Times of India

In a notable development, Heinrich Klaasen surpassed Virat Kohli by securing the top retention price of Rs 23 crore for IPL 2025. Sunrisers Hyderabad emphasized Klaasen's significant impact, while Kohli and Nicholas Pooran were retained for Rs 21 crore each by RCB and LSG respectively on Thursday. This highlights the franchises' confidence in their key players.

Diwali, celebrated on October 31, 2024, marks Lord Ram’s return home, with festivities featuring diyas, lights, and crackers. The Lakshmi puja muhurat is from 07:19 PM to 9:11 PM. The day is filled with joy, positivity, and the sharing of warm wishes among friends and family, celebrating love, prosperity, and togetherness.

All ten IPL 2025 franchises revealed their retained players, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals utilizing their full quota, while Punjab Kings retained only two uncapped players. Punjab now have the largest auction budget of Rs 110.5 crore, whereas Rajasthan Royals will enter the auction with Rs 41 crore.

TPG Nambiar, founder of BPL, passed away at nearly 95. He was a pioneering innovator and industrialist who contributed significantly to India's electronics industry. Nambiar is survived by his family, who mourn his death. Prime minister Narendra Modi and other notable figures expressed their condolences, acknowledging his legacy and impact.

A tragic incident occurred in Eluru town when an explosion of firecrackers on a scooty claimed one life and injured six others. Durgasi Sudhakar died instantly after the vehicle hit a speed breaker, causing the firecrackers to explode. The injured, including those standing roadside, were swiftly admitted to the local hospital for treatment.

Diwali 2024 Puja Muhurat: Lakshmi Puja, an essential ritual during Diwali, involves cleaning the home, setting up a sacred platform, positioning deities, and performing detailed offerings such as flowers, fruits, sweets, and mantras. The puja is conducted to invite Goddess Lakshmi for blessings of peace, wealth, and prosperity.

The longstanding practice of political betting persists, with both potential manipulation and its impact on perceptions concerning. Legal debates are ongoing over regulating such markets in the US. Social trust in crowd wisdom and economic stakes make these markets influential but potentially risky without strict oversight, as reflected in past financial market behaviors and Brexit betting outcomes.

Mumbai Indians have decided to retain five key players ahead of the upcoming IPL mega auction. Jasprit Bumrah has been named the top retained player, followed by Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Tilak Verma. Coach Mahela Jayawardene emphasizes playing for pride as they aim to rebuild.

The retained players list from all ten franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been released, marking a crucial step in the lead-up to the IPL 2025 mega auction scheduled for the last week of November.

McDonald's recalls raw onions from its menu following an E. coli outbreak that affected 90 people across 13 states, resulting in one death and 27 hospitalizations. The FDA traced the contamination to Taylor Farms. McDonald's temporarily halted the sale of Quarter Pounders in response to the outbreak.

Mehbooba Mufti declared that the PDP will mark Jammu and Kashmir's Union territory foundation day as a 'black day' until statehood is restored. The National Conference echoed this sentiment, demanding a return to pre-August 2019 status. LG Manoj Sinha urged acceptance of the current Union territory status.

Sharad Pawar criticized Ajit Pawar and other NCP members for causing a split in the party for power, referring to their alliance with BJP and Shiv Sena. He expressed his disappointment with the defection, especially addressing minister Walse Patil, and urged support for Devdatta Nikam in the upcoming elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating Diwali with military personnel in Gujarat's Kutch region, lauded the dedication and strength of India's armed forces. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to border compromise, he praised their critical role in ensuring national security and contributing to India's progress towards becoming a developed nation.

BR Naidu, newly appointed chairperson of the TTD board, aims to ensure all employees of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam are Hindus. He plans discussions with the government on managing non-Hindu staff, suggesting transfers or retirements. Naidu also raised concerns about irregularities under the previous YSR Congress administration.

Cyclone Dana caused heavy rains in Kolkata, making Chhatim trees shed their fragrant flowers. This event provided relief to those suffering from allergies and asthma. The flowers, known for their strong scent, were affecting residents' breathing. The shedding of flowers has helped ease the situation for sensitive individuals in affected areas.