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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
Dhruv Rathee statement: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee reported being detained by police at his residence in Gurugram on October 10. He described the incident as kidnapping and criticized the government's actions against dissent. Rathee emphasized his right as an Indian citizen to voice opinions on electoral issues. The police had denied permission for the planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Indian-Americans are strategically supporting candidates sympathetic to their community ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Several Indian-American candidates are seeking re-election, while new contenders also emerge in battleground states. Community leaders emphasize the need for unity to enhance their political influence. They believe increased representation is vital for impacting public decisions at various government levels. The situation highlights ongoing challenges within the commun
Four men were arrested for allegedly assaulting students and attacking women during the Cockroach Janta Party protest. The incident occurred on October 10, with video footage circulating on social media. Police acted on the footage and took action despite no formal complaints being filed. The arrested individuals evaded detection until security personnel identified and apprehended them. This event happened during widespread protests in response to electoral roll revisions.
Congress party leaders have urged all their MPs to be present in Delhi for upcoming protests. The protests are against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged electoral irregularities. Rahul Gandhi announced a significant demonstration planned for October 12 to speak against the government's actions. They will also seek a meeting with the Chief Justice to address issues raised during recent events.
The Supreme Court on Sunday said it would pass an interim order to ensure normal Delhi Metro services, free public movement, restoration of internet services and unhindered professional duties for lawyers amid protests in the national capital. The court said it would hear all parties and ensure no inconvenience was caused.
Congress raised serious issues regarding the National Testing Agency, including malpractice and incompetence. A recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report outlines claims of paper leaks since 2017, contradicting official statements. The NTA's structure lacks accountability, as it heavily relies on private contractors for examinations. Additionally, the agency has earned significant revenue but failed to invest in improving examination infrastructure.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of Navratri celebrations in Himachal Pradesh, Thakur alleged that opposition parties accepts the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission of India (ECI) when they won elections but questioned the institutions after losing.
The World Bank is in talks with numerous countries to address energy price increases stemming from the Middle East crisis. While the global economy remains resilient, developing nations face growing challenges from rising diesel and fertilizer prices. The Bank anticipates more countries may access crisis funds as conditions worsen in the coming months. Recent private capital investments have surged considerably, especially in upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income countries.
BJP Keralam president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has criticised the Congress for having differing views on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He highlighted that Chief Minister V D Satheesan praised the SIR in Keralam while opposing it in Delhi alongside Rahul Gandhi. Chandrasekhar questioned Satheesan's position if the elections were deemed illegal by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The Reserve Bank of India implemented strong measures to stabilise the rupee as external pressures intensify. This includes opening a dollar window for state-owned oil refiners and introducing a new reserve requirement for foreign-exchange derivatives. Analysts expect the rupee to rally but caution that sustaining those gains may be difficult due to high oil prices and foreign fund outflows.
A recent attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh led to 12 deaths and over 300 injuries. This incident heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi group, leading to international condemnation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed outrage and called for an immediate halt to such attacks. Several countries, including Egypt and Qatar, condemned the assaults and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
One year after the ceasefire, many residents of Gaza remain in displacement camps feeling abandoned. Despite reduced attacks from Israel, reports indicate ongoing suffering and lack of reconstruction in the territory. Nearly all of Gaza's population faced displacement during the conflict, with infrastructure damage remaining critical. Limited aid access exacerbates poverty, leaving residents with insufficient access to necessities.
The toll from the latest clashes in Manipur increases to nine, following shootings in Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemns the violence and calls for peace among communities. Security forces are deployed to control the situation after multiple killings linked to ethnic tensions. Prohibitory orders have been imposed to prevent further violence in affected areas.
Meta Connect recently unveiled Muse Charm, which serves as a personal AI assistant for users. This device can interact with emails, calendars, and other services to streamline life tasks. It represents a shift from traditional devices to persistent AI help that anticipates users' needs. While user trust and privacy concerns persist, tech companies are racing to develop autonomous agents. The future may see these assistants represented in various hardware forms.
For over thirty years, Abha Narain Lambah has dedicated her life to preserving Indias rich cultural heritage, focusing on ancient temples and colonial structures at risk from rapid urbanisation. By fostering partnerships among community organizations and private donors, she leads restoration efforts.
A flash flood in Gorkha district, Nepal, caused significant damage by sweeping away over 35 houses and several bridges. Authorities urged residents along the Budhi Gandaki River to evacuate to higher ground for safety. The flood was attributed to a possible blockage in the Syar stream, a tributary of the river. Rescue efforts were initiated with helicopters deployed for evacuations and relief distribution.
Indian hair has emerged as a sought-after commodity on the international stage, prized for its vibrant hues and high quality. Yet, the country is encountering significant challenges due to the smuggling of raw hair to China, creating a shortage. The market for processed hair, essential for wigs and extensions, remains limited in India.
Hurricane Isaias made landfall in Florida, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the region. In Alabama, at least two fatalities were reported due to storm-related incidents, highlighting the storm's impact. Emergency declarations were approved for Florida, Georgia, and Alabama to facilitate federal aid for recovery efforts. The storm brought heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding across the Southeast.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the entry of Delhi Police personnel into Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The incident occurred during a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner in Delhi. The Delhi Police claimed that the personnel were merely walking through a common passage used by devotees. Matters escalated as protesters entered the gurdwara, prompting police intervention to manage the situation.
India's Atomic Energy Commission Chairman A K Mohanty announced potential private sector contributions to nuclear power capacity. The country aims to achieve a target of 100 gigawatts by 2047. With 25 percent of the world's thorium reserves, India's nuclear program can progress further. This initiative could attract an estimated investment of 7.5 lakh crore in the nuclear energy sector.
At a Tehran bazaar where fragrant herbs and spices whet the appetite, shopkeeper Nasir says locals once bought his nuts by the kilo but soaring prices caused by the US-Iran war have eaten into sales, leaving businesses fighting for survival. Many shoppers, whose purchasing power has weakened since the outbreak of war, are seen leaving the bazaar without buying anything.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released by an Executive Magistrate on Sunday after preventive detention by Delhi Police. Their release came with a condition that they must not breach the peace for one year. The three were detained at Delhi airport ahead of the partys planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian law enforcement acted within the law during recent protests. Over 7,000 protesters were detained, including leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party. There was a call from the UN for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained. The Ministry emphasized India's commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly and public order.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to discuss the situation in Manipur. Singh informed Modi about initiatives to restore peace, such as resuming bus services and ensuring the flow of goods. The Chief Minister requested support for highway upgrades and the status of AIIMS for the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences. Modi acknowledged the improvements in the region and pledged assistance for reasonable issues.
New Zealand Defence Adviser Commodore Andrew Dowling on Saturday said his country wants to be more involved in India's multinational air combat exercise Tarang Shakti, highlighting the growing momentum in bilateral defence ties and identifying maritime cooperation as a key area for further engagement.
Mamata Banerjee announced that the INDIA alliance will supply evidence to President Droupadi Murmu regarding vote theft allegations. Banerjee also alleged that she and other leaders were forcibly detained during a peaceful protest in Delhi. The opposition leader raised concerns about democracy when peaceful assembly was restricted by the police. BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya criticized Banerjee for associating with opposition leaders during the protest.
'Abhijeet is not in Delhi': Family unable to reach Dipke; father accuses Delhi police of lying
Anita Dipke has expressed concerns over her son Abhijeet Dipke's inability to communicate from police custody. His grandmother passed away recently in Hingoli, Maharashtra, after a long illness. According to the family, last rites have been postponed until he can attend. Delhi Police contends that he was informed about the situation and offered help to return home.
India is increasing its network of free trade agreements (FTAs) to integrate deeply with global economies. Nine trade pacts covering 38 developed economies have been concluded in the past four and a half years. The trade pacts are not merely confined to bureacratic corridors but also include discussions with stakeholders. India is wrapping up deals with Canada and UK alongside energy deals with GCC and trade relations in West Asia and Americas.
Saket Court recently dismissed an application from Ratna Singh seeking an FIR against police personnel. The court stated that the application lacked an appropriate affidavit and did not specify any public servant. Singh claimed she was wrongfully confined while attempting to attend a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The court found that her allegations pertained to cognizable offences, which were not addressed correctly in the application.
KT Rama Rao has raised concerns about irregularities in the Radial Road-2 tender process, alleging misconduct by the Telangana government. He questions the fairness of contractor selections and disqualifications of lower bidders. Rao demands a comprehensive inquiry and the cancellation of the tenders due to potential financial loss. He insists on transparency in all tendering processes to protect public funds.
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was apprehended by Delhi Police at his residence right before a planned rally organized by the Cockroach Janta Party to protest alleged electoral malpractices. The police cited security issues when refusing permission for the demonstration, resulting in about 150 protesters being detained. Additionally, the New Delhi Traders Association decided to close the Connaught Place market as a precaution.
Delhi will remain under heightened security for a second consecutive day on Sunday, with over 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed as the Cockroach Janta Party continues its protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Police have tightened border checks, increased surveillance and monitored social media after detaining protesters on Saturday.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla has defended Indias Russian oil imports, warning that stopping purchases could push up global energy prices and undermine the countrys energy security. The Rajya Sabha MP also flagged uncertainty over US tariffs, Section 301 investigations and potential duties linked to Russian oil sanctions, as India-US trade talks face an impasse. He also outlined conditions for India-China ties.
New Zealand have named Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert in their ODI squad for the five-match series against India, beginning November 4. Mitchell Santner will captain the side, while Ravindra will feature in the first three matches after recovering from a shoulder injury.
During a rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, Trump floated an idea of renaming the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, envisioning titles like 'Trump Ocean' or 'Ocean of the Americas.' He expressed a wish for this change to occur before his presidency wraps up, reminiscent of earlier suggestions for renaming landmarks. The audience erupted in laughter and applause, but Trump didn't clarify which ocean he favored or submit a formal proposal.
Three leaders from the Cockroach Janta Party were detained by Delhi Police on Saturday amid protests. Their detention follows concerns about electoral roll irregularities, leading to public unrest in the capital. The leaders are scheduled to appear before an Executive Magistrate on Sunday morning for their legal proceedings. Family members and lawyers of the detained leaders have raised concerns about their whereabouts and access to legal representation.
Delhi Metro stations open or closed today? DMRC has reopened entry and exit gates at all stations and restored interchange facilities after restrictions linked to the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Here is the latest update on affected stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Kashmere Gate.
Navratri Sthapana muhurat 2026: Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11. Check the Day 1 colour, Maa Shailputri puja vidhi, mantra, aarti, vrat katha, bhog and Kalash Sthapana shubh muhurat.
Indias large black cardamom industry is battling declining plantation health, crop diseases and climate change, threatening farmers livelihoods in Sikkim. Once the worlds largest producer, India has lost ground to Nepal, which now dominates global production. The Sikkim government is backing scientific research, improved planting material and disease-resistant varieties to revive the states valuable black gold crop.
Happy Navratri 2026 wishes: Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 1 wishes in Hindi and English, Maa Shailputri quotes, WhatsApp messages, Instagram status captions and greetings to share with family and friends on October 11.
Rahul Gandhi announced that the INDIA bloc would hold fresh protests on October 12, accusing Delhi Police and BJP workers of attacking students and women during the CJP-led demonstration demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation. He said the Opposition would also meet Chief Justice Surya Kant to seek accountability over the alleged violence.
Mumbai Police registered an FIR at Gamdevi Police Station after a protest at August Kranti Maidan demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation over the SIR row. More than 400 people were detained in Mumbai, including Tushar Gandhi and actor Imran Khan. In Delhi, around 1,000 protesters were detained during a similar demonstration.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the whereabouts of CJP activists Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, who were detained at Delhi Airport ahead of a planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police said permission had not been granted for the demonstration.

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