significant contributions coming from aligned groups.
Amit Shah visited the Sri Bhagya Laxmi Mata temple in Hyderabad and offered prayers. He is participating in the BJP's nationwide campaign titled 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao'. The campaign is aimed at countering the opposition's narrative and allegations against the BJP. Shah's padyatra will start from the Swami Vivekananda statue and end at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue. This rally intends to protest against the Congress administration in Telangana.
M K Stalin has accused the ruling TVK government of causing economic decline in Tamil Nadu. He pointed out the record lows in GST revenue growth compared to other states. A significant foreign investment proposal shifted to Andhra Pradesh due to governmental negligence. Former finance minister Thangam Thennarasu highlighted the worrying economic stagnation under the current regime.
'Rogers is an apple pie': Trump uses metaphor for Michigans GOP nominee during attack on El-Sayed
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru are eagerly expecting their first child, set to arrive in December. Recently, Samantha shared an adorable image of Raj diligently setting up a baby monitor. Speculation about her pregnancy started when fans noticed her growing baby bump during recent videos. The couple celebrated their private nuptials on December 1, 2025, after their romance blossomed while filming The Family Man.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is gearing up to deploy 100 additional seismological observatories nationwide, with four designated each for Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh. The objective is to lower the earthquake detection threshold to as little as magnitude 2.5. Among these efforts is the newly equipped Kishtwar observatory, featuring advanced digital recording capabilities.
Amitabh Bachchan criticized a media outlet for distorting his words in a social media post about Lord Krishna. He asserted that his invocation was misrepresented as a challenge to opponents, which he found disrespectful. Bachchan emphasized that even a small fraction of his followers could mobilize if needed. He reacted strongly to the perceived insult to his faith and the media's behavior.
In a bid to invigorate domestic and foreign mutual fund investments, India's Securities and Exchange Board has put forth recommendations for tax concessions. These proposals are designed to boost post-tax returns, particularly as market performance has been behind that of emerging counterparts. The current capital gains tax rates are seen as a hindrance, leading to demands for a review.
Kunwar Vijay Pratap, along with two other AAP rebels, joined the BJP after resigning from the Assembly. He criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for its collapse in Punjab, stating it no longer exists. The resignations come ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with AAP recently announcing its first list of candidates. Singh emphasized his concerns about crime and drug issues in the state.
Photon Matrix has introduced a laser device that identifies and eliminates mosquitoes effectively. The products are priced at around $1,000 each, with a delivery estimate of 120 days. Both the indoor and outdoor models utilize advanced A.I. for mosquito detection and targeting. The system is designed to be safe for humans and pets, although independent safety testing is pending. This technology aims to revolutionize traditional mosquito control methods.
US midterm election 2026: American voters' sentiments about rising prices could affect Trump's standing in trade discussions. Congressional control will determine the scrutiny over Trump's actions regarding Iran and Ukraine. India will, however, continue navigating uncertainties in trade relations regardless of the election results.
A groundbreaking saffron farming initiative in Ladakh has yielded its first flowers in just 30 days, showcasing the viability of this spice in the region's climate. Remarkably, 22 grams of saffron were collected only four days after blooming. This venture not only aims to boost the local economy but also presents an exciting agricultural opportunity for farmers in Ladakh.
Gautam Gambhir praised the T20 team's performance after their recent series victory against New Zealand. The team managed to achieve this success despite limited practice time and travel fatigue. He emphasized the importance of this achievement in setting the tone for the upcoming ODI and Test matches. Gambhir urged the players to remain fit and prepared for their next challenges in December.
Ajit Doval met with General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi to discuss strengthening defence cooperation between India and Vietnam. They reviewed ongoing collaboration and considered strategies to enhance their engagement in various defence sectors. This meeting is part of Doval's official visit to Vietnam following the elevation of bilateral relations. Both countries aim to implement their Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030.
India MSME news: India's micro, small and medium enterprises are exploring the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity. AI is expected to generate significant economic value for these enterprises in manufacturing and services sectors. Various challenges remain regarding the integration of AI into existing workflows and overcoming cost barriers. Collaborative efforts among industry bodies, technology providers, and the government are essential for facilitating this transition.

28 C