The Economic Times

Over the past few months, hardly a day has gone by without Kumaraswamy issuing statements, holding protests or raising fresh allegations against the state government. His attacks have intensified following Congress leader Siddaramaiah's police complaint seeking action against content linking him to an alleged honey-trap episode.

The Ramleela performance in Mohra village was suspended following the death of an elderly local woman. Villagers mourned Gafooran's passing, as she was seen as a family member in the community. Adarsh Ramleela Committee decided to halt the performance out of respect for her contributions. Her death had a profound impact, casting a shadow over the village. Villagers expressed their deep sorrow and loss in response to her passing.

Poultry farmers are currently experiencing losses of approximately 15% due to rising livestock feed costs. Key ingredients have seen price increases of up to 75%, affecting farmers' ability to cope. Dairy producers, particularly in drought-affected regions, struggle to source necessary fodder for their livestock. Feed manufacturers are also feeling the impact as higher prices reduce demand for their products.

The seven-member drafting committee panel, headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, has opened a website for the people, where 37 questions are being asked and citizens are asked to give in their opinions before November 15. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already said that the state will bring in a UCC bill during the Winter assembly session in Nagpur at the end of the year.

An Army officers wife has been booked in Jammu in an alleged espionage case for reportedly preparing research papers on sensitive national security issues using AI tools ChatGPT and Claude. Officials, as cited by PTI, alleged that she was in contact with foreign nationals, including individuals suspected of links to Chinese intelligence agencies. Her mobile phone has been seized for forensic examination, and investigators are probing whether sensitive information was shared.

ED's investigation centres on allegations that CMRL paid Exalogic Rs 2.78 crore under the guise of IT consultancy and related services despite allegedly receiving no corresponding services. The agency has alleged that the payments formed part of a wider arrangement involving illegal gratification to Vijayan during his tenure as chief minister. The allegations have not been established in court.

Tata Sons is reviewing its Articles of Association to comply with Sebi listing regulations, which may impact the influence of Tata Trusts on board appointments. This scrutiny follows the RBI's rejection of Tata Sons' application to relinquish its core investment company registration, necessitating compliance with strict governance standards for listed entities.

After sending vehicles connected to Starshield to Europe to conduct speed checks and finding they operated normally outside Ukraine, officials in Kyiv concluded that restrictions are on the territory of Ukraine - so it is a planned operation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Trump last week announced an energy ceasefire -- which neither side said they agreed to beforehand -- that quickly collapsed, with Moscow continuing strikes on Ukraine's power grid and Kyiv eventually resuming hits on Russian oil refineries. Trump has been angered by Kyiv's strikes on Russian refineries -- which he says are contributing to a surge in global fuel prices.

An American woman living in New Delhi, Kristen Fischer, has sparked an online conversation after sharing a video of her visit to a neighbourhood kirana store less than a minute from her home. She is seen buying milk and curd while speaking to the shopkeeper in Hindi. The video prompted social media users to discuss the convenience of India's local grocery shops and the importance of supporting small businesses.

A tragic stampede occurred at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal resulting in the deaths of 19 individuals. Over 25 people were injured during this incident attributed to poor crowd management and narrow lanes. Seven people have been arrested, including organisers and security personnel, while government officials visited the injured. Financial support has been announced for the families of the deceased and injured individuals.

A high-powered committee led by a Calcutta High Court judge will probe the adverse incident at the Chorbagan Puja Committee. To improve crowd control, nine IPS officers have been assigned to manage the festivals crowds effectively. The disaster management secretary and other officials are inspecting various puja pandals to ensure safety measures. Compensation cheques of 25 lakh will be distributed to the bereaved families on specified dates.

Jantar Mantar has recently been officially designated as a site for demonstrations in India. Jantar Mantar's transformation follows a history of protest locations like the Boat Club lawns. The change brought about noticeable effects on protest dynamics across the region. While protests do not fade away, they often shift in location based on official designations. Authorities face increased scrutiny to manage and maintain these designated sites appropriately.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to represent India at the SCO meeting in Dushanbe on October 19. The meeting will focus on regional economic issues and approval of an Action Plan for multilateral cooperation. Singh will also engage in bilateral talks with Tajikistan and other nations during his visit. The agenda includes promoting digital trade and expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence sectors.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered a case against the wife of an Army officer. She is accused of sharing sensitive information with foreign intelligence operatives. Sources indicate that she unknowingly engaged with individuals linked to China. The investigation is focused on the degree of information exchanged during her research activities. The accused has not yet been arrested, and the inquiry is ongoing.

A Kashmir-bound passenger bus was attacked in Haryana, resulting in the injury of an elderly traveller. The event drew widespread condemnation from various political and religious figures in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported that the Haryana government assured him of swift action. Authorities in Karnal claimed to have detained two suspects involved in the incident. Calls for strict measures against those responsible have echoed throughout the region.

Gangs won't be spared, M'rashtra Deputy CM Eknath vows after firing at Tiger Shroff's car

Ventive Hospitality, a joint venture between Panchshil Realty and Blackstone, is in discussions to acquire luxury hotels. The company aims to secure two to three hotels that will generate significant EBITDA income. Currently, Ventive Hospitality operates 14 assets, including various high-end hotel brands across India and the Maldives. Plans are underway to launch the first Ritz Carlton Reserve project in India.

International investors have raised concerns regarding the Indian Income-tax authorities' invocation of the judicial anti-avoidance rule. At a recent meeting, investors communicated their issues with the Central Board of Direct Taxes on this matter. The use of JAAR to deny relief on grandfathered shares contradicts prior regulations established by the CBDT. The standing of both GAAR and JAAR remains complex due to Supreme Court rulings.

Astronomers have uncovered a remarkable white dwarf star named WD J1330+6435, situated 326 light-years away from our planet. This celestial body exhibits a striking green color, influenced by the elements present in its atmosphere, particularly sodium. This discovery broadens our perspective on the spectrum of colors that stellar remnants can possess, with the star affectionately dubbed a 'zombie star,' highlighting the intriguing afterlife saga of stars and their planetary systems.

Opener Shafali Verma scored 55 runs in just 25 balls to lead India to victory over Zimbabwe. After choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe struggled and managed to score only 102 runs in their innings. India's bowlers performed well, restricting the opposition and taking key wickets at crucial moments. Shafali and Smriti Mandhana had a partnership of 96 runs for the first wicket, making the chase easier.

The US announced a 60-day pause on sanctions against Russia to analyze the effects on the global economy. Officials clarified that no sanctions were lifted as part of the Graham Act. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for this evaluation amid geopolitical tensions. Critics from both parties expressed their discontent regarding Trump's decision to waive the sanctions.

Tiger Shroff was unharmed when unidentified attackers fired shots at his vehicle in Mumbai's Juhu area. Two individuals, including his driver, sustained injuries in the incident. Police have launched a significant investigation involving the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, suspected due to previous threats to Bollywood figures. Similar security concerns have emerged for other prominent actors such as Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh.

MSM Unify India has acquired majority stakes in Kerala-based KlickEdu and Gujarat-based RJ Vision to expand its presence in healthcare education, workforce development and competitive-exam preparation. KlickEdu plans to develop allied healthcare colleges in India, while RJ Vision aims to reach 30,000 students across Gujarat over the next three years. The financial details of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

A major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright resulted in seven fatalities according to unnamed sources. The fire erupted during a training session while winds reached up to 60 miles per hour. Health officials declared a mass casualty event to manage the medical response for the injured. Canadian National Defense officials and the Prime Minister expressed their condolences and concern.

Actor Tiger Shroff escaped unharmed after shots were fired at him in Juhu, Mumbai. This incident adds to a series of shootings targeting Bollywood personalities over the last few years. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been implicated in several of these attacks, including an incident involving Salman Khan. High-profile cases include filmmaker Rakesh Roshan's injury in 2000 and T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar's murder in 1997.

Saanich election results: Rishi Sharma has been elected Saanich mayor after securing 45.31% of the vote, while 67.96% of voters rejected a proposed merger with Victoria. The 2026 municipal election also saw five newcomers win council seats, reshaping local leadership in British Columbia. According to preliminary results, 24,663 voters, or 67.96%, voted against amalgamation.

A firing incident allegedly targeting actor Tiger Shroffs car in Mumbais Juhu area has prompted the Mumbai Police to form 15 teams to investigate the case. Shroff and his driver were taken to Nanavati Hospital following the incident, with the driver sustaining a gunshot injury. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed police to conduct a swift investigation. Alleged claims of responsibility linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang remain unverified.

Eight workers tragically lost their lives after being struck by a speeding car in Punjab's Sangrur district. The incident occurred on Lehragaga-Jakhal road near Alisher village while the workers were engaged in their duties. Authorities indicated that five workers died on the spot, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The district administration is providing necessary medical assistance to the injured individuals following the accident.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across southern India from October 19 to October 24, 2026, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain likely in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also expected in several regions. Here is the state-wise weather forecast, including rainfall warnings, affected dates and the IMD's fishermen advisory for the southwest Arabian Sea.

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting his leadership against Iran and calling him a reliable partner. Trump emphasized that Iran's threatening rhetoric could lead to serious consequences and commended Netanyahu's strength in dealing with various pressures. He warned of potential US involvement if the leadership in Israel changes. Trump's support is labeled as a complete and total endorsement for Netanyahu's re-election campaign.

France protests on October 17 drew attention to a viral TikTok campaign that reportedly garnered 132 million views and 18 million likes. The online mobilisation revived memories of the 2018 Yellow Vests movement, as students, workers and protesters voiced anger over rising fuel prices, living costs and deteriorating public services.

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of electoral malpractice while addressing issues related to corruption and unemployment in Goa. He claimed that government officials were involved in manipulating elections and exploiting land from local farmers. Gandhi expressed concerns over the rising unemployment rates forcing youth to migrate abroad for opportunities. He criticized the Central government for allegedly favoring industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani.

Navratri 2026 Kanya Pujan: Navratri 2026 Kanya Pujan will be observed on October 19. Devotees can check the auspicious muhurat timings, including Abhijit Muhurat, along with the traditional Kanya Pujan vidhi, rituals, prasad and offerings. Here is a complete guide to the significance of Navami Kanya Pujan, the step-by-step puja procedure and important timings for the day.

Finding purpose: Former Cognizant HR professional Arpita Sahu has opened up about the fears and financial uncertainty she faces after quitting her corporate job in Delhi and moving to Goa in search of purpose. In Instagram videos, she spoke about struggling with self-doubt, pressure to succeed and finding meaningful connections, prompting social media users to share encouragement and their own experiences of starting over.

In Chassad village, Kamjong district, fifteen houses belonging to the Kuki community were burned by suspected militants. The attack prompted many civilians to flee into the forests and a nearby Army camp. A Kuki civilian was killed earlier, and several others were injured in the violence. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the acts of violence and called for justice.

People Against SIR will conduct nationwide protests on October 23 to seek electoral reforms and restoration of voting rights. The platform accuses Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of violating constitutional obligations and changing electoral processes without parliamentary approval. Protesters aim to draw attention to the alleged disenfranchisement of 13.41 crore citizens through the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.