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Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Vikar Rasool Wani from the party for «attempting to destabilise» and «inciting» indiscipline in the party, sources said Saturday. Sources in Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) said district-level leaders were not happy with Wani, and accused him of using party leader Ghulam Nabi Monga — who they described as a «failed Congressmen» — to destabilise the party. «He incites others to question the decisions of the party high command vis-a-vis alliance with National Conference and other decisions concerning J-K Congress,» a source in the party quoted leaders as having said. «We will be seeking his immediate removal as Special Invitee Congress Working Committee (CWC) given the fact that he doesn't deserve this position,» the source said.

India’s ambition to double its economy to $7 trillion by 2030 hinges on a broad strategy that includes reforms, infrastructure development, investment in human capital, a focus on innovation, and consistent investment in key growth sectors such as manufacturing, exports, and agriculture. Achieving this target requires collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector. In this background, Public Affairs Forum of India ( PAFI ) 11th Annual Forum was convened last month in New Delhi with three specific aims: to define required policies, understand crucial partnerships, and identify immediate priorities. The sessions pointed to multiple learnings for advancing India’s ambition for sustainable and inclusive growth. Here are 11 key points that emerged at the Forum.

non-consensual recording during intimate moments has been launched by German sexual health brand Billy Boy. The application, named Camdom, is described as a "digital condom" that blocks electronic devices from capturing audio or video without permission. In an announcement, developer Felipe Almeida explained, “Smartphones are now inseparable from people’s lives and hold vast amounts of sensitive data.”

Maharashtra Assembly polls, Congress' in-charge for the State, Ramesh Chennithala alleged on Saturday that crores of rupees have been reportedly offered to two MLAs to join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. Chennithala made those allegations while speaking to reporters in the national capital today. He also questioned the Maharashtra Chief Minister (Eknath Shinde)

developed economy, said ISRO Chairman S. Somanathan, stressing the importance of technological advancements and product development to drive economic growth. He also praised tech mogul Elon Musk for his innovative work in the space sector, noting that Musk's achievements have inspired global efforts, including those within ISRO. Somanathan made these remarks while addressing students at the 13th convocation ceremony of the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Delhi here on Saturday. «If India aspires to become the third, second, or even the first-largest global economy, a revolutionary change is needed. Growth will not be driven by trade and resources alone. We need to create value in technology that powers product development,» he said.

office space market in India is set to break records in 2024, with absorption projected to exceed 70 mn sq. ft., according to Savills India, a global real estate advisory firm. The demand reached 55.1 mn sq. ft. between January and September 2024, marking a 30% year-on-year (YoY) increase across six major cities. The Year-To-Date (YTD) leasing activity has set a new benchmark for the January-September period, aligning with 2022’s full-year performance. With only 7 mn sq. ft. remaining to surpass 2023’s total, 2024 is expected to achieve absorption levels in the range of 70-74 mnsq. ft.

headline inflation trajectory is expected to moderate from the last quarter of this financial year, while unexpected weather events and worsening of geopolitical conflicts pose a major challenge, Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said in Washington DC. On inflation, the RBI Governor spoke about ensuring inflation reaches to the 4% level on a durable basis. Pertinent to note that last week, the governor said that a policy rate cut would be very risky at this juncture. 'Resilient growth has given us the space to focus on inflation so as to ensure its durable descent to the 4 per cent target," Das said at the Macro Week 2024 organised by the Peterson Institute for International Economics at Washington DC.

Yashasvi Jaiswal who showcased his capabilities against mighty New Zealand has sealed records despite India struggling to score against the Kiwis in the ongoing test series. The new entry to the team etched his name into the record books, continuing his incredible run of form in Test cricket. The 22-year-old left-hander, who made his India debut in July 2023, reached yet another milestone on Saturday by becoming only the third Indian cricketer to score over 1000 runs in home Tests in a single calendar year. He joins Indian legends Gundappa Vishwanath (1047) and Sunil Gavaskar (1013), both of whom accomplished the feat in 1979. This achievement comes just a day after Jaiswal became the first Indian to score 1000 Test runs in a calendar year before turning 23. His stellar performances have seen him accumulate more than 1300 runs in his short Test career, at an impressive average of nearly 60, which includes three centuries and eight fifties.

World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index regarding order and security, making it the third worst country in the world. A recent report published by the WJP has evaluated countries based on different factors, including constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice. According to the 'Dawn' newspaper, order and security are measured by three factors: crime control, protection from armed conflicts, and the use of violence to resolve civil disputes. The report shows that Pakistan's law and order have drastically declined.

NASA is actively tracking multiple asteroids expected to fly by Earth between October 26 and 28, 2024. Among them are asteroids 2024 TB2, 2007 UT3, and the larger 2020 WG. Experts confirm there is no threat to Earth from these celestial objects, highlighting the opportunity for scientific research.

NCP (SP) candidate Yugendra Pawar says fighting against his uncle Ajit Pawar is a challenge for him, but he is not worried as goodwill and blessings are with him. He said it is the people of Baramati who chose him for the assembly poll fight this time. For the November 20 assembly polls, the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar has fielded Yugendra, who is the son of Ajit Pawar's younger brother Shrinivas. This is Yugendra's maiden election. This is the second electoral contest between two members of the politically influential Pawar family in their home turf Baramati in Pune district in the last six months.

Alphabet's self-driving unit, Waymo, said on Friday it had closed a $5.6 billion funding round led by the Google parent, as it looks to expand its autonomous ride-hailing service. Automakers and technology companies are investing in autonomous ride-hailing services to capitalize on the technology to drive commercial success, even as it faces widespread skepticism and tight regulatory scrutiny. The investment round also saw participation from existing investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Fidelity, Perry Creek, Silver Lake, Tiger Global, and T. Rowe Price, Waymo said.

Palm oil prices have risen by 37% over the past month, impacting household budgets and increasing costs for restaurants, hotels, and sweet shops that use the oil for preparing snacks, TOI reported. Mustard oil, a commonly used oil in households, has seen a 29% price increase in the same period. This rise in oil prices comes as retail inflation reached a nine-month high of 5.5% in September, driven by high vegetable and food prices. This development has reduced the chances of the Reserve Bank of India cutting interest rates for now.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has said that there are ample opportunities for investments in manufacturing, renewable energy, bio energy, aqua and petrochemical sectors in the state. Lokesh, who is currently touring the USA to participate in the ITServe Alliance Synergy Conference to be held in LAs Vegas on October 29, met some industrialists in San Francisco on Friday. In a post on 'X', Lokesh further said the government is moving forward with the 4P policy (Public-Private-People-Partnership) and will have goals to be achieved for every 100 days of rule for the comprehensive development of the state.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said her first journey as a public representative of Wayanad is not her first as a public fighter as she asserted that fighting for democracy, justice and values enshrined in the Constitution is central to her life. In an open letter to the people of Wayanad, after she filed her nomination papers from the constituency, she told them that she would work with them closely and help address their challenges. Urging people to elect her as an MP in the November 13 bypoll, she promised that her work would serve to deepen the bond with them and that she would do all she could to fight for them and represent them in the way that they wish to be represented in Parliament. She said the people of Wayanad will be «my guides and teachers» in this journey, which is her first as a public representative.

Investigation Discovery (ID) on Sunday, October 27. The film features multiple women who have come forward with serious allegations against the R&B singer. One of the most alarming accounts comes from an anonymous woman referred to as Jane Doe. She alleges that Chris Brown raped her in December 2020 aboard a yacht owned by Sean «Diddy» Combs, as reported by People magazine. In the documentary, Doe shares her experience after moving to Los Angeles to pursue a dance career. During a trip to Miami, she received an invitation to Combs' yacht, where she discovered that Brown would also be present. “I thought it was a sign that he could maybe be able to help me or guide me or give me some advice,” she explained. Doe claims that after consuming drinks handed to her by Brown, she began to feel disoriented. “I started to feel tired and my body was feeling a little heavy,” she recalled. According to Doe, Brown led her to a bedroom where the alleged assault occurred. “I said 'No,' and then I felt him… next thing I knew he was inside me,” she alleges tearfully, adding, “I was so disgusted.” Brown's attorneys have categorically denied Doe's claims, labeling them as entirely fabricated. A representative for Brown has not responded to requests for comment, and Sean Combs' attorney also declined to comment amid ongoing legal issues facing the music mogul.

Iran on Saturday to stop attacking Israel to break the cycle of violence after Israel launched strikes against the Islamic republic in retaliation for a missile barrage. «We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without further escalation,» US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters. The Israeli military conducted air strikes against Iran on Saturday, hitting military bases and missile sites, and other systems in several regions.

City Champions Summit, hosted by Josh Talks, on Saturday, 16 innovative startups were celebrated for their groundbreaking work in transforming India’s urban landscapes. The Summit is supported by Omidyar Network India and was held at The Claridges, New Delhi. The event convened the leaders in urban development underscoring the future of sustainable, inclusive cities. This summit culminates a three-month accelerator program which was designed by Josh Talks in partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park with the aim nurture 16 impact startups working across sectors such as climate action, transport, city planning, energy and more. These startups were handpicked through a rigorous evaluation process from over 350 applicants. The City Champions program began in April this year by inviting applications across 8 thematic sectors. The accelerator program kicked-off in late July and included exposure to 16 startups through virtual sessions with industry leaders, 1:1 mentorship from IIM-C experts, access to funders and potential business partners through physical boot camps held across Kolkata, Bengaluru and Delhi.

Mumbai Police in a joint operation with Punjab Police has apprehended Sujeet Sushil Singh, a resident of Mumbai, wanted in the high profile murder of Baba Siddique. «Sujeet was involved in the murder conspiracy and was informed about the plan to kill Baba Siddique three days in advance by Nitin Gautan Sapre-another accused. He also provided logistical assistance,» DGP Punjab police Gaurav Yadav said on Saturday in a post on X. Singh has been handed over to Mumbai Police for further investigation, the Punjab DGP said.

Sai Pallavi has landed herself in a bit of hot water. An old video of the ‘Premam’ actress has resurfaced and has gone viral for the wrong reasons. In the clip, she is seen describing the Indian Army as a “terrorist group” in Pakistan and advocating ant-violence. «People in Pakistan think our army is a terrorist group. But for us, it is them. So, the perspective changes. I don't understand violence.» The video is dated back to 2022.