On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil futures for November delivery rose by ₹566, or 6.4 per cent, over the past week to close at ₹9,394 per barrel
Schools closed on October 19: Schools in several Indian states will remain closed on Monday, October 19, 2026, due to festive holidays, including Durga Puja, Maha Navami, Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami. Schools in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will also remain closed, while Telangana schools covered by the Dasara vacation will continue their break. Students and parents should check state-wise holiday schedules and official announcements for the latest updates.
The recent discussions at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank left developing nations feeling uncertain about their futures. Delegates raised alarm over growing debt, inflation, and the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence, but found themselves without significant solutions. These urgent concerns, alongside geopolitical issues and diminishing aid, paint a challenging landscape for low-income countries as both organizations strive to balance AI advancements with their commitment to sustainable development.
Five individuals, including an 11-year-old boy, were killed in a car collision with a bus in Beed district. The accident occurred while the car swerved to avoid potholes on the highway. Victims were residents of Majalgaon and were en route to Tuljapur during the incident. Locals protested the poor road conditions, alleging that substandard maintenance caused the dangerous potholes.
The Union law ministry has notified rules to address violations of court-fee and stamp-sale provisions in Union territories. The 2026 rules establish a framework for complaints, adjudication, financial penalties and appeals, following amendments under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, which replaced criminal punishment with monetary penalties for minor, non-fraudulent violations.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that an offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is still valid. This proposal involves several conditions, including the lifting of US sanctions on Iran's oil exports. Araqchi emphasized that negotiations have stalled due to Washington's focus on Iran's nuclear program. US officials have called for Iran to reduce uranium enrichment to satisfy their demands.
The Central Industrial Security Force is set to reorganize its administrative structure beginning November 1. This restructuring aims to improve specialized security management across various industries and installations. Key sectors like power, coal, and petroleum will receive enhanced operational oversight and sector-specific expertise. The changes follow consultations with senior officers and aim to strengthen coordination with relevant authorities.
Iran's parliament has approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the new defence minister after months of interim leadership. He replaces Majid Ebn al-Reza, who took on interim duties following the death of Aziz Nasirzadeh. Akhlaqi has extensive experience in Iran's defence industry, especially in aerospace and missile sectors, and is under US and EU sanctions. He aims to enhance military production and technology with greater cooperation from private companies.
DIIs increased their holdings in several NSE midcap stocks during the September 2026 quarter. Swiggy, One97 Communications, Meesho, Cochin Shipyard, Lenskart Solutions, Piramal Finance, APL Apollo Tubes and SBI Cards and Payment Services saw DII shareholding rise by more than 200 basis points quarter-on-quarter, based on StockEdge’s shareholding scan.
