Word News 10/31/2023
Word News and UNITED STATES
- CNN reports that the U.S. midterm elections are just one week away, and the main question on everyone’s mind is whether Democrats will maintain control of Congress or if Republicans will take control of one or both chambers. The results of this year’s election could impact the next two years of politics in America1.
- WORLD News Group reports that more than 150 people were killed in a crowd crush at a Halloween party in South Korea
- 60 people died after a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed in India in Gujrat.
- Lawmakers say Congress must weigh new protections for members and their families, and the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments today about whether race should be considered in college admissions.
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has ousted incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil.
- The Guardian reports that an Italian woman won a court case to evict her two sons, aged 40 and 42.
- EU leaders unanimously called for humanitarian corridors, and Israeli forces entered a new phase of war against Hamas with a Gaza raid.
- The Washington Post reports that power and water outages occurred in Kyiv and other key cities in Ukraine due to Russian strikes. The situation is still developing.
- CNN reports that the U.S. midterm elections are just one week away, and the main question on everyone’s mind is whether Democrats will maintain control of Congress or if Republicans will take control of one or both chambers. The results of this year’s election could impact the next two years of politics in America.
- MSN reports that India is observing National Unity Day on October 31, 2023, in honor of India’s inaugural Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Indian government designated October 31 as “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” or National Unity Day in 2014 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- MSN reports that even though India is currently sitting on top of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 points table with 12 points from six matches, mathematically they are still not guaranteed a place in the knockout stage of the competition.
- AOL reports that the Indian government has launched an investigation into mobile phone alerts reportedly sent by Apple that warn several of the country’s opposition politicians against “state-sponsored attackers.” The alerts on the phones of a dozen of India’s top politicians have triggered a row between the ruling Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government and opposition parties ahead of elections.
KEIV
- WSWS reports that the Zelensky regime is refusing to disclose how long Ukrainian soldiers will be expected to remain at the front amid growing nationwide protests against never-ending deployment.
- TVR reports that the U.S. Congress will consider the issue of funding Israel and Ukraine separately. Since the Republicans control the House of Representatives, the issue can be considered resolved.
- Tasnim News Agency reports that Kiev’s attack on the Kursk nuclear power plant with three drones has shown that there are no limits for Ukrainian authorities, up to their resorting to nuclear terrorism, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement
- CNN reports that Carlsberg has cut all ties with its Russian business and refuses to enter a deal with Russia’s government that would make Moscow’s seizure of the assets look legitimate, the brewer’s new CEO said Tuesday
- MSN reports that Moscow is coming under increasing pressure to protect the country’s Jewish community after the latest episode of antisemitsm highlighted interethnic tensions.
- MSN also reports that a fighter reportedly stationed in Avdiivka described some reasons for Russia using so-called “meat assaults,” as well as the results of such fighting.
GERMANY
- CNN reports that Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, has warned that Europe could be facing a threat of war. He said, “We have to get used to the idea that there could be a threat of war in Europe” .
- CBS News reports that German police have solved a cold case from 45 years ago using DNA evidence. A retiree was bludgeoned to death with a 2.2-pound bronze pestle, and the killer was finally identified using DNA evidence.
- The Guardian reports that the anti-immigrant left is on the rise in Germany. MP Sahra Wagenknecht has announced plans for a new party that could shift the fragile balance of German politics .
- Foreign Affairs reports that Putin has showered Belarus with a variety of financial supports and provided strong backing for the autocratic Lukashenko regime itself. Although Western officials have long noted that Putin and Lukashenko are closely aligned.
- MSN reports that Lithuania has recently imposed transit restrictions against Belarus, which has remained a staunch Russian ally since the invasion of Ukraine.
- Belarusian Telegraph Agency reports that Belarus has asked for compensation from Russia in connection with the delay in the BelNPP project. The project is a nuclear power plant being built in Belarus with Russian assistance.
- Putin Ally Belarus Warns It Has ‘Every Reason’ to Attack NATO Country
INDIA
- MSN reports that Delhi and its surrounding areas were shrouded in haze for the fourth consecutive day as the capital registered ‘very poor’ air quality. According to a numerical model-based system developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 307, which falls under the ‘very poor’ category
- MSN also reports that the Supreme Court has come down heavily over the issue of deteriorating air quality in Delhi and four neighboring states and has demanded that they submit a report on steps they have taken to curb pollution.
- Free Press Journal reports that Rashid Khan, an Afghan cricketer, achieved his first-ever World Cup victory with a stunning 69-run triumph against defending champions England at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 15.
- Firstpost reports that the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, informed the interim Prime Minister of Pakistan that the main reason for the spread of smog in Lahore is the burning of crops in Punjab. The Pakistani government plans to discuss this issue with India.
- MSN reports that the caretaker cabinet of Punjab has approved a budget for the upcoming four months, spanning from November 2023 to February 2024. The sanctioned budget stands at a substantial Rs2076.2 billion2.
- Punjab News Express reports that the Foundation Day of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Punjab Raj Bhavan. The event was held under the theme of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat”.
- Punjab caretaker govt presents Rs2076.2b budget for another 4 months
INDIA
- MSN reports that petrol prices in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh have been reduced by 10 paise and are now being sold at Rs. 96.47 per litre. Other states and cities saw minor changes in petrol and diesel prices.
- Punjab News Express reports that the Bihar police have been attempting to refurbish the state’s image by launching new initiatives such as Prahar and Muskan.
- MSN reports that the Bihar Public Service Commission has released the BPSC 67th final results for 2023. You can check your scores by visiting their official website.
- Petrol, diesel updated price chart on October 31: Check current rates in major cities here
- BPSC 67th Final Result 2023 DECLARED At bpsc.bih.nic.in- Check Direct Link, Steps To Download Scorecard
- The Telegraph India reports that Cyclone Hamoon has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Northwest Bay of Bengal. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued alerts for seven states.
- Devdiscourse reports that Manipur’s Director General of Police, V. Gopal Reddy, is among 204 police personnel chosen for the Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal.
- Cyclone ‘Hamoon’ intensifies into ‘severe’ cyclonic storm, IMD issues alert in THESE 7 states
- India TV News reports that Kolkata police have arrested a man for selling ICC World Cup 2023 match tickets in black. The accused, identified as Ankit Agarwal, was selling tickets worth ₹2,500 for ₹11,000 for the clash between India and South Africa which will be held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 512.
- LiveMint reports that following Kerala bomb blasts, 21 people are under treatment who suffered burn injuries with 16 among them in the ICU and 3 of them in severely critical condition1.
- The Hans India reports that the Kerala High Court has taken a tough stand against a man, his wife and mother and denied anticipatory bail, after they were found cheating on a matrimonial site.
- India Today reports that Dominic Martin, accused in Kerala serial blasts, has been sent to judicial custody till Nov 29.
- Telangana Today reports that the venue for the India vs. Australia T20match in Hyderabad may be changed due to a clash with election counting.
- The Hindu reports that IndiGo Airlines has resumed flights connecting Hyderabad to the Maldives due to high demand.
- Telangana Today reports that a thrifting community has emerged in Hyderabad, promoting sustainability and second-hand treasures.
- MSN reports that Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has expressed concern over the hazy skies in Mumbai ahead of the India vs. Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2023 game .
- LiveMint reports that a new non-AC Vande Sadharan train has arrived in Mumbai for trials. The 22-coach LHB non-AC 3-tier sleeper train has a capacity to carry 1,800 passengers and can operate at speeds reaching 130 kmph .
- MENAFN reports that Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd (AEML) has won a bid to supply power at competitive prices to the SEZ, Santacruz Electronic 3.
- Rohit Sharma Expresses Concern Over Mumbai’s Hazy Skies Ahead Of India Vs Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup 2023 Game
- The Telegraph India reports that IIT Madras will be opening the modification window for IIT JAM 2024 on November 20 at the official website jam.iitm.ac.in. Candidates having mistakes in their application will have to make corrections and resubmit their application within the stipulated time .
- MSN reports that researchers from IIT Madras and Tel Aviv University have developed aerogel adsorbents to clean wastewater. The textile sector alone discharges nearly ten lakh tonnes of toxic synthetic dyes annually, posing severe threats to aquatic life and ecosystems .
- The Times of India reports that petrol prices in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh have been reduced by 10 paise and are now being sold at Rs. 96.47 per litre. Other states and cities saw minor changes in petrol and diesel prices.
- India TV News reports that the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has launched a new mobile app for booking bus tickets. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
- The Times of India also reports that only the minority welfare department has the right to inspect madrassas, according to the UPmadrassa board chief.
PAKISTAN
- MSN reports that Pakistan will start rounding up and expelling undocumented immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of people from neighboring Afghanistan, on Thursday, according to the caretaker government’s interior minister.
- CNN reports that Pakistan will start a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals, from November 2, the caretaker government’s interior minister said on Tuesday.
- Al Jazeera reports that Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered the release of a man who was sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2014. The court found that there was no evidence to support the charge against him.
UNITED KINGDOM
- BBC News reports that the UK is experiencing a shortage of lorry drivers, which is causing supply chain disruptions and empty shelves in supermarkets. The government has announced a series of measures to address the issue, including relaxing visa rules for foreign drivers.
- The Guardian reports that the UK government has announced plans to introduce a new tax on plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. The tax is expected to come into effect in April 2024.
- The Telegraph reports that the UK government has announced plans to invest £1.3 billion in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The investment will fund the installation of 2,500 new charging points across the country.
- Sky News reports that the UK government has announced plans to increase funding for mental health services by £500 million per year. The funding will be used to improve access to mental health services and reduce waiting times.
AFRICA
- CNN reports that an alliance of nations that push for more solar power worldwide are set to announce nearly $35 million for projects such as mini grids and rooftop installations, mainly in Africa 1.
- BBC News reports that South Africa’s Rugby World Cup champions have received a heroes’ welcome after winning their fourth title in eight appearances 23.
- The Guardian reports that the Italian government has announced plans to evict her two sons, aged 40 and 42.
- EU leaders unanimously called for humanitarian corridors, and Israeli forces entered a new phase of war against Hamas with a Gaza raid4
- India-led alliance set to fund solar projects in Africa in a boost to the energy transition
IRAN
- The Guardian reports that Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer, was arrested at the funeral of Armita Garavand, a teenage girl who died after an alleged encounter with morality police. There are also reports of police beatings and arrests at the cemetery.
- Yahoo News reports that repeated attacks on American troops in the Middle East risk drawing the United States into a conflict with Iran even as Washington strives to prevent fighting between Israel and Hamas from spiraling into a regional war. The United States has blamed the spike in rocket and drone attacks – at least 14 in Iraq and nine in Syria since October 17 – on Iran-backed forces, and carried out strikes last week in Syria on sites the Pentagon said were linked to Tehran.
- MSN reports that Iran’s chess game is going well, but US Navy carriers are queens not pawns. With the world focused on new unfolding horrors on the ground in Gaza, and international opinion turning with its usual rapidity against Israel, the US Navy continues to shape the regional picture through the medium of large-scale warship movements.
AFGHANISTAN
- The Guardian reports that there are growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, with millions of people facing food insecurity and a lack of access to basic services. The situation has been exacerbated by drought, conflict, and economic instability.
- From Microsoft Start Partners AP News reports that the Taliban have detained two women’s rights defenders in Afghanistan, and the United Nations has called for their immediate release. The Taliban have barred women from most areas of public life and work and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures they imposed after taking power in 2021, as U.S. and NATO forces were pulling out of Afghanistan following two decades of war1.
- CNN reports that Afghanistan has won its third match at the Cricket World Cup, beating Sri Lanka by eight wickets. The win puts Afghanistan in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament.
- Afghanistan beats Sri Lanka for third win at Cricket World Cup
SAUDI ARABIA
- Time reports that Saudi Arabia is likely to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia, the only other confirmed bidder for the upcoming edition of the men’s soccer tournament, dropped out of the running 1.
- MSN reports that Saudi Arabia is expected to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup after Australia, the only other confirmed bidder for the upcoming edition of the men’s soccer tournament, dropped out of the running 2.
- MSN also reports that Saudi Arabia looks set to be the host of the 2034 World Cup after the only other country to have shown an interest in hosting — Australia — made a last-minute decision not to bid
- Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup after Australia decides not to bid
QATAR
- MSN reports that India-Qatar ties are strained by ‘spy’ death sentences. A Qatari court last week handed death sentences to eight Indian employees of a Qatari company on “spying charges,” posing a complex diplomatic challenge for India and raising questions about India-Qatar relations .
BOLLYWOOD
- The Daily Star reports that the horror genre in Bollywood has come a long way since its inception. From the days of black-and-white classics to the modern era of psychological thrillers and supernatural tales, the evolution of horror in Indian cinema is a fascinating journey.
- MSN reports that Nimrat Kaur, who is playing the role of a police officer for the first time in the film ‘Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video,’ alongside Radhika Madan, is arranging a special screening for Mumbai police officers as a gesture of appreciation. The film has already become a surprise hit at the box office and is receiving positive reviews.
- Pinkvilla reports that Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty, has references to Ramayana. The film stars Ajay Devgn in the lead role and is set to release
HOLLYWOOD
- The Miami Herald reports that C-Suite executives at Big Three plants and in Hollywood are learning the power of workers
- NBC Miami reports that Hollywood is mourning the death of Emmy-nominated actor and “Friends” alumni Matthew Perry .
ENVIRONMENT
- MSN reports that a new era of ghost towns is emerging due to environmental disasters caused by the climate crisis. These modern-day ghost towns are eerie and a far cry from good touristic fun .
- Yahoo News reports that the Sites Reservoir Project in California is too damaging to the state’s environment and economy. It cannot go forward as planned .
- MSN reports that BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street turned against environmental and social shareholder proposals in the past year, a clear sign of backlash .
- Environmental disasters and ‘dark’ tourism: The modern-day ghost towns created by the climate crisis
- BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street turned against environmental and social proposals this year, a clear sign of backlash
LATEST DISCOVERIES
- A new species of mosasaur, a type of sea monster that lived during the time of the dinosaurs, has been discovered and named after the Norse snake Jormungandr .
- Discovery Lithium has confirmed multiple surface pegmatites at its Eastern Quebec property. The company is planning to drill test these pegmatites in the near future .
- A woman in disbelief after making a shocking discovery a year after her wedding. She found a heap of wedding gifts and letters that had laid untouched under her veil for over a year .
- Sea Monster Skull Discovery Reveals New Species, Named After Norse Snake
GOLD & SILVER
- According to a report by Gold Guys, silver supply from mining has peaked once again, and the market won’t be able to balance itself with government sales or scrap as it has before. The annual deficit has not become a full-blown crisis, but it may not be long before headlines begin inciting panic over shrinking supply..
- Forbes reports that gold and silver have rallied as safe-haven appeal soars amid geopolitical uncertainty.
- CBS News reports that experts believe gold could break $2,000 again, though there are no guarantees3.
SCIENCE NEWS
- Live Science reports that this week in science news we discovered a massive water reservoir hidden beneath the ocean floor.