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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
Major American and foreign airlines have urged the CDC to reconsider upcoming travel rules concerning Ebola. They argue that the requirement for attestations from travelers is unreasonable so soon. The new regulations will begin next week and aim to prevent potential exposure to the virus. Airlines express concerns regarding the logistics involved in implementing these requirements. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges associated with managing public health threats during travel.
US Vice President JD Vance has reached out to Mohsen Rezaei in hopes of opening negotiations with Iran. This initiative comes as President Trump considers military strikes after the upcoming midterm elections. While trying to facilitate dialogue, Vance navigates internal conflict regarding the ongoing war. Rezaei has stated that Iran will not negotiate until its core demands are met.
Flavio Bolsonaro arrived in Miami alongside his family after fleeing Brazil following his election defeat. He traveled through Argentina and Ecuador before landing in Florida. Bolsonaro accused President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of electoral fraud and persecution in a statement on X. Brazil's Supreme Court has been investigating him for corruption and money laundering.
The Government of India is willing to consider suggestions from news organisations about the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that journalistic freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution and will not be affected. Concerns have been raised about the Act's provisions potentially infringing on press freedom and the Right to Information Act. The Digital News Publishers Association argues for exemptions for journalism activities within the DPDP Act.
The Union Cabinet has approved significant schemes to enhance India's manufacturing infrastructure and capacity. The 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme aims to increase container production substantially by 2040. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana will be implemented from 2026-27 to 2030-31, providing crucial funding. The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme will also support sports equipment production from 2026 to 2034.
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Tata group, accusing him of politicisation. She emphasised the government's support for Indian industry as key to economic growth and job creation. Sitharaman challenged Gandhi's remarks regarding legal matters connected to Tata Trusts and Tata Sons. In turn, Gandhi questioned the appropriateness of the political involvement in corporate conflicts.
The government has announced an extension of the Production Linked Incentive scheme for the textiles sector until 2034. This change aims to encourage more companies to participate by relaxing eligibility norms for investment. The textiles ministry has reduced the minimum turnover requirement for certain manufacturers from 200 crore to 100 crore. A reopened application portal will accept submissions for manufacturing various textiles from November 1 to December 31.
On Wednesday, the Union cabinet approved a 3% increase in dearness allowance for employees and pensioners. This increase is expected to benefit over 11.6 million individuals ahead of the festive season. The change will take effect retrospectively from July 1, costing the exchequer 10,016 crore. Additionally, the government revised dearness allowance rates for employees under the Fifth and Sixth Pay Commissions.
Kristen Wiig has reduced the asking price of her midcentury modern home in Pasadena, California to $5.495 million after initially listing it for nearly $6.3 million in May 2026. The actor purchased the property for $5.5 million in February this year. The property is located in San Rafael. The 1965 residence is spread in 5,559 square feet.
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises minister Jitan Ram Manjhi announced the release of 1,000 crore in subsidy. This funding aims to support 11,333 new micro enterprises while facilitating bank credit of 3,260 crore. The initiative is anticipated to create over 1.02 lakh sustainable employment opportunities, primarily in rural areas. The subsidy is part of the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme, designed to boost grassroots entrepreneurship.
The Landscape of Green Finance in India, now in its fourth edition, maps actual finance flows or disbursements across sources, instruments, sectors, and subsectors for financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24. According to the report, while green finance has increased substantially between 2016-17 and 2023-24, financial flows remain concentrated in established sectors and technologies.
The report, which was released on Wednesday, said the annual average heat-related deaths rose by nearly 36% globally after the Paris Agreement was introduced. In 2023 alone, heat was linked to a record 710,000 deaths with more than 70% of that toll attributable to human-caused climate change, it said.
Israel's president expressed hope for avoiding another election following the recent vote with no decisive outcome. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc remains ahead but lacks a majority. Meanwhile, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot leads a broad opposition bloc seeking coalition opportunities. Israeli Arab parties may play a crucial role in determining the next government. Both political factions are actively looking to form alliances in this uncertain political landscape.
Party leaders said Puri's diplomatic experience has proved valuable in handling the petroleum portfolio at a time when global conflicts and geopolitical tensions have put pressure on energy supplies. His continuation also ensures senior Sikh representation in the Union government ahead of the Punjab assembly elections.
In the first eight months of 2026, countries aligned with the US purchased a net total of $174.3 billion in Treasuries. This amount represents a significant decline, reflecting a drop of over 60% from the previous year. It marks the lowest investment level recorded for this period since 2021. The data highlights a shift in fiscal relationships between the US and its partners.
Starting November 1, small online sellers will have a new option for GST registration. They can use ecommerce warehouses as local bases in other states, promoting nationwide sales. This initiative is part of a broader effort to simplify regulations and reduce expansion costs for small traders. Eligible sellers must meet specific conditions, including tax liability limits and operator consent.
The CBI's recent decision to withdraw its petitions for relocating the trials of post-poll violence in West Bengal marks a pivotal moment in the state's political dynamics. With BJP's Suvendu Adhikari now at the helm post-2026 elections, initial fears of unfair trial conditions seemed less pressing.
Prediction markets are actively trading Anthropic contracts following the company's IPO filing earlier this week. Traders are making binary bets on various elements of the IPO, such as its valuation and listing exchange. Anthropic's IPO could potentially value the company between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion, offering a keen financial interest. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are facilitating these bets and generating excitement among investors.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh cautioned that the transfer of sensitive technology to Pakistan was fraught with risks, including the possibility of weapons-related know-how leaking to third nations. The recent clearances to sell F-16 fighter jet sustainment packages to Pakistan were also raised during the meeting.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. has informed Asian refiners about future crude supply via a new pipeline. The pipeline aims to circumvent the strategic and vulnerable Strait of Hormuz, enhancing oil delivery security. Adnoc plans to initiate some supplies from Upper Zakum crude to customers at Fujairah terminal early next year. This move follows the UAE's decision to leave the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, allowing for more production flexibility.
Qatar and Pakistan are leading efforts to mediate a peace deal between Iran and the US. A new draft has been proposed, which addresses concerns of both Tehran and Washington. Iran is expected to respond to this draft by the end of the week. The deal proposes a seven-day timeline for confidence-building measures between the two nations.
Yemen's Houthis launched an attack on the Aden airport after issuing evacuation warnings due to escalating violence. Residents reported hearing explosions near the facility, leading to a halt in air traffic operations. An aid source indicated that some UN staff had left just before the attack occurred. There were also reports of explosions heard in other parts of the city during the incident.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said Forms 6, 7 and 8 are statutory forms whose prescribed formats cannot be altered by ECI although it can seek additional particulars from applicants. The observation came amid concerns over requiring previously enrolled voters to seek fresh enrolment instead of providing an appropriate mechanism to restore their names to the roll.
Terrestar Solutions Inc. has entered into a partnership with Space42 Plc and Viasat Inc. to enhance mobile satellite connectivity. This collaboration aims to create an open standard for sharing satellite infrastructure globally. The parties signed a memorandum of understanding in Ottawa during an important diplomatic visit. Terrestar plans to develop a low-Earth orbit satellite system to improve coverage in underserved areas.
Moon is aligning with Mars on October 29 and its astrological interpreation means this is a time to have patience. You need to focus on difficult sitaution and resolve it without making a big deal out of it.
Cyclone Arnab weakened after making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to affect weather conditions. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted in various states including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning, and strong winds are likely across several regions of India. The India Meteorological Department is monitoring the cyclone's movement and updates accordingly. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepared for harsh weather.
Vedanta reported significant financial growth, achieving record revenue and net profit in the September quarter. The company's consolidated revenue increased by 57% year-on-year to 25,812 crore while Ebitda doubled to 9,938 crore. After a recent demerger, Vedanta plans to eliminate debt, nearing completion in the upcoming quarter. The company has successfully reduced its debt by nearly 10,000 crore in recent months. Shares of Vedanta closed 3.
The All India Trade Union Congress in Tamil Nadu has filed a petition against the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. They argue the law excludes charitable institutions and welfare organizations from the definition of 'industry'. This exclusion denies workers in these fields access to legal protections against unfair termination and labor disputes. The Supreme Court's previous ruling established the nature of activities as the defining factor for 'industry'.
Amazon has confirmed a new wave of layoffs, impacting approximately 250 workers within its devices division. Just weeks ago, the company cut around 1,000 positions from its core retail sector. These reductions aim to enhance operational efficiency and align with future product strategies. Meanwhile, both Microsoft and Dropbox have joined the trend, recently announcing their own workforce cuts amidst a tech industry facing widespread layoffs in 2026.
Apple TV's Shrinking is set to return for a new season with significant changes in the storyline. The fourth season will feature a two-year time jump that influences key character Paul Rhoades. This shift presents new challenges related to his battle with Parkinson's disease. The show aims to delve deeper into the realities of living with a progressive neurological condition.
Private equity is significantly altering how professional services firms are owned and operated. AI is expected to redefine the delivery and pricing of services in these firms. Industry experts suggest that growth in India may mirror trends seen in the US market. The old partnership model is likely to face increased pressure from emerging competition. These shifts may hasten the separation of audit and consulting functions at major firms.
In a major move, Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals has announced plans to establish a new plant in Jamnagar dedicated to the production of sulphuric and phosphoric acid. This facility will play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of essential raw materials for phosphate fertilizers, particularly in light of increasing prices driven by geopolitical tensions.
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The proposed summit will focus on critical technology, minerals and associated supply chains, maritime security and disaster management, according to people familiar with Quad dynamics. The meeting is also expected to address the establishment of a Quad energy bank. A key item on the agenda will be securing supply chains for essential products, particularly in the light of ongoing conflicts and the weaponisation of trade routes.
Japan is collaborating with India to enhance defense capabilities, particularly in anti-ship missile training and drone operations. Japanese Self-Defense Forces have dispatched officials to inspect India's test facilities and live firing ranges. Past military cooperation has included similar training support extended by India to other friendly nations like Singapore. The focus on joint exercises comes amid increasing military tensions in the region, especially concerning China.
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The Supreme Court recently described digital arrest scams as a form of digital dacoity, highlighting their severity. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for a stringent response to such organized frauds. Victims of these scams face intimidation through video calls, coercing them into transferring money. The court's remarks reflect growing concern over technology exploitation for criminal purposes. Punishing these ruthless criminals effectively is deemed essential to protect unsuspecting
On November 17, Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, must present himself physically at the Supreme Court regarding his comments on Chief Justice Surya Kant and the overall judiciary. Meanwhile, journalist Nikhil Wagle will attend the upcoming hearing via virtual connection after issuing an apology for his earlier social media remarks.
The recent Maharashtra Legislative Council elections resulted in the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Opposition MVA each winning two seats. In the Amravati teachers' constituency, Shiv Sena candidate Kiran Sarnaik won against Congress candidate Aditi Pohare. BJP's Kaustubh Gawade triumphed over incumbent Congress MLC Jayant Asgaonkar in the Pune teachers' constituency. NCP-SP's Harshada Deshmukh Jadhav defeated BJP's Smita Jadhav, causing upset within the BJP.
Parliament has established Section 106(2) to impose strict penalties on hit-and-run drivers; however, its enforcement remains stalled due to safety concerns for drivers. To address this, the government must develop secure protocols for reporting accidents, ensuring drivers feel safe. It is vital for public trust that this law is implemented without further delay, allowing victims to seek justice and accountability.
The BJP has responded to Congress's defeat in legislative council elections across several states and highlighted their inability to gain public support. BJP president Nitin Nabin pointed out that Congress received zero seats in Karnataka despite using ballot papers. Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised Rahul Gandhi, stating that earning public support requires hard work, not simply leisure trips. The results showed that Congress also failed in elections held using EVMs.
September witnessed a decline in India's factory output growth, falling to 6.7%, the lowest rate observed in four months. The drop is largely linked to a high base effect and decreased mining activity. Despite this, manufacturing output surged by 7.6% compared to the previous year, while electricity generation also grew, spurred by robust demand even with insufficient rainfall. Economists anticipate GDP growth to surpass 7% for the July-September period.
Dropbox is set to cut approximately 200 jobs as part of its growth-oriented reorganization plan. The focus will be on restructuring teams in engineering, product, and administration, resulting in several employees leaving immediately. On November 18, Chief Technology Officer Ali Dasdan will also resign. Employees impacted by the layoffs will receive severance packages including financial support, while the company aims to enhance operations and customer service effectiveness.
Apple Pro and Tell: Apple has launched its first touchscreen MacBook Pro at the Pro and Tell event, with US prices starting at $2,899. Apple has opened preorders for the new touchscreen MacBook Pro models, with availability scheduled to begin on November 6 Here's what buyers in the US, UK and Canada need to know about pricing, new features and availability.

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