National News

Defence minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy's role as a peace guarantor in the Indian Ocean Region while laying the foundation for a VLF radar station in Vikarabad, Telangana. He stressed maritime security as a collective effort and highlighted potential local benefits like job opportunities and infrastructure development.

The Supreme Court has questioned the recruitment of civic volunteers under West Bengal's 'Ratirer Sathi' scheme, following a rape-murder incident involving a volunteer. The court barred their deployment in hospitals and schools, seeking details from the state on the recruitment process within three weeks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses IPS probationers, urging them to adopt a ruthless approach towards anti-national activities. Shah highlights progress in reducing violence in previously troubled regions and the importance of police in securing citizen rights. Emphasizes technological advancements and new laws for timely justice.

The interim bail was extended after the NIA said it had verified the documents and was not opposing bail application

UP government plans a new law to prevent food contamination by requiring food outlets to disclose essential information about staff. Establishments must display signboards, have staff wear ID badges, and install CCTV cameras. Strict action is proposed against personnel providing false information or illegal foreign nationals. Food handlers will also need to adhere to strict hygiene rules.

Protests by Maratha, OBC, and Dhangar communities in Marathwada are influencing voting patterns. The BJP-led Mahayuti faces significant challenges, with internal tensions and quota disputes threatening its prospects. Prominent activists push for specific quota solutions, impacting both Mahayuti and MVA political strategies.

The Election Commission has enlarged the symbol size of Sharad Pawar's NCP faction on EVMs for better visibility. Despite requests, the 'Trumpet' remains in Maharashtra's list of free symbols due to its distinct shape. Additionally, the NCP-SP is permitted to accept public contributions ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is set to make her electoral debut in the bypoll for Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha seat on November 13, replacing brother Rahul Gandhi. The seat was vacated as Rahul chose to retain Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh.

The Mahayuti alliance faces a crucial election in Maharashtra on Nov 20, following a poor performance in the LS polls. Major issues include farmer distress, unemployment, and caste-based demands. The BJP aims to retain power amidst internal splits and opposition gains.

INDIA bloc parties in Jharkhand criticize the Election Commission for hastily scheduling assembly elections alongside Maharashtra, though they express readiness to face the BJP-led NDA. Seat-sharing remains a complex issue for both alliances, with key parties negotiating candidacies to maximize their electoral chances.

Election Commission criticizes exit polls for lack of scientific basis and transparency, and warns against creating false expectations. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted the mismatch between early media trends and actual results, urging introspection and self-regulation by broadcasters and pollsters to ensure accurate reporting.

The Election Commission rejected Congress's allegations of EVM tampering, comparing their security to Hezbollah's compromised pagers. Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi had urged for paper ballots, citing the PM's ties with Israel. BJP dismissed these claims, attributing such accusations to Congress's political desperation.

But the poll body agrees to a request by NCP (Sharad Pawar) for prominent display of its poll symbol — man blowing 'turha' — on ballot units of EVMs

In a rare diplomatic interaction, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar shook hands with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif at the SCO meeting in Islamabad. No formal bilateral talks were scheduled, focusing instead on SCO's trade and economic agenda. Possible bilateral engagement remains uncertain.

Omar Abdullah will take the oath as J&K's Chief Minister for the second time, ending six years of central rule. Key leaders from INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, will attend the ceremony. Eight ministers, including Tariq Hameed Karra, may also be sworn in.

The Indian Patent Office has rejected Viiv Healthcare's patent application for the HIV drug, dolutegravir, after nearly a decade of legal battles. This decision opens the market for generic versions, promoting affordable access to treatment and potentially reducing costs. The ruling addresses concerns over 'evergreening' practices in patent filings.

The Enforcement Directorate has charged former Karnataka minister B Nagendra and associates with distributing Rs 15 crore to Bellary voters during Lok Sabha elections. Rs 187 crore allegedly siphoned from the Valmiki Corporation was used, with evidence including cash images and statements from Nagendra's assistant.