The Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited L K Advani to congratulate him on entering his 100th year of life. Advani, who was born on November 8, 1927, turned 99 on that same day. Modi expressed admiration for Advani's significant contributions to India's political landscape during his visit. The Prime Minister also wrote a newspaper article detailing Advani's impactful journey.

Sonia Gandhi prepares to unveil her memoir, positioning it as a personal narrative rather than a political one. Through candid reflections, she explores the love that guides her life and recounts the family tragedies that have shaped her. Her five-decade journey in Indian politics is depicted with sincerity, revealing the motivations and struggles of her family. The memoir is set for release on November 10 under HarperCollins India.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the state would advance with the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. The Supreme Court has already confirmed Karnataka's right to develop the project while adhering to water-sharing agreements. Shivakumar invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to engage collaboratively in the matter. Karnataka has identified land for compensatory afforestation and is preparing the necessary application.

The opposition party's dig came after Modi targeted political opponents, saying armed Maoists have been eliminated, but dimagi Naxals have infiltrated several political parties and organisations and are instigating people against the Constitution and democracy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the elimination of armed Maoists while addressing the ideological threat of 'dimagi Naxals'. He emphasized the need to identify and defeat these elements infiltrating various organizations and political parties. Modi referenced past failures in addressing Naxalism while stating that strong policies and political will led to significant improvements.

Sonia Gandhi reflected on her childhood Diwali celebrations in a recent video with her daughter Priyanka. They shared memories of family traditions that included diyas and visiting markets for firecrackers. Sonia spoke about the festive food, particularly Kashmiri dishes, which remain part of their celebrations. The conversation highlighted how the festival has historically involved friends and family from various communities visiting their home.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has backed allegations of excessive ethanol blending in petrol sold in the state, claiming levels exceed the approved E20 limit. He said samples had been collected from 67 locations and an investigation was underway, with a minister set to present evidence and documents on Monday.

National Conference is experiencing internal dissent following the resignation of Aga Ruhullah as Srinagar MP. Some MLAs are questioning Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's leadership due to his close aides' influence. Party president Farooq Abdullah has intervened to address the discontent among legislators expressing trust issues. The recent electoral performance has made it difficult for the leadership to acknowledge growing disappointment.

Telangana BJP President Ramchander Rao announced plans to protest Rahul Gandhi's upcoming visit to Telangana. The BJP claims that Congress has failed to fulfill election promises made three years ago. Rao emphasized that Gandhi lost his moral right to visit the state due to these unfulfilled commitments. Additionally, Telangana Minister Mohammad Azharuddin expressed support for Gandhi's call for an open debate.

Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned the recent attack on the residence of Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. She accused BJP-backed miscreants and police of conducting the attack in the early hours. Banerjee expressed her determination to vocalize against intimidation and atrocities happening in West Bengal. She challenged the BJP to use their bulldozers if they dared to silence her.

National Conference faces internal dissent with MLAs expressing concerns regarding Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's leadership style. The resignation of Aga Ruhullah as Srinagar MP has intensified these grievances among party members. Farooq Abdullah, the party president, has intervened to mediate the situation and address the dissident legislators' demands. Resentment over recent appointments, particularly that of Nasir Aslam Wani, is also contributing to the unrest.

BJP is engaging in discussions regarding the potential merger of the two Nationalist Congress Party factions. Rohit Pawar has dismissed any possibility of a reunion, while Sunetra Pawar, the current NCP president, remains silent. BJP leaders such as Pravin Darekar believe that only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar can decide on the merger.

The Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh assembly speaker to resolve a disqualification petition against MLA Nirmala Sapre. Sapre won her seat on a Congress ticket but announced her intention to join BJP during the campaign. This announcement raised questions about her allegiance, prompting a legal challenge from Congress leader Umang Singhar. The speaker's decision is required within two months to uphold the principles of the anti-defection law.

BJP and JD(U) are collaborating to showcase unity as Prime Minister Modi prepares for his upcoming rally. The rally, scheduled for November 21, will mark a year of NDA governance in Bihar. Tensions arose from the recent MLC elections with accusations regarding BJP's lack of support for JD(U) candidates. Despite internal criticisms, leaders are focusing on ensuring the success of Modi's event.

Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Modi to clarify the ethanol blending limits in petrol. Karnataka officials claim independent tests revealed excessive ethanol levels in petrol samples. According to Gandhi, 11 out of 14 tested samples exceeded the 20% ethanol limit. Oil companies like HPCL, IOC, and BPCL have denied these accusations regarding the blending practices.

Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji celebrates his hundredth birthday on November 8, coinciding with Diwali festivities. He has played a vital role in shaping modern Indian politics through the Jana Sangh and BJP. Advani Ji faced challenges, such as Partition, and rebuilt his life with determination and resilience. He was influential during critical moments, including the Emergency and the Somnath-to-Ayodhya Rath Yatra.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh inaugurated an AI-Enabled Career Intelligence Hub for student career guidance. He urged students to avoid agitation and focus on dialogue to resolve conflicts peacefully. Singh highlighted the importance of honesty, sincerity, and hard work in shaping future careers and aspirations.

Sonam Wangchuk called for presidential intervention regarding the situation in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. He claimed that Ladakh has experienced significant repression since it became a Union Territory. Wangchuk accused the Lieutenant Governor of engaging in a smear campaign against him and other local leaders. He expressed concerns over various policies that favor corporatization and harm local communities.

Sonia Gandhi has expressed concerns over the damage inflicted on India's democracy and institutions in recent years. She emphasized that the Congress has never compromised with the BJP and RSS, and continues to fight for constitutional values. According to Gandhi, the party has faced severe challenges but remains resilient in the face of adversity. She mentioned her personal journey and motivations for entering public life.

Sonia Gandhi reveals her belief that the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi was a significant mistake. She suggests that if Sanjay Gandhi had been kept in check, much of the subsequent damage could have been avoided. Indira Gandhi's decision was influenced by various pressures, including those from her younger son Sanjay and several advisors.

A rally organized by the CJP commenced at Marine Drive in Kochi, led by actor Prakash Raj. The participants urged the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that over 13 crore voters have been deleted nationwide during the revision process. Police were deployed to manage crowd control and ensure safety during the protest.

Sonam Wangchuk has expressed concerns to President Droupadi Murmu regarding administrative actions affecting critics in Ladakh. He alleges that a smear campaign is being orchestrated by the Lieutenant Governor's administration against him and others. The appeal follows the cancellation of the land lease for the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh, which he co-founded.

Sonia Gandhi expressed disappointment over Penguin Random House India's refusal to publish her memoir due to government criticism. Although inclined to publish, the publisher reportedly faced internal disagreements regarding the manuscript's content. Subsequent concerns were raised regarding potential government pressure affecting the book's publication. HarperCollins India has now confirmed publication of her memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' on November 10.

Speculations regarding the Mallrats actor's joblessness and potential homelessness intensified after he expressed worries about his work and living situation on X. The actor disclosed that his employer seemed to be going through a significant personal crisis, causing him to be concerned that the issue might jeopardise both his employment and housing.

Jeremy London took to social media to dispel rumors about his job and living arrangements after a recent post generated concern. He reassured fans that he is not homeless and resides in a condo in Florida. London shared his astonishment at his boss's conduct, which spurred him to seek support. His clarification was necessary due to the media's reaction to his earlier comments about job stability.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge claimed the Central government is misleading citizens regarding ethanol blending in petrol. He referred to laboratory reports showing blending levels exceeding announced limits, which he stated benefit certain companies. Kharge highlighted discrepancies in government statements regarding ethanol blending being an experiment only. He also addressed rising prices attributed to the government's policies impacting essential services like public transport.

Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP disrupted a Kali Puja celebration in Kolkata's Kalighat area. She claimed that a gang attacked TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's house during the early hours. Concerns were raised about the breakdown of law and order in West Bengal related to these incidents. CCTV footage reportedly captured assailants attacking the premises and damaging property.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP government for the demolition of Bismillah Khan's home. He expressed concerns about the loss of cultural legacy and the integrity of Bharat Ratna awardees. Municipal officials clarified that the family chose to demolish the structure independently after declining a museum proposal. The Varanasi Municipal Corporation had earlier issued a notice concerning the building's dilapidated condition.

Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns regarding high ethanol levels in petrol sold in Karnataka. He claims that numerous petrol samples exceeded the prescribed limit of 20%. Oil marketing companies have disputed these allegations, asserting their fuel meets regulatory standards. Karnataka authorities are seeking accountability and transparency regarding fuel quality. An investigation into the matter has been called for to protect consumer interests.

Donald Trump has expressed readiness to work with Democratic lawmakers on issues like immigration and taxes. He acknowledged that both parties can find common ground through economic development initiatives. Trump's comments followed the disappointing election results for the Republican Party, which he attributed to inaction in Congress. As he prepares for the next Congress, he encourages urgent legislative action. The upcoming sessions will focus on pending bills and presidential nominations.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called upon citizens to actively preserve the dignity of democracy in India. He emphasized the importance of informed citizens in maintaining the credibility of constitutional institutions. Through a public awareness campaign, he urged collective responsibility to combat misinformation from opposition parties. Sonowal highlighted the need for transparency in the electoral process and encouraged participation in democratic values.

Abhishek Banerjee reported an attack on his residence by alleged Bharatiya Janata Party operatives late at night. He expressed concerns about surveillance activities conducted by unidentified individuals claiming to be police. Banerjee criticized the Kolkata Police and higher judicial institutions for their inaction regarding this situation. He called for an immediate investigation into the surveillance and the motives behind it.

Donald Harrison has resigned from SpaceX's board after more than ten years of service. He notified the company of his decision, which took effect immediately on November 4. Elon Musk commented that the resignation was due to conflicts of interest related to Alphabet, Google's parent company. Google remains a major institutional holder of SpaceX shares after slightly increasing its position this week.

Earlier in April, shots were fired as US President Donald Trump attended a press dinner in Washington.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target of more than 65 seats for the BJP in Uttarakhand's 70-member Assembly, urging party workers to secure a third consecutive term. At a rally marking the state's 26th Foundation Day, he also targeted Congress over alleged encroachments and Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Bachao Yatra'.

NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare has said Ajit Pawar had finalised a blueprint to reunite the two NCP factions by February 12, but the plan stalled after his death on January 28. His remarks have revived merger speculation following Praful Patel's meeting with Sharad Pawar in Mumbai.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has rejected reports of a split in the ruling party after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MLAs who had raised concerns over its functioning. He said the leadership had heard their grievances and would take steps to strengthen the party and the government.

The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause contempt notice to Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee office-bearers over an October 12 social media post demanding Chief Justice Surya Kant's resignation. The bench said freedom of expression cannot be used to interfere with the administration of justice and warned against attempts to undermine judicial authority.

The Election Commission has offered voters excluded from draft electoral rolls in seven states a fresh opportunity to re-enrol after being marked Absent, Shifted, Dead or Duplicate. Eligible applicants will have their original EPIC numbers restored in final rolls, while election officials have been directed to undertake door-to-door outreach.

Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP-led Centre of using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to deprive people opposed to the ruling party of voting rights and access to welfare schemes. His criticism followed Union minister Lalan Singh's remarks on identifying scheme beneficiaries through voter ID details.

Suvendu Adhikari said the BJP-led government would offer incentives starting May 9, but would be unable to clear the industrial incentives backlog of nearly Rs 50,000 crore owing to the state's debt burden of Rs 8 lakh crore. He promised to clear the backlog once West Bengal becomes a financially stronger state like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in the next two years.

A wedding reception in Chennai saw the attendance of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. K T Rama Rao was also present, as the three leaders interacted during the event. Their differing political positions raised various speculations about potential collaborations in the future. Despite cordial relations among Jagan and KTR, alliances may be complicated due to existing political dynamics.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to expedite the citizenship application process under CAA by December 31. He highlighted that around 2.5 lakh applications remain pending due to previous government delays. Adhikari stated that training and administrative measures are being implemented to ensure timely application processing. Additionally, the state government will invest Rs 1,000 crore over two years to restore religious institutions.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the Home Minister offered a major assurance regarding the criminal justice delivery system, stating that trials will conclude within three years for cases registered after May 2027.

Rahul Gandhi has renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open debate, asking Amit Shah to convince the PM to accept it rather than confuse him. The exchange follows Shah's invitation to discuss the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Parliament, intensifying the BJP-Opposition confrontation.

Kannada Rakshana Vedike held discussions to address local hiring concerns with companies at Kempegowda International Airport. KRV president T.A. Narayana Gowda emphasised the need for fair employment opportunities for Kannadigas. Several organisations participated in the meeting and expressed commitment to increase local hiring. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar encouraged private employers to utilise Karnataka's talent pool more effectively. The organisation plans further outreach to enhance employm

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused the INDIA bloc of attempting to undermine constitutional provisions regarding electoral rolls. He stated that allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision are unsubstantiated and misleading. Majumdar emphasised the historical context of numerous such revisions occurring under Congress rule. He highlighted that significant voter name deletions include shifts, duplicates, and deceased individuals.

Lalu Prasad appeared before the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM)-I after warrants and a proclamation notice were issued against him for repeatedly failing to attend court proceedings.