Times of India

Jammu and Kashmir now operates as a Union Territory, an accepted reality, according to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Celebrating the status, despite boycott by local parties and criticism from PDP's Mehbooba Mufti and NC leader Omar Abdullah, Sinha assured that statehood will be eventually restored. Promises include investments of Rs 1 lakh crore and creation of 5 lakh jobs.

PM Modi, at Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, emphasized national unity and a uniform civil code while warning against 'urban Naxals' seeking to destabilize India. He highlighted efforts by internal and external forces to tarnish India's growing global reputation. Modi's comments come after UP CM Yogi Adityanath's statement on unity endorsed by the RSS.

The US has imposed sanctions on nearly 400 entities and individuals from over a dozen countries, including India and China, for allegedly supplying Russia with advanced technology to support its military activities in Ukraine. The sanctions target organizations in Russia, UAE, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, and Switzerland, aiming to disrupt critical technology flow to Russia's defense sector.

In Mumbai, outgoing state cabinet ministers saw increased net assets over five years, notably CM Eknath Shinde with a 187% rise. Aditi Tatkare had a 772% increase. Three ministers face money laundering investigations. RTI activist Shailesh Gandhi urges scrutiny of election affidavits, emphasizing income source verification. Mangal Prabhat Lodha's assets decreased by 11%.

Senior BJP leader and MLA from Nagrota, Devender Singh Rana, passes away in Faridabad. Rana, Jitendra Singh's younger brother, was a prominent figure in J&K politics and a strong advocate for the Dogra community. His sudden demise leaves behind his family and has shocked his supporters and colleagues.

The rupee closed near an all-time low against the dollar, ending at 84.08, with RBI intervention keeping it steady amid US election anxiety. The rupee dipped 0.3% in October, trading between 83.79 and 84.1. With potential Trump win, RBI prepped for sudden outflows, though importers and exporters may overlook rising global risks.

The stock market ended Samvat year 2080 on a negative note, but despite this, investors' wealth in India surged to Rs 453 lakh crore, marking the year as the biggest wealth-creating period. Contributing factors included a stable government, strong macroeconomic fundamentals, and significant domestic fund inflows.

Swiggy has received enthusiastic investor interest for its $1.4-billion IPO in India, with bids from big investors like Norges Bank and Fidelity exceeding $15 billion. The IPO, launching next week, has seen its valuation reduced to $11.3 billion due to a recent market correction.

In his annual letter, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reflects on the company's focus on AI and its impact on various sectors. He highlights Microsoft's achievements in AI progress, financial performance, and future priorities including security, trustworthy AI innovation, and cost management. Nadella emphasizes the company's mission to empower people globally through technology and continuous innovation.

TPG Nambiar, the visionary founder of BPL and a pioneer in India’s consumer electronics industry, passed away at the age of 95. He established BPL in 1963 and led the company to prominence in the 1980s with high-quality electronic products. Despite its decline in the early 2000s, BPL left a lasting impact in the electronics sector.

India's urban middle class is cutting back on spending due to inflation and unemployment, revealing weakness in urban demand for the second consecutive quarter. Major companies like Hindustan Unilever and Reliance's retail unit have reported softer consumption, impacting their earnings and the broader economic outlook.

Former President Donald Trump criticized current US leadership for ignoring violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, stating such incidents wouldn't have happened during his term. He promises to protect Hindu Americans and strengthen US-India relations if re-elected, emphasizing a focus on freedom and economic growth.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon vehemently opposes several major US financial regulatory initiatives, arguing they could hinder innovation, increase consumer costs, and weaken the financial system. He specifically criticizes the Basel III endgame proposal, the Federal Reserve's capital surcharge, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's open banking rule.

This Diwali, consumer spending on snacks and gifts soared despite inflation concerns. Companies like Naturals Ice Cream, Dabur, and Parle Products saw significant sales boosts through affordable gift packs and strategic pricing. Urban areas showed budget caution, while rural demand remained steady. Further festive purchases are expected to maintain momentum.

The BJP has announced statewide protests from November 4, demanding minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan's resignation over claims of farmland being transferred to the waqf board. State BJP president BY Vijayendra and former CM Basavaraj Bommai accused the Congress government of altering land records. CM Siddaramaiah countered, asserting BJP's political motives and promising to rescind any contentious notices.

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for November 1, 2024. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.

With the U.S. elections approaching, concerns about voting fraud and partisan rulings heighten tensions. A Pennsylvania TV station mistakenly aired test run results showing Kamala Harris winning, sparking conspiracy theories. Early voting sees confrontations, reflecting the deeply polarized environment, as notable incidents include a Supreme Court ruling on voter roll purging and worries over hidden votes within households.

Congress demands the Election Commission of India to remove Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla for alleged bias and escalating political violence against opposition during the upcoming assembly elections, highlighting her past controversy involving illegal phone tapping while serving in other police capacities.

President Joe Biden's comment referring to Trump supporters as 'garbage' sparked a wave of denigration, with Trump donning a sanitation worker's uniform to mock Democrats. White House reassures Biden's statement was misinterpreted, not aimed at all Trump supporters. Kamala Harris distances herself from the remark, emphasizing respect for voters' choices.

A goods train carrying food grains derailed near MUPA in Assam's Maligaon, disrupting train services. The incident occurred inside tunnel number 2, and several trains have been canceled. Repair and restoration efforts are ongoing, with senior railway officials at the site. Normal operations are expected to resume shortly, according to Northeast Frontier Railway.