Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need to combat “Urban Naxalism” during his Rashtriya Ekta Diwas speech at Gujarat’s Statue of Unity. Speaking on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he warned of forces aiming to disrupt India’s growth, citing attempts by certain groups to undermine the economy and deter investors. PM Modi urged citizens to remain vigilant against entities that threaten India’s unity under the guise of democratic values.
The PM also advocated for the proposed “One Nation, One Election,” emphasizing how synchronized elections can strengthen democracy and streamline resources for growth. Modi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving a Uniform Civil Code, stating it would further national integration.
Modi’s remarks reflect the government’s heightened focus on internal security. He called upon citizens to honor Patel’s vision by fostering a united and stable India, especially during the current election season. Following the speech, Modi paid tribute to Patel and attended the Ekta Diwas Parade, which featured cultural performances and displays by armed forces and local organizations.
a Kerala man, Mohammed Ijas, was arrested on charges of making a false bomb threat targeting an Abu Dhabi-bound Air Arabia flight from Karipur International Airport. Ijas, reportedly under financial pressure, allegedly issued the threat to avoid traveling to Dubai, despite having booked the flight due to pressure from friends.
After an email warning the airport of a planted bomb, authorities immediately initiated a search. Cyber police traced the threat to Ijas, detaining him at the airport just before boarding. He admitted to issuing the threat as a last-ditch effort to evade the flight.
The ongoing investigation has seen Ijas charged under the Civil Aviation Act, the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Kerala Police Act. He has since been remanded by a local court.
over 500 bomb threats have recently targeted Indian flights, impacting multiple airlines and prompting the Civil Aviation Ministry to consider barring individuals who issue such threats from flying .
In a tragic case that has shocked Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the dismembered body of a 50-year-old woman was found in a shallow grave behind her family friend’s home on October 29. The woman, a beautician, went missing after leaving her salon on October 27. Her husband filed a missing person’s report, prompting an investigation that led police to Gul Mohammad, a trusted friend of the family.
Police traced her location to Gul Mohammad’s residence, where his wife admitted to burying the body. Officers unearthed six body parts wrapped in plastic bags buried in a 12-foot pit. Gul Mohammad has since fled, and the police are conducting raids to locate him, while his wife remains in custody for questioning.
This incident follows a similar crime in Bengaluru, where a 29-year-old woman was dismembered by a male acquaintance. Both cases have raised concerns over the rise in gruesome homicides nationwide, urging authorities to prioritize women’s safety and swift justice for families affected by such violence.
Thane: Residents of Ulhasnagar Camp 3 are grappling with a climate of fear following three brutal murders in just five days, reportedly stemming from petty disputes. The community is increasingly alarmed by what they describe as rampant criminal activity and inadequate police presence, allowing local criminals to act with impunity.
The latest incident occurred on October 29, when Ajay Chouhan was murdered by a group of eight assailants armed with knives and swords after a verbal altercation. This followed the earlier killing of Rajesaheb Shaikh on October 28 by his friend over a minor disagreement about food. Shaikh was attacked with a stone, leading to his death.
The third victim, Bharat Duseja, was fatally stabbed on October 25 by Gaurav Udanshive, reportedly due to previous animosity. Duseja succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival at the hospital. Law enforcement acted swiftly, apprehending Udanshive within hours.
Local activists attribute the escalating violence to several factors. Shashikant Dayma from the Waldhuni Biradari highlighted the perceived lack of fear among criminals, the absence of background checks on tenants, and an understaffed police force as major contributors to the deteriorating security situation. “People feel they can escape serious crimes without consequences,” he stated.
In response to growing public concern, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Gore emphasized the police’s commitment to swift action, stating, “We are arresting suspects the same day, conducting patrols, and booking offenders under the Arms Act. Citizens should report any suspicious activity to the helpline”.
Moreover, community members expressed frustrations over inadequate emergency services, highlighting an ambulance shortage that forced them to transport victims using personal vehicles, further complicating their access to timely medical care.
As Ulhasnagar grapples with these alarming incidents, residents continue to call for more robust policing and community safety measures to restore a sense of security.
In recent days, tensions between Israel and Iran have reached new heights following major retaliatory strikes. Israel targeted several Iranian military sites and missile production facilities in response to an October 1 missile barrage from Iran that launched around 200 ballistic missiles at various Israeli sites. This attack by Iran, reportedly part of its Operation True Promise 2, represents one of the largest Iranian strikes on Israel, targeting areas such as Nevatim Airbase, Tel Nof, and areas near Tel Aviv.
Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi warned Tehran of intensified repercussions should further attacks occur, stating that Israel is prepared to strike Iran “very, very hard” and has additional strategic targets reserved for future action. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also declared that Iran’s decision to retaliate would be met with greater force.
Additionally, Israel’s ground operations have deepened in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah fighters as both groups continue cross-border clashes. Hezbollah, which recently appointed Naim Qassem to replace the late Hassan Nasrallah, received a stark warning from Israel that its leadership remains under threat. The U.N. warns that the Middle East may be at its most dangerous juncture, urging all sides to avoid further escalation.
The situation remains volatile as Israel signals readiness for potential escalations, impacting regional stability and increasing global diplomatic concerns. (Input from the Agencies)
In a remarkable performance, Smriti Mandhana has set a new record for the most ODI centuries by an Indian woman, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj. Mandhana’s eighth ODI century came in a recent series against New Zealand, where her resilient 100 off 122 balls led India to a series-deciding victory. This achievement reflects her incredible consistency and skill in international cricket, placing her among the elite players in women’s ODI cricket.
Mandhana’s knock was instrumental in helping India win the three-match series 2-1, marking a crucial win for the team after recent setbacks. Reflecting on her performance, Mandhana expressed how essential patience and composure were to her innings, especially after struggling in the previous games. “I had to wait for the right moment and make it count for the team,” she said during the post-match interview.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised Mandhana’s dedication and performance, saying, “Smriti stepped up exactly when the team needed it the most. Watching her achieve this milestone is inspiring for all of us”.
Mandhana’s journey has not only led her to break Raj’s long-standing record but has also placed her close to other global icons. The only players ahead of her now in ODI centuries include Australia’s Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Lizelle Lee. As Mandhana nears 4,000 ODI runs, she is also just shy of another landmark: 8,000 runs across formats, closing in on Mithali Raj’s all-time run record for Indian women.
Final round in the triple header, Sao Paulo Grand Prix is here. The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil is famous for providing blockbusters one after another. Previous races at Austin and Mexico city shifted the momentum towards Ferrari. It wasn’t just back-to-back wins, it was 1-2 and 1-3 results. Ferrari snatched most points from there, and is the only team in top 3 with both drivers in red-hot form. Oscar Piastri for McLaren has been out of sync since Singapore, while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez is struggling since China. Its a sprint weekend, it means serious business. Teams so close and championship on stake, maximizing every result is crucial. Whoever bags most point from sprints will have edge over its rivals.
Interlagos is filled with twisty turns, long straights, significant changes in elevation. The geographical location of this circuit is a cherry on the cake. It is located in a region that witnesses rapid changes in weather. The weather can swing 2-4 times a race, going from dry to drizzle or maybe heavy rain and dry again. Rain and Interlagos is a matchmade in heaven.
This is where F1 has witnessed its most dramatic races and seasons endings. Sebastian Vettel’s title charge in 2012 after a first lap disaster or Lewis Hamilton’s last corner deciding championship while Ferrari was celebrating thinking they won, this track has so many iconic moments. An entire book can be written on the classics it has produced over the years. Even the most boring race here would surpass greatest races of few tracks.
McLaren leads constructors with 566 pointsFerrari is 2nd with 537 pointsRed Bull is third with 512 points
Upgrades & Schedule:
F1 2024 cars have nearly ended their development cycle. Even if any team brings an update, it would only be track specific minor upgrade or sorting out issues with their car. Teams like McLaren and Mercedes haven’t gained anything significant from their Austin upgrades. While Mercedes was in no man’s land, McLaren lost grounds to its rivals since the update. The team’s philosophy to bring upgrades one after another hasn’t worked this time. However this same philosophy proved instrumental in their miraculous comeback within 2 years.
Practice and Sprint Qualifying will take place on Friday (November 1), on Saturday (November 2), it will be the 100 km sprint and qualifying for main race, and Sunday (November 3), will be the race day.
Predictions:
In a closely contested sprint qualifying, Lando Norris will take pole. While Max Verstappen would win the sprint race. Both Ferraris will be in top 4 and Mercedes will spoil party for one of the drivers in the top 3 teams.
Now qualifying for the race, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc will battle for the pole. Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri/George Russell will finish top 5. Sergio Perez won’t make it to Q3, Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson will outqualify their senior teammates. Both Haas will be in top 10.
Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz will win by barest of margins. 2 McLarens, 2 Ferraris and Max Verstappen will be involved in a race long battle for podiums. One of those 5 cars will end in a disaster. Haas will certainly will extend its lead on VCARB.
Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently graced the opulent wedding of Dravya Dholakia, son of renowned diamond merchant Savji Dholakia, in Gujarat. The event, held at Het Ni Haveli in Dudhala, showcased the grandeur associated with one of Surat’s wealthiest families.
The prime minister arrived by helicopter, marking a significant occasion for both the family and the community. Videos shared by the Dholakia family captured PM Modi blessing the newlyweds, Dravya and Janhvi, in a moment of joy and celebration.
Savji Dholakia, the founder of the Hari Krishna Group, expressed his gratitude for the prime minister’s presence, stating, “We feel immensely blessed to have had none other than the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modiji join us in this moment of joy. His heartfelt blessings for the couple have filled our family with pride.” He further remarked that the wedding was a culmination of seven years of hard work, stating, “This wedding took place without delay, a testament to our dedication.”
In addition to his role at the wedding, PM Modi had previously met Savji Dholakia in Delhi, where he was invited to inaugurate the Bharatmata Sarovar in Dudhala. Dholakia mentioned that the invitation was extended for both the sarovar inauguration and the wedding, emphasizing the significance of community and tradition.
Known for his philanthropic gestures, Savji Dholakia has a reputation for rewarding his employees generously. This year alone, his company gifted around 600 cars to staff, with PM Modi participating in the distribution event in Delhi.
During the wedding festivities, PM Modi interacted warmly with the families and was seen seated alongside the couple, who sought his blessings in traditional fashion by touching his feet. This wedding not only highlighted the cultural values of love and unity but also reinforced the importance of community bonds in contemporary Indian society.