Times of India

The Election Commission of India is demanding explanations from both BJP and Congress presidents regarding alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct by their star campaigners during recent state elections.

A new report by Deutsche Bank has revealed that India's equity markets have surpassed China's since 2000, delivering one of the highest real equity returns globally. While both India and the US are trading near record-high CAPE ratios, the report suggests their strong growth outlooks and potential, particularly in technology and AI, could justify these valuations.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test against Australia in Perth. Sharma and his wife welcomed their second child on Friday. He will rejoin the team later in the series after spending time with his family in Mumbai. The rest of the Indian cricket team had reached Perth in batches having left on November 10 and 11.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak condemned the elaborate preparations made before his visit to the fire-hit Jhansi hospital where 10 newborns died. Pathak criticized the efforts, which included spreading lime powder on the roads, and demanded strict action against those responsible. The opposition criticized the government's alleged focus on appearances while families grieved, alleging a cover-up attempt.

Due to worsening air quality in Haryana, mirroring the severe conditions in Delhi, the Haryana government has directed all schools to remain closed for students up to Class 5. The decision, aimed at safeguarding student health, mandates a shift to online classes until further notice, with assessments of air quality in urban and rural areas guiding the reopening of schools.

At a Jharkhand rally, Union home minister Amit Shah accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren of attempting to grant reservations to Muslims by reducing quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs. Shah alleged Soren facilitated infiltration for vote bank politics, jeopardizing tribal land and employment opportunities. He assured that BJP, if elected, would prioritize industrial growth and safeguard tribal interests.

Former Australian captain Tim Paine has expressed concerns over Gautam Gambhir's coaching style, describing it as "prickly" and potentially unsuitable for the Indian cricket team. Paine believes Gambhir's recent spat with Ricky Ponting highlights a tendency to crack under pressure, which could be detrimental to India's chances in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Haris Rauf's outstanding 4-22 against Australia in the T20I match at the Sydney Cricket Ground propelled him to the top of Pakistan's all-time wicket-takers list. His performance, which included crucial wickets and a match-turning spell, helped restrict Australia to 147-9. Rauf now shares the top spot with Shadab Khan, both having taken 107 wickets in T20Is.

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu sparked debate by urging Bengaluru residents to learn Kannada, deeming it disrespectful not to. While some supported his emphasis on cultural integration, others raised concerns about potential exclusion and practicality for transient residents.

The Pentagon's latest UFO report reveals 757 unexplained aerial phenomena sightings in the past year, including a near-collision between a commercial airliner and a cylindrical object off the coast of New York. While many sightings were later identified as ordinary objects, a significant number remain unexplained. Despite investigations, no evidence of extraterrestrial activity has been found.

Iran assured the Biden administration it wouldn't target former President Trump, despite earlier warnings from Washington that such an act would be considered an act of war. Iran, while maintaining the illegality of Soleimani's killing, expressed a preference for pursuing justice through international legal channels rather than retaliation.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed security forces to quell violence in Manipur, describing the situation as "fragile" due to clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence has resulted in deaths and public disorder, prompting the deployment of the National Investigation Agency for key cases.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the revised schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy tour, excluding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) cities. The decision follows strong objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the inclusion of disputed territories. The trophy will travel to eight participating countries, starting in Islamabad, Pakistan, on November 16.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on Friday. Rohit missed the team's departure to Australia for the upcoming Test series to be with his family. His availability for the first Test remains uncertain as the team prepares for the series-opener in Perth.

Sukhbir Singh Badal has resigned as president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following internal dissent and a declaration of "tankhaiya" against him by the Akal Takht. Badal's resignation allows for the election of a new president. The party had faced criticism and calls for Badal's resignation after poor performance in recent elections.

Nara Rammurthy Naidu, the younger brother of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, passed away in Hyderabad at 62. Naidu was receiving treatment at AIG Hospitals and was elected to the assembly in 1994. His son, Nara Rohit, is a Tollywood actor and producer. Several political figures have expressed condolences for Naidu's passing.

Indian cricketer Shubman Gill fractured his thumb while fielding during a practice match simulation in Perth. The injury occurred just days before the first Test match against Australia in Perth. The severity of the injury was confirmed after scans and is most likely out of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that begins November 22.

Russia is deploying a wave of thermobaric drones and low-cost decoys in a new tactic dubbed "Operation False Target." This strategy aims to exhaust Ukraine's air defenses by forcing them to expend expensive missiles on decoys, allowing the deadlier thermobaric drones to reach their targets.

Mike Tyson returned to the boxing ring after 19 years, only to face defeat against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Despite landing only 18 of his 97 punches, Tyson remained positive, jokingly attributing his glove-biting to a "biting fixation." This lighthearted comment referenced his infamous 1997 ear-biting incident with Evander Holyfield.