The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
On Tuesday, members of the National Students' Union of India gathered at the Rajiv Chowk metro station. They demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to electoral irregularities. Activist Vinod Jakhar was detained along with hundreds of other demonstrators during the protest. The police increased security measures in Connaught Place, which is near Jantar Mantar.
Recent high-profile exits at Bank of America, such as banker Amy Lissauer, have sparked concerns about the institution's future. Once a leader in investment banking fees, the bank now sits in fourth place. In response to staff unease, executives held a reassuring meeting focused on commitment to employees and recruitment plans.
Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited has announced the dispatch of 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army in a single supply batch. The company said the order was placed under emergency procurement after technical trials, with the system configured for short-range operations and equipped with attack-abort and recovery capabilities.
On Tuesday, drones targeted two ships in the Black Sea off Bulgaria, causing significant damage and injuries. Rescuers successfully evacuated the crew from one ship, while a second vessel sank during the attack. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the strikes and sought assistance from NATO and the European Union. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of responsibility for these attacks on commercial vessels.
A former gang leader was set to be sentenced on Tuesday for orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting death of hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas, capping the lone prosecution of a long-unsolved murder that shaped the golden age of rap
During a recent gathering at Mizoram University, Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia urged financial institutions to provide credit solutions that address the specific needs of the Northeast region. He criticized generic banking products as insufficient, emphasizing customization for each state. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma shared initiatives requiring investment, hinting at potential economic drivers for the area that could facilitate sustained growth and enhance public welfare.
Piyush Goyal defended the Election Commission of India during a BJP press conference regarding Congress allegations. He emphasized the autonomy provided to the Commission by the Modi government and contrasted it with Congresss history. Goyal raised concerns about former election officials subsequent political roles in Congress. He highlighted recent changes in the appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner under the current government.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sought a detailed report on alleged police action against protesters and media personnel during an anti-SIR demonstration in Bengaluru, warning that any excessive use of force would invite accountability. He reaffirmed the right to peaceful protest, while Home Minister Priyank Kharge directed police to protect demonstrators' rights and urged organisers to coordinate with authorities.
In a bid to foster indigenous defence technologies, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation teams up with Medhastra Techsystems. This collaboration seeks to pave the way for advancements in artificial intelligence and cognitive warfare, supporting the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative for self-reliance in defence. Joining the IIT Madras ecosystem allows Medhastra to amplify its defence AI capabilities, reinforcing India's position in global technological innovation through academic and
Nandan Nilekani's Anti-Neet Paper Leak Plan: Nandan Nilekani has proposed generating NEET question papers at the last minute using AI and a large question bank to reduce paper leak risks. The Infosys co-founder also wants India to expand computer-based testing facilities as part of wider examination reforms.
Indian Railways reported loading 135.35 million tonnes of freight in September 2026, marking significant growth. This represents a 6.14 per cent increase compared to September 2025, highlighting strong performance in key commodity segments. Foodgrain loading saw a notable rise of 25 per cent during the same period. Freight revenue also increased by Rs 1,266 crore, indicating a 9.3 per cent growth rate.
The IMF has raised India's growth forecast to 7% for both FY27 and FY28, highlighting the country's resilience despite higher oil prices and a slowing global economy. Strong domestic consumption, infrastructure spending, recovering private investment and AI-related capital expenditure are supporting growth, though inflation, energy costs and weaker rural demand remain risks.
During an exercise between Egypt and China, the Egyptian Air Forces Rafale fighter jets reportedly demonstrated better performance than Chinas J-16 aircraft in simulated close-range dogfights. Defence Security Asia highlighted the Rafales manoeuvrability and rapid nose-pointing capabilities, although publicly available results do not establish how consistently the French-made fighters outperformed their Chinese counterparts.
Sridhar Vembu Net Worth: Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu and his siblings have a combined net worth of $5.8 billion, according to Forbes. He grew up in a village in Tamil Nadu, studied at IIT Madras and Princeton, and now lives in rural Tenkasi. His wealth is in the news again after he said Zoho staff will not get a pay hike this year.
Bayer brings together its capabilities in Seeds & Traits, Crop Protection, Digital Farming Solutions and agronomy with tailored mechanization and digital advisory to support farmers through the transition.
Encouraging a paradigm shift, Uday Kotak of Kotak Mahindra Bank calls for increased Chinese investments in India. He posits that collaborating with Chinese firms could enrich India's manufacturing sector. Kotaks remarks signal a reassessment of global investment trends, advocating for a cooperative model akin to Chinas previous engagements with U.S. companies, aiming to expand the spectrum of available capital even in the face of trade tensions.
Union minister V Somanna has accused the Congress of opposing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls because it does not want allegedly ineligible voters removed, as the political fight over the exercise intensifies. The Congress says the revision risks disenfranchising genuine voters, while BJP and JD(S) leaders have defended it as necessary for electoral integrity and criticised the Oppositions campaign against it.
The Maharashtra government has decided to send MPSC chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar on leave following student protests. This administrative action follows allegations of examination irregularities that have gained national attention. Political figures, including Rahul Gandhi and Rohit Pawar, supported the student-led demonstrations and coordinated efforts. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appointed FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe to the inquiry committee recently.
Tanot Mata Temple in Rajasthans Jaisalmer district received more than 20,000 devotees on the opening day of Navratri. Revered as the Goddess of Bombs because of accounts of unexploded bombs during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, the border shrine began its 10-day fair with traditional rituals. The BSF has arranged medical assistance, food, crowd management and other facilities for pilgrims.
Neha Bora Protest: Neha Bora, the national president of AISA, has drawn attention following protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Here is what to know about her age, educational qualifications, father, family background, student politics and recent protests.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the RBI may take further measures to curb rupee volatility, clarifying that its aim is to stabilise the currency rather than fix its value. The rupee recorded its biggest single-day gain in six months on Monday after the central bank introduced curbs to reduce dollar demand and intervened in the market by selling dollars.
Tamannaah Bhatia's fitness trainer Siddhartha Singh shared 3 nutritious dinner recipes designed for weight loss that are both satisfying and health-conscious. He advocates for the 50-25-25 meal ratio, recommending rajma with rice, egg bhurji with chapati, and paneer bhurji. Each meal should be accompanied by a generous salad, promoting mindful eating practices while effectively controlling hunger and meeting dietary needs.
INS Mangrol is Indias latest anti-submarine warship, built domestically and commissioned in Mumbai. Armed with sonar, torpedoes, rockets and stealth features, it is designed to hunt submarines in shallow coastal waters where larger ships cannot go. It is the third of 16 such vessels being inducted into the Indian Navy.
Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old IIT Bombay student,died by suicide after an exam incident. He had been caught using ChatGPT to cheat during a mid-semester examination. Following this, Wakode submitted an apology letter to the institute asking for a second chance. His parents have alleged harassment and caste discrimination against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, named in the abetment to suicide case.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan would continue to support multimodal connectivity, faster infrastructure development and greater logistics efficiency as the initiative completed five years.
LVMH's quarterly report indicated a 5% decline in fashion and leather goods sales due to weak demand. The company's overall organic sales growth was only 1%, falling short of expectations. Analysts have reduced target prices for LVMH shares by an average of 9% due to these results. This downturn in performance is prompting fears of broader struggles among luxury competitors.
Shubman Gill was awarded the ICC men's Player of the Month for the fifth time after his exceptional performance against the West Indies. He scored 110 in the first ODI and then a double-century leading India to victory. Shafali Verma claimed the women's award for her contributions to India's Asia Cup success and Asian Games achievement.
A Software engineer from Suryapet district in Telangana died by Suicide at Gold Edge Apartments in Hyderabads Nanakramguda on Monday. He was employed in Bengaluru and had later moved into a a rented flat at the apartment complex two days before the incident. The engineer was found by a security guard on the ground and was later declared dead. He had left a suicide note apologising to his parents.
Nandan Nilekani suggested a significant change in India's examination framework during the Bloomberg Economic Forum. He emphasized the use of artificial intelligence to create question papers on the day of the exam. This approach aims to eliminate the risk of leaks and fraud associated with traditional question papers. Nilekani noted the importance of transitioning to a Computer-Based Testing model nationwide for equitable access.
Many urban centers in India have designated protest sites that reflect their historical significance and role during the freedom struggle. Notable examples include Azad Maidan in Mumbai and Gandhi Maidan in Patna, both with rich protest histories. Jantar Mantar in New Delhi has been a prominent protest site before recent changes in its status. The article highlights various cities and their notable protest locations that recall their pasts.
A request for a box of Deepavali sweets on X reportedly turned into a harassment ordeal for Madurai influencer Veeramani after followers began sending unwanted cash-on-delivery orders to his home. Deliveries reportedly included expensive electronics and food, prompting him to post an emotional appeal asking people to stop. Neighbours later said he had left his residence after repeated visits by delivery personnel.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran of Tata Sons affirmed the conglomerate's commitment to producing semiconductor chips amid ongoing boardroom disputes. Tata is investing heavily in India's first chip-making unit, a key to future growth. Noel Tata has expressed disagreements over capital decisions and shareholder returns, which has escalated tensions. Despite operational challenges at Air India and within Tata Technologies, the group continues to maintain double-digit growth.
China's foreign ministry protested India's move to establish standardised names for 28 regions in Ladakh on the official Survey of India and called the decision 'illegal.' The changes were in direct response to China renaming regions in Arunachal Pradesh in 2023, which it calls 'Zagnan' or South Tibet. The ongoing tensions highlight the complexities of India-China relations.
Police constable Ranga Swamy undertook a hazardous recovery operation in Andhra Pradeshs Kurnool district, entering the swift Tungabhadra river to retrieve an unidentified womans body. He carried the body on his shoulders across nearly a kilometre of rocky terrain to reach the riverbank after the dangerous conditions deterred others from attempting the recovery. Videos of his efforts later circulated on social media, drawing public praise.
India is focusing on strengthening the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' strategic maritime role for regional trade. The upcoming Andaman Dialogue 2027 will emphasize maritime infrastructure and economic cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the islands as an economic bridge, particularly for trade and logistics efforts. Enhanced cooperation between regional ports and industries is also proposed to bolster maritime security.
GOld rate today: Gold prices for 22k jewellery have seen a decline across key cities, with brands like Tanishq and Malabar Gold adjusting their rates. Buyers are encouraged to verify prices before making purchases, especially during the festive period.
UP Board Time Table 2027 Class 10, 12: The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad has announced the Class 10 and Class 12 examination schedule, with board exams set to run from February 5 to February 24, 2027. Check the subject-wise timetable, morning and evening shift timings, and steps to download the UPMSP date sheet PDF.
BJP MP Ravi Kishan criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly hitting his own party workers during protests. He accused the Opposition of attempting to hijack democracy as they are unable to defeat the BJP electorally. Kishan claimed that 65 percent of young people support the current government under Modi's leadership. He dismissed Congress's concerns about EVMs as unfounded and self-serving.
NATO's defence technology priorities have shifted towards meet what it deems to be capability gaps in counter-drone systems and space-based surveillance. The collective defence organisation has launched a 1 billion euro fund to accelerate the development of dual-use technologies on its eastern border. Poland has become an attractive investment destination to meet these demands and the fund aims to speed up the identification and adoption of technologies.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with Hindu community leaders to discuss their rights and security. He emphasized that every citizen deserves protection regardless of religious identity while ensuring their rights. The government is enhancing security measures ahead of the Durga Puja festival to maintain communal harmony. Past incidents of violence against Hindus have raised concerns about their safety during religious gatherings.

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