Times of India

JAXA, Japan's space agency, has launched a groundbreaking mission to retrieve samples from Phobos, a moon of Mars. The Martian Moons Exploration mission is designed to bring these samples back to Earth by 2031 for in-depth scientific investigation. Equipped with the Idefix rover, created in collaboration with French and German partners, the mission will conduct a 100-day exploration of Phobos.

At the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, India delivered its standout performance in para table tennis, clinching five bronze medals and exceeding its previous best of two. With Ravi Baby Sahana and Prachi Pandey marking a significant first in the standing category, and impressive contributions from Bhavina Patel and Jehan Madan, this feat highlights India's expanding footprint in para table tennis.

Moscow has called for urgent dialogue with Washington concerning strategic nuclear stability and global governance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the lack of a legal framework governing nuclear stability. The possibility of a trilateral meeting in China among Russian, US, and Chinese leaders has been mentioned, focusing on denuclearization. Ukraine has expressed concerns about such a meeting occurring without its involvement.

Amit Shah visited families of drug-related victims in Punjab, expressing condolences and discussing safety issues. He criticised the AAP government for its failure to tackle the drug menace effectively. Shah highlighted the dangers faced by those who oppose drug trafficking in the state. The recent murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota escalated political tensions in Punjab.

A stunning porcelain bowl from the Qing dynasty recently fetched $2.048 million at a Christie's auction. Crafted during Emperor Yongzheng's reign, the bowl is adorned with auspicious symbols, hinting it was a birthday gift for the emperor. After decades in the Art Institute of Chicago, the proceeds will fund new acquisitions and conservation efforts. This sale is part of a lucrative two-day auction dedicated to Chinese art.

A UK football club official is facing a court battle with his upstairs neighbour over a 24ft garden room built in 2018 with a bar, television and electric doorbell. Justin Salmon altered the structure after a tribunal found it breached his lease, but neighbour Andrianna Neophytou says the changes are insufficient and wants it demolished. Legal costs could exceed £100,000.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's growing fortune extends beyond music and football, with more than $100 million in reported real estate, millions in charitable donations and lucrative business ventures. Swift has supported food banks and disaster relief, while Kelce backs youth programmes through his foundation. Their financial activities also include a reported $100 million podcast deal, property investments and business partnerships, alongside questions about foundation spending and charitable transparency.

In 2029, a comprehensive renovation of the Toledo Swing Bridge is set to begin, aimed at boosting freight operations. Key structural enhancements will enable the bridge to support heavier railcars, thereby improving efficiency in transportation. The project, backed by substantial federal funding alongside contributions from Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, underscores a dedication to bettering rail infrastructure and strengthening ties with local port facilities.

The stunning portrait of Ghulam Nasir al-Din, famously known as Kale Miyan, fetched an impressive £63,500 at Christie's auction. Created between 1851 and 1852, this significant painting not only depicts a key religious figure but also highlights his profound spiritual essence. The artwork exceeded auction projections, underscoring its historical value. Interestingly, the back of the painting features sketches of boats, adding to its artistic allure.

Lucknow Police, along with Nagpur Police and the STF, have arrested Shraddha Dubey, her sister Rashmi, and driver Tanveer Ali. The three were wanted in connection with the death of restaurant owner Shiva Sharma. Shiva Sharma died on October 9 after falling from a fourth floor apartment building in Lucknow. The arrests occurred in Nagpur where the trio had been evading capture.

The beginning of the end of Gaddafi's regime began at the UN security council, where Russia, the United States, Britain, France and China can each block a decision with a veto. However, the regime's fate in Tripoli was sealed with a trick. On March 17, 2011, with Gaddafi’s forces turning their guns on rebels in Benghazi, the council voted on Resolution 1973.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent arrival in India marked a pivotal moment for trade and energy discussions. He expressed confidence in finalizing a trade deal and recognized India's vital position in refining Venezuelan oil. Furthermore, Rubio tackled military assistance to Ukraine and stressed the need for arms control conversations involving China and Russia, illustrating the deepening geopolitical ties between the United States and India.

As the government gears up for a new delimitation effort, Congress’s quest for opposition unity faces hurdles. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge raised alarms about the government's legislative strategies pertaining to delimitation and reservations for women. With Kiren Rijiju hinting at discussions across various opposition factions that may favor the bills, the scenario presents a complex web of political dynamics.

Delhi government has announced a comprehensive winter action plan to reduce air pollution for the upcoming months. This plan includes vehicle restrictions for non-compliant emissions and a 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy for fuel stations. Additionally, there will be limitations on construction activities to mitigate dust pollution across the city. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is intensifying inspections at pollution hotspots and construction sites to ensure compliance.

Proposition 40 seeks to introduce a wealth tax in California targeting those with fortunes over $1 billion. However, recent surveys show a downturn in public support as contributions from opposing groups soar. Significant financial backing from notable tech leaders has created a stark contrast, with opposition efforts raising around $340 million, overshadowing the measure's supporters. The fate of this important referendum will be decided on November 3.

Kentucky collected around 5,000 discarded Christmas trees in 2026 to restore underwater habitats in its ageing lakes. As part of the state's 'Christmas for the Fishes' programme, approximately 1,700 trees were submerged in Boltz Lake alone. The trees provide shelter and feeding areas for fish, replacing natural structures that have decayed over time. The initiative also helps improve recreational fishing opportunities.