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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
Troy Jackson's political journey took an unexpected turn when he received the Democratic Senate nomination. After Graham Platner withdrew due to a serious allegation, Jackson became the leading candidate. He won the nomination with overwhelming support at the special convention. Subsequently, Jackson campaigned and defeated longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election.
Republicans suffered significant losses in the midterm elections, resulting in Democrats gaining control of Congress. Donald Trump downplayed his responsibility for these defeats, stating he was not on the ballot. While voters expressed dissatisfaction with Republican candidates, Trump insisted his presence would have led to a victory. The former president has a history of avoiding accountability for various outcomes during his political career.
Why did oil price crash below $90 today? US oil prices fell sharply after midterm election results indicated Democratic control of Congress. Vice President JD Vance connected the Iran war to the Republicans' defeat, impacting market sentiments. Traders expressed reduced concerns over future military action against Iran, causing a decline in oil prices. While falling US crude inventories typically support prices, the political landscape took precedence for traders.
A senior Canadian cabinet minister stated that the US midterm election results will not affect trade negotiations. Dominic LeBlanc mentioned he would soon communicate with US officials regarding trade matters. President Trump suggested that a trade deal with Canada is close, but significant work remains. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that certain US demands have been scaled back.
More than 67% of street vendors in India currently accept UPI payments for transactions. A proposed 0.4% merchant discount rate could lead to reduced acceptance among vendors. Concerns arise particularly for vendor-supplier transactions, as many vendors make payments above 2,000. A significant portion of vendors faced additional charges from suppliers and might pass costs onto customers.
Defence Expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Wednesday hailed the Centre's decision to grant a two-year extension to 75 per cent of Agniveers as a very important and excellent decision that will give them a fresh opportunity to serve and a chance for permanent enrolment.
Europe's far-right leaders have begun distancing themselves from Donald Trump after Republicans' losses in the US midterm elections, citing the Iran war, rising energy prices and cost-of-living pressures. While some avoided directly criticising Trump, analysts said his declining popularity could turn ties with his MAGA movement from an electoral advantage into a liability.
Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam recently won re-election in Virginia's 10th Congressional District. He pledged to address concerns about rising costs, healthcare cuts, and federal workforce reductions. Subramanyam committed to ending forever wars and fighting unnecessary tariffs to lower costs.
Mary Peltola is a Democratic politician from Alaska. She made history in 2022 by becoming the first Alaska native and first woman elected to represent the state in the US House. She served in Congress from 2022 to 2025. She lost her re-election bid in 2024 to Republican Nick Begich. In January 2026, she announced her decision to challenge Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.
The Commission for Air Quality Management held a meeting regarding the high incidence of farm fires in Punjab. Recent data indicated a significant increase in stubble burning cases across various districts. The Commission emphasized the need for stricter monitoring and accountability among local authorities. Community leaders will also be involved to enhance prevention efforts against farm fires.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson is stepping aside from Republican Party leadership after the party's defeat in the midterm elections, declining to seek support for the minority leader's post in the new Congress. His decision sets up a contest between Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan, while Democrats prepare to nominate Hakeem Jeffries as speaker.
Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr met at a hostel in Peru in 2019, fell in love and eventually built a life together on Honduras' island of Roatn, where they opened a boutique hotel in 2023. The couple, who shared a passion for travel and adventure, were among nine people killed in a Florida Learjet crash while travelling to the Bahamas. Their journey from a chance meeting to building a Caribbean hospitality business has been remembered by friends, family and hotel staff.
JD Vance, the Vice President, articulated that the tensions involving Iran were a major factor in the financial setbacks for Republicans. He observed that a segment of former Trump loyalists has shifted their allegiance to Democrats during the midterms, driven largely by economic anxieties, especially regarding the escalating cost of living.
JD Vance, the Vice President, articulated that the tensions involving Iran were a major factor in the financial setbacks for Republicans. He observed that a segment of former Trump loyalists has shifted their allegiance to Democrats during the midterms, driven largely by economic anxieties, especially regarding the escalating cost of living.
Tesla stock (TSLA) fell as Democrats midterm victories raised concerns about AI data center expansion, particularly in Texas. Analyst Dan Ives warned that political hurdles could slow planned projects, while Elon Musk floated the idea of space-based data centers as investors weighed the outlook for his AI ambitions.
U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy plans to intervene in the 1.6 billion-pound deal between Sky and ITV. She aims to introduce new public interest considerations that reflect modern viewing habits. The Competition and Markets Authority will review the takeover for competition concerns. Nandy expects a report addressing media public interest by January 27, which may lead to further investigation. The deal aims to strengthen competition against global streaming companies.
Democrats won control of Congress in the 2026 midterms, putting Donald Trump on the defensive. Voters frustration over prices and the Iran war made it harder for Republicans to defend the administrations record.
Sajjan Jindal's JSW Group had signed a historic agreement during the Left Front regime in 2007 to set up a mega integrated steel, power, and cement complex in West Midnapore's Salboni, which was around Rs 35,000 crore, it was the single largest private investment ever pledged to West Bengal at the time.
The 2026 midterm elections have led to a significant shift in power dynamics within Congress. Democrats have secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate during this election. This change means increased scrutiny of the Trump administration and potential challenges to its legislative agenda. Historical precedents show how midterm elections reshape presidential power and influence national policy debates.
Patients treated with sirolimus-coated balloons were more likely to remain free from repeat procedures to reopen blocked leg arteries than those receiving paclitaxel-coated balloons, according to three-year results from the SIRONA clinical trial presented at TCT 2026. While both treatments showed similar improvements in walking ability and quality of life, researchers said the findings require confirmation through five-year follow-up.
The US Energy Department will loan 300,000 barrels of fuel oil from its emergency heating reserve to four companies to ease supply pressures and rising prices ahead of winter. The release, nearly a third of the reserve, follows calls from bipartisan senators as Middle East disruptions linked to the Iran war push fuel costs higher.
World leaders welcomed the Democrats' gains in the US midterm elections, hoping the setback for Donald Trump's Republicans could ease tensions over Washington's foreign policy. However, European and other allies cautioned that the results may not change Trump's approach to Iran, Ukraine, tariffs or NATO, as the president retains considerable freedom in foreign affairs.
AI data centre stocks declined while renewable energy and healthcare shares rallied after Democrats won control of Congress in the US midterm elections. Investors assessed the possibility of tighter AI oversight and continued clean energy support. Defence contractors and prison operators fell amid concerns over changing government spending and immigration policies.
The civil aviation ministry has circulated the draft National Policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuels which mandates use of only indigenously manufactured SAF to be blended with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
Palmer Luckey's journey began with Oculus VR, but his vision now lies with Anduril Industries, where he's spearheading the establishment of Arsenal-1, a state-of-the-art factory aimed at revolutionising defence technology. Set to manufacture autonomous military systems, this $1 billion project will create over 4,000 jobs across a sprawling five million square feet, with the Fury combat aircraft production launching ahead of schedule in March 2026.
Democrats won control of both houses of Congress, reflecting voter discontent with Trump's economic policies during midterm elections. Many traditional Republican supporters shifted back to their Democratic roots due to concerns about affordability and war. Trump faced a strong electoral rebuke as he failed to connect with voters on arising issues. The Republican Party now faces challenges in redefining its identity after this electoral defeat.
The Inverse Cramer Tracker ETF launched in March 2023 with a strategy built around betting against Jim Cramers stock recommendations. But the fund lost 15%, attracted just $2.4 million in assets and faced closure less than a year later. Heres why the unusual ETF shut down.
Vice President JD Vance has blamed the Iran war for the Republicans' defeat in the recent midterm elections. Many Democrats have celebrated their victory, eager to implement changes for voters concerned about the economy. Iranians reacted positively to the election results but are cautious about potential impacts on the ongoing conflict. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed hopes for a shift in the US approach towards Iran.
Appearing on Morning Joe on the liberal MS Now network, the House minority leader, who is poised to become the first Black person to lead the House when the new Congress convenes in January, called the result a repudiation of President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
Turkey's parliament will ratify a defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan including mutual defence obligations. This agreement aims to boost military cooperation and enhance regional security in response to Iranian-backed threats. The pact allows for limited military support, focusing on equipment and intelligence sharing, rather than combat engagement. A mandate for deploying Turkish military personnel will also be submitted to the parliament.
US stock market update: Dow Jones rallies today after Democrats win Congress - Democrats have won both the Senate and the House, and the stock market liked it. By 10:44 am ET on Wednesday, the Dow Jones was up 1,245 points, or 2.40%, at 53,032. The S&P 500 rose 1.52% and the Nasdaq gained 1.82%. But not every stock joined in. Data centre companies, Tesla and SpaceX fell. Democrats made gains in Texas and Georgia, where public opposition to new data centres is growing, and investors fear tighter
In a nationwide romp, Democrats ousted Republicans from coast to coast, with many surprising places in between, as voters rejected the president's party for the promise of something different for the country. Their majorities will be padded by wide margins in both the House and the Senate.
Sharad Pawar, the NCP (SP) chief, has been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. This hospitalization occurred shortly after his discharge from Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune. Pawar was previously admitted for cough and chest pain on November 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to express concern about Pawar's health and advised him to rest.
Elon Musk's substantial political contributions to Republican candidates now face challenges after Democrats gained control of Congress. His significant investments in Texas could complicate relationships due to the recent political shift. Both Tesla and SpaceX might experience increased scrutiny regarding their government contracts and regulatory approvals. Investors are concerned about the potential implications for Musk's businesses amidst changing political dynamics.
Madonna revealed why she refused to give her youngest son David a mobile phone at 13 after regretting the decision with her older children, Lourdes and Rocco. In a 2019 Vogue interview, the singer said smartphones and social media affected her relationship with them, exposing them to constant images and comparisons with others. Here's what she said about her parenting decision and how technology changed her relationship with her children.
The US midterm elections yielded remarkable results with the election of several historic figures. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms became Georgia's first Black female governor and Deb Haaland was elected as New Mexico's first Native American governor. This election also saw the win of Chris Pappas as the first out gay man elected to the Senate. Meanwhile, Marsha Blackburn became Tennessee's first female governor.
Two Army personnel were killed after their vehicle plunged into a 600-foot-deep gorge at Namika La Pass on the Kargil-Leh national highway on Wednesday. The accident occurred around 1.30 pm when the vehicle veered off the road. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the driver and co-driver and shifted them to a nearby hospital for postmortem examination.
The 29-year-old, who climbed to number one on Monday, suffered surprise defeat days after losing to Australia's Alex de Minaur in the Vienna Open semi-finals. Musetti, a former world number five, seized the initiative by winning six of the final seven points of the opening-set tiebreak before taking command of the second set.
LIVE | Ron DeSantis reacts to Democrats' big win, speaks after midterm election shock
Russian attacks disrupted power and water supplies in Kyiv and surrounding areas, while Ukraine reported a rising death toll from a strike on a village in Zaporizhzhia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 40 people had been killed in Komyshuvakha, with dozens more feared buried under rubble. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks on postwar security and reconstruction were planned in Brussels.
Republicans midterm losses have put Vice President JD Vances ties to Donald Trump in a different light. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is drawing fresh attention as the party considers who might lead it in 2028.
According to a statement by the office of the chief electoral officer (CEO), no action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, would be initiated against an elector solely on the ground that their name figured in a previous electoral roll and they had submitted Form 6 during or after the SIR process.
The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections grants Democrats control of Congress, posing challenges for Presidential initiatives. Legislative proposals, appointments, and spending measures will now face intense scrutiny and negotiation. Congressional investigations into the Trump administration may increase as part of the new agenda. Republicans will reassess their strategies following losses in traditionally conservative states. The shift to a divided government will shape political dynamics movi
The United Arab Emirates is planning to construct a third oil-export pipeline to minimize reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. This new pipeline would connect the western coast of the UAE to the port of Fujairah on the eastern side. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. is considering this initiative to bolster its oil supply capabilities. The pipeline could also be utilized by third parties, increasing overall efficiency.
El Nio is likely to shift weather patterns to bring more moisture, but with it higher temperatures. That should help erase persistent Western drought, but it won't likely make Northern snow-lovers happy, according to reports.
The US Treasury Department has updated its regulations regarding upcoming auction sizes for treasury securities. This revision hints at a potential increase in the issuance of short- and intermediate-term debt. They also flagged a likely decrease in demand for longer-term 20- and 30-year auctions. Future adjustments will rely on demand trends and financial requirements, with the Treasury planning to consult market participants for a thorough understanding of these changing factors.

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