The Economic Times

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will partake in a foot march in Karnal on November 5. This initiative is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign to raise awareness about electoral processes and voter lists. The campaign will include public outreach programs and foot marches across various districts. Preparation for the event involves collaboration between party officials and supporters at the local level.

The Delhi government is proposing to set up first-aid facilities across all 1,086 government schools in the city. This initiative aims to provide immediate medical attention to students during school hours. Each school will have a trained health worker available for assistance with minor injuries and sudden illnesses. Facilities will be equipped for basic first aid and menstrual health support, ensuring privacy for girl students.

Ghulam Nabi Azad has responded to Farooq Abdullah's recent remarks on Pakistan's influence in Kashmir. Azad emphasized that Pakistan has historically been an enemy of India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged respect for the development efforts made by successive Indian governments since 1947. Shia leader Imran Ansari also criticized Abdullah, labeling him and his party as 'rebels on rent'.

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, expressed high expectations for the India-EU free trade agreement. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between ports and nations to facilitate global trade. Siemons conveyed his optimism about increased business opportunities between Europe and India. Negotiations for the free trade agreement have concluded, with hopes to sign it by year-end. The implementation of the agreement is anticipated for next year.

Trump & Melania vote in Florida: Presidents ballot comes amid mail-in voting controversy in Midterm

Gold rate: In international markets, Comex gold futures for the December delivery declined USD 173.2, or 4.14 per cent, over the past week, to close at USD 4,007.9 per ounce.

Once teetering on the brink of extinction in North America due to harmful pesticides and loss of natural habitats, the peregrine falcons have made a remarkable comeback. With dedicated conservationists implementing strategies such as captive breeding and urban nesting, these magnificent birds thrived, leading to their delisting as endangered in 1999. This inspiring success story underscores the crucial role of ongoing research and long-term conservation efforts in restoring wildlife communities.

The J&K Congress has distanced itself from Farooq Abdullah's remarks regarding Pakistan's involvement in Kashmir. This comes as some groups have filed a police complaint against him for these comments. Abdullah's statements reflect frustrations regarding the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leaders criticized his reliance on Pakistan narratives while highlighting local issues facing the region.

Addressing the valedictory session of the 2nd National Urban Conclave on Sunday, Gauba called for removal of restrictive floor-area ratios (FARs) and building norms that constrain land supply and drive-up costs for residential and commercial users.

The assurance was given by Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra during a meeting chaired by AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal at the Constitution Club in Jaipur to discuss preparations for the rally and ensure maximum participation from the state.

Pakistan's LPG crisis has pushed prices to Rs 750 per kilogram in some areas, taking cylinder costs above Rs 10,000. The Gabd-Rimdan crossing with Iran has reopened after a week-long suspension, but dealers are protesting alleged harassment by enforcement agencies. With market rates far above the official price, households are struggling to secure affordable cooking fuel.

Israel elections 2026: Israel will hold general elections on October 27, 2026, amid heightened security concerns and political uncertainty. Ahead of the vote, Benjamin Netanyahu shared an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion alongside a warning about Iran, a potential second Holocaust and the political uncertainty surrounding Donald Trumps eventual successor.

Rajiv Gauba emphasized the need for reforms in urban governance during the National Urban Conclave. He highlighted the importance of empowering city governments and proposed directly elected mayors for better governance. The projected increase in India's urban population demands significant infrastructure and service management changes. Gauba called for improved municipal revenues and the adoption of the Model Tenancy Act to support affordable housing.

Weather tomorrow, October 26: The IMD has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and rain across several states as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm. Keralam and Tamil Nadu face rain warnings, while Andhra Pradesh and Odisha could see heavy to extremely heavy rainfall as the system approaches the coast around October 28. Delhi is likely to remain partly cloudy.

Engineers in Minnesota have investigated the potential of recycled asphalt shingles for road construction to mitigate landfill waste. Their trials with manufacturer scrap shingles showed promising initial performance in pavement. Nevertheless, issues like cracking and restrictions on the amount of scrap used arose. The federal highway administration has noted inconsistent shingle quality within road mixtures, adding complexity to their usability in construction.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan highlighted the significance of a technology-driven Indian Navy on Sunday. He emphasized the Swavlamban initiative which connects the Navy's requirements to India's innovators and entrepreneurs. The event aims to strengthen naval capabilities and promote self-reliance as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Swavlamban 2026 is scheduled for October 26 and 27 in New Delhi.

US midterm elections 2026: Out of 435 seats in the House of Representatives, Republicans have 218 seats, Democrats have 214, Independents have 1 and there are two vacancies.

School Assembly News Headlines Today (October 26): School assembly news headlines for October 26 cover India's cyclone preparations, Odisha recruitment, international developments, business activity and major sports results. Key updates include India's T20I series lead against New Zealand, Nitesh Kumar's para-badminton gold and PV Sindhu's French Open final appearance. Trending stories feature a grandmother's creative teaching method, the death of chef Damu and a foreign traveller's Vande Bharat

President Donald Trump is actively campaigning across the United States aboard Air Force One to support Republican candidates. He travels with a diverse entourage including aides, Cabinet members, and celebrities. High-profile passengers such as Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have joined him on some flights. Trump's travel aims to strengthen Republican positions in upcoming elections. His entourage provides strategic advice and reinforces his messaging at rallies.

Nigel Durham drummer: Former Saxon drummer Nigel Durham has died at 61, months after dismissing false death rumours in July. Durham had faced false reports of his death just months earlier. Here's a look at his musical career, his time with Saxon and the bands he played with after leaving the heavy metal group.

School holiday updates for October 26, 2026, vary across India as parents track a developing Bay of Bengal system and local announcements. Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Council schools have declared a holiday for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, while Odisha has ordered closures in five districts for October 28 and 29. Here is what families should know about Delhi-NCR and other states.

Sanjay Kishan Kaul has raised concerns regarding the judicial appointment approach of former Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud. Legal experts have expressed differing opinions on Kaul's criticisms, with some defending Chandrachud's tenure and others supporting Kaul. Senior advocates have highlighted issues related to judicial independence and the allocation of sensitive cases during Chandrachud's administration. While some praise his leadership, others suggest he was deferential to the government.

After retiring from dairy farming, Wisconsin native Albert Zahn found a new passion in carving. His impressive collection of intricately carved and painted birds, along with various figures, turned his home into a must-visit destination. Despite the closure of his art environment, his legacy lives on through museum exhibitions, showcasing how his art celebrates personal expression and the beauty of nature.

A cyclonic system is developing over the Bay of Bengal, with expectations to intensify into a severe storm. The system is projected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast while affecting Odisha. Odisha's government has mobilized 225 rescue teams and canceled all leaves for disaster personnel. Forecasts indicate extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in southern Odisha districts.

In Hyderabad, a protest took place after an egg was thrown near a Goddess Durga idol procession. The incident happened at around 2 am, prompting participants and local residents to respond negatively. Police registered a case under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for religious disrespect. A suspect was arrested, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to gather more evidence.

Sanjay Kishan Kaul expresses concerns about the approach taken by ex-CJI D Y Chandrachud regarding judicial appointments. He highlights a specific meeting where a sixth candidate was proposed without proper collegium discussion. Kaul suggests that Chandrachud's practices could compromise judicial independence and future appointments. Further, he raises issues about previous discussions with the government influencing these decisions.

With Delhi-NCR's smog season approaching, parents at a leading school are reportedly considering pooling money to buy air purifiers for nursery classrooms. A viral post by Anirudh Arun has sparked debate over the school's existing filtration arrangements, the movement of purifiers between grades and who should be responsible for protecting children from air pollution.

The Department of Homeland Security completed about 980,000 deportations during the first 18 months of President Donald Trumps second term, according to a new Migration Policy Institute analysis. The report finds that 71 percent of deported immigrants who had lived in the United States for at least two years had no criminal conviction.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the impressive growth of India's digital payments ecosystem. The Unified Payments Interface processes over 2,400 crore transactions every month, showcasing its effectiveness. Sitharaman emphasized the expansion of fintech initiatives that enhance access to credit and investment opportunities. Data centres were granted infrastructure status in 2022, aiding digital infrastructure. The Reserve Bank's new campus will bolster payment systems and p

NCP (SP) leaders are urging the Maharashtra government to prioritize water supply for farmers amid severe drought. They demand an increase in financial aid to Rs 25,000 per affected farmer before Diwali. Concerns were raised regarding the alleged political pressure affecting water allocation for construction projects. The party is also highlighting issues such as harassment of farmers by lenders during this crisis.

Manoj Jarange claims that a recently released audio clip regarding a political conspiracy is genuine. He insists that political figures are attempting to discredit the recording by alleging it is artificially generated. Jarange emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the audio clip by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

During a Durga Puja event in Sribhumi district, a Bihu troupe faced an attack from a group of individuals. The group objected to the performance of Assamese songs in the Barak Valley and confronted the troupe members. As a result, several members of the troupe were injured during the incident, prompting public concern.

A 19-year-old man in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, was arrested for allegedly stealing 15 tolas of gold jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh from his uncle and using the money to buy a Mahindra Thar. The accused reportedly invited his uncle to the vehicles puja ceremony, where the missing ornaments came to light. Police also arrested the jeweller accused of purchasing the gold.

Underwater at Deepwater Reef in New Jersey, a caisson gate has been installed to form a new artificial reef. Designed to nurture marine biodiversity, this structure is expected to attract over 150 different species, from lobsters to crabs. Former studies suggest that creating artificial reefs can improve local fish populations when adequately maintained.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly established Reserve Bank of India's data centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar. The investment for these facilities was Rs 169 crore, aimed at enhancing technological infrastructure. The data centre holds Uptime Institute's Tier IV certification, which ensures resilience in data handling. The Cybersecurity Training Institute will focus on emerging technologies and research in the banking sector.

Daylight Saving Time: On November 1, Daylight Saving Time will come to an end, rewarding Americans with an extra hour of sleep post-Halloween festivities. This adjustment results in earlier sunsets and gives residents a brighter start to their mornings as winter sets in. Despite the proposed Sunshine Protection Act, Congress has yet to embrace making this time change permanent.

Celebrity house flipping can create an illusion of high profitability while ignoring essential financial details. In the case of Bethenny Frankel, she sold her renovated loft for nearly $7 million after buying it for $4.2 million. However, various costs and unpaid expenses may have led to less profit than expected. The national average for remodeling returns shows that not all renovations guarantee significant returns.

In a fascinating juxtaposition, Idaho voters are deciding on a state gun, while Massachusetts grapples with stringent new firearm regulations. These divergent ballot measures underscore the ongoing dialogue surrounding gun rights and restrictions. Massachusetts has initiated a law mandating serialization and registration of firearms, leading to a public referendum. Conversely, Idaho is presenting a nonbinding question to promote voter engagement.

Dubai resident Mohammed Shakaa brought 53 iPhones, from the first-generation model to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, to an Apple Store while collecting two Apple iPhone Duos. The longtime Apple enthusiast said he had waited more than three years for the device and hopes to attend a future Apple launch in California.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone Arnab is anticipated to intensify and make landfall near the Andhra Pradesh coastline. The cyclone may generate sustained winds of 115-125 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 140 km/h. As the cyclone nears, heavy rainfall is expected in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Authorities are urgently reviewing their readiness and response strategies to mitigate potential disruptions as they closely monitor the developing situation.

Kolkata Police is compiling a list of personnel present during the stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja. This tragic incident occurred on October 17, resulting in 19 fatalities among the crowd. They are particularly focusing on officers responsible for crowd control at entry and exit points. The West Bengal government has established a six-member SIT for a thorough investigation.

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed concern over job discrimination against Kannadigas in technology companies. He highlighted the seriousness of complaints regarding biased recruitment practices in Bengaluru. His statements came after a viral video showcasing the issue and prompted a wider online discussion. The government intends to take appropriate action against firms found to be discriminating against local candidates.

The corporate affairs ministry has extended the deadlines for submitting annual financial statements and returns for fiscal year 2025-26. Companies can now file financial statements until December 31, 2026, without incurring additional fees. The deadline for submitting annual returns has also been adjusted to January 31, 2027. This extension comes after stakeholders faced challenges with the MCA 21 portal.