POLITICAL SYSTEMS
The real message of the US midterms? Know thy enemy
Polarization in American politics is growing, and both parties need to engage with their extremists. The recent midterms illustrate that voters favor a moderate approach rather than extreme ideologies. Democrats and Republicans must shift towards pragmatic centrism to effectively address pressing national issues. With the midterm results, both parties face pressures that could influence future policies and leadership choices.
'Crisis in Indian politics': Rahul Gandhi questions 2024 Lok Sabha mandate, alleges democracy was ‘destroyed’ in India in 2014
Rahul Gandhi spoke at the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, claiming that democracy in India has been undermined. He alleged that the 2014 general election introduced unprecedented funding into the political system. Gandhi expressed concerns over the credibility of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections and pointed out discrepancies in voter data. He also noted the addition of new voters in Maharashtra ahead of the Assembly polls.
Rahul Gandhi calls out ‘fascists’ at Bharat Summit, launches Telangana gig workers’ welfare scheme
Addressing the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, Gandhi hit out at what he termed "fascists" in business, academia, and politics, asserting that they tend to scream and refuse to listen while the humble majority remains quieter.
Iranian lawmaker says Iran's resistance has pushed us into strategic dead end, warns Washington against further miscalculations
Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi stated the US is in a strategic dead end due to Iran's resistance. He emphasized that Tehran's responses to aggression will be stronger than before and warned against miscalculations. Azizi noted the historical hostility from the US, including sanctions and military operations against Iran. Recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involve claims of oil tankers striking naval mines.
India’s election calendar needs a reset. Is 'One Nation, One Election' the answer?
India frequently holds elections, affecting the government’s ability to implement long-term reforms effectively. Competitive populism emerges as states pursue similar welfare programs to match opponents’ promises. The proposal for 'One Nation, One Election' aims to increase political efficiency and reduce costs associated with separate elections. Challenges remain regarding early dissolution of assemblies and maintaining state-specific issues. Achieving synchronization by 2034 requires careful planning, political consensus, and public trust.
MeitY flags physical AI data; US data centre woes may help India
Happy Friday! MeitY is examining how home services platforms collect household data to train physical AI models.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
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Investors reassess US data centre bets after 'Blue Tsunami'; some look at India, other alternatives
This may not affect projects currently underway, but the data centre business has been driving growth for several companies in the US lately “and now there is looming concern over how this might play out,” said the executive who did not wish to be named.
Wars, energy security reshape global climate debate at COP31
COP31’s Leaders’ Summit highlighted a shift in how climate action is being viewed, with governments increasingly linking it to economic and energy security amid geopolitical tensions, wars and rising energy costs. Leaders warned that weaker international cooperation and competing priorities around tariffs and security could undermine efforts to curb emissions, while UN officials stressed that climate action can help ease inflationary and fiscal pressures. With nearly 70 heads of state and government attending, the summit also underscored the growing importance of climate finance and international cooperation.
Chhath songs at stations spark cultural row in Maharashtra
The Railways' decision to play Bhojpuri Chhath Puja songs at several Mumbai stations has drawn opposition from Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS amid tensions over Chhath celebrations in Maharashtra. UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut questioned the move, alleging that Marathi and national songs are not given similar prominence.
Xi says China's 'complete reunification' will certainly happen, no room for Taiwan independence
President Xi Jinping reiterated the importance of Taiwan's reunification, viewing it as a crucial historical mission. He stated that the Communist Party of China will certainly achieve this objective. Xi expressed willingness to engage in dialogue while firmly opposing any form of Taiwan independence. Additionally, he highlighted the need to consider Taiwan's realities and the feelings of its people.
Iran unveils underground 'missile city', warns US bases in Europe could face strikes if war resumes
Iran has unveiled an underground facility displaying ballistic and cruise missiles as senior officials warn that any renewed US attack could trigger strikes on American military bases across the Middle East and Europe. Tehran has also claimed that its missile production capabilities remain protected underground and ruled out transferring its enriched nuclear material abroad.
Infosys Prize 2026 honours six young researchers across science & arts
At a recent press event, the Infosys Science Foundation celebrated the winners of the Infosys Prize 2026, honoring six promising early-career researchers for their remarkable achievements in diverse fields. Each recipient will be awarded a gold medal along with a substantial monetary prize of $100,000, designed to motivate emerging scholars and further their academic journeys, while reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering innovation and research excellence.
'Tide of history cannot be stopped': Xi renews call for Taiwan reunification
Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of achieving peaceful reunification of Taiwan with the mainland China. During a speech, Xi referred to Taiwan as part of China's historical mission while promoting dialogue under the 'one-China principle'. Xi's remarks coincided with the 160th birthday of revolutionary hero Sun Yat-sen, who played a significant role in Chinese history. Taiwan's government did not immediately respond to Xi's statements on this issue.
Do recent electoral setbacks for right-wing parties signal a turning of the illiberal tide?
Recent election setbacks for leaders such as Viktor Orban in Hungary, Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia, Jair Bolsonaro's political camp in Brazil, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel and Donald Trump's Republicans in the US point to growing challenges for illiberal politics, according to the writer. These countries have experienced different degrees of democratic decline, with leaders using electoral victories to weaken institutions such as courts, the media and other checks on executive power.
‘The Nvidia case can help us limit East India Company-like practices’
Stanford professor Fred Turner argues that Silicon Valley's culture, shaped by Cold War computing research and the 1960s counterculture, has evolved into a system where powerful technology leaders exercise influence with limited institutional checks.
'Mobilising $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to require overhaul of climate finance system'
Mobilising $1.3 trillion a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2035 is achievable, but only with a major overhaul of the global climate finance system, according to a report released by Brazil’s COP30 presidency at COP31 in Antalya. Without policy changes, annual flows are projected to reach only about $460 billion, leaving an $840 billion shortfall. The report says a combination of public and private funding, carbon markets and new taxes could raise $1.27-1.41 trillion annually by 2035. Private investment could contribute $882 billion, public sources $351-384 billion and carbon markets $40-144 billion.
Comedian-actor Russell Brand sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for rape, sexual assaults; judge calls him 'sexual predator'
Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison following his conviction for rape and sexual assault. He was found guilty by a jury after a trial involving multiple women. The judge criticized Brand for his disregard for women and described him as a sexual predator. Despite his denials, the court found substantial evidence against him.
Karnataka CM Shivakumar dismisses talk of rift with Siddaramaiah; says focus is on polls, governance
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar denied differences with Congress leader Siddaramaiah, saying there was “neither a big rift nor a small rift” between them. He accused opponents of spreading rumours of discord.
BJP criticises Congress president Kharge for controversial Diwali remark
BJP spokespersons have criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for referring to Diwali as a 'Khushiyon Ka Eid'. They accused Kharge and Rahul Gandhi of disregarding the significance of Hindu festivals and altering their identities. The criticism emphasizes that Diwali is an essential festival with unique traditions and sanctity. BJP representatives question why Kharge would not reciprocate the sentiment by calling Eid a 'Diwali of joy'.
Congress to continue agitation until CEC Gyanesh Kumar is removed, says KC Venugopal
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said the party would continue its agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar until he was removed and electoral processes made impartial. The Congress plans a nationwide 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' campaign, appointing booth-level guardians to identify deleted voter names and help secure their restoration.
How a digital bank's collapse toppled Paraguay's president Santiago Pena
Paraguay's digital bank ueno bank has collapsed, leading to the freezing of nearly three million customer accounts. This event has resulted in an impeachment of President Santiago Pena, who is now facing serious charges. The central bank had previously put ueno into resolution after discovering breaches of solvency requirements. Public protests erupted, reflecting widespread anger over the government's handling of the crisis.
Maoists gone, but 'dimagi Naxals' instigating people against Constitution and democracy: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the elimination of armed Maoists while addressing the ideological threat of 'dimagi Naxals'. He emphasized the need to identify and defeat these elements infiltrating various organizations and political parties. Modi referenced past failures in addressing Naxalism while stating that strong policies and political will led to significant improvements.
'Strait of Hormuz gives Iran strategic leverage,' says Iranian official
Iranian official Abbas-Ali Kadkhodaei said the Strait of Hormuz gives Tehran strategic leverage in global affairs, citing recent developments in the waterway. He called for faster implementation of maritime development policies. Separately, Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Shekarchi claimed the US Republican Party's midterm setbacks showed Washington had failed to break Iran's resolve.
COP31 a 'moment of truth': UN chief Guterres urges world leaders to act now on climate change
António Guterres has urged global leaders to take immediate action against climate change ahead of the COP31 summit. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be shifted and that everyone must commit to change now. Guterres highlights the worsening impact of climate disasters and the interplay between climate change and other global challenges. Additionally, he believes that fossil fuel companies should contribute by being taxed on their profits.
New Zealand election too close to call as smaller parties reshape political landscape
New Zealand's recent election has resulted in no clear majority among major parties, as smaller parties gain influence. Preliminary projections show the right-leaning bloc with 67 seats while the left holds 57 seats in parliament. Approximately 400,000 special votes remain to be counted which may alter the distribution of seats significantly. The new centrist Opportunity Party could play a key role in coalition negotiations.
Sonowal urges citizens to protect democratic institutions, ensure electoral transparency
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called upon citizens to actively preserve the dignity of democracy in India. He emphasized the importance of informed citizens in maintaining the credibility of constitutional institutions. Through a public awareness campaign, he urged collective responsibility to combat misinformation from opposition parties. Sonowal highlighted the need for transparency in the electoral process and encouraged participation in democratic values.
Welfare pay can't be voter ID-linked
Union panchayati raj minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced plans to replace Aadhaar with voter ID numbers for welfare programs. This change would shift the basis for beneficiary identification and payment processing. Critics argue that voter ID is not a universal form of identification and is tied to electoral registration. The proposed switch raises concerns about access for those not on electoral rolls.
Musk's $445 million midterm bet goes awry. Is his political influence at risk?
Elon Musk's $445 million spending spree on Republican candidates yielded limited results in the US midterms, with most of those he backed losing. As Democrats gain control, Musk faces potential congressional investigations, calls for campaign finance reforms and greater scrutiny of his companies, government contracts and political influence.
Mayawati questions EVM-based voting, says people seeking return to ballot papers
BSP chief Mayawati has raised concerns about the credibility of electronic voting machines and fair elections. She stated that many people are demanding a return to the ballot paper system. Mayawati linked these election integrity issues to broader socio-economic challenges faced by the country. The BSP's longstanding opposition to EVMs has gained traction, particularly among younger voters.
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