Times of India

Bihar Police are grappling with the rising trend of celebratory firing at weddings, fueled by popular desi music that glorifies gun culture. Songs like "Leke hum baraat abau Jamui zila ke chowk par" have become viral sensations, inspiring countless videos and regional variations. Despite police efforts to curb the practice, the music's influence on normalizing gun use remains a concern.

Over 40 US lawmakers have called on President Biden to push for the immediate release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political detainees. They cited concerns about human rights violations and the fairness of Pakistan's electoral process following Khan's ousting in 2022.

Indian batsman KL Rahul has recovered from an elbow injury. He is likely to open the batting in the first Test against Australia. Rahul sustained the injury during a practice match. He has resumed training and is confident of playing. The first Test begins in Perth on November 22. Rahul's return is a boost for India. Regular opener Rohit Sharma is injured.

Comedian Vir Das shared an encounter with an IIT Bombay graduate and PhD holder driving a taxi in San Jose after being laid off. The driver's story, marked by a lack of "tasalli" (solace), highlighted the struggles and sacrifices of Indian immigrants seeking stability in the US.

Sunil Gavaskar believes Kolkata Knight Riders might try to buy back Shreyas Iyer in the upcoming IPL auction, despite releasing him. He suggests a disagreement over fees might have led to Iyer's release. Gavaskar also thinks Delhi Capitals will be interested in their former captain if Rishabh Pant is unavailable.

Senior AAP leader and Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot resigned from the party, citing disillusionment and internal challenges. While the BJP praised his decision, AAP alleged that pressure from central agencies led to Gahlot's resignation. This development comes months before the Delhi assembly polls and is expected to impact the political landscape.

Sri Lanka's new Cabinet, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, will be sworn in on Monday following the National People's Power's landslide victory in the parliamentary elections. The NPP secured a two-thirds majority, marking several unprecedented achievements in Sri Lankan electoral history.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticized the inadequate response to repeated food safety issues on the Vande Bharat Express. This follows reports of insects and cockroaches found in passenger meals, prompting a fine of Rs 50,000 for the catering contractor. Tagore demanded stricter action and systemic reforms to ensure passenger safety and dignity.

Zoologist Professor Tim Coulson suggests that octopuses, with their remarkable intelligence and adaptability, could potentially become Earth's dominant species if humans were to disappear. Their advanced cognition and problem-solving skills hint at a future where they might develop complex societies, though their lack of physical adaptation for land poses a challenge.

Former BJP MLA Anil Jha joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of party leader Arvind Kejriwal. Jha, a two-time MLA from Kirari, expressed his disappointment with his former party, stating that there was no place for Purvanchalis like him. Kejriwal welcomed Jha, highlighting his work for the Purvanchal community and criticized the BJP for neglecting their needs.

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has thrown his support behind head coach Gautam Gambhir amidst criticism following recent losses against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Ganguly urged patience, highlighting Gambhir's direct communication style and its potential benefits in the upcoming high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

During the second T20I between Pakistan and Australia, tensions flared as former Pakistan captain Babar Azam faced harsh criticism from spectators. Despite a valiant effort from Usman Khan and Irfan Khan, Pakistan fell short of Australia's target, losing by 13 runs. Spencer Johnson's impressive five-wicket haul secured the series victory for Australia.

Toxic smog is overwhelming hospitals in Pakistan's Punjab province, with over 1.91 million respiratory illness cases reported in the past month. Lahore, the worst-hit city, is grappling with hazardous air quality, forcing school closures and lockdowns. The crisis, fueled by industrial emissions and agricultural practices, has left residents struggling to breathe and healthcare workers overwhelmed.

Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson questions Virat Kohli's ability to lead India to victory in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, citing Kohli's recent form slump. Johnson acknowledges Kohli's fighting spirit and impact on Indian cricket but anticipates a challenging series for the former Indian captain. David Warner stated that Kohli might achieve greater heights as a result of the pressure to do well in the important series for India.

The Indian government is planning to replace a 65-year-old law that disqualifies Members of Parliament (MPs) for holding "offices of profit." The proposed legislation aims to provide a clearer definition of such offices and streamline the process, addressing inconsistencies with current statutes.

BJP president J P Nadda accused the JMM-led Jharkhand government of harboring Bangladeshi infiltrators, facilitating their acquisition of official documents, and even land ownership. He vowed to introduce legislation to prevent land ownership for offspring of infiltrators who marry tribal women. Nadda also criticized the government's alleged corruption and divisive policies, predicting their downfall in the upcoming elections.

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has advised KL Rahul to introspect and regain his confidence amidst recent struggles. Ganguly acknowledged the pressure Rahul faces after being released by Lucknow Super Giants and highlighted the need for him to adapt his game to secure his place in the Indian team.

Over 1,000 police were deployed to Chinna Udaippa village in Tamil Nadu, India, as villagers protested against a land acquisition for Madurai airport expansion. Protesters demanded three cents of land and a house in exchange for their property. Despite receiving a new terminal in 2010 and operating some international flights, the airport still lacks international status.