Times of India

Stock market today: BSE Sensex ended the session at 81,028.02, up 1,718 points or 2.17%. Nifty50 closed at 25,030.35, up 494 points or 2.01%. Global equities suffered a sharp sell-off amid fading enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) stocks following US President Donald Trump’s defeat in the midterm elections.

Wendy's has rejected a takeover proposal valued at $1.4 billion from billionaire investor Nelson Peltz. The fast-food chain argued that the offer undervalues its long-term growth potential, prompting the adoption of a shareholder rights plan. This defensive strategy is designed to protect the company from unwanted acquisition attempts. Wendy's has been facing declining sales and rising operational costs in the competitive fast-food market.

Pamarawan village in the Philippines has embraced an innovative coastal defense system to tackle flooding challenges. This initiative incorporates natural materials such as bamboo poles, oyster shells, and coconut husks to fortify against powerful waves and prevent sediment displacement. Remarkably, there have been no flooding incidents reported for almost two years since the project's inception, prompting officials to explore similar setups for other flood-threatened areas.

During a police mission along the Ganga river in Sherpur, three suspects were shot and killed in a confrontation. Maner Station House Officer Rajnish Kumar was injured by gunfire but is receiving treatment. The Patna Special Task Force and local police coordinated their efforts after receiving intelligence about a potential crime. Authorities also recovered firearms from the deceased individuals, all of whom had prior criminal histories.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei in Moscow, where he received a letter from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israel war on Iran. The talks covered post-war regional security, energy cooperation and a proposed gas pipeline between the two countries. Rezaei said Tehran would neither negotiate with Washington nor reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the US meets its seven demands. The meeting comes as Russia reiterates its willingness to support efforts to end the conflict.

A consumer commission in Kerala ruled that Southern Railway must refund Rs 6,700 to a passenger. The commission concluded that late confirmation of train tickets caused financial loss to the complainant. The complainant booked tickets on May 24, 2018, for travel on June 22, 2018, but received confirmation less than four hours before departure. The commission ordered additional compensation for mental anguish and litigation expenses.

India cancelled training as rain disrupted New Zealand's preparations in Wellington ahead of the second ODI, with Mohammed Siraj's possible inclusion adding to the selection intrigue. Heavy rain is forecast for match day, raising concerns over another washout. India lead the five-match series 1-0

US President Donald Trump held meetings to evaluate potential military operations against Iran's nuclear program. While considering various options, Trump indicated that decisions would be made soon regarding escalating military action. The US Central Command is preparing for possible renewed combat operations in the region, coinciding with the new moon conditions. Iranian officials have communicated their conditions for negotiations to international partners, seeking confidence-building measures.

Asian equity markets witnessed drastic downturns, with Taiwan and South Korea hit the hardest in the trading frenzy. This sell-off arose from growing apprehensions about AI investments, particularly in semiconductors. Wall Street also saw an alarming plunge, wiping out $2.5 trillion in a single day. Consequently, major tech companies faced sharp declines in stock value across regions, as concerns over data centre expansion dampened global investor enthusiasm for technology equities.

The recent midterm elections have ushered in Democratic dominance over both Congressional chambers, posing challenges for the CLARITY Act's advancement. Analysts predict a tough road ahead due to shifting political dynamics. Jamie Dimon has raised alarms about yield-paying stablecoins, deeming them high-risk financial assets. As Congress ramps up regulatory focus on cryptocurrency, some experts hold onto hope for a reimagined CLARITY Act that could still attract bipartisan backing.

Dharam Singh Mann, Gold Winner At 1964 Oly, Relives A Fierce Final With Pakistan

Deepinder Goyal has addressed criticism from doctors regarding his wearable health-tech device Temple. He emphasized that Temple is not a scam and has significant financial investment. Goyal stated the product offers a 14-day return policy for customer satisfaction. Additionally, he mentioned plans to publish scientific validation for the device in due course. Lastly, he assured confidence in the innovative features that Temple brings to the wellness market.

Marco Rubio has dismissed rumors about potentially leaving his position in the Trump administration. He asserts that completing Trump's second term has always been his plan. While he supports Vice President JD Vance for a future presidential run, Rubio avoids discussing his ambitions. Reports regarding a possible exit have been rejected by the White House and the State Department.

Delhi continues to experience high pollution levels as the overall Air Quality Index reaches 389. Several areas, including IIT Delhi and Rohini, reported even worse levels in the 'severe' category. Local residents are expressing discomfort due to the deteriorating air quality, reporting issues like breathing difficulties and eye irritation. The Delhi Environment Minister has attributed the worsening situation to stubble burning in Punjab.