Times of India

Arvind Kejriwal confirmed no alliance for AAP with any political party in the upcoming Delhi assembly polls. Despite previous seat-sharing with Congress for Lok Sabha elections, both parties declared contesting independently. Congress leaders also reiterated their stand on contesting alone in all 70 seats.

US President Joe Biden has granted a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, for federal crimes committed between January 2014 and December 2024. Hunter Biden was convicted of gun and tax fraud. President Biden justified the pardon, citing unfair prosecution and political motivations behind the charges, emphasizing his son's recovery from addiction.

Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey shared a heartfelt Instagram post hinting at his retirement from acting. Expressing gratitude for his successful career, he announced plans to step away from the limelight by 2025. Fans reacted with mixed emotions, praising his work and expressing hope for his eventual return to cinema.

Sixty-three Iskcon monks from Bangladesh were stopped from crossing into India at the Benapole border over suspicions despite having valid travel documents. Bangladesh authorities did not provide explanations, leading to criticism from Iskcon officials who questioned the grounds for disallowing the monks' pilgrimage. Protests and prayers for their release were held globally.

Police in Dehradun and Ghaziabad are investigating a man who pretended to be the 'long-lost' son of two different families. He claimed to be Monu Sharma in Dehradun and Bhim Singh in Ghaziabad. Authorities are using a cell phone number traced to Ghaziabad to uncover his true identity. No monetary gain from the families has been reported.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat raised concerns about declining birth rates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a birth rate of at least 2.1 to ensure the existence of social groups. He underscored unity despite differences and highlighted the inclusivity of Indian culture without caste discrimination.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to update Lok Sabha on India's developments with China, following a disengagement agreement reached on Oct 21 that restores pre-friction patrolling and grazing in Depsang and Demchok. This accord led to a landmark meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping. Eastern Ladakh disengagement developments continue as per the agreement.

Canada has ended the SDS visa scheme, which provided a fast-track for Indian students. Now, students applying for regular study permits will only need to pay six months' tuition upfront and show sufficient funds for living expenses. This change aims to ensure equal access and make studying in Canada more affordable.

Cyclone Fengal caused record-breaking rainfall in Puducherry, leading to significant flooding and power outages. The Indian Army and Coast Guard rescued over 100 people. Schools and colleges are serving as relief centers. Villupuram district also experienced severe flooding, with the highest rainfall recorded at 50 cm. Relief efforts are ongoing in affected areas.

Former Kannada actress Shobitha HS, 35, was found dead by suicide at her Hyderabad flat. Married in May 2023, she had quit acting and was living with her husband Sudheer Reddy, a software professional. Police are investigating and waiting for her family's arrival for further clarity.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat warned that social groups with birth rates below 2.1 could face extinction, stressing the importance of maintaining population levels for survival. He highlighted India's inclusive cultural ethos and the need for unity despite differences. Bhagwat also emphasized that discrimination based on caste has no place in Indian religious scriptures.

Farmers will march to Delhi demanding higher compensation for acquired land, potentially causing traffic disruptions on key routes in Noida. Barricades will be set up at borders, and commercial vehicles diverted. The protest follows failed negotiations with district authorities. Farmers seek 64.7% additional compensation and compensatory plots for acquired land, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2015.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stated he would ban beef if Congress provides a written request. His comments came amid allegations that BJP distributed beef to win the Muslim-dominated Samaguri constituency bypoll. Sarma questioned Congress' long-term success in the region and challenged them to support a beef ban in writing if they were sincere.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes BJP's top leaders for using divisive tactics, including mosque surveys to find temples. He references Mohan Bhagwat's 2022 remark against widespread searches and the Places of Worship Act 1991. Kharge queries BJP's stance on structures built by Muslims. This comes amid violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal related to a mosque survey.