Times of India

The government is determined to pass the waqf amendment bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, despite opposition from some quarters. The bill aims to reform the functioning of waqf boards, which manage vast properties, and bring transparency to their operations. The government argues that the reforms are necessary to ensure that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

On the eve of the Maharashtra elections, BJP has accused individuals from the MVA, including Nana Patole and Supriya Sule, of engaging in illegal bitcoin activities to finance their campaign. BJP presented audio recordings allegedly featuring Sule discussing bitcoin transactions for campaign funds. Sule denied the allegations, characterizing them as a tactic to manipulate voters.

BJP leaders have rallied around Vinod Tawde, their national general secretary, following allegations of his involvement in a cash-for-votes scheme. They denounce the incident as a politically motivated act intended to damage Tawde's reputation and influence the outcome of the upcoming election.

A new report reveals Bengaluru's meteoric rise from tech hub to metropolitan powerhouse, rivaling Delhi and Mumbai. The city boasts booming job creation, entrepreneurial spirit, and the highest average salaries. Bengaluru also shines in lifestyle factors, enjoying pleasant weather, good air quality, and global connectivity, while maintaining relative affordability.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) criticized the BJP after Vinod Tawde was accused of distributing money to voters. MVA leaders questioned the source of the Rs 5 crore and suggested it pointed to BJP's use of money power in elections. They also hinted at internal conflicts within BJP and raised concerns about the ease of cash movement post-demonetization.

BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde was caught in a controversy just a day before Maharashtra elections when BVA alleged he was distributing cash to party workers in a Virar hotel. While Tawde denied the allegations, police found cash in the hotel and filed FIRs against Tawde and BVA MLA Kshitij Thakur. The EC is investigating the matter.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, for commerce secretary. Lutnick, a longtime Trump supporter, is expected to leverage his Wall Street connections to bolster American manufacturing and potentially cryptocurrency. If confirmed, he would also play a key role in navigating US-China tech competition, particularly regarding semiconductor technology.

A herd of 80 wild elephants, a common sight in Assam's Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur districts, is wreaking havoc on paddy fields and endangering villagers. The Forest Department is taking action by fitting elephants with radio collars to track their movements and alert villagers, aiming to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

India and China, following a successful disengagement in Eastern Ladakh, are discussing steps to normalize relations. These steps, discussed by their foreign ministers, include resuming border crossings, data sharing, and direct flights. Both sides agree on the importance of stabilizing ties and managing differences.

Wipro's Executive Chairman, Rishad Premji, expressed optimism about Donald Trump's second term, suggesting it could boost the tech services industry. Premji cited potential tax cuts and deregulation as positive signs for business growth. However, concerns remain regarding Trump's stance on immigration and its potential impact on India's IT sector, which relies heavily on the U.S. market.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana played a significant role in India surpassing China as the top source of international students in the US for the 2023-24 academic year. The two states contributed to nearly 56% of the total Indian student enrollment in US universities, according to the US Consulate in Hyderabad.

Tensions escalate in Manipur as Meitei and Kuki groups reject a resolution aimed at quelling violence. The Meitei demand a crackdown on Kuki militants, while the Kuki condemn the resolution as ethnic persecution and demand government intervention for their protection.

In a poignant Davis Cup Finals quarter-final match, retiring tennis legend Rafael Nadal fought valiantly but succumbed to a 6-4, 6-4 defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands. Despite showing glimpses of his trademark fighting spirit, the 22-time Grand Slam champion couldn't overcome his opponent's powerful play. Carlos Alcaraz will play the second singles rubber.

Patients at AIIMS Delhi face prolonged waiting periods, up to three years, for MRI scans due to high demand and limited resources. While the hospital prioritizes emergency and inpatient cases, non-urgent outpatients often experience significant delays. Efforts are underway to implement a digital appointment system with defined cut-off periods to address the issue.

Hardik Pandya is set to join his brother Krunal on the Baroda squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's domestic T20 tournament. The tournament begins on November 23. Baroda, led by Krunal, are looking to improve on last year's runner-up finish and have started the domestic season strong with four wins out of five matches in Ranji Trophy.

AR Rahman and his wife, Saira, are separating after many years of marriage. Saira's lawyer released a statement citing significant emotional strain and insurmountable differences as the reason for the separation. The couple, who married in 1995 and have three children, has requested privacy during this difficult time.

Following the election of Sarah McBride as the first openly transgender member of Congress, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced a bill to bar McBride from using bathrooms aligning with her gender identity within the Capitol. Critics, including McBride, argue that such legislation distracts from pressing issues like healthcare and housing. Mace, once considered a moderate, has shifted rightward after redistricting secured her district for Republicans. This controversy highlights the GOP's focus on cultural issues, with figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene supporting similar measures. Democrats face challenges as Republicans leverage transgender rights debates to energize their base post-2024 elections.

India is gearing up for by-elections across 15 assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand. The elections, scheduled for Wednesday with results expected on November 23, will be a key test for both the INDIA bloc and NDA alliances.