The Economic Times

According to Polymarket, there's a remarkable 93% likelihood that Democrats will secure the House in the 2026 elections. The Senate presents a more competitive landscape with Democrats at 63% and Republicans at 38%. The surge in trading volume indicates high public interest in both markets as November 3 approaches. Key individual Senate races are particularly pivotal, potentially affecting the overall power dynamics.

We could stay as we are. That's definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay, Burnham said, listing certain options including one to go all the way. It is not clear how Burnham will canvass opinion on the EU, but he said in his conference speech that he would ake the opportunity around the summit to lay out to you, to lay out to the country, what I believe the different options are.

Saudi authorities have arrested and interrogated the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said. Some 169 of the total 172 passengers on board were Israeli nationals, Ambassador Daniel Meron at the Israeli permanent mission in Geneva told Reuters.

New regulations from the Reserve Bank of India will mandate reporting of international credit card transactions starting October 1. Consumers may need to provide details on all payments for services purchased abroad, leading to potential compliance challenges. The existing framework lacks clarity on how individuals will report these transactions to banks. While international credit card purchases are part of the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, the reporting process remains unclear.

Measles causes fever, respiratory symptoms and skin rashes. In some cases, it can also lead to more severe complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation, which can lead to serious long-term impacts and death. In 2000, measles was declared eradicated in the United States, thanks to vaccination.

US treasury yields have fallen on Wednesday. The yields on 2-year and 10-year US treasuries dropped as the expectations for hike in Federal Reserve interest rate have decreased. The US inflation data revealed that it increased less than expected in the month of August.

Rating upgrades moderated in the first half of the financial year as companies faced headwinds from the West Asia conflict, rising crude prices, higher input costs and evolving US tariff measures. Downgrades also declined, though rating agencies cautioned that this may not capture cases where issuers do not cooperate with adverse reviews.

Sony has announced the October 2026 PlayStation Plus monthly games lineup, showcasing three titles in PS5 and PS4. Members can claim F1 25 on PS5, Hunt: Showdown 1896 on PS5, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 on PS4 and PS5. The games become available on October 6 and can be claimed until November 2.

Security forces in Budgam neutralized top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Musa, who had been active in Jammu and Kashmir since 2023. His operations included several high-profile attacks targeting security forces and civilians. Musa's elimination is considered a significant blow to the LeT network operating within the Union Territory.

Issam Darui grew up in Oujda, surrounded by Moroccos transport business. His father worked as a trucker, and Darui also accompanied his older brother, a bus driver. That experience shaped his first business idea. In 2014, Darui launched Lagare.ma, an online platform for searching, comparing and buying intercity bus tickets. It later attracted more than 6 million unique visitors and expanded to 10 languages and 25 currencies.

Nineteen parties from the INDIA bloc are organizing protests against the Election Commission and its operations. These protests will include marches and rallies scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. Congress leaders highlighted concerns about alleged electoral irregularities and the need for collective action. Various political figures discussed strategies for involving non-INDIA allies and youth organizations in the protests.

Tata Trusts has sought a hearing with the Maharashtra charity commissioner in response to a complaint lodged by Venu Srinivasan. This complaint claims there have been governance issues within the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust's management, particularly concerning the conduct of specific trustees. Srinivasan has urged the commissioner to investigate potential repercussions for those trustees involved.

Pete Hegseth has reported significant financial assets in his latest disclosure for 2025. His holdings include Bitcoin valued between $16,000 and $65,000 alongside a bank account exceeding $1 million. Additionally, Hegseth and his wife have reported five retirement accounts worth approximately $2.05 million to $4.35 million.

Major industrial states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana and Punjab are taking longer than expected to notify the final rules, leaving employers in a flux over several divergent provisions. HR departments say they now have to navigate Centre-state rules that don't align, creating inconsistencies in compliance requirements.

The Supreme Court expressed deep concern regarding an investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Police into a criminal case. A complainant reported that police registered an FIR against unknown persons after she captured a suspect. The court questioned the failure to include the suspect's name initially despite the complainant's action.

A Dutch filmmaker and storyteller has shared an emotional account of her visit to Rishikesh, saying the Indian city gave her a sense of belonging she had never felt elsewhere. Isha Branderhorst recalled crying while walking across a bridge and described the moment as deeply personal. Her Instagram video prompted users to share their own reflections on Rishikesh, spirituality, identity and belonging.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to reduce military positions reserved for generals and admirals by 20% by 2027. This initiative aims to streamline the Pentagon's senior leadership structure and enhance operational efficiency. The reductions may involve both eliminating positions and downgrading some ranks to lower positions. The plan builds on previous directives aimed at restructuring military leadership evaluation and promotion processes.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Predicted Playing 11: Pakistan and Bangladesh will meet in the Asian Games 2026 mens cricket semi-final on October 1 in Nisshin, Japan. The match preview covers both teams probable playing 11s, pitch and weather conditions, T20I head-to-head record, live streaming details and key factors to consider before the high-stakes knockout clash.

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal invited American manufacturers to expand in India and partner with Indian SMEs, highlighting opportunities in advanced manufacturing, technology, innovation and resilient supply chains.

Dhanraj Nathwani's recent nomination as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha has surprised many in the political arena. His father, Parimal Nathwani, has built relationships across political party lines over his career. Dhanraj has been active in political discussions and networks, influencing decisions within these circles. Parimal Nathwani's journey from businessman to politician illustrates significant shifts in political alliances.

The Centre extended the duty refund scheme Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for exporters of apparel, garments and made-ups by three months to December 31 along with continuing the enhanced insurance cover against payment defaults until March 31, 2027, for export consignments to West Asia under the Export Promotion Mission.

Indias formal manufacturing sector recorded broad-based growth in 2024-25, with GVA rising 9.6% to 26.9 lakh crore and industrial output increasing 7.8% to 165.2 lakh crore, according to the Annual Survey of Industries. Invested capital grew 11.1% to 75.6 lakh crore, while the number of establishments rose 2.6%.

A recent study found that creatine supplementation can increase lean muscle tissue in middle-aged adults. Participants aged 45 to 65 who took creatine gained muscle even without exercise. Those who incorporated exercise and a calorie-reduced diet showed even greater improvements in strength. Additionally, creatine helped preserve muscle during weight loss efforts while decreasing body fat percentage. This research highlights creatine's potential benefits beyond traditional athletic use.

The southern peninsula and East and Northeast India were particularly affected, receiving just 76% and 74% of their respective normal rainfall. East and Northeast India recorded 1,017.1 mm of rainfall, its lowest since 1901, while the southern peninsula received 542 mm, its fourth-lowest rainfall in 125 years. Central India, however, received normal rainfall at 97% of its LPA, while northwest India recorded 94.1%.

The Supreme Court is set to review the West Bengal government's plea challenging Milan Pradhan's interim bail during a session on Monday. This case revolves around six criminal proceedings linked to the violent protests in Nandigram back in 2007. Previously, the Calcutta High Court allowed Pradhan to secure bail for electoral purposes.

The Centres fiscal deficit rose to 7.1 lakh crore, or 41.9% of the FY27 target, by August, up from 6 lakh crore a year earlier, official data showed.

Pradeep Purnekar, a divisional head of the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Sena, was shot dead on Tuesday. The incident occurred at his office when masked attackers arrived on two-wheelers and opened fire. His family has accused political rivals from the Shiv Sena (Shinde) faction of orchestrating the murder. This tragic event adds to a disturbing trend of political violence in Maharashtra over the years.

Political factions in Jammu and Kashmir, excluding the BJP, are calling for the dismissal of two senior bureaucrats who opposed a statehood resolution from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. This intervention has raised alarms about the bureaucrats potentially exceeding their mandate in legislative affairs, prompting the presiding officer to remind that their views aren't obligatory for the assembly. BJP lawmakers have countered, branding the statehood measure as unconstitutional and illegal.

US inflation rose less than expected in August, with the PCE price index increasing 0.3% month-on-month and 2.6% year-on-year. Core PCE rose 0.2% monthly and 3% annually. The softer inflation reading may reduce expectations of another Federal Reserve rate hike next month, while consumer spending surged 0.9%.

Sophia Bush and former professional soccer player Ashlyn Harris have disclosed that they secretly married in the summer of 2025 in an intimate celebration in upstate New York.Bush shared the revelation of the private wedding while talking about her upcoming memoir, And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress, with Vogue.

The Samajwadi Partys nomination of Ram Gopal Yadav and surprise pick Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani has shifted attention to the BJPs candidate selection for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha elections.

At present, imports of chana attract a 10% duty, while yellow peas are subject to a 30% duty. Tur and urad imports are allowed duty-free until March 31, 2027. The proposed reduction in duties on chana and yellow peas would be to improve domestic availability and contain prices. Prices of chana, moong, matar and tur have risen by up to 10% over the past month, with a 3-5% spike in the past week, as concerns over crop prospects combine with higher festive demand.

Amit Shah addressed a rally in Jalandhar as part of the BJP's 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra'. He highlighted drugs as a primary issue for the 2027 Punjab elections. Shah criticized the AAP government for enabling the drug trade and outlined the BJP's promise for a drug-free Punjab by 2029. The campaign covered 4,000 km across all assembly constituencies over 13 days.

Sonam Wangchuk held a significant meeting with Zoramthanga, the former Chief Minister of Mizoram, to delve into the Mizo Peace Accord. He showed keen interest in examining the landmark Memorandum of Settlement from 1986, which successfully ended two decades of insurgency and established permanent peace in Mizoram, officially making it the 23rd state of India on February 20, 1987. The accord has garnered attention from scholars passionate about conflict resolution.

The BJP criticized the INDIA bloc's upcoming 'Save Democracy' campaign, referring to it as a 'Save Dynasty' initiative. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the opposition of lacking a unified agenda and suggested their efforts were an excuse for electoral failures, emphasizing their focus on attacking constitutional institutions instead of self-reflection.

The October Horoscope 2026 points to one especially lucky day for each zodiac sign. For some signs, the best days of the month could open the door to a fresh start.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has been named among Lonely Planets 50 Best in Travel 2027 destinations, with Darjeeling recognised as a top destination for a toy-train journey.

Milan Pradhan, a Congress candidate from Nandigram, was released from judicial custody after securing interim bail. He had been arrested in connection with six criminal cases dating back to 2007, spending 12 days in jail. The Calcutta High Court highlighted that his arrest occurred after he filed his nomination papers for the upcoming bypoll. Pradhan expressed confidence that the people of Nandigram would support him in the election.

Senior Punjab Congress leaders are again pushing the party high command to replace PCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, citing continued rebellion and lack of cooperation within the state unit.

Trump $500 Obamacare refund checks are beginning to reach nearly 1 million Americans across 30 states. The payments target people who bought coverage through the federal ACA marketplace without premium assistance. The administration says the money comes from excess exchange fees and is being returned to consumers. The checks arrive as health costs remain a major political issue.

A helicopter crashed in Zimbabwes northeastern Marondera rural area on Wednesday, killing seven people aboard, including a high-profile businessman, four passengers and two pilots, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said. Police had earlier reported a crash involving six people and said emergency services were responding. Reuters reported the incident, citing officials.

'Violation of judicial canon': DOJ goes after Minnesota Judges over NYT interviews

U.S. midterm elections of 2026 are set for November 3, a pivotal date that will determine Congressional control for the following two years. With all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats up for grabs, Republicans are strategically planning to uphold their slight dominance in both chambers. Meanwhile, Democrats are gearing up to seize enough seats to disrupt Republican agendas, ultimately influencing legislation until January 2029.

Mumbai's toll charges for commercial vehicles will increase from October 1, according to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. Transporters are concerned that these hikes will ultimately raise freight charges for consumers. The new toll rates will apply at five entry points into the city, with various increases based on vehicle type. Discount options will be available for commercial vehicle owners who purchase toll coupons in advance.

California is getting ready to add microplastics to its Candidate Chemicals List, marking another step in the states decade-long attempt to address plastic pollution. The designation does not immediately limit products but starts a regulatory process that involves public comment and formal review.

In July, US crude oil production climbed to 13.95 million barrels per day, up from Junes figures. Despite the production surge, the demand for crude oil and petroleum products dropped to 20.61 million barrels per day. Meanwhile, gross natural gas production reached a remarkable 137.0 billion cubic feet per day, with Texas's output increasing to 40.1 billion cubic feet per day, contrasting slightly with a decline in Pennsylvania.