The Economic Times

The Election Commission has directed the transfer of certain election-related officers in five states. This decision is part of ensuring fair play during the upcoming polls in 2027. Officers connected to election work, including various district and police officials, are affected by the transfer order. These transfers aim to prevent any bias or interference in the electoral process.

Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks in Patna about PM Modi invoked the culturally significant term 'baap'. This term has historical roots in Hindi cinema, where it has been used both playfully and aggressively. In films, dialogues featuring 'baap' reflect societal attitudes and family dynamics typical in Indian culture. Politicians and public figures often resort to such colloquial expressions in heated debates and discussions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised that any negotiations to end the war in Ukraine must include the country itself. He also mentioned that Europe is defending its political order alongside Ukraine's territorial integrity. Merz asserted support for Ukraine will continue as long as President Putin does not seek to end the conflict. Norway and Finland are playing constructive roles in establishing discussions with Russia.

The earlier roll contained 5.54 crore names, and the ECI enumerators have found about 99.32 lakh voters to be in the ASDD category meaning they are either absent, permanently shifted, dead or already enrolled (duplicate). Most were found to have permanently shifted their residence.

Delhi High Court issued a directive to Subhash Garg to mute certain derogatory remarks made during a podcast. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey filed a defamation lawsuit seeking damages and an apology. Garg's legal counsel agreed to negotiate with the podcast host regarding muting the remarks. The court emphasized the need for responsible language among reputable individuals. TMC MP Mahua Moitra also indicated intentions to remove related posts from social media.

Poundland may soon face insolvency, with the potential loss of approximately 600 UK stores and over 10,000 jobs. The crisis unfolds as major owner Gordon Brothers resists an emergency sale put forth by Martin Property Group. This clash could propel Poundland into insolvency proceedings imminently. However, a fresh takeover bid within the next 48 hours could still change the course of events.

India has topped the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of offenders for three consecutive years, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing the world's most populous nation.

Who is the sexiest man alive in 2026? Noah Wyle has been named People magazines Sexiest Man Alive 2026, but how does the magazine choose its winner? From reader polls and celebrity opinions to focus groups and editorial discussions, here is a look at the selection process and the factors considered for the annual title.

In an intriguing four-month investigation conducted in Philadelphias experimental orchard, researchers studied Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies and discovered that over 60% of their genome underwent transformations driven by environmental pressures. The study highlighted that different traits can evolve at variable rates, suggesting a complex nature of adaptation. These findings enhance existing knowledge regarding evolutionary changes, which may also be relevant to longer-lived species like

SoFi earnings: SoFi Technologies Inc's adjusted net revenue surged 44 per cent to a record $1.4 billion in the third quarter, beating expectations of $1.25 billion, according to LSEG estimates.

Abhishek produced a breathtaking 113 off 38 balls, while 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a quick-fire 45 off 19 deliveries as India chased down a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs at Hnry Stadium on Tuesday. The six-wicket victory gave India an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, recently met with security chief Mohsen Rezaei to discuss important regional security. They focused on the management of the Strait of Hormuz and improving relations with neighboring countries. This meeting follows Rezaei's talks with officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan regarding the Mecca Pact. Iran maintains control over the Strait and often targets vessels crossing without authorization.

Light pollution is already recognised as a global environmental and public health concern. Research has linked artificial light to sleep disturbances, mood disorders and higher risks of obesity and cardiovascular diseases in humans. It can also alter plant growth and interfere with animals' natural behaviour and ecological relationships.

Kharge triggered a row when he said Modi ka baap bhi jayega in response to an audience member's comment that he prime minister will not go anywhere during an event in Patna on Sunday. The Congress chief was speaking at a programme to celebrate the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar's first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh.

Pia Dandiya is contesting for a seat in the US House of Representatives for Florida's 22nd district. Her wealth, primarily attributed to her career at Apple, has garnered scrutiny in her campaign. Dandiya's experience spans teaching, public service, and corporate roles, which influence her policy approach. She advocates for economic opportunities and affordability amidst questions about her financial status.

L&T Q2 Results: Larsen & Toubro announced significant financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026. The company reported a 33% increase in consolidated profit after tax compared to the previous year. Consolidated revenue also grew by 16%, driven by strong performance across various sectors. Additionally, L&T achieved its highest quarterly order inflow and saw substantial international participation in its orders.

For Mazagon Dock, revenue from operations fell 16.5% year-on-year to Rs 2,446 crore from Rs 2,929 crore in the year-ago quarter. On a sequential basis, revenue declined 17% from Rs 2,942 crore in the preceding quarter. The pressure on profitability was also reflected in the companys margins, which contracted to 8.1% from 23.7% a year earlier.

Israali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared election day an emergency and called for voter mobilisation. He watned supporters about possible election fraud while stressing the importance of high turnout. Netanyahu emphasised the need for right-wing voters to participate, especially in light of increased turnout in the Arab sector. His main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, also encouraged patience and voter turnout throughout the day. The latest voter turnout stood at 31.5%.

Microsoft has announced a voluntary exit programme allowing approximately 60,000 employees to leave the company with support. The offer includes severance benefits based on length of service and internal level. Employees have until the first week of December 2026 to accept the programme. Microsoft clarified that this initiative does not replace potential layoffs in the future. The company aims to adjust its workforce as business conditions evolve.

Kylian Mbappe faced backlash for his comments about Mao Zedong, referring to him as a dictator. Major Chinese companies ended their endorsement deals with Mbappe following his remarks. He issued a public apology for any hurt caused to the Chinese people and their history. The controversy led to trending discussions on Chinese social media, criticizing the soccer star's comments.

Researchers cleared 18 invasive shrub species from a Pennsylvania woodland and followed it for seven years. Native plants and young trees returned more strongly than expected, even beating plots with few invasive shrubs. The results suggest that controlling invasive plants can sometimes let a forests own native vegetation recover without extensive replanting.

Shaktikanta Das highlighted the essential role of the BFSI sector in financing infrastructure and new manufacturing. He emphasized the need for funding micro, small and medium enterprises as well as agriculture. Das proposed utilizing digital financial channels for efficient credit underwriting and financial inclusion. The segment must adapt to support next-gen Digital Public Infrastructure and sustainable finance.

A 2009 research highlighted that the movement patterns of species are far more erratic than earlier assumptions suggested, due to inherent natural variability. Experiments with red flour beetles over a span of 15 months in identical environments revealed significant differences in their movement. This unpredictability complicates the management of invasive species within ecosystems, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of uncertainties in ecological predictions for effective future pl

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a drought relief package for 1.5 crore farmers. An advance amount of Rs 5,000 will be directly deposited into farmers' accounts this week. The government aims to support farmers amidst drought-like conditions and ensure full payment without bank deductions. Maharashtra has allocated Rs 7,500 crore for this immediate assistance program before Diwali.

Savannah Chrisleys new boyfriend: Savannah Chrisley has announced her pregnancy and engagement to her mystery partner, known as J. Savannah Chrisley and her mysterious partner have been together for about a year. Heres what to know about her fianc, their relationship and her past engagement to former hockey player Nic Kerdiles, who died in a motorcycle crash in 2023.

Israelis are participating in a critical election while grappling with ongoing security issues and political divisions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces opposition from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, with tight polling results. Voter turnout has reached notable levels, reflecting heightened engagement among citizens. Various parties are vying for influence, while Arab-led groups could play a significant role in government formation.

Raymond reported a 130% year-on-year jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 32 crore in Q2 FY27, while revenue rose 24.1% to Rs 655 crore. EBITDA increased 74.4% to Rs 75 crore, with margins expanding 336 basis points to 11.5%. The company has also proposed a name change to Raymond Aerospace, Defence & Engineering.

From improving physical appearance to optimising sleep and AI use, maxxing has become shorthand for pursuing something to its fullest. Dictionary.com has chosen the term as its 2026 Word of the Year, alongside a shortlist featuring affordability, data center, odyssey and unc.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced intentions to increase gas supply and explore collaboration with US partners. He emphasized the need for cooperation in the gas sector during the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov indicated that geopolitical challenges in the gas industry would also be addressed. Leaders plan to adopt a Moscow Declaration to highlight the reliability of member countries as gas suppliers.

Greece has successfully sold 500 million worth of three-month Treasury bills. However, the yield on these bills was higher than what they offered in the last auction, indicating a shift in the market. This move comes as the country's debt agency reiterated its ongoing efforts to manage its financial obligations amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

Britain conducted a sale of 4.5 billion worth of 5-year debt at a yield of 5.036%. This yield reflects the highest rate seen since the year 2008, indicating market pressures on the government. Investors showed robust interest, bidding 3.51 times the amount available during the gilt auction. Experts anticipate only a modest rise in debt issuance as projected figures indicate increased financing requirements.

Microsoft's voluntary buyout offer to around 60,000 employees has led a technology advisor to flag two risks companies may overlook when experienced workers leave. Rob Zelinka warns that businesses could lose critical institutional knowledge and face cybersecurity gaps if employee access to accounts, data and internal systems is not managed properly. He also raises questions about how technology companies are balancing investments in AI with workforce decisions.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Election Commission of deception regarding their affidavit. He claimed that the Commission's stance on Form 6 has been inconsistent and misleading. Ramesh alleged that illegal amendments to voter registration forms have occurred during the Special Intensive Revision. The Election Commission, in response, defended its actions as unanimously approved and lawful. Disputes between the election commissioners reflect deep concerns over decision-maki

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised India's willingness to engage with Chinese suppliers. He highlighted the importance of fair play and judicial processes regarding pricing discrepancies. India aims to enhance exports to China and the ASEAN region over the coming years. Recent trade data shows a significant increase in India-China bilateral trade. The Indian government is also addressing concerns related to China's export controls on key machinery.

Paytm has reported a substantial increase in revenue, demonstrating the success of its existing business model. The company's EBITDA has improved due to efficient cost control and a strong merchant franchise. Financial services have significantly contributed to revenue growth, highlighting the diversity of its business operations. Global brokerages support the view that UPI-MDR will enhance, rather than define, future profitability.

PayPal has raised its annual profit forecast as a multi-year turnaround begins to take effect. The company anticipates achieving significant cost savings through workforce reductions and operational efficiencies. Consumer spending remains strong despite economic challenges, aiding growth in payment volume. Additionally, PayPal expects adjusted profits in the upcoming holiday quarter to exceed Wall Street expectations. The focus on transformation under new leadership aims for sustainable profitab

IMF to India: Let the Rupee Be Your First Line of Defence | Krishna Srinivasan

Wabtec Corporation has recently announced securing orders valued at approximately Rs 839 crore for Vande Sleeper trains. These agreements aim to enhance service availability and passenger safety for Indian Railways. Additionally, Wabtec will provide essential onboard systems including brake systems and doors. Indian Railways plans to manufacture 50 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets to expand long-distance overnight travel.

American consumers express significant concerns over rising living costs impacting their daily shopping habits. Many voters remain loyal to their parties despite inflation influenced by various factors, including political decisions. Democratic candidates see increased urgency to address economic issues for congressional elections. While Republicans hold strong support among some constituents, Democrats hope to gain ground in swing districts.

WeWork Indias first-half FY27 net profit surged 149.5% to Rs 119 crore, while revenue grew 30.1% to Rs 1,466.7 crore. Capacity expansion, rising memberships, stronger cash flows and improved margins supported growth and strengthened its financial position.

Omprakash Bishnoi, an astrologer and YouTuber with more than two million followers across social media, secured just 33 votes in a sarpanch election in Jodhpur district. The result sparked online reactions over the contrast between his claims of predicting peoples futures and his limited support in his native village.

Choosing a budget car involves understanding the hidden costs that can arise post-purchase, which are often overlooked. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection to identify potential issues before finalizing a purchase. It is common for budget vehicles to require consumables and maintenance shortly after acquisition, so planning is essential. Inspections should include checks for paint quality, engine performance, and essential service history in order to avoid future expenses.

Since 1996, Hawaii has successfully collected 848 metric tons of abandoned fishing nets, significantly reducing marine pollution. These nets are skillfully processed at an energy plant, transforming waste into usable electricity. This innovative initiative, supported by collaboration among government and fishermen, not only cleans our oceans but also promotes renewable energy. Moving forward, it is essential to focus on preventing marine debris and improving waste management practices.

Bitcoin slipped near $79,000 as investors awaited the Federal Reserves policy decision. ETF outflows, macroeconomic uncertainty and selling pressure weakened sentiment, while traders monitored $78,000 support, inflation data and institutional demand for potential market direction.

Microsofts voluntary buyout offers to around 60,000 employees have raised concerns about job security across the technology sector. Tech veteran Maureen Wiley calls this the Involuntary Entrepreneur Era, warning workers to prepare for career uncertainty. The latest programme follows earlier retirement packages and 4,800 job cuts, as Microsoft increases artificial intelligence spending and manages workforce costs.

A bird flu outbreak has been spreading for over two months at a Utah mink farm. Federal and state officials have not culled the infected animals nor imposed a formal quarantine. Experts express concern about the potential mutation of the virus to infect humans. No federal rules currently exist for vaccinating or culling infected mink in the US.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd has entered into a joint development agreement for a 10.05-acre land parcel in North Bengaluru. The development project will have an estimated gross development value of Rs 1,250 crore. It is expected to provide approximately 1 million square feet of saleable area, focusing on premium residential apartments. This project will enable the company to expand its presence in the growing North Bengaluru market.

LANXESS and Hindustan Colas have signed a memorandum of understanding for future collaboration. They aim to explore advanced road construction technologies specifically for the Indian infrastructure market. The agreement involves evaluating innovative solutions in bitumen and asphalt modification technologies.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Tuesday they have launched an attack on Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura oil refinery, the biggest in the kingdom, which is located on the Gulf