Discount offers pour in for Mumbai voters

Modi said this year is even more special because Advani was conferred the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding service to the nation. 

The prime minister and BJP president J P Nadda visited Advani's residence to greet him. 

"Among India's most admired statesmen, he has devoted himself to furthering India's development. He has always been respected for his intellect and rich insights. I am fortunate to have received his guidance for many years. I pray for his long and healthy life," the prime minister said in a post on X. 

Former president Ram Nath Kovind, who also went to Advani's residence, described him as a legendary statesman and a guiding light in Indian politics. 

He said Advani's "tireless dedication and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark" on the progress of the nation. 

Home Minister Amit Shah said Advani played an important role in making BJP a symbol of public welfare with his public service and organisational skills. 

The party's organisation under him gained in strength and spread far and wide, he added. -- PTI

Assembly elections will be held in Maharashtra on November 20. 

The initiative, aimed at encouraging voting, was being undertaken after holding discussions with associations of traders, multiplex owners and restaurant owners, said an official. 

The poll body on Friday launched `Utsav Nivadnukicha, Abhiman Maharashtracha', (Festival of Elections, Maharashtra's Pride), a voting awareness campaign which aims to increase voter turnout. 

The event at the Gateway of India was attended by officials of the Election Commission, the Mumbai police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation besides celebrities including actor Varsha Usgaonkar, Mohan Joshi, Rohit Shetty and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. India Post also released a special cancellation at the function which will be in operation till November 20. 

Farogh Mukadam, nodal election officer for Mumbai, said the discount initiative was the brainchild of Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the district election officer for Mumbai city and the Mumbai suburban district. 

Gagrani conducted a meeting with representatives of the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, Multiplexes Association of India, Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Association of Hotel and Restaurants, and some other trade bodies on October 31. -- PTI

The CM ordered an inquiry based on the media reports on the food kits, a release issued by the CMO said. 

Vijayan said that a report should be submitted immediately. 

The probe was ordered following a note given by the Chief Secretary to the CM about the incident, the release said. 

The investigation will examine whether the Panchayat distributed old stock or if the food grains were tampered with in any way. 

A preliminary investigation has already been conducted, it said. 

Survivors of the landslides in Chooralmala-Mundakai in Wayanad district alleged that they were given worm-infested food kits by the Meppadi Grama Panchayat, leading to a protest by the Democratic Youth Federation of India on Thursday. 

The Meppadi Panchayat is governed by the Congress-led UDF. -- PTI

Batra, who breathed last on Thursday at the age of 94, made news for filing lawsuits against books that he deemed offensive, including Wendy Doniger's -- Hindus: An Alternative History -- in 2011. 

He called the book "un-Indian" and objected to its interpretation of Hinduism from a sexual lens. 

The reputed publisher not only withdrew the controversial book from the Indian markets in 2014 but also consented to stop publishing, distributing and selling Doniger's work in the country besides agreeing to destroy existing stock. 

AK Ramanujan's essay Three Hundred Ramayanas was also dropped from Delhi University's history syllabus in 2011 after Batra moved the Delhi high court against it. 

He had also taken the National Council of Educational Research and Training to the court with a PIL which raised 70 objections to content of secondary school history and social science syllabus. 

Atul Kothari, the chief of the Shiksha Sanskriti Uthan Nyas, another RSS-linked educational organisation founded by Batra, said the new National Education Policy is a culmination of his lifelong efforts in the field. 

"Batra had dedicated his life to the cause of imbibing education with Indian values and Indianness. The National Education Policy of 2020 is a culmination of his lifelong efforts in the field," Kothari said. -- PTI

This was announced by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather at the conclusion of a five-day assembly session in Srinagar. 

Besides the Leader of Opposition, the others named in the privilege motion are Sham Lal Sharma, Satish Kumar Sharma, RS Pathania, Vikram Randhawa and Rajiv Jasrotia. 

The speaker said he has received another breach of privilege motion from NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi. 

The speaker, however, did not mention the name of the person against whom the motion has been submitted. 

"In both cases, I will examine and take appropriate action as per rules," he said. -- PTI

Dhanush took to his X account on Friday to share a new poster of the film and announce its release date. 

In the poster, the actor can be seen entering into a small shop called Sivanesan, with blue skies and birds in the background. 

Apart from Dhanush, Nithya Menon is also part of the film. 

The two were last seen together in the 2022 hit Thiruchitrambalam and are set to reunite in Idli Kadai. 

Dhanush had earlier announced the film in September, as he shared a concept poster on his X (formerly Twitter) account. 

The poster depicted a small roadside shack under a starry sky with the caption, "#D52 #DD4 Om Namashivaaya." 

Idli Kadai will feature music composed by GV Prakash, cinematography by Kiran Koushik, and editing by Prasanna GK. 

The film is being produced under Dhanush's banner Wunderbar Films in collaboration with Aakash Baskaran's Dawn Pictures. 

The film is set to release on April 10 next year. -- ANI 

Snake bite has been declared as a notifiable disease in the state under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. 

A Government Order (GO) to this effect was issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on November 4 followed by a Gazette Notification published on November 6, a release here said on Friday. 

"Snake bite envenomation is an acute life-threatening medical condition. It is a preventable public health condition often faced by rural population in tropical and subtropical countries," the release said. 

The World Health Organisation has launched a global strategy for controlling snake bite-induced deaths and disabilities. 

And a National Action Plan for prevention and control of Snake bite Envenoming launched by the ministry of health and family welfare details the roadmap to halve snake bite deaths by 2030 through one health approach, it said. 

"Snake bite causes high morbidity and mortality, with vulnerable populations such as agricultural workers, children and people living in snake-endemic regions being affected more," the release added. -- PTI

The project launches are expected between March and June, said Kalpesh Mehta, who is Trump Organisation's real estate partner in India. 

Mehta, in a virtual interaction with ANI, said they will develop six more Trump Towers in India, one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Noida. 

There are at present four such high-rise luxury Trump properties, one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and Kolkata. 

With six more launches in the coming months, India will have the highest number of such high-rise Trump towers, surpassing the United States. 

"I was studying in the US, at the Wharton School of Finance. Trump Jr was junior to me in the college. A professor, who was my mentor and guide, was also the mentor of Donald Trump's juniors. The professor introduced me to Donald Trump juniors and our friendship started," Mehta said. 

Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump are sons of US President-elect Donald Trump. 

He won a historic re-election earlier this week. 

Mehta said they signed the deal at a cocktail party in the US, which is when Trump's real estate business entered India. -- ANI

There will be no trading on that day in the equity, Futures & Options and Securities Lending and Borrowing segments. 

In view of assembly elections in Maharashtra, the exchanges will be closed on November 20, 2024 and there will be no trading on that day in equity, equity derivatives and SLB segments, NSE and BSE said in separate circulars. 

Elections to the 288-member state legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. 

This will be the third stock market holiday in November, after Diwali on November 1 and the upcoming holiday for Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 15. -- PTI

The police officials said the terror attack was carried out by the terrorists and their associaties on instructions of their handlers in Pakistan and two civilians including a woman were seriously injured. 

On November 3 Srinagar grenade attack, Kashmir IGP VK Birdi says, "...12 civilians got injured in this attack. We have arrested the terrorists and their associates who carried out this shameful incident. Three people have been detained in this case - Osama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh," Kashmir inspector general of police VK Birdi said at a press conference in Srinagar on Friday. 

"They threw the grenade with the intention of disrupting peace and normal activities here. They did this on the instructions of their handlers sitting in Pakistan," he added. 

The police official said that the woman seriously injured in the incident had very young children. 

Twelve people, including a woman, were injured in the grenade attack at the Tourist Reception Centre and weekly market in the Jammu and Kashmir's capital on Sunday.

The terrorists and their associates have been booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. -- ANI

Even as the search is on, the actor said he doesn't care about who goes on to become the next Agent 007.

Craig, 56, first essayed the character in 2006's Casino Royale. 

He went to star in four more movies Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and 2021's No Time to Die, being the fifth and final one.

In a recent conversation with entertainment new outlet Variety, the actor was asked a question on his preference of the actor to step into the shoes of the much-admired spy agent. 

"If you were to pass the James Bond torch, who would you love to see play him?"

To which he only had three words to respond with: "I don't care."

He was asked about the number of times he portrayed the character on screen.

"I'm going to get it wrong," he said.

"I'd have to count them. I don't know."

Previously, Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan have played James Bond on screen. -- PTI

The police said in connection with the abduction and assault of railway driver Joshua Kamei from Kambiron (Puiluan) village, they raided a hideout of the suspects at Urup Mayai Leikai and arrested four members of KYKL (SOREPA), recovering arms from their possession.

The accused have been identified as Hijam Nikhil Singh (27), Hijam Thanglen Meitei (30), Thongam Ningthem Singh (32) and Gobin Elangbam (29).       

Police seized an SLR, a .303 rifle and two four-wheelers. 

Two drug users, who were reportedly in the custody of the suspects, were also rescued during the operation, the statement added. -- PTI

Actor Nitin Kumar Satyapal Singh was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his apartment in the Yashodham area on Wednesday, an official said. 

Singh had been suffering from depression for the last couple of years, as he was unable to find work in television and films, he said, adding that he was undergoing treatment for the condition. 

Singh's wife had taken their daughter to a park. 

She found the flat locked from the inside, and she didn't get any response from him, the official said. 

She eventually managed to enter the flat and found him hanging, he said. 

The actor was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance, but doctors declared him dead, the official said, adding that a case of accidental death was registered. -- PTI

Malik currently imprisoned at Tihar jail in Delhi, has filed a petition in the Delhi high court, stating that he has been on a hunger strike since November 1. 

The imprisoned chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front is protesting what he claims is the denial of his fundamental rights, including proper medical treatment and attention to his health issues, by the Tihar jail authorities. 

In his plea before the Delhi high court, Yasin Malik has sought direction from the Tihar jail authority to produce records of his medical treatment. 

He has sought appropriate directions from the court to ensure that he is referred for proper and necessary medical care at AIIMS or any other super-speciality hospital, either in New Delhi or in the Kashmir region, to address his ongoing health concerns. 

Additionally, Malik has asked the court to direct the authorities to produce him before the courts in the National Capital Territory of Delhi whenever his presence is required. 

The bench of Anoop Kumar Mendiratta is scheduled to hear this matter today itself. 

Earlier this year, Yasin Malik had also approached the Delhi high court, claiming inadequate medical treatment and citing serious cardiac and kidney issues. -- ANI

Speaking on the vote of thanks for the Lt Governor's address in the House, he said, "The first session of the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir assembly is short in duration but historic in terms of agenda." 

The first session of the new assembly began on Monday and is scheduled to end on Friday. 

Abdullah said that when he spoke in the House the last time, Jammu and Kashmir was a state and had a special place and status in the country. 

"It has all been snatched," he said in an apparent reference to the August 5, 2019, development when the special status under Article 370 was revoked and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. 

The chief minister remarked that the first session of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly is "short in duration but historic in terms of agenda". 

"I have got an opportunity to talk like this in the House after a long time. In March 2014, I spoke on the governor's address as chief minister and in 2018 as the opposition. So much has changed since then and we have lost a lot." 

"When I think about it, I cannot believe it," Abdullah said. -- PTI

As part of this exercise, Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kanan, who has also been holding the role of chief integration officer for the merger of the two entities, will continue in the latter role post-merger. 

Besides, he will be a member of the management committee and report directly to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, a statement said. 

Full-service carrier Vistara, which is a 51:49 percent joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, is all set to merge with Air India on November 12. 

It also said that Deepak Rajawat, chief commercial officer of Vistara will take up the position of chief financial officer at the low-cost arm Air India Express, reporting to its chief executive officer Aloke Singh and also support Air India Group CFO Sanjay Sharma in strategic initiatives and projects. 

Consequently, Vikas Agarwal, the current CFO of Air India Express, will move to a new role in Air India, it said. 

Senior vice president for flight operations at Vistara Hamish Maxwell has assumed an advisory role to Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh while Pushpinder Singh, chief operations officer of Air India Express, returns to flying, as per the statement. 

A successor for Singh will be announced in due course, it said. 

Also, Deepa Chadha and Vinod Bhatt, senior vice president HR & corporate affairs and chief information officer of Vistara respectively, will take on senior roles at other Tata group companies, the statement said adding that Vistara CFO Niyant Maru, who had continued beyond his superannuation date to see through the completion of the merger, will retire at the end of his current term. 

All other Air India Group CXO roles and reporting lines roles remain unchanged, it said. -- PTI

The English cricket icon was rescued by former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes. 

England's Barmy Army, the fan club of the England cricket team, posted on X: "Ian Botham survived a fall into crocodile-infested waters on a fishing trip in Australia. Thankfully, he was rescued by his close friend Merv Hughes. Glad you're OK, @BeefyBotham." 

Botham, regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, represented England in 102 Tests, scoring 5,200 runs at an average of 33.64, with 14 centuries and 22 fifties in 161 innings. His highest score was 208. 

Botham also took 383 wickets in his Test career at an average of 28.40, with best bowling figures of 8/34. He ranks as the third-highest wicket-taker for England in Tests. 

In 116 ODIs, Botham scored 2,113 runs at an average of 23.21, with nine half-centuries. He also took 145 wickets in ODIs at an average of 28.54, with best figures of 4/31. He ranks as the seventh-highest wicket-taker for England in ODIs. 

Botham was part of the England teams that finished as runners-up in the 1979 and 1992 ODI World Cups.

Jarange, whose agitation for quota for the Marathas has drawn huge response over the last one year, continued to target deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for `doing injustice' to the community as he spoke to a Marathi news channel. 

The community will defeat those who did injustice to it, he said, reiterating the demand of reservation in the Other Backward Classes category. 

"We have decided not to contest the assembly polls. But I will make our stand clear on November 10 so that there is no confusion," Jarange said. 

"After that, the community has ten days (till the election). We will get reservation, and till we get it, it will be our focus. After getting reservation, we will decide what to do about politics," he said. 

"People are bound to go against you if they face injustice. Because of Devendra Fadnavis, our community has faced a lot of injustice. The Maratha community faced huge insult when they gave reservation to other communities and we were left out. There is anger in the community," Jarange said. -- PTI

In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had dropped by $3.463 billion to $684.805 billion. 

In September- end, the reserves had hit an all-time high of $704.885 billion. 

For the week ended November 1, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, decreased by $3.902 billion to $589.849 billion, the data released on Friday showed. 

Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. Gold reserves increased by $1.224 billion to $69.751 billion during the week, the RBI said. 

The Special Drawing Rights were down by $1 million to $18.219 billion, the apex bank said. 

India's reserve position with the IMF was up by $4 million to $4.311 billion in the reporting week, the data showed. -- PTI

The Lokpal, however, clarified its order is only a "procedural directive" and "not an expression of our opinion on any matter in issue, either way". Buch, the chairperson of capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has been asked to submit her response within four weeks, according to the order. 

 "...We deem it appropriate to call upon the named RPS (respondent public servant) to offer explanation qua the allegations made against her in the respective complainant and elaborated in the concerned explanatory affidavit," reads the order signed by Lokpal chairperson Justice A M Khanwilkar and five other members.

"This opportunity is being afforded to the named RPS as per the mandate in the third proviso of sub section (1) of section 20 of the Lokpal Act, before the bench would proceed to determine whether there exists a prima facie case for investigation into the allegations," it said. It said she can submit her response or explanation complaint wise in all the three complaints to avoid repetition, the order said. -- PTI

 The NSE Nifty dipped 51.15 points or 0.21 per cent to 24,148.20. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Asian Paints, Tata Steel, State Bank of India, Reliance Industries, NTPC, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank and IndusInd Bank were the biggest laggards. 

 Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Nestle and Hindustan Unilever were among the gainers. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,888.77 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data. -- PTI

 Sukhu said to ANI that, "There is no such thing... It (CID) got involved on the issue of misbehavior, but you (the media) are running news about 'samosa'."

 Further, Sanjeev Ranjan Ojha, Deputy General CID said that it was an internal matter of the CID and should not be politicised. Ojha said, "This is completely an internal matter of the CID. It should not be politicised. The CM does not eat samosas... We have not given notice to anyone. We have just said to find out what happened. The government has nothing to do with this... We will find out how this information was leaked." 

 Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur wanted to know how the issue was termed an an anti-government activity. Jairam Thakur said, "Nowadays, the way the government takes decisions in Himachal Pradesh has become a topic of discussion in the whole country because decisions are taken without thinking. Now another topic that is being discussed is that the samosas did not reach where they should have reached, they got lost in the middle and the Chief Minister and the Himachal Pradesh government felt that this is a very serious matter and an investigation should be done on this." -- ANI

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who will be the new CJI, shared a light-hearted moment, mentioning CJI Chandrachud's love for samosas and recounting how even international judges have remarked on his charm and good looks.

Justice Chandrachud was sworn in as the 50th Chief Justice of India on November 9, 2022, and was elevated from the Allahabad High Court on May 13, 2016.    

 Five people, including a woman identified as Bindu and her friend named Satish Reddy who runs a detective agency in Bengaluru, have been arrested in connection with the incident, they said. 

 "Bindu suspected her husband of having an affair with the Yoga teacher and asked Reddy to keep a tab on the woman and her proximity to him. As part of the plan, Reddy allegedly befriended the victim some three months ago on the pretext of taking Yoga classes from her and during this period, he managed to gain her confidence," a police official said. 

 In her complaint, the victim alleged that on the pretext of showing some places around the city on October 23, he came to her house near Dibburahalli and took her in a car in which three other men were also present. She alleged that they took her to a secluded spot on the outskirts of the city and allegedly stripped and assaulted her. According to her, she was thrashed, threatened and strangled using a cable.

She claimed that she played along, pretended to be unconscious and faked her death using breathing techniques. "Assuming the woman died, the accused allegedly dug a pit and covered her body with thin layers of soil because they were in a hurry and feared to be caught. But before leaving, they took away all her gold jewellery," a senior police officer said. She claimed that she later managed to wriggle out of the pit and with the help of some villagers, got clothes and managed to reach the police station to file a complaint, he said. 

 The woman was sent for a medical examination as per procedure and admitted to a hospital. "Based on the complaint, we registered a case under sections of kidnapping, attempt to murder and other appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Based on the investigation, we arrested five people, including Reddy and Bindu, on November 6," the officer said.

 The vehicle in which the victim was kidnapped was allegedly stolen from Bengaluru, police said, adding, the victim's jewellery has also been recovered with the arrests.

 "We are trying to verify all the claims made by the victim. There were also some online money transactions between Bindu and the associates and we are investigating the money trail also," he added. PTI

Read the review here. 

 Addressing his first rally in Maharashtra for the November 20 assembly elections, Modi said the INDIA grouping is flaunting blank books passing them off as the Constitution to provoke Dalits and Adivasis. The PM said the Congress and its allies should not encourage the Pakistan agenda and speak the language of separatists. The agenda won't succeed till he has people's blessings, said Modi. 

"Only Ambedkar's constitution will be followed in J&K .You must have seen on TV how a resolution was moved in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly on bringing back Article 370 and when BJP MLAs protested, they were thrown out. The country and Maharashtra should understand this," Modi said. 

The BJP's star campaigner also accused the Congress of playing a dangerous game of dividing castes and communities. If ST (Scheduled Tribes), SC (Scheduled Castes) and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) stay united, the Congress politics will be over, he said. The Congress wants to pit one caste against another and weaken the unity of SC, ST and OBCs. Since Nehru's time Congress and his family opposed reservation and now their fourth generation yuvraj' (prince) is working for caste divisions. You must realise that ek hai toh safe hai' (we will be safe if we are united)," he said. 

 Earlier, Modi alleged, the Congress played politics over religion which led to India's partition and now the party is indulging in the politics of caste. There can be no bigger conspiracy against the country than this, he said at the rally in the north Maharashtra district.

 Modi quipped that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), as a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes and there is a fight there to sit in the driver's seat. 

 Recalling his affinity with Dhule and Maharashtra, Modi said whenever he has asked something from the people of the state, they have been gracious. "I sought your blessings in 2014 to end the 15 years of misrule of the previous government. You graciously ensured that BJP got unprecedented success. Today, I am starting my campaign in Maharashtra from Dhule. Each and every candidate of Mahayuti seeks your blessings," he said. 

"I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop," said the PM. 

In the coming five years, Modi said, Maharashtra's progress and development will be taken to new heights. "Only Mahayuti can provide good governance. The Maha Vikas Aghadi is a vehicle that has no wheels, no brakes and there is a fight to sit in the driver's seat. One can hear different kinds of horns," he said. 

 MVA has no intention to work for the development of people and the state and the goal of its leaders is to loot the public, he said. MVA was formed out of deceit and the state has seen the work that they have done. MVA was in power for two years before Eknath Shinde's rebellion in Shiv Sena sunk it and split the Bal Thackeray-founded party in June 2022. The MVA put roadblocks on development projects and stopped every scheme which could have improved people's lives. 

"The situation changed when, with your blessings, the Mahayuti government was formed and new heights of development were seen," he said. Maharashtra's lost pride and belief in development was back on the path, he said. -- PTI

 The portion for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) got subscribed 4.16 times while Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) received 1.03 times subscription. The quota for non-institutional investors fetched 30 per cent subscription. 

 Swiggy on Tuesday said it has collected Rs 5,085 crore from anchor investors. The Bengaluru-based company's IPO has a price range of Rs 371-390 a share. 

 The company's IPO (Initial Public Offer) has a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 4,499 crore along with an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 6,828 crore. The valuation of Swiggy has been pegged at about USD 11.3 billion (about Rs 95,000 crore) at the upper end of the price band.

 Addressing a gathering in Dhule ahead of the November 20 Assembly elections, the Prime Minister said, "MVA's 'gaadi' has neither wheels nor brakes and there's a fight as to who will sit on the driver's seat. Their only aim in politics is to loot people. When people like MVA form government, they cause hindrances in every government policy and development." Further taking a hit at the Congress party, PM Modi said that the party's agenda is to create a rift between all the tribal communities of the country.

 "Congress' agenda is to create a rift between all the tribal communities of the country. When Congress tried this conspiracy with religious groups, it led to the partition of the country. Now Congress is inciting SC, ST, and OBC categories against each other. There can be no bigger conspiracy for India. You will stay strong as long as you stay united. 'Ek hai toh safe hai," said PM Modi.

 PM Modi further said the people of Maharashtra have already seen MVA's mis-governance for two and a half years. The Prime Minister lauded the development works carried out by the Mahayuti government in the state and said the momentum will continue once their government is formed again in the state. 

 "BJP, Mahayuti, and each candidate of Mahayuti needs your blessings. I assure you that the speed of development in Maharashtra in the last 2.5 years will be continued. We will take the growth of Maharashtra to new heights in the next five years. It is only the Mahayuti that can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs," said PM Modi. -- ANI

As he continued digging, the farmer uncovered a large number of weapons buried in the ground. In total, he found 23 swords, the remains of 12 rifles, a spear and a dagger, Singh told PTI. 

 The barrels and iron parts of the rifles were all that remained with its wooden components likely consumed by termites, he said. In terms of design, the rifles appear to be matchlock guns, the DM said. 

 The weapons have been safely kept in the storeroom of the Nigohi police station and a letter has been sent to the Archaeological Survey of India about the discovery, Singh said.

 Vikas Khurana, the History Department head at Swami Shukdevanand College in Shahjahanpur, suggested the weapons likely belong to the Rohilla culture of the Mughal period. 

 The Rohillas were Afghan settlers who entered India in the 18th century, during the decline of the Mughal Empire and gained control of the upper Gangetic plains. 

 Khurana said the weapons might have been used by revolutionaries during the 1857 uprising and they might have moved through this region to the forests of Pilibhit after fighting the the British Army. He said a victorious army never hides its arms and there is a possibility that the revolutionaries might have hidden their weapons by burying them here in the ground.

He also said that while Uddhav Thackeray wants his son (Aaditya Thackeray) to become the chief minister of Maharashtra and Sharad Pawar wishes the same for his daughter (Supriya Sule), there are a number of leaders in the Congress who are vying for the post. 

Shah was addressing an election rally at Shirala in Sangli district to garner support for BJP candidates from Shirala and Islampur constituencies ahead of the November 20 assembly polls. 

 "If MVA comes to power in Maharashtra by mistake, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray wants to make his son the chief minister, (Sharad) Pawar saheb wants the post for his daughter and there are a dozen leaders in the Congress who have already stitched clothes to become the CM," Shah said. 

 The former BJP president said those who wish to make their sons the chief minister should work for the welfare of people of Shirala. "The development of this region can only happen by Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar's Mahayuti under the leadership of Modiji. We want to tell you that whatever promises Modi ji makes, they are fulfilled," he said. But whatever promises that are made by Congress leaders, are never fulfilled, he alleged. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge himself says that whatever promises his party makes are imaginary, Shah claimed. Expressing confidence that Mahayuti will win the state elections, Shah said.

 "These MVA people had purchased crackers worth crores of rupees thinking that they will win Haryana, but in most of the places, they gave their crackers to the BJP workers. In Haryana, the Congress was wiped out. Similarly, the Aghadi will be wiped out in Maharashtra as BJP will form a government," he said. PTI

At least 10 Israeli soccer fans were injured when a mob of rioters shouting 'Free Palestine' attacked them in Amsterdam on Wednesday night, prompting authorities to advise Israelis in the Dutch capital not to leave their hotels.

Videos circulating on social media showed masked rioters, several of whom carried Palestinian flags, kicking and punching Israelis.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel said that they were notified by the Dutch authorities that 10 Israelis were injured and that their status is not yet clear.

The ministry added that it has been unable to contact two other nationals.

Dutch media reported police made 57 arrests.

"The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked," said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters and ensure the safety of our citizens."

Israel dispatched two planes to the Netherlands to evacuate its citizens. 

Around 3,000 Israelis had travelled to Amsterdam to attend a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, which Ajax won 5-0.

The Israeli army said on Friday morning it would deploy a rescue mission including rescue and medical teams to Amsterdam in coordination with the Dutch government.   -- ANI/TPS

 Sharing the article of the news portals on 'X', the Bengaluru South MP on November 7 alleged that a farmer in Haveri district died by suicide after finding his land had been taken over by the Board. 

 "In their haste to appease minorities, CM@Siddaramaiah @BZ ZameerAhmed K have unleashed catastrophic effects in Karnataka that are becoming impossible to contain with every passing day," Surya alleged.

 The post was deleted by the MP later after Haveri district Superintendent of Police termed the news article as fake. 

 "The news shared is false. No such incident was reported. The farmer mentioned here, Rudrappa Channappa Balikai's suicide was reported on 06/01/2022 and it was reported due to loan and crop loss," the SP said. 

 A case was registered under 174 CrPC in Adar police station and the final report was already submitted, he stated. 

 "Based on a complaint by a police official posted at the social media monitoring cell of the Haveri district police, a case was registered against Tejasvi Surya, editors of Kannada Dunia e-paper and Kannada News e-paper under section 353 (2) (making, publishing, or circulating statements that are intended to create or promote feelings of hatred, ill will, or enmity between different groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)," a senior police officer said. 

 The FIR has been registered at CEN (Cybercrime, Economic Offences, Narcotics) police station in Haveri district, he added.

 According to Mumbai police, Bhika Ram Bishnoi who was arrested from Karnataka in the case claimed that he has no regrets and that he is going to jail for the Bishnoi community. Upon being interrogated by Worli police, the accused said that Lawrence Bishnoi is his idol and revealed that the Rs 5 crore rupees he had demanded from Salman Khan was to build a temple for the Bishnoi community. 

 The investigation by Worli police has also revealed that the accused used to watch Lawrence Bishnoi's videos regularly and was proud of what the gangster was doing for the Bishnoi community from inside the jail. The accused said in the interrogation that Salman Khan never apologized for whatever he did, whether it was the hit-and-run case or the hunting the black buck case. 

 The accused stated that whatever Lawrence Bishnoi is doing is right and that he has no regrets about going to jail, since he is going to jail for the Bishnoi community. The 32-year-old man from Rajasthan was apprehended in Karnataka and handed over to Maharashtra Police on Wednesday, officials said. -- ANI

 A global shift in trade policies will hurt India but the "China+1" approach could lead to substantial benefits for India, assuming timely actions by the Indian government and corporate sector to fill the void left by China in various sectors. 

The report suggests that these headwinds may ultimately position India positively in the medium to long term.

 Trump, has shown an aggressive stance on imposing tariffs, particularly on Chinese imports, which could disrupt trade relations but it will present opportunities for India as a bigger trade partner. The report however noted that Trump's tough immigration policies could affect Indian IT firms, but with strategic local hiring and near-shore centers, Indian companies may adapt. The short-term demand for EV components from India could dip under Trump's administration, but hybrid vehicles might gain traction. Increased infrastructure spending could benefit companies involved in manufacturing truck components.

 A Trump presidency would likely favour fossil fuels, which could lead to higher oil and gas production in the U.S. This would be beneficial for Indian oil refiners and gas utilities as energy prices will stabilize. 

Trump's tough stance on China could accelerate US-India defence cooperation. Increased infrastructure spending and fossil fuel investment in the U.S. would boost demand for metals, benefitting Indian companies involved in mining and metals -- ANI

The woman lodged a complaint with the Badambadi Police Station in Cuttack, alleging that the accused persons, including her boyfriend, gang-raped her, a senior officer said. 

 The college student alleged that she had gone to a cafe within Purighat Police Station limits in the city during the Dussehra festival to celebrate her birthday, and her boyfriend, allegedly with help of the cafe owner, captured some of their obscene acts in his phone. They allegedly blackmailed the woman by showing her intimate videos and raped her several times, the officer said. 

 Based on the complaint, the boyfriend of the woman, the cafe owner, a boy and three others were arrested on charges of gang rape, he said. The police also recovered the videos from their mobile phones and their handsets have been sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Bhubaneswar for examination, the officer added. PTI

 Pronouncing the majority verdict, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud laid down tests for considering the issue of minority status of AMU. The apex court by a 4:3 majority said the judicial records of the case should be placed before the CJI for setting up a fresh bench to decide the validity of a 2006 Allahabad High Court verdict.

 In January 2006, the high court had struck down the provision of the 1981 law by which AMU was accorded minority status. At the outset, CJI Chandrachud said there were four separate opinions, including three dissenting verdicts. 

 The CJI said he has written the majority verdict for himself and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, JB Pardiwala, Manoj Misra. Justice Chandrachud said Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma have penned their separate dissenting verdicts. Justice Surya Kant is reading out his dissent and the pronouncement is underway. 

 A five-judge Constitution bench had in the S Azeez Basha versus Union of India case in 1967 held that since AMU was a central university, it cannot be considered a minority institution. However, the fabled institution got back its minority status when Parliament passed the AMU (Amendment) Act in 1981. PTI

 One of India's most celebrated fashion designers, Bal died on November 2 at a South Delhi hospital following a heart attack weeks after showcasing his collection at the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 grand finale with Panday as his showstopper. He was 63. 

 Panday shared pictures from her cousin's wedding festivities where she wore a sea blue salwar suit which originally belonged to her mother Bhavana Pandey. 

 "BRIDEEEEEE @deeyashroff Obsessed with my sister getting married but also not ready to let go of her yet but also very excited to have a brother now !! @mihirmadhvani. Also wearing my moms @rohitbalofficial from 21 years ago! (sic)" she captioned her photos. "Gudda forever," she added, referring to Bal's nickname.

 Bhavana Pandey, the star of "Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives", commented on Panday's post, saying "It looks great on you !!!!!" Previously, the "CTRL" actor posted a picture from the fashion show on social media and said, "Gudda, On Shanti." 

 Last December, Bal was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Gurugram for cardiac issues. The Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 grand finale marked his runway comeback, and also his last showing, 10 months after the health scare. PTI

The SC says case papers be placed before CJI for setting up a fresh bench to decide validity of 2006 Allahabad HC verdict. The SC majority verdict lays down criteria for deciding AMU's status as minority institution.\

The SC verdict says issue of AMU's minority status must be decided on basis of tests laid down by apex court and overrules the 1967 verdict holding that since AMU was central university it cannot be considered minority institution.

CJI DY Chandrachud: Article 30(1) cannot extend to a situation where a minority community establishes an institute but has no intention to administer it. The ones which wants a greater state control cannot have a minority tag merely because of establishment and this can be done by a way of waiver. 

CJI: "There were universities which were teaching colleges and the process of converting teaching colleges to teaching universities is a process of forming an educational institution and thus it cannot be seen this narrowly. it cannot be stated that an institute is formed by law just because the preamble of the act says so. ...fundamental rights will be made subservient to statutory language and formalism must give way to actuality ... court has to consider the genesis of the institute and court must see who was the brain behind establishment of the institution...it has to be seen who got funds for the land and if minority community helped."

"I would like to congratulate you on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America. The people have placed their trust in your vision for the future," Gandhi said. 

 India and the USA share a "historic friendship" rooted in our commitment to democratic values, he said. "Under your leadership, we are confident that our nations will further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. I also hope that we will continue to work towards expanding avenues and opportunities for both Indians and Americans," the former Congress chief said in his letter to Trump, dated November 7. 

 "I wish you the very best during your second term as President of the United States of America," Gandhi said. Trump, 78, won the race to the White House, trouncing his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. The Republican leader has also served as the 45th President of the US after his first victory in 2016. PTI

Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition were recovered from them. The encounter had started on Thursday evening following an intelligence-based operation launched by security forces. -- PTI

Salman Khan has received another threat over a song linking his name to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. 

The Mumbai's traffic control room received the threat at around midnight on Thursday. There have been a series of threats over recent months including a shootout. 

This threat message referred to a song that allegedly names both Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnoi, stating that the songwriter responsible would face severe repercussions within a month. 

"The songwriter's condition will be such that he will no longer be able to write songs. If Salman Khan has the courage, he should save them," the threat message read.

 Meanwhile, the US Fed has cut rates for two straight meetings as the inflation print has been comfortable. However, India, on the other hand, is facing sticky food inflation but also lower growth possibilities, they said. The RBI will be meeting next month to unveil their monetary policy meeting. 

 The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 424.42 points to 79,117.37 in early trade. The NSE Nifty declined 132.7 points to 24,066.65. From the 30-share Sensex pack, Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, Asian Paints, Maruti, NTPC and ICICI Bank were the biggest laggards. Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Titan, Kotak Mahindra Bank and HDFC Bank were among the gainers.

 Forex traders said the US Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates signals a shift in the global financial landscape. Moreover, with Donald Trump's tax and trade policies influencing global markets, volatility could re-enter the rupee's trajectory. 

 At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.32 against the greenback, then it fell further to an all-time low of 84.37, registering a rise of 5 paise over its previous close. On Thursday, the rupee slipped 1 paisa to close at a fresh lifetime low of 84.32 against the US dollar.

The Prayagraj Mela Authority has set a target completion date of December 15. All vendors have been empanelled, and LOAs have been issued to ensure timely execution.

 Special Executive Officer for Kumbh Mela, Akanksha Rana, confirmed that the entire sanitation infrastructure, including jet spray cleaning systems and a comprehensive cesspool operation plan, will be ready by December 15. This plan includes provisions like septic tanks and soak pits. 

 "To ensure cleanliness and safety, all facilities will be monitored via QR codes. A total of 55 vendors have been empaneled for the large-scale installation, ensuring that devotees and visitors to Prayagraj during Mahakumbh have access to community toilets, minimizing any need for open-area use," she said.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in her first press briefing since Tuesday's election blamed the 'global headwinds' for Democrats' loss in the Presidential elections.

On being asked if US President Joe Biden felt any responsibility for Harris's decisive loss to President-elect Trump, or whether he had any regrets about his decision to seek reelection or to end his candidacy in late July.

"Biden takes responsibility for the loss," Pierre said that the disruption of the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on several incumbent leaders around the world.

"Despite all of the accomplishments that we were able to get done, there were global headwinds that because of the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in the supply chain and it had a political toll on many incumbents around the world. If you look at what happened in 2024 globally, that's what you see," she said.

She did not elaborate, and said, "We'll be mindful and leave the political analysis to the pundits. They're going to dig in, and look under the hood to see what exactly happened. But, what we saw two nights ago, was not unusual to what we have seen from the incumbents around the world on the global stage. There is going to be a lot of post-mortem analysis of what happened in the coming days, weeks, even months. And so I am going to leave those questions to the election experts. That is certainly not my role today."

On being asked if Biden regrets anything from his rule, Pierre said that Biden was proud of everything his administration has done and he gave up the race and selected US Vice President Kamala Harris as the runner of the election.

"When the time came to pass the torch, the party came right behind Harris to support her. It was because she was the right person to do the job. Biden selected her as his running mate in 2020 because of this reason... The President is proud to leave the strongest economy for the next person who's coming for the President-elect... But, what you heard from Biden is that the struggle for the soul of America since our very founding crosses generations and is always ongoing. It is still important today," she said.

Pierre said that Biden and Harris have accepted the election results, and one cannot re-write history.

"President Biden and Vice President Harris accepted the choice that the country has made. We cannot re-write history and we have to remember what happened in 2022. When we came out of the 2022 mid-terms, we saw successful mid-terms for any new administration from over 60 years. It was because of President's policies... those were popular with the American people," she said.  -- ANI

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the United States presidential poll and said that Moscow is ready to have dialogue with the Republican president-elect.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his victory in the US presidential election. I have already said that we will work with any head of state who is trusted by the American people," Putin said while addressing the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on November 7.

As per Al Jazeera, these were the first public remarks from Putin since Trump's victory.

He had also praised Trump for displaying courage during the assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 14.

"He behaved, in my opinion, in a very correct way - courageously, like a real man," Putin said in his addressat the Valdai discussion club, Al Jazeera reported.

Putin also said that Trump's comments 'about the desire to restore relations with Russia, to help end the Ukrainian crisis, in my opinion, deserves attention at least'.

The Kremlin earlier welcomed Trump's claim that he could negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine 'in 24 hours' but emphasised that it would wait for concrete policy steps.

Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow remembered Trump's words on resolving the war in Ukraine but that the incoming US president 'exaggerated' the speed at which he could do it.

"If the new administration is going to look for peace, not for the continuation of the war, it will be better in comparison with the previous one," Peskov said, according to Al Jazeera.

Moscow has also repeatedly denied US assertions that Russia meddled in the 2024 and other presidential elections and had spread disinformation.  -- ANI

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau-led federal government ordered Chinese app TikTok to shut its operations in Canada, although Canadians could still use it, as per CBC News.

The order that came on Wednesday (local time), stated that TikTok's offices in Toronto and Vancouver would shut down, citing national security concerns, CBC News reported.

Canadian Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the order came after the advice of Canada's security and intelligence community and evidence presented by a national security review, CBC News reported.

"We came to the conclusion that these activities that were conducted in Canada by TikTok and their offices would be injurious to national security. I'm not at liberty to go into much detail, but I know Canadians would understand when you're saying the government of Canada is taking measures to protect national security, that's serious," he told CBC News.

The official statement said that the Canadian government did not block Canadians from using the app.

'The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice,' the statement said.

However, Champagne asked TikTok users in Canada to do so 'with eyes wide open', as critics pointed out that the users' data could be accessed by the Chinese government.

The decision was made in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada's national security, CBC News reported.

TikTok's spokesperson in Canada said that the company would take legal action against the government.

'Shutting down TikTok's Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest, and today's shutdown order will do just that. We will challenge this order in court,' the spokesperson said in an email.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) warned all Canadians against using TikTok.

Former CSIS director David Vigneault told CBC News it's 'very clear' from the app's design that data obtained from its users 'is available to the government of China' and its large-scale data harvesting goals.

"Most people can say, 'Why is it a big deal for a teenager now to have their data [on TikTok]?' Well in five years, in 10 years, that teenager will be a young adult, will be engaged in different activities around the world. As an individual, I would say that I would absolutely not recommend someone have TikTok," Vigneault said.

In February 2023, the Canadian government banned the social media platform from all government devices.

Later that year, it ordered a national security review of the app.   -- ANI

United States president-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named his campaign manager Susan Wiles as his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman ever to hold this powerful position in any administration.

"Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again. It is a well-deserved honour to have Susie as the first-ever female chief of staff in the United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud," Trump said.

Wiles was the campaign manager for Trump's highly successful 2024 Campaign for President.

"Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns," Trump said.

"Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected," said the President-elect.   -- PTI

She posted the photo two days after a special court conducting the trial in the Malegaon blast case issued a bailable warrant against the former BJP MP from Bhopal for not attending hearings. 

Thakur and six others are facing a trial in the case for their alleged involvement in the explosion. 

While issuing the bailable warrant of Rs 10,000, special court judge A K Lahoti on Tuesday noted that final arguments in the case are going on and the presence of the accused is necessary. 

The warrant is returnable by November 13, which means Thakur will have to appear before the court by then and get it cancelled. 

Thakur, in a post written in Hindi on her X handle, said the torture of Congress was not limited to her Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) custody but became the cause of fatal pain for her throughout her life. 

"Swelling in the brain, poor vision, impairment in hearing, imbalance in speech, swelling in the entire body due to steroids and neuro medicines. I am undergoing treatment in a hospital. If I remain alive, I will surely go to court," read her post which carries the photo of her swollen face. -- PTI

As part of new standard operating procedures prepared by the West Bengal University of Health Sciences as per the instructions from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the health minister, MBBS examinations in different state-run medical colleges would now be held under CCTV surveillance and also would be live streamed, the official said. 

The answer sheets would have no names, but barcodes, and during the examination, students would have to sit following the odd-even roll number pattern to avoid copying. 

"The CCTV footage of the entire duration of the examination for each day will have to be sent to the university in a separate folder. The footage will be stored for at least a year," the official said. 

The steps were part of junior doctors' demand to bring back transparency in MBBS examinations. 

The West Bengal chief minister had assured the agitating junior doctors to look into their demands and prepare an SOP so that strict measures could be adopted to stop any malpractices during MBBS examinations. -- PTI

Ambedkar, grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar and an influential leader, underwent an angioplasty recently. 

The VBA is contesting 177 seats in the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections. -- PTI

The trio was held on Wednesday, he said. 

A release by the Government Railway Police said the incident happened on November 5 when some persons threw a bag containing seven iron rods on the railway tracks. 

The police suspected a sabotage attempt, which would have caused derailment, he said. 

The police then registered an FIR against unidentified persons under the provisions of sections 125,(2), 126 (2), 329 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 152 of the Indian Railway Act. 

The police probe team zeroed in on the accused, who had stolen the rods from construction sites and dumped them on the tracks, he added. 

The accused have been identified as Vikas Rajbhar, Jaysingh Rathod and Vikram Gupta, all 19. -- PTI

In a Facebook post, Vijayan claimed that by-election in Wayanad has "exposed the Congress party's secular mask completely." 

"Priyanka Gandhi is running as a candidate there with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami. So, what exactly is Congress's stance? Our country is not unfamiliar with Jamaat-e-Islami. Does that organisation's ideology align with democratic values?," he asked. 

Stating that Jamaat-e-Islami does not value the nation or its democracy and disregards the nation's governance structure, Vijayan said the organisation was operating under the guise of political involvement through the Welfare Party, and this facade was evident in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The chief minister alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had long opposed elections in Jammu and Kashmir, promoting strong sectarian positions. 

"Later, they aligned themselves with the BJP (in Kashmir)," he said. 

Referring to the recent elections for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Vijayan claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami planned to contest three or four seats there, ultimately focusing on the seat where CPI-M leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami was standing. 

"The goal was to defeat Tarigami, and the BJP shared this objective. However, despite this alliance of extremists and the BJP, the people chose Tarigami," the CPI-M veteran said. 

He said the Jamaat-e-Islami in Wayanad claims they are different from the Jamaat-e-Islami in Kashmir. 

"However, the ideology remains the same--one that does not accept any form of democratic governance. This time, they feel like supporting the Congress-led UDF," he said. -- PTI