The Congress party has unveiled its candidates for the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly bypolls, scheduled for November 13, 2024. This electoral contest involves seven assembly constituencies that became vacant due to the deaths of incumbents or their elevation to the Lok Sabha. The party’s decision to contest these bypolls independently marks a significant shift from previous strategies, where alliances with regional parties were more common.
The list of candidates includes several prominent figures, with each selected to enhance the party’s chances of winning in their respective constituencies. The candidates are as follows:
1. Amit Ola – Jhunjhunu
2. Aryaan Khan – Ramgarh
3. Manoj Meghwal – Sujangarh
4. Ashok Kumar – Deoli-Uniyara
5. Revant Singh – Khinvsar
6. Savitri Bhati – Chorasi
7. Brij Mohan – Salumbar
Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra expressed confidence in the selections, emphasizing that the candidates have strong connections with the local populace and are viewed as highly winnable choices. “We have chosen the best candidates with a focus on ground connect and winnability,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to addressing local issues and enhancing grassroots engagement.
As the political landscape in Rajasthan heats up, the bypolls present a critical opportunity for Congress to reclaim lost ground against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has also announced candidates for six of the seven seats. The BJP’s proactive approach indicates a competitive electoral atmosphere, with both parties keen on securing voter support in the lead-up to the general elections next year.
With the nomination deadline set for October 25, candidates are racing against time to finalize their campaign strategies. The election results are anticipated on November 23, making this an essential period for both parties to galvanize their support bases.
The Congress party’s decision to go solo in these bypolls reflects a strategic pivot, as it seeks to solidify its identity and message in the face of significant electoral challenges. As both Congress and the BJP prepare for intense campaigning, the outcomes of these bypolls could set the tone for the political dynamics in Rajasthan heading into 2024.
Round 2 of the triple header, in between the 3-way fight for constructors title, Formula 1 arrives in Mexico. The top 3- McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari are separated by a mere 48 points. Five Grand Prix still to go, closely matched teams, championship could slip to anywhere. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has a lead in drivers but it is not 100% safe. For constructors, McLaren and Ferrari have strongest driver pairing while Red Bull is pulled by Max alone.
At the previous grand prix in Austin, US, Ferrari had a dominating 1-2 while Verstappen and Lando Norris were involved in tense and controversial duel for the 3rd place on the podium. Verstappen ultimately secured 3rd after Norris received a controversial penalty in dying laps.
Mexico GP Preview
Upgrades
With F1 2024 about to reach its conclusion and cars reaching absolute peak of their development cycle, it is less likely to see major upgrades. Some teams like McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes might bring minor changes to sort out their issues. While Ferrari delayed its upgrades at Austin to evaluate Monza and Singapore packages. Ferrari might tweak aerodynamics of the SF-24 or may look to improve its qualifying pace.
Track Analysis
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, has its own set of unique characteristics and challenges for drivers and cars. Located at almost 2.2 km above sea level, the air density here is low. It affects the aerodynamics and engine power of the car. Due to its low density, the air entering the internal combustion engine is significantly low, which is then compensated by the Turbo. It adds extra load on the Turbo. Overheating is inevitable if the driver is not careful. Thin air density affects cooling as well. Several crucial parts like brakes, power unit rely on air cooling. Braking systems go through violent decelerations, and need air for their cooling. This track tests the reliability of the cars.
Now it comes to the layout. By looking at long straights, a low downforce setup (like Monza) is expected. This is where this track tricks you. Teams opt for Monaco like high downforce setup. Mexico has its fair share of straights, high speed and low speed corners. But its the air that makes the difference. Even though power units don’t run at their peak potential here, the cars still reach speeds of 350 km/h. Thanks to the low density, drag is less effective and the need for more downforce to keep the car grounded around the corner arises. This 4.3km circuit consists of 17 turns varying in shapes and speeds, testing drivers and cars in million ways.
The first sector consists of a gigantic 1.2km straight to a heavy braking zone at turn 1, which is first of the double chicanes. The second sector is most technical, unforgiving and infamous for accidents. Slow speed corners (4-6) lead to a series of high speed corners in tandem, bringing the car’s aerodynamics in play. Downforce and stability is the lifeline here. The third and final sector goes through stadium section, a tricky slow speed turn 13, and the final corner- turn 17 leads back to the long straight to turn 1. It has 2 DRS zones aiding high speed here.
Weather
As for the weather, chances of rain is 20% for race and similar for qualifying on Saturday. Temperature is expected to revolve around 20-25 degree celsius (highest), 11-12 degree celsius (lowest). The conditions for Sunday to be a bit cloudier and cooler than Saturday with an increasing chance of showers in the afternoon due to daily convection. Light northerly wind are anticipated.
What to Expect
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is different from the COTA, Austin. Same cannot be expected here. However, COTA is believed to be the track that illustrates strengths and weaknesses of a car. Keeping that in mind, it will be a close call between McLaren and Ferrari. Red Bull’s car performs differently with different tyre compounds and is a proven tyre killer. Yet, Max Verstappen cannot be ruled out of contention especially after Austin upgrades were received positively by the drivers. Verstappen was strong in his first stint compared to McLarens of Norris and Piastri but plunged in the latter half.
(From left to right) Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and a Red Bull Personnel at the podium of Imola GP 2024
Mexican GP is Sergio Perez’s home race, and the Red Bull driver will look to regain his lost mojo in front of his home crowd. His form is not only crucial for Red Bull’s constructors fight but also for his own future. He has not been on the podium since China, and the only strong weekend in Baku was stigmatised with his late crash with Carlos Sainz. If Perez fails again, Ferrari is for sure taking p2 from Red Bull this weekend. For Ferrari, only problem is their typical bad luck/run after a series of strong performances.
Mercedes endured a difficult weekend at US. Both of their drivers spun at the same spot. Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1 and spun out and retired from the race on lap 2. Though George Russell recovered from pitlane start to a respectable p6 in the race. Mercedes is in no man’s land in constructors. They will only look to close the gap to top 3 which could improve their chances.
Similar case is with Aston Martin. They are not challenging neither are challenged by anyone. Upgrades at Austin didn’t work, like it has always been the case with Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso can bring in few points except that nothing can be expected.
Haas and VCARB are battling it out for 6th in constructors. Though Haas leads the fight, RB cannot be taken lightly. RB was comfortably at 6th once, however questionable strategies and failed upgrades hampered their chances. Liam Lawson, who replaced Daniel Riccardo, at Austin, is the driver to watch out for. The rookie started from back of the grid (due to power unit penalties) and recovered to p9, proving why Red Bull has so much faith in him. He also had an interesting duel with 2-time champion Fernando Alonso during the weekend and came out on top.
For Alex Albon, every race from now on will define his career. He has a reputation of being weak against strong teammates. It was clearly visible during his Red Bull days alongside Max Verstappen, and now his new rookie teammate Franco Colapinto is outperforming him. When Albon was paired against Nicholas Latifi and Logan Sargeant, he decimated them. Though none of Latifi or Sargeant can be counted as strong teammates. Franco was nowhere near contention until Williams boss James Vowels pulled the trigger on Logan Sargeant. Franco is a smaller and temporary threat. A much bigger challenged named Carlos Sainz will arrive next year. Sainz a top driver, race winner with excellent race-craft and a tactical genius is the strongest teammate Albon will face after Verstappen. Albon’s tendency to complain after hard racing does not help his case either. Like recently when he complained of Franco’s divebomb at the Singapore GP. He needs to up his game or lose his seat to Franco maybe in 2026. Franco Colapinto in limited opportunities showed what he is capable of and Vowels won’t let go a talent like this. His performances also indicate that the Williams car was not as bad as it looked.
Alpine and Sauber, the bottom two teams in the standings failed to score in Austin despite bringing upgrades. Alpine at least had few races where they scored points and could challenge Williams for p8 in standings. Sauber on the other hand has been the outright slowest team and the only team with 0 points. To make things worse, their strategies and pitstops spoils any good race they have once in a while. Pierre Gasly pulled off a blinder for Alpine last race.The Frenchman then had 6.9 seconds pitstop ruining his race.
The matter will remain between the title contenders. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have difficult but mathematically possible shot at the drivers championship. With the grid being so close, and difficult conditions, this race will be won on strategy, skills and controlled aggression of the drivers. The fastest car or driver might not win if they end up cooking their tyres or power unit components. While the midfield has been chaotic and closely matched. The Haas, RB and Williams battle for final points position is the one to look out for.
Predictions:
Top 5 in Qualifying:
Lando Norris
Max Verstappen
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri/Carlos Sainz
George Russell
Top 5 in Race:
Charles Leclerc
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris/Carlos Sainz
Lando Norris/Oscar Piastri
George Russell
One of the top teams will possibly have a disaster, and the race will be interrupted by a safety car. Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson will outperform their respective teammates once again. Sergio Perez will have a decent weekend though he won’t challenge anyone except one Mercedes.
Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has escalated his push for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, a long-standing demand that aims to secure greater autonomy and protection for the region’s cultural identity. Wangchuk, known for his innovative environmental initiatives, has been vocal about Ladakh’s exclusion from these protective provisions since the region’s bifurcation into a Union Territory in 2019.
Recently, Wangchuk criticized the current central government, contrasting its approach to the more responsive attitude during its previous term. “This government no longer shows the same willingness to listen to Ladakh’s concerns,” Wangchuk remarked. However, he also expressed a cautious optimism, stating, “We trust the government but are prepared to take the most extreme steps to ensure Ladakh’s future is protected”.
Wangchuk’s activism intensified in October 2024, as he led peaceful protests in Delhi, despite facing restrictions. His ‘padyatra’ (march) to raise awareness about Ladakh’s constitutional demands culminated in his detention at the Delhi-Haryana border. Still, Wangchuk remains determined, conducting a hunger strike along with several supporters to press for immediate dialogue with the central leadership.
Several political voices have rallied behind Wangchuk’s cause. Leaders from Ladakh’s civil society and opposition parties have echoed his demands, urging the government to recognize the unique cultural and environmental challenges facing the region. According to Wangchuk, “The protests aren’t just about political status; they are about safeguarding the fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage of Ladakh”.
As Wangchuk’s movement gains momentum, the Home Ministry has promised talks in December, though many remain skeptical about the government’s commitment. Wangchuk, however, has made it clear that his protest will continue until tangible assurances are given.
The situation highlights the growing discontent in Ladakh, as Wangchuk and his supporters continue to push for legislative protection and environmental preservation in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Punjab’s second-oldest political party, is grappling with an internal revolt as senior leaders push for a change in leadership, citing poor electoral performance and a decline in the party’s influence. Dissidents have openly challenged party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, demanding his resignation after the party’s poor show in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. This discontent has only deepened the party’s crisis, threatening its very existence.
The rebel leaders, including prominent figures such as Jagir Kaur, Prem Singh Chandumajra, and Sikandar Singh Maluka, held a separate meeting in Jalandhar earlier this year, criticizing Sukhbir Badal for not listening to the party’s grassroots members. Jagir Kaur stated, “The party president does not make an effort to overcome the shortcomings. We are worried about how to rise from the situation we are in”. These dissidents have launched the “Shiromani Akali Dal Bachao” movement, with plans to form a committee to elect a new leader.
Sukhbir Badal, who has led the party since the demise of his father, Parkash Singh Badal, faces significant opposition within the party over unresolved issues like sacrilege cases and declining vote shares. The party’s core committee, SAD’s highest decision-making body, has been dissolved to address the growing dissent. Despite these moves, the rebels, emboldened by the support of senior Akali leaders, continue to demand a new direction for the party.
However, loyalists within the SAD, including Harsimrat Kaur Badal, have dismissed the rebellion, claiming that only a handful of members are involved. Harsimrat stated, “These are just five people trying to please the BJP,” and defended Sukhbir’s leadership by emphasizing his strong support within the party.
With Akali Dal’s vote share plummeting to 13.42% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, down from 27.45% in 2019, the stakes are higher than ever for the party to reform and reclaim its position in Punjab’s political landscape. How Sukhbir Badal navigates this leadership crisis will likely determine the future of the party.
New Delhi: Ashok Leyland, through its subsidiary OHM Global Mobility, has won a significant contract from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in Chennai for the supply and operation of 500 electric buses. This order includes 100 air-conditioned buses and 400 non-AC buses, designed to boost sustainable public transport in the city. The buses will be operated under a 12-year maintenance contract, with Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division, Switch Mobility, supplying the EiV12 model buses.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by MTC to modernize Chennai’s public transport system with electric mobility. The project is being implemented under the World Bank-funded scheme aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and promoting cleaner urban transportation in India. The total project cost stands at around ₹959 crore, with the World Bank funding 70%, while the Tamil Nadu government covers the remaining portion.
Ashok Leyland’s move aligns with its strategy to lead the electric vehicle market in India, contributing significantly to reducing diesel usage and cutting carbon emissions in urban areas. Delivery of the buses is expected to commence by March 2025, making Chennai one of the leading cities in India to adopt electric buses on such a large scale.(Inputs from agencies)
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s nomination for the upcoming Wayanad bypolls has set the stage for a critical contest, both for the Congress party and for her personal political trajectory. The bypoll, scheduled for November 13, 2024, comes after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat following his election from Raebareli. Priyanka’s candidacy is seen as a significant move, potentially marking her entry into Parliament as an MP, and further solidifying the Gandhi family’s hold on Wayanad.
Priyanka officially filed her nomination on October 23, accompanied by a grand roadshow led by Rahul Gandhi, who remains a prominent figure in the constituency. The choice of Wayanad reflects Congress’s strategy to consolidate its base in southern India, with the party aiming for a significant margin of victory. Priyanka’s campaign is buoyed by her strong personal appeal and the loyalty of Congress’s UDF allies in Kerala. The seat was previously a Congress stronghold, with Rahul Gandhi winning by a margin of 3.64 lakh votes in the 2024 general elections.
Rahul Gandhi, in a public statement, expressed confidence in his sister’s victory, emphasizing that Wayanad now effectively has two representatives from the Gandhi family. “The people of Wayanad should feel they have both of us working for them,” he said, highlighting the duo’s close connection to the region. Priyanka also reassured voters that she would continue to maintain close ties with Wayanad while balancing her long-standing responsibilities in Amethi and Raebareli.
The CPI, Congress’s main rival, has fielded veteran leader Sathyan Mokeri in a bid to challenge Priyanka. Meanwhile, the BJP has yet to announce its candidate, though Congress sources are confident of a sweeping victory, with some speculating that Priyanka could secure over 5 lakh votes.
As the campaign progresses, Priyanka Gandhi’s bid for Wayanad is seen not only as a fight for a parliamentary seat but also as a broader effort to re-energize Congress’s national presence, especially after a challenging 2024 general election.
USA: In a deeply troubling case, the grieving mother of 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III has filed a lawsuit against Character.AI, claiming the platform played a direct role in her son’s suicide. Sewell, diagnosed with mild Asperger’s syndrome, had developed an emotional attachment to an AI chatbot named “Daenerys Targaryen” over months of communication. The chatbot reportedly encouraged Sewell’s feelings of isolation, with their conversations growing increasingly intimate. Tragically, in February 2024, Sewell took his own life after a disturbing exchange with the chatbot.
The lawsuit accuses Character.AI of creating a “dangerous and untested” product that manipulates users into forming emotional attachments to digital entities, potentially leading to disastrous consequences. Sewell’s mother, Megan Garcia, has blamed the company for exploiting vulnerable individuals like her son, stating, “This chatbot preyed on my son’s emotions when he needed real support”.
Experts have raised concerns about the unchecked emotional dependency that AI-driven platforms may foster among young users. Emily Bender, a linguistics professor, highlighted the lack of empathy and understanding in AI systems, which can result in dangerous misinterpretations, especially for those with mental health issues. Additionally, researchers point out that such AI tools often blur the line between reality and fiction, deepening the emotional ties users feel towards them.
Character.AI responded, expressing their condolences and emphasizing their ongoing efforts to improve platform safety. However, with millions of young users engaging with these bots daily, this case has sparked widespread debate about the mental health risks posed by AI companions and the need for stricter regulations in the tech industry.
Mumbai: Maha Vikas Aghadi, finalized 255 seats for the upcoming state elections. The coalition has opted for a 85-85-85 Formula. While the remaining 33 seats will be finalized tomorrow. It has also reserved 18 seats for its allies. The announcements were made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut at a press conference in Mumbai today.
Raut refuted speculations of dispute or clash of opinions within the coalition. Earlier, several sources claimed heated discussions, barbs, etc. within the MVA.
Back in 2022, Eknath Shinde led a revolt and Shiv Sena was split into two factions. Shinde’s Sena in coalition with BJP, formed the government in Maharashtra. Later in 2023, Ajit Pawar led a faction of NCP to join the Mahayuti coalition.
The first sector consists of a gigantic 1.2km straight to a heavy braking zone at turn 1, which is first of the double chicanes. The second sector is most technical, unforgiving and infamous for accidents. Slow speed corners (4-6) lead to a series of high speed corners in tandem, bringing the car’s aerodynamics in play. Downforce and stability is the lifeline here. The third and final sector goes through stadium section, a tricky slow speed turn 13, and the final corner- turn 17 leads back to the long straight to turn 1. It has 2 DRS zones aiding high speed here.
