Times of India

Trinamool Congress defended Kalyan Banerjee after a scuffle with BJP's Abhijit Gangopadhyay during the Joint Parliamentary Committee meet on the Waqf Bill. Banerjee was suspended for one day. The incident arose amidst tensions over the consultative process and allegations of political motives behind the bill.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will officially enter the Wayanad by-election race on October 23, with her nomination. Supported by senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka's candidacy aims to maintain strong representation for the people of Wayanad.

The father of the deceased trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College sought help from Union Minister Amit Shah, citing tremendous mental pressure and a pursuit of justice. In an email, the victim's father wrote, "I am (the) father of Abhaya and I am writing to respectfully request an appointment with you at your convenience or at any other location as you may suggest."

Team India is determined to bounce back in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune after an eight-wicket loss in Bengaluru. With Washington Sundar joining the squad and Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant fit, focus shifts to Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul vying for a place in the playing eleven.

With the 5 November election nearing, Harlan Ullman, senior advisor at the Atlantic Council, questioned whether President Joe Biden would have been a stronger candidate than Vice President Kamala Harris, given her recent struggles. Ullman suggested Biden's experience may have served America better, despite concerns over his age. While Harris initially had momentum, Donald Trump has closed the gap. Ullman highlighted Biden's strengths, though his physical decline raised doubts. Meanwhile, Trump's energetic presence continues to resonate, contrasting with Harris' campaign challenges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Brics summit emphasized strengthening Indo-Russian relations, addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict peacefully, and India opening a new consulate in Kazan. The Brics summit focuses on promoting a multipolar world order and enhancing global economic discussions. Brics represents a significant portion of the world’s population and economic output.

Ukraine's population has sharply declined by over 10 million due to the ongoing conflict since February 2022, according to the United Nations. The war has led to a significant exodus of citizens and a plunging birth rate, now one of the lowest globally. Current population figures stand at approximately 37.86 million, a significant drop from 2022.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour continues its final leg with shows in Miami, while her partner, Travis Kelce, misses out due to NFL commitments. Kelce's best friend, Ross Travis, steps in to support Swift, sparking rumors. Swift's next performance is on October 25 in New Orleans, with Kelce preparing for a critical game on October 27.

Prime Minister Modi attends the 16th Brics summit in Kazan, focusing on inclusivity and expanded member cooperation. The group now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, aiming to challenge the Western-led global order, particularly the dominance of the US dollar. Internal dynamics and divergent national interests present ongoing challenges for cohesive action.

Nobel laureate Paul Romer praised India's Aadhaar as a groundbreaking technological innovation, transforming government services and direct benefit transfers. Romer noted India's proactive use of Aadhaar, contrasting it with Western legal and corporate barriers. He emphasized the necessity of urban development for economic growth and urged India to assert its sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions.

In Hyderabad, a 22-year-old painter, Gayapu Uday Kiran, fell from a hotel's third floor and died while playfully chasing a dog in the corridor. The accident, captured on CCTV, occurred during a birthday party with friends. Uday was declared dead at a private hospital. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation following a complaint from the victim's father.

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, kicks off the Diwali festival and will be celebrated on October 29, 2024. People worship Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantri, buying gold, silver, and other items for good fortune. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and a diya is lit for Lord Yama, symbolizing protection from suffering and untimely death.

Mercedes-Benz India launched the all-new Mercedes-AMG G 63 at Rs 3.60 crore, featuring a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, 48V mild hybrid tech, and advanced suspension for optimal performance. Boasting Nappa leather upholstery, an MBUX NTG7 system, and extensive customization options, deliveries are set for Q3 2025.

Despite delays, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasizes the importance of quality, citing the success of past Apple products. Cook asserts that Apple's AI, named Apple Intelligence, aims to be the best rather than the first. It debuts in October on newer iPhones and iPads, promising advanced features like improved Siri and image creation.

Israel's military has uncovered cash and gold worth hundreds of millions of dollars in a bunker beneath Beirut's Al-Sahel Hospital, allegedly built by Hezbollah's former leader. Despite these findings, Israel will not target the hospital, instead focusing on Hezbollah’s financial assets. Lebanese officials dispute these claims.

New Zealand Cricket faced criticism from Indian fans for posting a map misrepresenting Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh's borders. The post, linked to the Kiwis' travel plans for the second Test against India in Pune, was deleted after backlash. This incident follows New Zealand's eight-wicket victory over India in Bengaluru.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated to 'very poor' with an AQI of 385. The CAQM enforced Stage II of GRAP, involving measures like mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling on roads, to address the crisis. Residents are urged to use public transport and avoid dust-generating activities to help mitigate the pollution.

During India's defeat to New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru, a humorous comment by Indian captain Rohit Sharma about New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was caught on the stump mic. Despite early breakthroughs by India's bowlers, Ravindra's unbeaten 39 and Will Young’s 48 not out guided New Zealand to their first Test win in India since 1988.

India faces multiple challenges ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, with key decisions on player fitness and form. Shubman Gill's return is likely, and the team management must assess Rishabh Pant's knee injury and KL Rahul's form. Potential changes include Washington Sundar and Akash Deep to enhance flexibility and readiness for upcoming tours.

Kane Williamson is ruled out of the second Test against India in Pune starting on October 24. He is still recovering from a groin strain from the recent series against Sri Lanka. New Zealand leads the series 1-0 after a historic win in Bengaluru, their first on Indian soil in 36 years.