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Elections 2026Top News / The Economic Times
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A tanker and a container ship were struck by projectiles of unknown origin in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident occurred while Iran has been asserting control over the waterway, blocking transit since the onset of the war. An investigation into the attacks is underway, but there has been no information on damage or casualties. Following US and Israeli strikes against Tehran, tensions have escalated in the region significantly.
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by MMTC regarding a settlement scheme for creditors affected by the exchange's crisis. This 1,950 crore scheme had been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal last year. The approval was upheld by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on March 30. More than 90% of the creditors had approved the settlement scheme earlier in May 2025.
The Delhi High Court has requested the Centre to respond to a petition regarding protest regulations. Lawyers and traders are seeking a standard operating procedure to manage demonstrations effectively. They claim that recent protests have severely impacted businesses, costing traders around 2,000 crore. Senior counsel Sachin Puri represented the petitioners who highlighted the festive season's significance. The ongoing situation affects business activities, prompting the need for clear protest
Mumbai: Airlines have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia until October 17 after the kingdom's aviation regulator suspended operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, disrupting travel across the region and leaving passengers seeking alternative routes.Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have suspended services to Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, with IndiGo also suspending flights to Medina, according to an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday. Akasa Air has als
Amit Shah criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for engaging in negative politics and losing elections consistently. He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance will secure a significant victory in the upcoming 2029 elections. Shah emphasized the need for Congress to connect with the public and engage in introspection regarding their recent electoral performance. Senior BJP leader Piyush Goyal also mocked Gandhi's behavior and rejected allegations of electoral malpractice.
Adani Enterprises and Jabil are forming a joint venture to manufacture artificial intelligence and data centre equipment in India. This venture aims to produce AI racks, servers, storage, and networking equipment for data centres. Furthermore, it will include equipment needed for power supply and cooling systems. The companies anticipate meeting both domestic demand and supporting exports in the market.
Siroli Kalan has transitioned from a revenue village to an urban local body in Uttarakhand. The ruling BJP encountered significant political challenges after recent municipal elections. Despite efforts to weaken Congress, BJP could not gain ground in the Kichha municipality. Local dynamics shifted after Siroli's inclusion, highlighting the intricacies of electoral demographics. Ultimately, Congress retained control in local elections held in 2025.
INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, gathered at the Supreme Court to challenge the Election Commission's actions. Their petition raises concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. The leaders' march was impeded by police barricades before they reached the court precincts. A large crowd assembled inside the court complex, causing reports of commotion among supporters.
Blackstone's chief operating officer Jonathan Gray has stated plans to increase their investment in India to $100 billion. He highlighted positive sentiments surrounding India's economy, which is growing over 7%. Gray acknowledged recent concerns like rising energy costs but emphasized robust economic momentum. The firm is committed to investing in sectors such as infrastructure, financial services, and healthcare.
Parvinder Singh, an anti-drug activist, was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, after confronting a pharmacy owner. Tensions escalated as Singh's supporters vandalized the medical store and protested against the ruling government. Investigations indicate the shooting was linked to a previous incident involving the store owner and Singh. Political leaders condemned the murder, highlighting concerns about law and order in Punjab.
Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, criticized the Supreme Court for inaction against the Election Commission. He announced plans for widespread protests if Jantar Mantar remains closed to demonstrators. Dipke urged the necessity for unity among opposition members to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Detentions of CJP leaders and threats to lawyers were reported during the protests.
Ircon International has placed four highway assets for sale in a government-led monetisation programme. These assets include toll-road and hybrid annuity model projects located in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat. The enterprise value of the assets is estimated to be around 3,000 crore, as advised by Axis Capital. Currently, Ircon is a Navratna company primarily earning from its railway segment.
Delhi's roads experienced alarming statistics in 2026, with an average of five lives lost daily due to accidents. The first nine months recorded 1,309 fatalities, primarily involving two-wheeler riders and pedestrians. Pedestrian deaths accounted for nearly two out of five fatalities in the city. Authorities indicated the importance of improving road safety and enforcement measures to protect vulnerable road users.
In India, emerging direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands have the potential to generate Rs 100 crore in revenue within a span of two to four years. To escalate this figure to Rs 500 crore, these brands must broaden their distribution networks and engage with new customer segments. Growth opportunities lie in refining brand positioning and activating media strategies.
RBI is currently dealing with substantial capital outflows and currency devaluation pressures in the economy. Recent market operations indicate underlying issues despite maintaining a 7.8 percent growth rate. The ineffective measures may not resolve the fundamental demand stemming from trade concerns. Foreign direct investment needs to focus on long-term capital and technology rather than short-term financial inflows.
A jury ruled that the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM, failed to accommodate a job applicant. Plaintiff Fiona Torres claimed SHRM revoked her job offer due to her need for a medical service dog. The jury awarded Torres $400,000 in compensatory damages for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. SHRM plans to appeal the verdict while asserting their offered alternatives for Torres were adequate.
Iran's warning raises concerns about the vulnerability of Gulf data centres and digital infrastructure to potential attacks. Recent escalations have already disrupted Amazon Web Services facilities in the UAE and Bahrain, highlighting the risk. The Gulf has invested significantly in emerging technologies, making security a critical focus for governments and companies. Developing alternative routes for connectivity will be essential to mitigate these threats.
The IMF's latest stress test examined how banks would cope with an AI crash, soaring government bond yields and an economic slowdown. Under this scenario, 22% of global banking assets would be held in 110 weak lenders, whose core capital ratio would fall below 7%, or a higher threshold for the world's most complex banks.
Bihar has imposed restrictions on the sale of non-subsidised fertilisers to control access for farmers. These restrictions could limit the availability of advanced crop nutrition products through existing distribution networks. Industry executives warn that this move may lead to significant losses and hinder investment in new technologies. Concerns have been raised about potential impacts on soil health and crop productivity.
India's expanding network of free trade agreements is creating new opportunities for MSMEs to grow. The MSME ministry emphasizes the need for improved quality and cost competitiveness to access these opportunities. Moreover, government support for first-time exporters through practical assistance is crucial for success. It is essential to enhance certification participation and upgrade testing infrastructure to meet international standards.
Loud booms were heard near Saudi Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran, prompting an evacuation of the area. Reports indicated that smoke was observed coming from the headquarters, raising concerns. Following this, the Saudi civil defense issued a warning about potential danger in Riyadh. Subsequently, a loud boom was also reported in the capital city. No official statements have yet been released regarding the situation or the cause of the noise.
The National Federation of Independent Business index slipped 0.8 point to 97.9, according to data released on Tuesday. Six of the 10 components that make up the gauge declined, while three rose and one held steady. The net share of owners who expect business conditions to improve declined 4 percentage points to a four-month low of 6%. Persistent price pressures continue to weigh on small businesses as conflicts in West Asia and Europe keep energy costs high.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained after entering Jantar Mantar while carrying the Indian national flag. They protested against the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during their demonstration. The Cockroach Janta Party criticized the government's decision to remove Jantar Mantar as an authorized protest site. CJP leaders stated that public spaces belong to all citizens and cannot be restricted by the state.
Home sales rose 1.5% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.99 million units, the National Association of Realtors said on Tuesday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast home resales would decline to a rate of 3.95 million units.
Shardiya Navratri Day 4 honours Maa Kushmanda: Celebrate Sharadiya Navratri on October 14, 2026, with devotion and excitement! The fourth day highlights the reverence for Maa Kushmanda, where devotees wear royal blue attire and prepare delightful malpua. Engaging in time-honored puja practices, including mantra recitations and sharing prasad with loved ones, this day becomes a cherished moment for seeking blessings for a bountiful life filled with health and happiness.
The Supreme Court has stayed the criminal defamation proceedings against Rahul Gandhi regarding his comments on Prime Minister Modi. These remarks were made during a public rally in Rajasthan, focusing on the Rafale fighter jet deal. Gandhi used the slogan 'Chowkidar chor hai' and referred to Modi as 'India's Commander-in-Thief'. The court issued a notice regarding Gandhi's plea and is awaiting responses.
INDIA bloc leaders paused their protests in Delhi due to the ongoing festival season and sustainability concerns. However, they expressed commitment to continue fighting against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Modi government. A meeting led by Rahul Gandhi discussed scheduling fewer protests until mid-November for maximum impact. While several leaders suggested shifting protests to their home states, Delhi remains the preferred location.
Mamata Banerjee-led AITC organized a rally in Rajabazar, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters aimed to march to Park Circus but were stopped by police due to a lack of permission. Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand noted that no official message about the rally was received.
The political backlash followed a recent meeting of the J&K Waqf Board, chaired by Andrabi, at which it was decided to constitute a core committee of Muftis, Imams and Khateebs to identify and finalise common topics for Friday sermons at shrines, jamia masjids and other religious institutions associated with the board.
The Nagastra-1R has been procured by the Army for short-range operations and is seen as a low-cost platform that can be used in large numbers during a conflict. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, the armed forces have been focusing on low-cost, indigenous platforms that can be produced quickly for mass deployment.
BJP had, however, seen an erosion of three seats compared to the 2021 election. This election saw BJP workers allegedly tearing Congress posters and Congress' lone Lok Sabha MP from Gujarat, Geniben Thakore, challenging BJP to touch party posters in daytime.
Mizoram is seeking to promote tourism by easing regulations during upcoming winter and Christmas festivals. The state reported significant growth in tourist arrivals during the first eight months of 2026. Investments in tourism-related infrastructure are expected to support the sector's development in the coming years. A series of cultural festivals and initiatives aim to extend visitor engagement beyond Aizawl.
Shikhar Dhawan has expressed that his name was used by organizers for the World T20 Continent Cup. He stated that this inclusion occurred without his prior knowledge or consent. Dhawan announced that his team is considering legal action to resolve the situation. He urged fans and media to refrain from reporting any unauthorized announcements. The cricketer appreciates the support he has received from his followers during this incident.
Last week, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) assigned standardised names to 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh, including key border friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), such as Gogra and Hot Springs. India's response came hours after China strongly opposed New Delhi's move.
India and Iran's National Security Advisers exchanged views on regional tensions following Houthi attacks and maritime security concerns. They discussed the recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz that affected Indian seafarers. The conversation included topics like the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and connectivity projects. The Indian government emphasized the importance of the safety of its nationals and maritime commerce.
Saudi Civil Defence alerted citizens of a potential danger in the Eastern Province on Tuesday, which was soon reiterated by the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.The Embassy urged citizens to take note of official instructions and follow the same as the Saudi authorities released an advisory for citizens.It requested citizens to remain calm and follow official instructions if they receive warning messages from the National Early Warning Platform for Emergencies.— SaudiDCD (@SaudiDCD) Immediat
Apple is set to launch HomeView, a new smart hub designed to enhance personal experiences in homes. The device can recognize up to six users' faces and display tailored information accordingly. HomeView incorporates Siri AI to assist with various tasks and control smart home devices conveniently. Pre-orders will begin soon, with sales expected to start on November 13, indicating a growing focus on connected home products.
Uday Kotak stated that the rupee should be allowed to find its own level without government interference. He noted that the strength of the Indian economy will eventually reflect in the currency. Recent pressure on the rupee was largely due to portfolio investment outflows rather than the current account deficit. The Reserve Bank of India implemented measures to support the rupee, resulting in a consecutive appreciation.
Google has introduced Gemini 4 Argon, an advanced AI model tailored for tackling intricate, real-world challenges. Developers can access this model through the API integrated within the AI Studio and Gemini platform. Various businesses have leveraged Argon to enhance productivity across areas such as coding, finance, legal affairs, and cybersecurity.
Ahead of the conclave, scheduled to be held from October 27 to 29 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Defence Research and Development Organisation organised a curtain-raiser event here to promote awareness and engagement among industry, academia and research institutions, they said.

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