The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Chinese mindset of the day: Choosing a home is about more than just the house itself, as location and community matter greatly. The saying, 'Examine the neighbourhood before you choose your dwelling,' reflects this important consideration. Neighbourhoods shape daily experiences and interactions within a community, emphasizing their significance.
Athens Church transformed vacant retail property in Athens, Georgia, into a sprawling church campus with a 2,100-seat auditorium, children's spaces and youth facilities. The project reused existing structures, technology and materials, while shipping containers became high school breakout rooms. Designers created an industrial environment focused on flexibility, function and connection.
The rise of LED lighting in residential and commercial spaces has sparked discussions among health experts. Some researchers suggest that these lights might influence metabolic processes and heighten diabetes risk. One study indicates that using broader-spectrum lighting could provide enhanced health benefits over standard LEDs. Despite these discussions, there is currently insufficient evidence to assert a direct link between LED usage and diabetes in humans.
An NRI who spent 23 years in the US has shared why he eventually moved back to Mumbai, saying he felt safer there. After building a career in biomedical engineering, working in the pharmaceutical industry and starting a business, he decided to return following his father's death and to support his ageing mother. His account has drawn supportive reactions online.
Iran and the United States are hinting at the possibility of reviving negotiations to resolve their conflict. Both nations will be represented at the UN General Assembly, where discussions may take place. Diplomatic efforts may restart if the US announces a desire to resolve issues diplomatically. Iranian officials have indicated a willingness to ease tensions if their demands are met.
Drugmakers for months have been warning they could curtail investments and delay the release of new medications in Europe, widening a disparity in access with the US, unless the region's healthcare systems agree to boost spending.
Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi won a silver medal in the women's road race at the Asian Games near Nagoya, Japan, after overcoming restrictions on women in Afghanistan and leaving the country following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Hashimi, who once trained disguised as a man, said she hoped her medal would inspire Afghan women and future generations to pursue their dreams without fear.
Trump called for the complete economic isolation of Iran in his UN speech, while saying he expected a deal with Tehran after the November midterm elections. Iran said it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if US military pressure and the blockade on Iranian ports were eased. Trump also described Cuba as a failed state.
The UK has decided to assist Saudi Arabia's military by providing defensive air-to-air refueling support. This agreement follows a request made by Saudi Arabia to enhance their operational capabilities against the Houthi militants. Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that this military help would be the first of its kind from a foreign country. Saudi Arabia has also sought similar support from the Americans to bolster their defenses.
US midterm elections 2026: Forecasts suggest that Democrats could clinch around 226 seats in the House during the 2026 midterm elections, while the Senate election is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair. This period will be pivotal for Congress as it navigates funding the government and raising the debt ceiling for President Trump.
Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the wide gap between the price to retailer and MRP of some cancer medicines, calling inflated pricing a serious issue for patients and taxpayers. The bench said such disparities could lead to excessive costs under government health schemes and sought greater scrutiny of medicine pricing. The court was hearing a petition on generic prescriptions and price controls.
State agriculture minister Dattatray Bharane has confirmed a large contraction in the production of cotton and soybean, while the agriculture department has initiated an early crop assessment to calculate compensation as farmers are removing wilted crops from fields.
New genomic research has resolved a century-old debate over gentoo penguins, revealing four distinct species rather than one with several subspecies. The newly recognised Kerguelen gentoo lives on remote islands in the Southern Indian Ocean. Scientists warn that warming temperatures could shrink habitats for several island populations, making conservation increasingly important.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has accused BJP Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari of targeting the Opposition similarly to Mamata Banerjee. He stated that Adhikari is using state power against Opposition parties, mirroring Banerjee's tactics. Chowdhury pointed out the inconsistency of TMC candidates in the ongoing byelections for West Bengal assembly. He emphasized that only Congress remains as a consistent force opposing the BJP's actions.
The Calcutta High Court recorded the West Bengal government's submission that five of the six cases challenged by Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan had been closed. The court verbally observed that Pradhan should contest the polls. Pradhan's lawyer said the court had granted protection until October 12, while Congress leaders urged Nandigram voters to support the jailed candidate.
Former judge RC Chavan tendered his resignation from the seven-member committee, citing differences over the panel's public consultation process and objecting to the involvement of an official from outside the state.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, also highlighted the importance of the waterway for global food security.
Rebel Members of Parliament from Trinamool Congress have requested additional time to respond to disqualification petitions. These petitions were filed by Abhishek Banerjee against the MPs who merged with NCPI. The Election Commission of India has frozen the party symbols of both factions of Trinamool Congress. Some NCPI leaders anticipate that the ECI may recognize their faction as the legitimate Trinamool Congress.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that people who respectfully refuse to sing one or all stanzas of Vande Mataram on grounds of religion or conscience should not face criminal consequences. The bench cited its 1986 Bijoe Emmanuel judgment, while noting that the government could determine the national song and its prescribed stanzas under the law.
The first meeting will be held at Seva Teerth on Wednesday, beginning around 4 pm, and followed by a full-day session on Thursday, with Modi attending both. Sources said all Cabinet ministers, including those not coordinating the groups, are expected to make brief interventions.
UP has been directed to appoint a senior public prosecutor for the trial and place the decision on record in two weeks. The alleged disappearance of the site plan relating to the incident from the trial court record was also raised.
Neil Armstrong, renowned for his monumental achievement as the first human to set foot on the Moon, faced an unexpected breach of trust when his barber, Mark Sizemore, sold his hair without permission, leading to a legal clash. Despite initial resistance from buyer John Reznikoff to return the clippings, he eventually committed to donate proceeds to charity.
Thar OG Price: Mahindra has launched the Thar OG at an introductory price of Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom), with deliveries set to begin from October 11, 2026. The new three-door SUV gets the M_Glyde 4G platform, revised suspension with DAVINCI Damping, more powerful petrol and diesel engines, an Electronic Locking Differential, terrain modes, updated styling and six airbags.
No authority over US!: Trump unleashes on ICC, urges nations to withdraw from rogue institution
A social media post alleging that a waiter kept Rs 80 in change as a tip without asking the customer has sparked debate over tipping culture in India. The diner said the waiter and restaurant manager argued that customers were expected to tip, prompting questions about whether gratuities should remain voluntary. Social media users shared varied views on tipping expectations and payment practices.
Aviva has committed 38 million to a 100-year partnership focused on restoring temperate rainforest across the UK. Under the Atlantic Rainforest Restoration Programme, Wildlife Trusts plan to restore 1,755 hectares of habitat that once covered one-fifth of the land from Cornwall to western Scotland but is now limited to approximately 1% of the UK. The restoration is projected to sequester 222,000 tonnes of carbon by 2050 and 800,000 tonnes over 100 years. The programme also aims to demonstrate ho
Danny Dyer, his daughter Dani Dyer and Becky Hill joined a Stop the Sewage rally in Kent calling for the UK water industry to return to public ownership. The protest came as a petition supporting public ownership passed 315,000 signatures. The protest focused on concerns about sewage, water pollution, infrastructure and rising bills.
A viral TikTok about a family receiving just $255 after paying more than $1 million into Social Security has sparked debate over what happens after death. The bigger story is survivor benefits, who qualifies for them, and why Social Security is structured as insurance rather than a personal savings account.
US Midterm Elections 2026 Polling: With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections now less than six weeks away, the national political picture is beginning to look different from where it stood earlier in the year. Democrats have opened a noticeable lead in several measures of congressional preference, while Republicans are still protected by the structure of the Senate map and their existing majority.
Taylor Swift sent her fans into a frenzy on September 22 with a mysterious countdown timer on her website. Observant followers discovered a previously hidden third page in the 'Read My Letter' section, fueling theories about upcoming projects like 'The Life of a Showgirl' and the anticipated 'Taylor's Version' re-recordings. With social media bios sporting enigmatic phrases and emojis, Swift has once again captivated her audience's imagination with these clues.
German Proverb of the Day: If you speak of the devil, he comes crawling is a humorous expression used when someone appears soon after being mentioned. Related to the English Speak of the devil, and he appears, the saying draws on older beliefs about invoking the Devil but is now generally used to describe an amusing coincidence in everyday conversation.
Sahil Wakode's mobile phone, recovered from his hostel room, has been sent for forensic examination, while a clone of the data on the device has been taken for investigation. The police are also examining CCTV footage to reconstruct the sequence of events, a senior police officer said.
The development took place during the hearing of a batch of pleas challenging the Delhi SIR process, particularly notices issued to voters under the category of 'logical discrepancies'.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain said that with July 1, 2026, as the qualifying date, the final rolls show that Arunachal Pradesh now has a total of 6,96,026 registered voters, comprising 3,52,315 women, 3,43,709 men, and two third-gender electors.
The Competition Commission of India has approved LOral Indias acquisition of 100% of Onesto Labs, the parent company of digital-first personal care platform Innovist, which owns brands including Bare Anatomy, Chemist at Play, SunScoop and Anecdote. The approval comes after LOral announced plans in June to acquire a majority stake in Innovist, strengthening its presence in Indias personal care market.
This week falls within the Fire Rooster month of the Fire Horse year, with the daily Pillar cycle eventually reaching a Wood Dragon Danger Day on Sunday. According to traditional Chinese calendar interpretations, three days carry particularly notable energies: Monday is a Remove Day, Saturday brings Destruction Day energy, and Sunday closes the week as a Danger Day.
Donald Trump had a brief light-hearted moment during his appearance at the United Nations General Assembly when he looked around for First Lady Melania Trump. During his address, Trump asked, Where is our First Lady? Shes around here someplace. He then looked around before Melania appeared and waved. The short interaction offered a more informal moment during the formal setting of the UNGA appearance. The moment stood out as a simple, relaxed interaction amid Trumps address at the United Nations
India strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan's eastern provinces. These attacks killed several civilians and wounded others, according to reports. Pakistan stated it targeted terrorist camps and hideouts along the border. Afghanistan's Taliban government rejected the claims and vowed an appropriate response. India reaffirmed its steadfast support for Afghanistan's independence and sovereignty.
In a significant shake-up, Microsoft has let go of 268 employees from its gaming division, paving the way for Activision to spearhead the upcoming mainline Halo title for Xbox. Studios like Rare and World's Edge will now align under Activision, while Bethesda's Obsidian faces a transition to another studio amid shifting Fallout game plans. Additionally, plans to close Ninja Theory could hinder future titles.
India will train one thousand local personnel in regional languages to support exporters. Integrated commerce and industry offices are planned for major cities to streamline access. Industry representatives highlighted the need for digital interoperability and improved export processes. The government is examining proposals for electronic transmission of Certificates of Origin. Enhanced logistics and simpler customs procedures are crucial for export growth.

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