Times of India

• newSilver outshines gold for first time in festive season
  This Dhanteras saw an unprecedented surge in silver sales, overshadowing gold for the first time due to soaring gold prices. Silver sales increased by 30-35% despite a 40% price hike. The demand was driven by the affordability compared to gold and anticipated industrial use, especially from the electric vehicle sector.
  - 1 hour ago 31 Oct 24, 4:31am -
• newDespite Prashant Kishor's 'clean' pledge, 3 of his 4 picks are 'tainted'
  Prashant Kishor's party, Jan Suraaj, fields candidates with serious criminal charges in Bihar bypolls. Despite Prashant's claim to select individuals with 'clean image', three out of four candidates face accusations like kidnapping and attempt to murder, as revealed in their affidavits. The party maintains that the cases are attempts to tarnish their reputation.
  - 1 hour ago 31 Oct 24, 4:18am -
• newRice stock set to rise to 20-year high of 300 lakh tonnes by November 1
  Rice stocks with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) are set to reach around 300 lakh tonnes by November 1, which is the highest in two decades. Despite allowing extra rice distribution to states and ethanol distilleries, managing these high levels remains a challenge for the government.
  - 1 hour ago 31 Oct 24, 4:12am -
• newSet up special panel in 7 days for Telangana caste survey: HC
  Telangana High Court has permitted the state government to proceed with the caste survey beginning November 6, while directing the formation of a dedicated backward classes commission within a week. The decision follows a petition arguing the current commission's inadequacy. Despite the legal contention, the state plans to continue using the existing commission for data collection.
  - 2 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 3:19am -
• newAir India cancels 60 flights to US in peak season, fares likely to soar
  Air India, owned by Tata Group, has cancelled around 60 US flights scheduled for November and December due to aircraft maintenance delays and supply chain issues. The cancellations, affecting routes from Delhi and Mumbai to major US cities, are expected to increase airfares further. Affected passengers have been offered alternatives, including rebooking or refunds.
  - 2 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 3:15am -
• newPM to visit Nigeria, Guyana next month in bid to bolster ties
  PM Narendra Modi will visit Guyana and Nigeria next month, marking his first trip to both countries. This visit aligns with his attendance at the G20 summit in Brazil. In Guyana, Modi will participate in a CARICOM-India summit, and in Nigeria, he will highlight India’s strategic partnership and discuss hosting the India-Africa summit.
  - 3 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 2:47am -
• newED allows sale of attached assets of firm accused of scam & refund of Rs 185 crore to SBI
  In a significant restitution case, the Enforcement Directorate facilitated the sale and refund of assets worth 185 crore of Surya Pharmaceuticals to SBI, after the company and its directors were accused of money laundering. The assets, including real estate and machinery in Jammu, were returned following a special court's approval.
  - 3 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 2:30am -
• new‘A large number in all parties’: Fadnavis admits rebel trouble
  Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses the issue of rebel candidates within all parties, highlighting efforts to persuade them to withdraw. High-profile rebellions, such as former MP Gopal Shetty's bid as an Independent, challenge BJP's unity and confidence ahead of the elections in Maharashtra.
  - 3 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 2:25am -
• newLoan waiver, sops for women: Congress may rely on its Telangana-Karnataka card
  Farm loan waivers, larger health insurance, and schemes for women, farmers, and youth are expected in the Congress manifesto to be launched at an MVA rally. Leaders emphasize the alliance’s unity and deny any seat-sharing disputes while criticizing the Mahayuti government as highly corrupt.
  - 4 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 2:08am -
• newThis is how your parents can enrol for Ayushman scheme
  Indian citizens aged 70 and above can now access Ayushman Bharat's expanded healthcare scheme, regardless of income. This initiative offers Rs 5 lakh health cover annually for hospitalisation. Enrollment requires Aadhaar-based e-KYC via the website or Ayushman App. Over 30,000 empanelled hospitals ensure cashless treatment, addressing nearly all treatment needs effectively.
  - 4 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 1:54am -
• newDays after China pact, Rajnath Singh to open today museum in Arunachal
  During a visit to Tezpur and Tawang, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India's commitment to restoring peace along the LAC with China based on reached consensus. He highlighted the role of discipline and courage of Indian soldiers and announced initiatives honouring Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing and Sardar Patel.
  - 4 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 1:41am -
• newExam panel moots digital platform, hybrid model
  A Centre-instituted panel recommends a digital exam platform with biometric authentication to prevent fraud, multi-stage testing for NEET, and 1,000 government institutions as testing centres. It also suggests the restructuring of the National Testing Agency and enhanced oversight of coaching centres.
  - 4 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 1:26am -
• newCanada admits to leaking information on Indian officials to US paper
  Canada's government admitted leaking sensitive information to The Washington Post about alleged involvement of Indian officials in criminal activities, leading to the withdrawal of six Indian diplomats. Canada's NSA Nathalie Drouin confirmed the leak to counter Indian disinformation, while India declared the accusations as baseless and backed by weak evidence.
  - 4 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 1:20am -
• newAir ‘very poor’ ahead of Diwali, may turn ‘severe’ if fireworks unchecked
  New Delhi's air quality deteriorated to 'very poor' the day before Diwali due to calm winds and high local pollution, primarily from transport emissions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 307, with some areas reporting severe levels. The situation may worsen on Diwali and November 1 if firecracker and stubble burning emissions increase.
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 1:02am -
• newElection 'Nostradamus' says he's anxious but won't change Harris win prediction because...
  Lichtman's prediction is not based on polls but on 13 categories which he calls the "Keys to the White House" -- and Harris has the edge in eight of those metrics compared to Trump's three. ​​But there is always a possibility that he could be wrong, he conceded. “But it’s always possible that something so cataclysmic and so unprecedented could change the pattern of history.” “My predictions have stood the test of time, my indicators have always been right,” he said. “The keys are…
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:53am -

• newTeen beheaded in Jaunpur over 3-decade-old land dispute
  In Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur district, a 17-year-old taekwondo player, Anurag Yadav, was beheaded by relatives due to a longstanding property dispute. The gruesome killing led to tension and a large police presence. Authorities have initiated a magisterial probe and assured the victim's family of strict action against the culprits.
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:51am -
• newAfter 4.5 years, India to resume patrols in Demchok, Depsang
  The Indian Army resumes patrols in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh where access was blocked by Chinese troops for over four years. This follows the successful disengagement and verification process at both sites. The next steps include regular meetings of ground commanders and eventual discussions on resolving buffer zones and patrolling rights.
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:47am -
• newFresh death threats to Salman, Zeeshan; Bandra man arrested
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:30am -
• newMob attacks NC Gurez MLA’s rally in Bandipora; 12 injured
  A conflict erupted during a rally by National Conference’s Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan in Tulail, north Kashmir, leading to 12 injuries and damage to property. Accusations of provocation were exchanged between National Conference and BJP supporters, while the police intervened to restore order and initiated an investigation.
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:21am -
• newRow over UT foundation day in J&K: NC-Congress-CPM alliance, PDP to boycott event
  The National Conference, Congress, CPM, and PDP are boycotting the Union Territory's foundation day, demanding the restoration of J&K's statehood. They argue that celebrating UT status is unconstitutional, following the revocation of Article 370. J&K residents unite in their call for statehood, citing political and economic setbacks.
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:18am -
• newOmar reverses LG decision, restores November-December exam calendar for schools
  Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah announced a return to the traditional November-December academic calendar for schools up to class 9 this year. From next year, classes 10 and above will also revert, following dissatisfaction with the previous administration's March-April schedule change.
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:14am -
• newMadras high court annuls forced marriage of young woman to ex-teacher
  The Madras High Court annulled the forced marriage of a 20-year-old woman to her former French teacher after she testified that the union was conducted under duress. The woman expressed her desire to pursue higher education and live with her parents. The court set aside the marriage registration, allowing her to leave with her parents.
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:10am -
• newWon't allow 'non-Sanatanis' to set up shops during Kumbh Mela, says Akhara Parishad
  The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) has declared that non-Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, or Buddhists will not be allowed to set up shops at the Maha Kumbh. This decision, prompted by concerns over alleged acts that offend religious sentiments, will be formally approved at a meeting next week.
  - 6 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:06am -
• newHoroscope Today, October 31, 2024: Read your today's astrological predictions
  Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for October 31, 2024. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.
  - 6 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:00am -
• newBJP committed to supporting Amit Thackeray, says Fadnavis
  Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis reaffirms BJP's support for Amit Thackeray in Mahim assembly constituency. Despite internal differences and a three-way fight with Shiv Sena's Sada Sarvankar and Sena (UBT)'s Mahesh Sawant, Fadnavis emphasizes BJP's commitment. Disputes also arise in Kalyan rural seat nominations.
  - 6 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 11:49pm -
• newNita Ambani’s Reliance Foundation Diwali 2024 hampers
  Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Foundation created a buzz with their stylish and thoughtful Diwali 2024 hampers for business associates. The hampers, praised for their premium packaging and inclusivity, included handcrafted diyas, silver Ganesh idols, and items featuring artisan images. This gesture highlighted the Ambani family's generosity and continued connection to their cultural roots.
  - 7 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 10:29pm -
• newSpousal privacy is fundamental right; documents violating it are not evidence: HC
  Madras High Court emphasizes spousal privacy as a fundamental right and rules call record documents obtained by a husband without a wife’s consent inadmissible in court. This ruling followed a case where a husband sought divorce using call records acquired without proper legal authorization.
  - 7 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 10:10pm -
• newIPL Retentions: Full list of players set to be retained
  IPL franchises are set to finalize their player retention lists for the 2025 mega auction by October 31. Teams can retain up to six players, focusing on key performers and strategic choices. Notable retentions include Virat Kohli for RCB, MS Dhoni for CSK as an uncapped player, and core players for MI and Gujarat Titans.
  - 8 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 10:01pm -
• newLightning strikes Andhra firecracker unit, leaves 2 dead and 5 injured
  Two women died and five others were critically injured when lightning struck a firecracker manufacturing unit in Suryarao Palem, East Godavari district. The fire spread to raw materials, causing an explosion. Six people escaped unhurt. The injured are receiving treatment at Tanuku area hospital, and authorities are monitoring their condition.
  - 9 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 8:29pm -
• newIPL retentions: No Pant as DC finalise their list of players
  Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will not be part of Delhi Capitals from IPL 2025, as the team has decided not to retain him. They will look for new captaincy options, potentially exploring choices in the mega auction. Axar Patel is a possible option, but Shreyas Iyer might also be on their radar due to his past success with the team.
  - 9 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 8:25pm -
• newHarris or Trump? How Indian-Americans are likely to vote in the US elections
  - 10 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 7:23pm -
• new'Mindset of spoilt prince': BJP slams Cong after ECI rejects Haryana poll claims
  BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticizes Congress for their claims against the Election Commission, citing the EC's detailed refutation. He questions Congress's selective EVM allegations and accuses the party of undermining constitutional institutions, while the EC labels Congress's accusations as unfounded and urges caution.
  - 12 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 5:44pm -
• newUS Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti’s 'Tauba Tauba' Diwali party dance goes viral
  During the US embassy's Diwali celebrations in India, Ambassador Eric Garcetti delighted attendees by dancing to the Bollywood song "Tauba Tauba."
  - 12 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 5:28pm -
• new'Dekho dekho, Diwali aa gayi…': Google shares 'super-lit experience' on Search
  Google is celebrating Diwali with three interactive browser experiences that let users light virtual diyas, create rangolis, and enjoy digital sweets. By simply typing 'Diwali,' 'Rangoli,' or 'Diwali Sweets' into the search bar, users can engage with these festive activities on their screens. The initiative brings a digital twist to Diwali's traditional customs.
  - 12 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 5:21pm -
• new'Garbage' election gathers steam & stench in final stretch to White House
  A satirical memorial featuring a poop emoji sculpture was placed in front of the US Capitol by a group representing an unnamed sculptor. The installation criticizes the events of January 6th, 2021, and the toxic political discourse surrounding Donald Trump. President Biden's recent remarks and a post by Elon Musk's daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson condemned Trump supporters with strong language.
  - 13 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 4:56pm -
• new'India, China pull back troops in Demchok & Depsang; will exchange sweets on Diwali'
  - 13 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 4:49pm -
• new'Betrayed': Canadian Hindus outraged as oppn leader cancels Diwali event
  - 13 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 4:13pm -
• new'I had death squad of 7': Jarring testimony of ex-prez shocks nation
  Rodrigo Duterte's recent Senate testimony reveals he maintained a 'death squad' as Davao mayor, reigniting controversy over his anti-drug campaign. He admitted instructing police to encourage suspects to resist arrest to justify lethal force. Duterte's defiance and refusal to apologize have raised concerns about potential violence resurgence despite his denial of extrajudicial orders.
  - 13 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 4:12pm -
• newVirat Kohli set to return as RCB captain from IPL 2025
  Virat Kohli is set to return as Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain in the 2025 IPL season. After leading RCB from 2013 to 2021, Kohli aims to fill the leadership gap post Faf du Plessis's tenure. The franchise hopes to end its title drought with Kohli at the helm and a strategic approach in the upcoming mega auction.
  - 17 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 12:58pm -
• new‘Missing’ after being denied ticket, Shinde Sena MLA resurfaces
  Palghar MLA Shrinivas Vanga, after being denied a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) ticket for the upcoming elections, went missing but returned home after a day. Distressed over the decision, Vanga apologized emotionally to Uddhav Thackeray, admitting his regret for leaving UBT. He was consoled by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressing concern for his well-being.
  - 18 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 12:06pm -
• newBandhavgarh Tiger Reserve loses 4 more elephants, toll rises to 8; doctors suspect poisoning
  Three more elephants have died in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, making the total deaths seven. Initial findings suggest poisoning as the cause. Cemetery preparations, including digging pits with JCB machines and using salt, are in progress under close monitoring. The remaining three elephants are in critical condition and receiving treatment from veterinarians.
  - 18 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 11:44am -
• newCops chase away Trump and Superman: Why China is rattled by Halloween partygoers
  Chinese authorities have tightened controls on Halloween celebrations in major cities, especially Shanghai, due to concerns about social dissent. Police have imposed crowd control measures and restricted costume gatherings, contrasting with last year's more tolerant approach. The crackdown reflects broader scepticism towards Western cultural traditions and efforts to curb public expression amid social and economic frustrations.
  - 19 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 11:01am -
• newNo takers for core engineering seats, professors axed, forced to do odd jobs
  In Telangana, a major reduction in core engineering seats has led experienced professors to take up delivery and odd jobs. Many teachers now face financial difficulties and work long hours to support their families. Teaching courses have significantly cut seats, leaving faculty members to seek alternative sources of income after decades of service.
  - 20 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 10:07am -
• newIn autumn light, Kamala Harris evokes unity theme against divisive Trump
  At a rally on the Ellipse, Kamala Harris pledged to heal America from divisiveness, contrasting her approach with Donald Trump's. She emphasized listening to experts and opponents, addressing immigration and economy issues, highlighting policy initiatives like a federal price gouging ban and capping insulin prices.
  - 20 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 9:56am -
• Your OTPs will not stop coming from November 1
  TRAI extends the deadline to December 1 for telecom operators to implement traceability mandates for commercial messages to counter spam and phishing. Operators like Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and Reliance Jio will issue daily warnings until November 30 to non-compliant entities, with blocking starting December 1.
  - 1 day ago 30 Oct 24, 12:57am -
• Happy Diwali 2024: Best messages, quotes, wishes and images to share
  Diwali, celebrated on October 31 this year, symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival involves lighting diyas, bursting crackers, and exchanging sweets. Sharing heartfelt wishes and messages with loved ones enhances the joy and togetherness of the celebration.
  - 2 days ago 28 Oct 24, 8:00pm -

Business Standard

• newDown to the wire: From mobiles to TVs, last-minute buys add spark to Diwali
  Demand failed to pick up in the early part of the festival season because of widespread rain in several parts of the country besides the overall consumption slowdown
  - 5 hours ago 31 Oct 24, 12:25am -
• newMajor domestic routes see up to 32% drop in spot airfares for Diwali travel
  Travel associations observed that demand for flights on metro routes has eased this year compared to the previous surge, which largely met the pent-up post-pandemic travel appetite
  - 6 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 11:59pm -
• newSwiggy early investors to pocket gains ranging between 3x and 35x
  Norwest Venture, which invested in Swiggy's Series B round in 2015, will make gains of up to 26 times, with an acquisition cost of Rs 14.82 per share
  - 6 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 11:43pm -
• newSebi proposes 30-day deadline for mutual fund deployment of NFO proceeds
  Move to address concerns by AMCs losing first-mover advantage due to public disclosure
  - 6 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 11:41pm -
• newL&T Q2 FY25 results: Net profit increases 5.4% to Rs 3,395 crore
  Maintains guidance on order inflow and revenue generation for full-year
  - 6 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 11:33pm -
• newNew India Assurance Q2 results: PAT at Rs 71 cr, total income up 2.5%
  The total income of the Mumbai-based entity rose to Rs 10,090 crore from Rs 9,839 crore in the year-ago period, New India Assurance said in a regulatory filing
  - 7 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 10:27pm -
• newDCM Shriram Q2 results: Net profit jumps 95% to Rs 62.92 cr on strong sales
  In a regulatory filing, the company said its total income rose 11.81 per cent to Rs 3,183.98 crore in Q2 FY25 from Rs 2,847.42 crore in the year-ago quarter
  - 8 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 9:49pm -
• newApple refreshes MacBook Pro with M4 series chips, Thunderbolt 5, and more
  Following the MacBook Pro launch, the MacBook Air with M2 and M3 now comes standard with 16GB of unified memory and is available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey, starting at Rs 99,900
  - 8 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 9:12pm -
• newApple refreshes MacBook Pro with M4 series chips, Thunderbolt 5, and more
  Following the MacBook Pro launch, the MacBook Air with M2 and M3 now comes standard with 16GB of unified memory and is available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey, starting at Rs 99,900
  - 8 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 9:12pm -
• newNothing Phone 2a Plus community edition with glowing design launched
  Nothing has announced that only 1,000 units are being made globally, with community members receiving priority access to purchase the Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition.
  - 12 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 5:52pm -
• newSamsung announces festive offers on Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6: Check deals
  Samsung is offering the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 with discounts of up to Rs 20,000 and no-interest equated monthly instalment options of up to 24 months
  - 13 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 4:41pm -
• newRockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption now available for PCs in 4K: Know more
  The PC version of Red Dead Redemption also includes its supernatural Undead Nightmare story expansion
  - 17 hours ago 30 Oct 24, 12:18pm -