The Times of India

As Californians gear up to cast their votes on Proposition 40, which suggests a one-time tax on billionaires, notable figures like Larry Page have relocated their businesses far from the state's reach to evade this tax burden. While the tax could potentially rake in $100 billion, the exodus of these wealthy individualswho would collectively owe around $29 billionposes a serious threat to California's expected income from this tax initiative.

Elon Musk has issued a warning to Democratic lawmakers considering an investigation into his businesses. He stated his intent to pursue those behind such actions if Democrats gain congressional control. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest regarding Musk's federal contracts and subsidies. The proposed investigations also include scrutiny of Musks decisions regarding Starlink services in Ukraine.

Suvarna Raj, a 44-year-old para-athlete from Greater Noida, won gold for India in the women's F54 discus throw at the Asian Para Games on Thursday. She finished first with a best throw of 15.66m, adding another medal to her international career.

Amar Kale, a self-taught artist from Karnataka, created a world record for the largest spice painting. He used approximately 6 kg of turmeric and 5 kg of chilli powder for this artwork. The piece measures 175.82 square metres and tells a story of Karnataka's heritage. His work features the Hampi Chariot and reflects the state's cultural legacy. This achievement followed his earlier record for painted handprints within one minute.

Eighteen-year-old Anahat Singh stunned eight-time world champion Nour ElSherbini 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in 30 minutes at the Silicon Valley Open on Wednesday. The Indian advanced to the quarter-finals of the USD 143,500 PSA Gold event. Earlier, Singh defeated Nour Aboulmakarim in the opening round. The victory marked the biggest win of her professional career, strengthening her reputation as a rising squash star.

A Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker, M/T Al Dasma, was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. All 21 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were reported safe after the incident on October 21. This event follows previous attacks on vessels in the region, raising safety concerns for Indian mariners. The Indian government is in contact with ship management to ensure ongoing security measures.

In Tripura, a controversial video featuring influencer Amir Shokeen allegedly mocking a tribal youth has ignited political backlash. Leaders throughout the region voiced their outrage, labeling the incident a racial attack and pushing for swift action. CM Manik Saha has directed the Tripura DGP to collaborate with Delhi Police for a comprehensive investigation.

Swati Chaudhary achieved a silver medal in the women's W1 individual archery event at the Asian Para Games. She initially took a 4-2 lead but eventually lost the final to Cen Mengkan of China. After winning the first and third sets, Swati struggled in the fourth and fifth sets, allowing Cen to clinch the gold. This tournament adds to Swati's recent bronze medal win at the World Archery Para Series.

A senior PCI official, who is part of the Indian delegation in Nagoya and who handled the entire situation, confirmed the development to TOI, describing the alleged misconduct as reprehensible and intolerable and saying there could be no justification for such behaviour by an athlete representing the country on the international stage.

Senior editor Asra Nomanis investigation says it has identified 101 organisations across nine countries in a red-green protest ecosystem (referring to Islamist and communist groups) that are coordinating, organising or amplifying protests in Europe in an expanding protest ecosystem. Her story also flags how transnational anti-capitalist organisation Progressive International (PI) explicitly grouped the current protests in France, Spain, India and Albania.

The United States ordered some of its diplomats and the family members of US government employees to leave Saudi Arabia late on Wednesday. The move followed a series of deadly attacks attributed to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and growing concerns that the conflict could escalate further. The latest violence has raised concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia's critical infrastructure.

Taking note that Compensation to Victims (Interim Relief) Scheme, 2026 has not been notified or publicised, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan directed the govt to publicise it to ensure awareness. People must be made aware of their right to seek interim compensation, it said. Union road transport ministry officials said the scheme will be notified as provided for under Central Motor Vehicle Act.

In total, about 300 items of equipment were manufactured and delivered to the plant four sets of ESFAS CS in accordance with the number of safety instrumentation and control trains, per each power unit featuring VVER-1000 reactors. ESFAS is the system that monitors the process parameters of a power unit when there is a deviation from normal operation conditions.

Under the proposal, the safe-driving tutorial would have to last at least 30 minutes. The higher qualifying score of 70% is aimed at making the assessment more stringent. The draft also proposes a defined procedure for online applications to change driving licence particulars, including name and address. Licencing authorities would have to approve or reject applications for changes within 15 days, giving reasons for rejection.

Stating that an environment conducive to development has emerged in Kashmir, Northeast and LWE-hit regions, Shah particularly thanked CRPF and its CoBRA battalion as well as Chhattisgarh Police for their role in the decisive fight against LWE. The home ministry will dedicate the remaining part of 2026 and three years after that to freeing the country from the drug menace, Shah said.

Kunal, who has also been arrested, has emerged as a key character who had been in touch with gangsters Anil Pandit and Randeep Malik for over two months. He had also figured as the source of the weapon used for the murder of a forex-hawala trader in Sonipat last year, sources said.

US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the setting up of a $300 billion refinery in US, with RIL being part of his plank to revive industry in the country and bring back jobs that were offshored. The Mukesh Ambani-led company has, however, not outlined any details. The importance of Reliance has since increased because the Jamnagar complex is where hard Venezuelan crude can be refined.

In 2012, Rwanda launched the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence to fill the gap in cancer care services. Since then, it has treated over 18,000 individuals, greatly enhancing local healthcare. The center plays a crucial role by establishing vital diagnostic programs and training healthcare staff. However, challenges such as high drug costs and a lack of specialists remain, affecting survival rates.

Homeowners in The Vistas at Phillips Commons have initiated a lawsuit against their homeowners association. They allege that a roofing contract worth $2.1 million was approved secretly before an official vote. The residents claim that a significant deposit was made before the meeting took place, indicating potential financial misconduct. An active criminal investigation is examining alleged irregularities involving both the association and the management company.

BMS has been actively working in Kashmir since 2020 after the abrogation of Article 370 and currently has 20 registered affiliated labour unions in the region, Khuchay said. Initially, there were a lot of misconceptions about RSS, he said. However, the BMS functionary claimed that over the years, he had succeeded in convincing the people that RSS was not anti-Muslim, but pro-labour and pro-people.

Nestled at 238 West 74th Street, this pristine townhouse dating back 140 years is available for $10.45 million. Spanning around 6,460 square feet, it boasts six bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms. Unique features include a splendid 41-foot heated indoor pool and lush outdoor spaces, combining modern conveniences with historic charm. Its recent renovations enhance the classic aesthetics, and it has seen several price reductions from an initial $14.945 million.

Michael Criscuolo, a resident of Connecticut, faced a life-changing injury after stumbling over construction debris near his apartment. A court ruled in his favor, granting him $1.6 million due to the landlord's clear negligence. Yet, Sim Levenhartz has failed to pay the awarded sum, with an appeal still in progress, prolonging Criscuolo's wait for justice. Meanwhile, the property deteriorates further, racking up municipal fines.

Preliminary investigation has indicated a cross-border nexus. Inquiry is underway to identify the source of the consignment, its intended recipients, and persons involved in the network, police said. The network came to light during the questioning of a 26-year-old man arrested for consuming drugs in RS Pura on Wednesday. Police said, The arrested man, Sunny Kumar, a resident of Kotli Mirdian, Suchetgarh, revealed about the smuggling module.

A single bench of Justice Wasim Nargal said preventive detention, which allows authorities to deprive a person of liberty without a regular criminal trial, demands the highest degree of constitutional responsibility and procedural diligence. The court directed the DC to appear with the detention order, police dossier, material placed before him and records showing his consideration of the case and subjective satisfaction before ordering detention under PSA.

A New Mexico state court has imposed a $25 billion penalty on Meta following a legal battle. Jurors found Meta liable for deceiving residents about data privacy measures and harmful content management. The court reduced the initial $219.5 billion request, affirming the penalty's justification due to numerous violations. Meta's internal inquiry was deemed ineffective, failing to meet commitments made after the scandal.

Promised Land State Park in Pennsylvania originated from the acquisition of fire-damaged land between 1902 and 1904. Through dedicated efforts by the Civilian Conservation Corps, over a million trees were planted, transforming the landscape into a beautiful forested area. Recreation facilities were developed to enhance visitors' enjoyment, although the park faced hurdles like a tornado in 1998.

Eva Marcille, known for her reality TV fame, is embroiled in a legal battle with her Georgia homeowners association due to claims of unpaid dues and property upkeep issues. The association alleges that Eva has failed to respond to multiple warnings concerning her property's state. Her attorney, Michael T. Sterling, has pledged to vigorously defend her, underscoring potential ramifications for homeowner rights in Georgia.

The Indian Embassy in France has raised an alert for Indian nationals amid ongoing protests in the nation. Citizens are advised to avoid large gatherings and comply with directives from local officials. With violent outbreaks and curfews emerging in reaction to increasing living expenses, the French government braces for more unrest. Indians living in France should closely follow news updates and keep emergency contacts easily available.

Donald Trump Jr expressed private opposition to the war with Iran, differing from his father's military approach. Despite sharing his views with close associates, he has avoided public disagreements with his father. The conflict has revealed divisions within the MAGA movement on foreign intervention. Domestic challenges, like rising fuel prices, have affected Trump's approval ratings amid the ongoing war.

Indian Navy is conducting trials of the Rafale Marine fighter aircraft in Goa for modifications needed for INS Vikrant. These trials will ensure the aircraft can operate with the carrier's ski-jump launch and recovery systems. The Indian Navy has placed an order for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, set for delivery by the end of 2028. Rafale M aircraft serves various missions, enhancing the Navy's combat capabilities.