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Election Commission on Friday accepted the Jharkhand government's proposal to appoint Alka Tiwari as the chief secretary of the poll-bound state. Assembly polls in Jharkhand will be held in two phases — November 13 and November 20. Tiwari, who is from the 1988 batch, is currently the senior-most IAS officer in the cadre. Before this, the poll panel had also consented to the proposal of a five-month extension of the tenure of former chief secretary Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, the sources said.

Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai reported muted sales performance in October as the companies curtailed dispatches to dealers in order to cut inventory build up. The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said its total domestic passenger vehicle wholesales were at 1,59,591 units last month compared with 1,68,047 units in the year-ago month, a decline of 5 per cent. The company, however, reported its highest-ever monthly sales, including exports, in October at 2,06,434 units, a 4 per cent year-on-year growth over the same month last year. MSI Senior Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) Partho Banerjee said the company saw its highest-ever retail sales in an October.

RINL) have formed a consortium to prepare a uniform debt resolution plan for the government-owned Navratna company that has been under financial stress due to working at one third of its capacity. RINL is the corporate entity of Vizag Steel. State Bank of India (SBI), which is its largest lender with about Rs 6,400 crore of fund exposure, has led the formation of the consortium, a person familiar with the matter said.

Kiren Rijiju on Friday said he interacted with soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army along the Sino-Indian border near here during a visit to an Indian Army post on Diwali. Rijiju also said he celebrated Diwali with the Army jawans at Bumla in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. In the short video, posted on X, the union minister of parliamentary and minority affairs was seen talking to three PLA soldiers through an interpreter asking them how they were managing while being posted in such a high-altitude area which is located 15,000 feet above sea level. The PLA soldiers replied that they had no problems while serving in such areas and they were comfortable.

Manipur said that a higher amount of funds was sanctioned in the hilly areas than in the valley areas. Some tribal organisations, tribal leaders and MLAs have been accusing the state government of imbalanced allocation of funding of the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Ningombam Subhash, the Chief Engineer of Manipur's Public Works Department, said that between 2020-21 and 2024-25, Rs 2,395.51 crore was sanctioned for different road and bridge projects in the hill areas of the state while Rs 1,300.21 crore was sanctioned for the valley areas.

Indian carmakers reported a surge in sports utility vehicle sales to dealers in the festive month of October, company data showed on Friday, while the small-car segment stayed sluggish, highlighting customers' increasing preference for larger, premium cars. Maruti Suzuki, India's No. 1 carmaker in terms of market share, posted a 19.4% rise in SUV sales to hit a record high, while No. 2 SUV-maker Mahindra and Mahindra posted its highest monthly sales in the current fiscal year, a 25% rise.

Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year, AFP reported. Originally used to describe a misbehaving child, «brat» now signifies a “confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude,” according to Collins. This shift in meaning follows the success of Charli XCX's hit sixth album, Brat, which has inspired a cultural movement. “Inspired by the Charli XCX album, ‘brat’ has become one of the most talked about words of 2024,” noted Collins, calling it more than just a chart-topping album but a “cultural phenomenon” that has connected with fans globally. The phrase “brat summer” emerged from the album’s release, encapsulating a lifestyle of freedom and indulgence. Charli XCX, born Charlotte Emma Aitchison, describes the archetypal “brat girl” as someone “who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes, who feels herself, but then also maybe has a breakdown, but kind of parties through it.”

Rahul Gandhi Friday called for creating a system in which people's skills get their due and everyone's contribution is respected, as he shared a Diwali video in which he interacts with paint job workers and potters. Posting the over nine-minute video which features him also having a conversation with his nephew Raihan Rajiv Vadra on YouTube, the former Congress chief said, «A memorable Diwali with special people — I celebrated this Diwali working with some painter brothers and making earthen diyas with a potter family.» «I saw their work closely, tried to learn their skills and understood their difficulties and problems. They don't go home. We celebrate festivals happily and to earn some money, they forget their village, city, family,» Gandhi said. «They make happiness from clay. While lighting up the festivals of others, are they able to live in light themselves? Those who build houses can hardly run their own houses!» he said.

Prashant Kishor said on Friday that the Centre cannot implement the Uniform Civil Code in the country unless the Muslim community is taken into confidence. He said that in a democracy, before introducing a law, the government must gain the confidence of the people who will be affected by it. «Whether the Uniform Civil Code should be implemented or not remains to be a big debate. Unless the Muslim population, which is 20% of the country's population, is taken into confidence, you cannot implement this kind of radical law,» Kishor told ANI.

real estate prices between India and the United States. Ahluwalia shared a side-by-side comparison, asking followers, “Which $3M apartment would you prefer?” This question sparked considerable debate about the perceived overpricing of real estate in India, leading many to question the market dynamics. In Gurgaon, an investment of approximately ₹26.8 crore (around $3 million) can secure a 4BHK or 5BHK apartment in a prestigious residential society. Listings from 99 Acres show that this amount affords a property exceeding 5,000 square feet, equipped with amenities like a swimming pool, covered parking, a gym, a spa, and access to green spaces. While this offers a luxurious lifestyle, it is strikingly different from what the same sum can purchase in New York.

Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are locked in a fierce battle as the US will vote on November 5, set to be one of the most important economic and political events in recent history. These elections are a pivotal moment in US history which could have massive implications for how the country is governed and for the future of the post-war order that Washington has helped build. The biggest question now remains- Will Kamala Harris become the first woman President of the United States or would Trump win? What if Trump becomes the President once again after US election results next month? ALSO READ: US election result date: Donald Trump or Kamala Harris? When will we know the winner?

Heinrich Klaasen received the highest retention price ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, surprising many as he surpassed Virat Kohli. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday retained Klaasen for Rs 23 crore, underlining his impact and value to the team. Following Klaasen, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained Virat Kohli for Rs 21 crore. Although Kohli is one of the most accomplished players in the league, his retention price was slightly lower and the team also sealed only three spots including the former captain.

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on Friday extended Diwali wishes amid tensions with India. «Today, we join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali,» his statement read. “Diwali in Canada would not be possible without our incredible Indo-Canadian community," it further said. While lauding the Indo-Canadians, the PM said that they represent the best of Canada – as artists and entrepreneurs, as doctors and teachers, as leaders in business, community, and culture. «On Diwali, we celebrate them and the light they carry across Canada’s communities,» he further added. Explaining the significance of the auspicious occasion, Trudeau's statement read, «Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance. On this day, families will gather to pray at mandirs, exchange gifts, and take part in festivities across the country. Homes will be lit with candles and diyas. Fireworks will embrace the sky. This is a holiday of hope, and the bright lights of Diwali encourage us all to defeat darkness and find purpose.»

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. WHEN THE Bank for International Settlements (BIS) launched mBridge in 2021, a project aimed at revolutionising cross-border payments, it did so with much fanfare and, among some people, high expectations. The new system, which it was developing with China and others, would harness the power of digital currencies and the trustworthiness of central banks to make international financial flows faster, simpler and cheaper, it said.

Exercise Vajra Prahar 2024, a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army Special Forces, will take place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA, from November 2 to November 22, according to an official Indian Army statement. «The aim of Exercise Vajra Prahar is to promote military cooperation, strengthen interoperability, jointness, and mutual exchange of special operations tactics between the Indian Army and the US Army,» the Indian Army said via a post on X. The post also added, «Two nations, one mission: Training together for peace.»

Amit Shah on Friday greeted the people of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh on their statehood day, saying they had contributed immensely to nation-building. In separate messages on X, Shah expressed hope that the states would continue the journey of progress and development uninterrupted in the coming years. «Best wishes to our sisters and brothers in Andhra Pradesh on their statehood day. With its vibrant culture and rich literary traditions, Andhra Pradesh has made Bharat proud by its immense contribution to nation-building. May the state touch new heights of development,» he said. Expressing heartfelt greetings to the «sisters and brothers» in Karnataka on «Rajyotsava», the home minister said that as proud inheritors of a glorious heritage, the people of Karnataka had contributed immensely to enhancing the nation's pride.

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Bibek Debroy, passed away on Friday, aged 69. Debroy, a Padma Shri awardee, has held several key offices including Chairman of the Finance Ministry's 'Expert Committee for Infrastructure Classification and Financing Framework for Amrit Kaal' and a member of government think tank, NITI Aayog. But he gathered all the attention and made headlines when he proposed taxing agriculture income above a certain threshold to expand the tax base, alarming a large population in India, even the government.

Indian Army special contingent of 25 personnel departed to Indonesia on Friday for a joint exercise 'Garud Shakti'. The 9th edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise Garud Shakti 24 will be conducted from November 1 till 12. The Indian Army personnel will be reaching Cijantung in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali’s Laxmi Puja, is an important Hindu festival that will be observed on Thursday, November 2, 2024. This day holds special meaning for devotees of Lord Krishna, honouring his divine act of protection over the people of Gokul.

Elon Musk has emerged as a major supporter of Donald Trump's campaign to return to the White House. Here are five ways Musk is influencing the election against Kamala Harris: 1. Financial Support Musk established the America political action committee (Super PAC) in July, primarily aiming to support Trump and the «Make America Great Again» (MAGA) movement. This Super PAC has received around $75 million from Musk in the past three months. It focuses on boosting Republican voter turnout in seven key swing states. The PAC's initiatives, like offering cash incentives for petition sign-ups, have generated legal debates. Philadelphia's chief prosecutor has filed a lawsuit challenging a daily $1 million lottery prize for petition signatories as an «illegal lottery scheme.»