Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), hinted at a possible exit from Parliamentary politics during a gathering in Baramati. With 18 months left in his current Rajya Sabha term, the 84-year-old veteran politician stated, "I will have to think whether to go in Rajya Sabha again or not." His comments come as he campaigns for his grandnephew, Yugendra Pawar, who is contesting against Ajit Pawar, Sharad's nephew, in the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024. Pawar’s potential withdrawal marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has submitted a Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to express India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This formal bid was made on October 1, 2024, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the event. Hosting the games is expected to provide significant benefits, including economic growth, social progress, and increased youth empowerment across India. Currently, the 2028 Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, and Brisbane will host the 2032 Games. The IOC President noted that many cities have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Games.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently visiting Australia, expressed confidence that U.S.-India relations will continue to strengthen regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Speaking alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar highlighted the steady progress in U.S.-India ties over the past five U.S. administrations, including Trump’s previous term. He assured that this partnership is expected to grow further, irrespective of the election result. Additionally, Jaishankar discussed regional security matters, including cooperation within the QUAD alliance, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening its global partnerships.

Kamala Harris concluded her presidential campaign with a major rally at Philadelphia’s Art Museum, gathering around 30,000 supporters. Harris emphasized unity and optimism, encouraging Americans to shape their future together. Oprah Winfrey introduced Harris with a stark message, warning that voting rights could be at risk depending on the election outcome. The event featured performances from Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and Fat Joe, who called on Latino voters to oppose Donald Trump. The rally marked Harris’s last effort to energize her base and deliver a hopeful message as election day approaches.

An Iranian woman who protested the country’s strict dress code by stripping to her underwear at Tehran University is missing following her detention. University officials cited mental health issues, claiming she was under severe pressure, but many view her actions as a bold protest against oppressive hijab laws. Detained by security guards after her viral demonstration, some reports suggest she may have been beaten during her arrest. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, demand her immediate release and an independent investigation into allegations of violence against her amid ongoing protests against the hijab mandate.

The Congress party condemned the alleged violence by pro-Khalistani elements at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Canada, describing the incident as "absolutely condemnable." Pawan Khera, head of the Congress media and publicity department, urged the Indian government to take a firm stance with Canadian authorities, emphasizing that no one should be allowed to disrupt the worship of devotees. The party's call for action reflects growing concerns over the safety of Indian diaspora communities abroad and the need for diplomatic engagement on such issues.

A LinkedIn post by Kolkata investor Rajarshi Shome has ignited backlash after he praised Donald Trump as a model of "masculine leadership." In his post, Shome expressed unwavering support for Trump, stating that the world needs "strong masculine men" in leadership roles, comparing Trump and Elon Musk as ideal figures for policy-making. His remarks have drawn criticism online, with many accusing him of undermining women's capabilities and promoting harmful stereotypes. As the U.S. heads toward a critical election, both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris continue to attract strong support and reactions from their followers.

As the U.S. presidential election unfolds on November 5, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are preparing to cast their votes. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, whose mission was extended, will vote electronically, thanks to a Texas law that allows space voting since 1997. After applying for an absentee ballot, they will complete their votes, which NASA securely transmits back to Earth for processing. This initiative ensures that even those in orbit can fulfill their democratic duties, showcasing the connection between space and societal participation.

Election Day in the United States has arrived, with voters in all 50 states heading to the polls to cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential election. The race is between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, following President Joe Biden's exit from the race after a lackluster debate performance. Seven key battleground states—Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—are critical in determining the election outcome. Polling indicates that many of these states are highly competitive, with results too close to call, leading to uncertainty about who will become the next president.

Canada's Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed that Sandeep Singh Sidhu, accused by India of masterminding the 2020 assassination of Shaurya Chakra awardee Balwinder Singh Sandhu, is their employee. India has demanded Sidhu’s extradition for his alleged involvement in pro-Khalistan activities and terror plots, citing irrefutable evidence. However, CBSA denied any involvement, stating that thorough background checks revealed no ties to crimes in India. Indian intelligence agencies claim Sidhu coordinated with Pakistan’s ISI and played a key role in Sandhu's murder, using hired shooters. Despite India’s insistence, Canada continues to deny the allegations against Sidhu.