US midterm polls 2026 prediction: Donald Trump activates $500 million election war chest for November election as Democrats predicted to win Senate, House of Representatives

US stocks today: Nasdaq leads Wall Street higher as SpaceX, Super Micro lift AI sentiment

US stocks ended higher on Wednesday as SpaceX and Super Micro Computer boosted sentiment around artificial intelligence stocks. The Nasdaq led gains, while strong semiconductor stocks added support. However, weakness in Netflix, AT&T and other communications shares limited the broader advance as investors awaited more major technology earnings.

Meta raises AI spending forecast to $145 billion, plans new share issue; Q3 revenue beats estimates

Meta raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to $135 billion-$145 billion to accelerate AI expansion and announced plans for non-voting shares, while reporting stronger revenue amid mounting legal challenges and intensifying competition.

RBI flags widening inflation risks, puts rate cuts on ice

RBI's Monetary Policy Committee raised the benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to address rising inflation concerns. Governor Sanjay Malhotra indicated a generalisation of inflation, with many commodities exceeding 4% inflation. Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta highlighted the influence of external supply-side shocks on inflation projections. External members expressed concerns about the implications of an aggressive rate hike on economic growth.

Critical tech list under review to push self-reliance

India's Niti Aayog is preparing a list of critical technologies for enhancing self-reliance and investment. This initiative aims to protect against disruptions due to limited access to essential technologies. Potential technologies include 6G, defence equipment, and electric vehicle powertrains. The government seeks to encourage innovation through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and other funds. A comprehensive roadmap is expected to be finalized and released next month.

Core output grows at series high of 7.9% in Sept

India's core sector output growth for September recorded a remarkable 7.9%, driven largely by expansion in coal and electricity. Notably, refinery products and iron ore also contributed to this growth, supported by a favorable base effect. Coal production saw a sharp rebound with a growth rate of 10.7% following previous negative trends. Electricity generation growth declined slightly, impacted by heatwave conditions in the country.

US colleges scale back cooperation with Chinese institutions after Pentagon’s push

Virginia Tech is accelerating the closure of a joint undergraduate programme with China’s Xidian University, bringing forward the end of a partnership that it had previously planned to keep running until 2029, according to a university spokesperson and a copy of an official letter reviewed by the South China Morning Post. This decision comes as the Pentagon’s push to tighten oversight of US universities’ research ties with China has led to more than 80 termination-related actions across 30...

Piyush Goyal to explore trade, investment avenues in Germany & Netherlands

Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal is set to visit Germany and the Netherlands for trade engagements. He will participate in the Berlin Global Dialogue and meet various government officials in Germany. The focus will be on technological cooperation, clean technology, and the India-EU FTA negotiations. In the Netherlands, Goyal will hold ministerial meetings to explore expanded trade channels and green transition initiatives.

BioWare games shutdown: Why is Electronic Arts-EA closing, laying off employees of video game developer? What will happen to Mass Effect 5, Marvel's Iron Man, Star Wars Jedi?

BioWare games shutdown: EA also said it was restructuring the team behind skateboarding simulation "skate." into a smaller, more focused studio

BlackRock expands AI push with new robotics ETF as investor enthusiasm cools

BlackRock has launched a new robotics focused ETF as investors become more selective about AI investments. The fund targets companies using intelligent machines across industries such as manufacturing and transportation, adding to a rapidly expanding market of ETFs built around different parts of the AI theme.

Why the Justice Department won’t investigate prosecutors over the David Hearn case — and who will review the allegations instead

The US Justice Department chose not to investigate allegations against prosecutors in David Hearn's case. Hearn faced felony charges for damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which were later dismissed. His lawyers claim serious allegations including witness tampering and suggested an independent investigation is necessary. The allegation details were referred to the Office of Professional Responsibility for review. The outcome remains uncertain as the prosecutors' conduct faces scrutiny.

'Do you remember ads against me?': JD Vance defends Vivek Ramaswamy's ad targeting Amy Acton

Mysterious six-feet tall, pale predator near US-Mexico border found stealing chicken. A UFO investigator says it might be from another dimension

Recently, a bizarre creature has surfaced in Mexico's Valley of Juárez, allegedly linked to mysterious poultry deaths. UFO researcher Jaime Maussan showcased images of this large, pale beast seen pilfering chickens and adeptly scaling walls. Despite numerous resident sightings, no independent validation exists. Theories about the creature's origins, whether from outer space or a parallel dimension, swirl without scientific backing.