Times of India

During a rally in his stronghold of Baramati, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar hinted at retiring from active politics. He stated that he would reconsider seeking another term in the Rajya Sabha after his current term ends and ruled out contesting any future elections.

Cotton farmers in Vidarbha, India, are facing a labor shortage during the crucial harvest season. The shortage is attributed to government welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin, which provide financial assistance, making farm work less appealing. This has forced farmers to increase wages, further impacting their income already hit by low crop yields and market prices.

The 2024 US election sees Silicon Valley divided, with prominent figures backing either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Harris enjoys support from figures like Mark Cuban and Sheryl Sandberg, while Elon Musk and Peter Thiel rally behind Trump. Notably, tech giants like Microsoft and Google remain silent on their endorsements.

Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, has officially joined the board of Tata Sons. This makes him the only member of the Tata family to hold positions on both boards. Although unable to become chairman of Tata Sons, Noel's influence will be significant in selecting the next chairman in 2028.

This scenario of a full swing-state sweep would replicate some dynamics observed in the 2016 election, where polling errors were widely correlated. In 2016, Trump exceeded expectations across nearly every swing state except Nevada. This underestimation was partly due to pollsters not adjusting results based on education level, a critical predictor that year. Consequently, Trump carried states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, defying forecasts and tilting the election sharply in his favour.

Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher sees India as a crucial hub for growth, talent, and R&D. He acknowledges short-term challenges in Asian markets but remains optimistic about India's long-term potential. Schumacher emphasizes Unilever's focus on premiumization, innovation, and adapting to evolving consumer trends like quick commerce. He outlines a strategy for navigating inflation, supply chain disruptions, and competition from private labels.

In a sudden move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing irreconcilable differences over war management. This decision comes amid heightened tensions during the Gaza conflict, despite Netanyahu's previous reluctance to remove Gallant. Gallant, following his dismissal, reaffirmed his commitment to Israel's security. This development echoes a similar attempt in March 2023, which sparked widespread protests against Netanyahu's leadership.

Three villagers were arrested in Assam's Kamrup district for their alleged involvement in the electrocution deaths of two elephants. The elephants were killed in separate incidents after they wandered into paddy fields. Authorities discovered electric wires and poaching equipment, highlighting the dangers posed to wildlife by such traps.

Two Chinese nationals were shot and injured by a security guard at a textile factory in Karachi, Pakistan. The incident is thought to be the result of an argument and is not being linked to terrorism. This event could worsen the already strained relationship between Islamabad and Beijing, as there have been growing concerns about the safety of Chinese workers involved in the Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan.

Two terrorists were killed in a clash with security forces in Bandipora, Kashmir, amidst a surge in violence following the establishment of a new government. The Lieutenant Governor vowed to crush terrorism, warning that those harboring terrorists would face severe consequences, including home demolitions. He attributed the recent unrest to Pakistan's attempts to disrupt peace and emphasized the need for public support in combating terrorism.

In the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision for the region, suggesting that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 might have been avoided had Vajpayee's roadmap been followed. Abdullah lamented the current state of affairs, emphasizing the importance of Vajpayee's slogan of "Democracy, Kashmiri ethos, and humanity."

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is making history with the first-ever Italian player, Thomas Draca, joining the registration roster. Scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the auction features a pool of 1,574 players vying for 204 slots. Draca, a 24-year-old with international T20 experience, joins a competitive field dominated by players from South Africa and Australia.

Donald Trump voted in the US presidential elections in Florida. He said he would accept the election results if he lost. This statement contrasts with his previous remarks about potential violence. Trump expressed confidence in a close race against Kamala Harris. He also called the 2024 election campaign his best.

Legendary Bihari singer Sharda Sinha, fondly remembered as 'Bihar Kokila,' passed away at 72. She was hospitalized and on ventilator support following the recent demise of her husband. Sinha, a 'Padma Bhushan' recipient, was renowned for her contributions to folk music, particularly her traditional wedding and Chhath songs in Bhojpuri.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed that the India-US relationship remains strong and will continue to grow regardless of the US election outcome. Speaking alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar emphasized the Quad alliance's enduring strength, highlighting its resilience even during the pandemic.

Americans are voting for their next president today, but a close race between Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump could mean delayed results. Factors like tight margins, potential recounts, and legal challenges could prolong the process. While some past elections saw swift outcomes, the 2020 result took several days to confirm.

Dixville Notch, a tiny New Hampshire village known for its midnight voting tradition, kicked off the US election with a 3-3 tie between Trump and Harris. Both parties found reasons to be optimistic about the result, while social media buzzed with humorous takes. Meanwhile, pollsters and even animals seemed uncertain about the election's outcome.

If a president were to attempt a self-pardon, it would almost certainly lead to significant legal challenges and could ultimately require a Supreme Court ruling. Furthermore, presidential pardons apply only to federal offenses and would not impact any state-level charges, such as those Trump faces in Georgia.