Times of India

Donald Trump's 2024 US election victory sparked a surge in Americans searching for "How to move to Canada." Google Trends data revealed a 400% spike in these searches, particularly from states that favoured Kamala Harris.

Elon Musk shared a video of former President Donald Trump outlining his plan to combat censorship and promote free speech. Trump's five-point strategy includes prohibiting federal partnerships for speech restriction, investigating censorship activities, holding tech corporations accountable, sanctioning universities involved in suppression, and establishing a "Digital Bill of Rights."

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Donald Trump on winning a second term as US President in a tweet, despite having banned X in Pakistan. X users pointed out the irony, noting that Sharif was using a VPN to access the platform illegally.

Multan, Pakistan, issued a high alert as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared past 2,000, reaching hazardous levels. Schools and public spaces temporarily closed due to the dangerous smog. The primary pollutant, PM2.5, reached alarming levels, prompting authorities to implement a "smart lockdown" to curb pollution-causing activities. Despite these efforts, the heavy smog persisted.

Josiah Medler, a young boy from Illinois, is a huge fan of Travis Kelce. Josiah's love for Kelce led him to become a fan of Taylor Swift. For his sixth birthday, Josiah received tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. In 2023, a video of Josiah went viral, leading to him receiving tickets to a Chiefs game.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut countered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for unity, stating that Maharashtra seeks greater safety and aims to oust the BJP. This follows controversy over pronouncements on Hindu unity and alleged caste-based politics surrounding the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

At the UN, India condemned Pakistan for attempting to derail discussions on peacekeeping by raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian representative Sudhanshu Trivedi reiterated India's stance on Kashmir as an integral part of the nation, highlighting recent elections as proof of its democratic process.

Devotees in New Delhi celebrated Chhath Puja in the Yamuna River despite its heavy pollution and a court order prohibiting it. The Delhi High Court had deemed the river too polluted for the ritualistic bathing, citing health risks. Videos circulating online show people submerged in the toxic foam covering the river, raising concerns about the potential health consequences.

Sanju Samson, after his second consecutive T20I century, credited his recent success to captain Suryakumar Yadav's unwavering support and clear communication. Samson revealed that Surya and team management assured him of a consistent opening position for seven matches, boosting his confidence and allowing him to play with freedom.

A couple in Himachal Pradesh tied the knot through a video call due to the groom's inability to secure leave from his company in Turkiye.

Abhishek Sharma's recent struggles with the bat have drawn criticism, particularly his aggressive batting approach. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed concerns over Sharma's performance in the first T20I against South Africa, contrasting it with Sanju Samson's century. Chopra highlighted Sharma's declining form since his century and questioned his shot selection.

Police in Kerala filed a case following an investigation into food kits bearing images of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, seized ahead of bypolls in Wayanad. The kits, containing staples like rice and sugar, were discovered near a Congress leader's residence. the kits also included pictures of Karnataka chief minister Siddharamaiah, and deputy CM DK Shivakumar, as per PTI sources.

Tensions escalate in the Middle East as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conduct airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Tyre, Lebanon, resulting in casualties and significant damage. The strikes, part of an ongoing operation, have drawn condemnation and raised concerns about civilian safety.

Junior doctors in Kolkata will hold protests on Saturday to demand justice for 'Abhaya'. The protests will mark three months since the RG Kar rape-murder. A citizens' march will be held from College Square to Esplanade. A Gallery of Rebellion will be organised on medical college campuses. A public charge-sheet will be presented at Rani Rashmoni Avenue.

At least 24 people were killed and 40 injured in an explosion at a railway station in southwestern Pakistan. The blast targeted army personnel, according to police. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, stating it was a suicide attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, vowing harsh consequences for the perpetrators. An investigation is ongoing.

A 25-year-old man in Ahmedabad was hospitalized with multiple fractures and head injuries after a brutal attack by his girlfriend's father. The accused, vehemently opposed to their inter-caste relationship, allegedly rammed his car into the victim before assaulting him with a metal rod. Police have booked the assailant based on the victim's complaint.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde targeted Uddhav Thackeray's claim over Shiv Sena and its symbol. Shinde accused Thackeray of abandoning the party's principles. He highlighted his government's commitment to social welfare and growth. Shinde outlined plans for women's allowances, farmer loan waivers, and electricity bill relief.

The Gujarat High Court ruled that anganwadi workers and helpers are entitled to be absorbed as permanent government employees. The court ordered the central and state governments to formulate a policy for their absorption and to pay them arrears based on minimum pay scales for Class 3 and Class 4 posts.

The Supreme Court is reviewing a petition to prohibit tree felling in Delhi without its approval. The petition, prompted by data revealing the felling of five trees hourly, criticizes the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act authorities for insufficient oversight. The petitioner emphasizes the violation of procedural safeguards within the Act and highlights the significant gap between Delhi's existing green cover and the National Forest Policy's mandate.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a Diwali event, asserted that pro-Khalistan separatists do not represent the entire Sikh community in Canada. This statement followed a clash between pro-Khalistan activists and attendees at a consular camp in Brampton. Trudeau emphasized that neither pro-Khalistan nor pro-Modi groups represent their respective religious communities in Canada, condemning violence and intimidation.