The Economic Times
Elections 2026National / The Economic Times
Explosions were heard in Riyadh early Saturday after Saudi Arabia issued its first air raid alert in the capital since fighting resumed in Yemen in July.
North Korea rejected a UN atomic watchdog resolution demanding nuclear activity halts. Pyongyang stated the resolution has no effect as it is not an IAEA member. A foreign ministry statement accused hostile forces of targeting its nuclear program. The country's nuclear weapons status is legally enshrined and irreversible. North Korea plans to enhance its self-defensive deterrent capabilities further.
Thousands gathered outside the Kennedy Center to protest US President Trump's plans. Protesters formed a human chain around the iconic performing arts institution. Organizations voiced concerns over potential closure and demolition of the center. A judge blocked plans to rename the building and ordered notice for changes. President Trump stated he could save the center but sought recognition.
A federal judge ruled that US President Trump's administration unlawfully canceled a solar energy grant program. The judge found the Environmental Protection Agency exceeded its authority when rescinding grants. This program aimed to expand solar energy in low-income communities across the nation. The court vacated the EPA's termination of the Solar for All program. The EPA is currently reviewing the decision and considering an appeal.
The United Nations has appointed Luke Lindberg as the new leader of the World Food Program, succeeding Cindy McCain as executive director. Lindberg, an official in U.S. agriculture, will tackle critical funding issues while the organization strives to aid millions suffering from severe hunger. Historically, the U.S. has been the largest contributor to this essential food program. Prior to this, Lindberg held various trade and export positions in the U.S.
Delhi NCR weather today, September 19, is expected to remain mostly dry, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching 34C to 36C. Will there be sudden heavy rain across New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurugram. Check latest IMD forecast for the parts of the NCR.
The US State Department approved a potential $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine. This package includes air defense development upgrades and related equipment for Ukraine. Ukraine will finance this significant purchase using European contributions and US Foreign Military Financing. The proposed sale is still subject to a review by the US Congress. President Trump recently signed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill into law.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Washington next week for high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump. The Chinese leader's arrival will be met with an unusual welcome at Joint Base Andrews. Key discussions will focus on tariffs, artificial intelligence, and rare earth minerals. Tech executives and government officials will attend a state dinner hosted by the Trumps. The visit concludes with a private tea and a tour of the National Archives.
South Korea will contribute to restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions also covered swift execution of South Korean investment commitments in the United States. Allies continue negotiations on implementing a trade agreement struck last year. Both sides agreed to keep working towards denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. They reinforced the importance of trilateral cooperation for regional security.
DUSU election results 2026 LIVE: DUSU election results 2026 will start counting today at 8 AM as ABVPs Yash Dabas, NSUIs Vijay Shankar Meena and AISA-SFIs Ananya Raturi face off in the Delhi University Students Union presidential contest. Follow live updates on the four central posts, candidate-wise results, vote counting and key developments.
US forces prepared to intercept a Chinese vessel based on flawed intelligence. An AI chatbot reportedly misidentified cargo, suggesting nuclear weapons components were aboard. This faulty analysis almost triggered a major military confrontation between the US and China. Officials later discovered the intelligence was erroneous, halting the planned operation. The incident highlights growing concerns about AI's role in sensitive intelligence analysis.
Noel Tata has taken a stand against the recent resolutions from the Tata Sons board meeting, deeming them invalid. He asserts that the voting was conducted under specific conditions that were later violated. Furthermore, he is calling for a public acknowledgment to rectify the proceedings of the meeting. This controversy emerged after the board, by a vote of four-to-one, reappointed N Chandrasekaran amid ongoing regulatory challenges facing Tata Sons.
Iran reports striking an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Hundreds of thousands rallied in Tehran showing strong government support. South Korea considers expanding its naval presence in the Gulf of Aden. Houthi supporters demonstrated in Yemen protesting accusations regarding Mecca. Tensions also flared between Lebanese and Israeli soldiers near Deir Mimas.
Tata Sons has started preparing for a potential stock market listing after the RBI directed it to comply with regulations for upper-layer NBFCs, with February 2027 emerging as an internal working target, people familiar with the matter said.
US President Donald Trump announced that his son will repay a Russian oligarch, Umar Kremlev, who allegedly financed Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebrations this year. Following these revelations, Democrats have initiated an investigation into the funding of these festivities. Trump stated that his son had previously confirmed this repayment arrangement, indicating that the commitment was made some time ago.
Paramount and several states are nearing a settlement regarding the Warner Bros. acquisition. Discussions include independent content monitoring for CNN and the number of theatrical releases. This potential agreement could resolve a significant hurdle for Paramount's expansion plans. Paramount faces a daily fee until the deal officially closes. The acquisition aims to create a major competitor in the streaming and film industry.
Ireland's retired wind-turbine blades are getting strange second lives; old power equipment is now becoming benches, bike parking and picnic tables. Irish company BladeBridge is using retired blades for community infrastructure while addressing the waste created by fiberglass composites. The approach includes bridges, benches, bike parking, picnic tables and charging hubs, while projects elsewhere show how turbine materials can support a circular economy after their energy-producing life ends.
Trump said the US has reached a deal with Denmark and Greenland giving Washington permanent control over Greenlands security and barring Russia and China from establishing bases or making sensitive investments there.
President Trump announced bans on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. He cited unfavorable coverage and fake news as reasons for these actions. This move raises significant First Amendment concerns regarding media access and reporting. Several media organizations and press freedom groups have criticized the president's decision. The White House has previously engaged in similar confrontations with news outlets.
US President Trump signed the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law. This legislation imposes significant tariffs on Russia and its energy buyers. China and India face potential 100 percent duties on Russian oil and gas. The act targets Russia's leadership and energy sector directly. It also addresses collaborators in Moscow's defense industry.
Banff used 6 vegetated overpasses to curb highway wildlife collisions along 82km of road. The crossing system includes six overpasses, 38 underpasses and fencing along 82 km of highway. Research found an 80 per cent reduction in wildlife collisions. More than 200,000 crossings by 11 mammal species have been recorded. The project has also influenced wildlife crossing plans in countries including the US, Mongolia, China and Argentina.
Mindset lesson of the day by Claudia Schiffer: Supermodel Claudia Schiffer prefers a conservative financial approach to investments. She avoids risky ventures and lets others invest their own money. This mindset emphasizes knowing personal risk tolerance and setting financial boundaries.
Coral restoration activities in the Florida Keys generated significant economic returns. For every dollar invested, restoration contributed between 120% and 144% locally. This economic stimulus sustained jobs and businesses during downturns like COVID-19 shutdowns. Restoration spending directly supports staff, boats, and local dive shops.
'He says God is non-binary...': Vance torches Talarico in fiery speech as Texas Senate race heats up
The rebound in state oil company Saudi Aramco's exports from inside the Gulf to 1 million to 1.5 million barrels per day on average, similar to or slightly higher than August's levels, has cooled global oil prices as it could make up for some of the volume lost at its Red Sea port of Yanbu, where exports slowed after the East-West pipeline was attacked.
Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said it's time to start discussing the ECB's future after Lagarde. It is up to her to decide whether or not she finishes her mandate and we will be supporting her no matter what, he told Bloomberg Television on the sidelines of a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers in the Irish capital.
Quote of the day by Princess Diana: I dont go by the rule book. I lead from the heart, not the head. Princess Dianas quote highlights the importance of leading with empathy and compassion. Her words suggest that emotions and reason can work together when making decisions. This approach encourages people to stay true to themselves while also considering the feelings of others. It also points to the value of looking beyond conventions and allowing kindness to guide our actions.
LIVE | Trump makes big healthcare announcement from Oval Office
The ED alleges that the resulting entity repaid about Rs 7,800 crore, including principal and interest, to Genpact Luxembourg between 2018 and 2023 from the reserves of the Indian business. It has claimed that the transactions amounted to round-tripping and violated Section 4 of FEMA, which restricts Indian residents from holding foreign exchange, securities or assets outside India.
The Samajwadi Party is preparing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. It aims to expand support among non-Yadav OBCs and Dalits, particularly non-Jatavs. The party will release separate manifestos for each district, addressing local concerns. Prominent leaders are attending village meetings to gauge voter sentiment. Booth committees have been expanded to include seventeen members each.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya claimed factions fight over money. He stated the Trinamool party symbol will cease to exist soon. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari said the ECI made a decision as per rules. He attributed the current situation to pride and divine wrath. Adhikari mentioned Mamata Banerjee's remarks on religious events and processions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Hindustan Aeronautics Limited scientists to create future technologies. He stressed realistic timelines for critical defence projects to avoid delays. Singh called for enhanced public-private synergy to build indigenous aerospace capabilities. India must prepare for sector transformation through advanced technologies and indigenous development. The goal is to make India a global leader in aerospace technology.
Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested on Friday for alleged involvement in a 2007 movement. Party leaders strongly criticized the arrest, calling it political vendetta. They stated democracy is on a ventilator in BJP's Bengal. The timing of the arrest raises serious questions about fairness. This action is seen as an effort to ensure an opposition-free India.
Oman's Sohar Port is actively positioning itself as a gateway for Indian businesses. The port offers integrated facilities and investment opportunities across various industrial sectors. This strategic location provides Indian traders with an advantage for regional expansion. Sohar Port is a fast-growing global hub with value-added services for businesses. Oman's other ports like Salalah and Duqm also support Indian trade and investment.
Rahul Gandhi criticised the Election Commission's actions regarding party symbols. Ironically, the Congress party itself experienced a significant split decades ago. Indira Gandhi orchestrated this split, leading to a new party symbol. The Election Commission settled these rival claims by freezing the original symbol. This historical event mirrors recent party symbol disputes in Indian politics.
DJ RINOKA is a young DJ from Tokyo, Japan, who discovered her passion for DJing after watching a female DJ on YouTube when she was 4. After receiving a DDJ-200 for Christmas, she began DJing at 5. On 9 July 2023, she performed her first solo DJ gig in Tokyo at 6 years and 155 days old, becoming the worlds youngest female club DJ. She later performed at Neon Oasis 24 in Taipei City, Taiwan, on 21 January 2024, becoming the youngest female DJ to perform at a music festival.
Private sector financing is crucial for India's ambitious Viksit Bharat vision. Government budgets alone cannot meet the scale of transformation required. States are identifying sector-specific financing needs and innovative funding means. Increased domestic savings and efficient capital allocation are essential for sustained growth. Fiscal discipline and attracting more capital are vital for navigating global challenges.
Wisdom of the day by Sean Penn offers a grounded lesson about difficult choices, personal growth and finding meaning beyond comfort. His words speak to everyday struggles at work, in relationships and during uncertain decisions. They also raise a practical question: are we choosing what feels easy, or what truly matters? The answer can shape how we handle change, pressure and responsibility.
Takeda and Dr. Reddy's Labs will promote the Qdenga dengue vaccine in India. This pioneering vaccine is expected to launch in the first half of 2027. It will be available for paediatric and adult vaccination in the private market. The vaccine received approval from India's regulatory agency in July 2026. Pricing details for the Indian market have not yet been disclosed.
The Election Commission has assigned new names and symbols to two factions of the All India Trinamool Congress. Mamata Banerjee's group will now be known as Mamata All India Trinamool Congress with a football player symbol. The Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction received the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and an envelope symbol. Both groups will use these new identities for upcoming by-elections in West Bengal.
Family rituals can give everyday life a reassuring sense of continuity. A birthday might always begin with the same special breakfast, Friday evenings may revolve around a favorite meal, and every first day of school could start with the traditional photo at the front door. Over time, these repeated moments create a familiar rhythm, helping children anticipate what comes next.
Excluding two companies for which comparable data is unavailable, the analysis shows that the number of complaints has been rising steadily over two years, by 6.3% in FY25 (over FY24) and 5.2% in FY26 (over FY25).
Maresca has the daunting task of replacing Guardiola, who won 20 trophies in a glorious 10-year reign at the Etihad. Since losing the Community Shield to Arsenal in pre-season, the Italian has made a flawless start in the campaign with six consecutive wins across three different competitions.
Mamata Banerjee will support Congress candidates in Nandigram and Assam bypolls. Her party's Nandigram candidate withdrew her nomination on Friday afternoon. Banerjee's faction received a new symbol and name from the Election Commission. She stated the decision was made in the greater interest of the nation. By-elections for Nandigram and Rejinagar are scheduled for October 6.
Mohan Bhagwat addressed Gen Z participants, warning against human vanity and ego. He cited the sun's certainty to illustrate man's limited control. Bhagwat explained India's Dharma differs from Western religious concepts. The RSS is increasing outreach to young people after recent protests. This outreach follows student discontent over exam paper leaks.
Rahul Gandhi condemned the Election Commission freezing the Trinamool Congress party symbol. He alleged the BJP and ECI conspire to split parties and steal symbols. Gandhi linked vote theft and party theft to democratic decline. He stated the ECI aids forces overturning the people's verdict. This fight is for every voter wanting free and fair elections.

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