UPDATED: Nov 3, 2026 07:46 ISTAmerica heads into crucial midterm elections with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats up for grabs, posing a critical test for Donald Trump's legislative agenda. Rising prices, inflation, fuel costs, and federal tariffs have emerged as the foremost concerns among voters across states like Maryland and Virginia.
Political leaders and candidates note that rising everyday costs, driven by international conflicts and federal policies, have put intense pressure on household budgets. Polling trends suggest Democratic momentum in the race for congressional control, though early voting patterns remain mixed.
The outcome of the elections carries significant ramifications internationally, particularly for India. A potential shift in congressional control could intensify scrutiny over tariff measures, alter debates on trade and immigration policies such as H-1B visas, and introduce stronger legislative oversight over executive actions in Washington.
Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSCyclone Murzu Alert: Over 19 Flights Cancelled Across Andhra, Trains SuspendedOperations across Andhra Pradesh have faced major disruptions as Cyclone Murzu approaches the coastline, bringing strong winds forecast to reach up to 120 kilometres per hour. At least 19 domestic flights, including Indigo and Air India Express services, were cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports.
Rail services across affected coastal stretches have also been suspended as a precautionary step. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is monitoring the ground situation and has sought assistance and additional manpower from neighbouring states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka, to aid in post-landfall restoration work over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Vulnerable coastal districts including Nellore, Ongole, and Bapatla remain on high alert with standard operating procedures activated. Authorities and emergency response machinery are focused on minimising losses to life and infrastructure, advising residents in low-lying areas to stay indoors and adhere to government safety guidelines.Amit Shah slams Opposition's Ramlila rally in Hyderabad; Rahul alleges 'vote chori'Gaurav Sawant tracks key political developments, beginning with the confrontation between the NDA government and the INDIA bloc over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Following the opposition's Vote Bachao Desh Bachao rally at Ramlila Maidan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to voter roll controversy, stating that the deletion of entries included illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. In response, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged the Election Commission purged 15 percent of India's electorate and demanded prosecution for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, a controversy erupted after cleric Maulana Jarjis Ansari invoked Palestine and warned of bulldozer action under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, drawing demands for police action from Hindu seers and sharp counter-reactions between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party. The broadcast also reports on garment worker protests demanding wage revisions in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the Bhoomi Pujan of the 100-acre Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashram project near Karjat in Maharashtra.Cyclone Murasu: Andhra Braces for Landfall Near Ongole; Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil NaduAfter Cyclone Arnab, Andhra Pradesh is bracing for severe cyclonic storm Cyclone Murasu, which is expected to make landfall near Ongole district from midnight.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of wind speeds up to 120 km/h, extremely heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding across districts including Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, and Guntur. Parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will also experience strong winds and rain, with an orange alert issued for Chennai and school holidays declared.
Thousands have been evacuated from vulnerable low-lying coastal areas.'Move To Promote Separatism': Vinoj P. Selvam Slams TVK Over State Flag DemandIn an interview with India Today, BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary Vinoj P.
Selvam hit out at the ruling TVK administration over the proposal for a separate state flag, describing it as an attempt to divert attention from governance shortcomings. Selvam remarked, 'Trying to talk about introduction of a new flag, it just seems like a move to promote separatism in the state of Tamil Nadu.' He stressed that national pride and Tamil pride are complementary and called on the government to strengthen Tamil-medium education and back the New Education Policy.
Turning to corruption allegations surrounding Minister Rajmohan regarding an alleged five crore bribe offer for a post at E.I. Isai Nadaga Mandram, Selvam demanded a CBI inquiry to expose those involved.
He also criticised opposition figures, citing Durai Vaiko delivering a speech in Hindi at a mock parliament, accusing regional leaders of political hypocrisy and dividing the state through language politics.