Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a viral video of Santosh Patil from Vijayapura, Karnataka, who outwitted a cyber fraudster impersonating a police officer. The Ministry of Home Affairs, following directions from the PMO, traced Santosh for a Mann Ki Baat feature after Telangana IPS officer VC Sajjanar tweeted the video.

Western Railway has temporarily restricted platform ticket sales at selected Mumbai Division stations to manage overcrowding during the festive season until November 8, 2024. Stations affected include Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, and others. Senior citizens and those with medical needs are exempted from these restrictions.

Akali Dal's Daljit Singh Cheema criticized Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, alleging Delhi influence over his leadership, coinciding with farmer unrest due to issues in paddy procurement and DAP fertiliser supply. CM Mann also met Union minister to seek priority fertiliser supply amidst ongoing farmer protests. He also appealed to farmers’ groups not to harass commuters by blocking highways in the state, saying "excess of everything is bad".

Former President Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden underscores his strategic use of a famous venue to maximize media coverage, make a statement in Democratic territory, and potentially influence local races. The event capitalizes on his ongoing ties to New York despite its Democratic lean.

Team India faced criticism after their first home Test series loss since 2012, succumbing to New Zealand. Mitchell Santner's 13 wickets on a turning Pune track led to the defeat. AB de Villiers noted that Indian players' reputation as the best against spin is a perception, and turning tracks can backfire against smart teams like New Zealand.

At TVK's inaugural conference in Vikravandi, actor and founder Vijay declared the DMK as a political adversary and the BJP as an ideological opponent. He emphasized TVK's commitment to a secular social justice ideology, proposed key action plans for women’s empowerment, state autonomy, and proportional representation, and criticized both DMK and BJP for corruption and divisive politics.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that Indian and Chinese troops have begun disengagement at Depsang and Demchok in Ladakh. This move aims to restore normalcy along the Line of Actual Control, with de-escalation to follow if China reciprocates. The agreement marks a significant step in resolving the four-year-long military standoff.

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated globally among Indian communities. Signifying the victory of light over darkness, it brings joy, love, and positivity. Homes are adorned with diyas and vibrant decorations, while families gather to cherish the occasion. The article offers top wishes, messages, and quotes to make your Diwali 2024 special.

Many Muslim voters in Michigan, particularly those of Arab and Palestinian descent, are deeply frustrated with Biden’s strong support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. They feel the administration has neglected the Palestinian humanitarian crisis and find Trump’s promises of peace in the Middle East appealing. Imam Belal Alzuhairi, speaking at a Trump rally, referred to the former president as the “peace candidate,” emphasising Trump’s commitment to ending U.S. involvement in “endless wars.” This position has struck a chord with voters tired of prolonged conflicts affecting their ancestral homes.

​The who’s who of the Trump campaign is speaking at the rally including his VP pick JD Vance, Speaker Mike Johnson, New York rep Elise Stefanik, former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, Lara, Eric and Don Jr, Elon Musk, Dan Scavino, Dan White, Tucker Carlson, and even former presidential nominee RFK Jr. However, one prominent MAGAvenger seems to be missing from the list, the former Presidential nominee and one of the most articulate members of Team Trump: Vivek Ramaswamy.

Elon Musk dismisses claims about an illegal start to his career in the U.S. after dropping out of college, despite President Biden highlighting the issue. Musk criticizes the ease of illegal immigration and advocates for streamlined legal immigration. A Washington Post investigation reveals Musk’s early career included legal status challenges while founding Zip2.

Despite government intervention, hoax threats to Indian commercial flights persist, affecting over 350 flights in the past 15 days and causing significant financial losses and delays. Authorities are coordinating with international agencies and planning stricter laws and penalties. Airlines maintain stringent safety protocols but face continued uncertainty.

Steve Smith selects Rohit Sharma as his World Test XI opener, lauding his aggressive batting and adaptability. Despite recent defeats against New Zealand, Rohit gears up to lead India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, facing new challenges with key players like Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav sidelined due to injuries.

Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated on October 31, 2024, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad confirming the date. The celebrations coincide with Amavasya, and auspicious timings for Lakshmi Puja are set. Deepotsav and Hanuman Jayanti will take place on October 30.

Ajinkya Rahane credits Virat Kohli for instilling disciplined fitness, training, and nutrition habits. Rahane enjoys batting partnerships with Kohli and recalls their 260-run stand in Australia in 2014. He emphasizes the importance of giving players freedom and confidence as a captain, highlighting team effort over individual achievements.

Mohammad Rizwan has been named captain of Pakistan's ODI and T20I teams, succeeding Babar Azam after poor performances in recent ICC tournaments. Rizwan, supported by coach Gary Kirsten and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, starts his captaincy with the Australia tour. Star players Azam and Afridi are in the squad but will rest for the Zimbabwe tour.

Amit Shah, during a membership drive in Kolkata, accuses the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of encouraging infiltration and alludes to the RG Kar rape-murder incident, asserting that Bengal needs a BJP government in 2026 for enhanced security and to curb illegal infiltration. ​The Bengal BJP, which had set a target of winning 30 plus Lok Sabha seats from Bengal, had bagged 12, six less than in 2019. West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats.

The Pakistan Cricket Board faces backlash for excluding star opener Fakhar Zaman from the 2024-25 central contract list. Zaman, crucial in ODIs and T20Is, was overlooked despite his consistent performances. Fans suspect his criticism of the PCB’s actions, especially regarding Babar Azam’s Test squad exclusion, as a reason for this controversial move.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the recent airstrike on Iran was precise, achieving its objectives. The strike was in retaliation to Iran's missile attack on Israel earlier in October, which was largely intercepted. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's commitment to retaliate decisively against any harm. Iran confirmed limited damage and four soldiers killed.