## Cyclone Dana Threatens India’s Coastline, Maharashtra Gears Up for Elections, India-Canada Row Intensifies: Global News Roundup
The world is in a whirlwind of activity this week, with major events unfolding from the Indian subcontinent to the Middle East and beyond. Let’s delve into the top news stories making headlines around the globe.
Cyclone Dana Intensifies, Evacuations Underway in India
A powerful cyclonic storm, Cyclone Dana, is poised to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha, India, overnight. The storm is expected to bring wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, prompting authorities in West Bengal and Odisha to initiate mass evacuations. Approximately 1.2 million people have been moved to safer locations in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Intermittent rain and gusty winds have already begun to lash seaside villages, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Maharashtra Elections Heat Up as Key Candidates File Nominations
In India’s Maharashtra state, the political temperature is rising as the Assembly elections approach. The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has released its initial list of 45 candidates, including prominent figures like Jitendra Awhad, Anil Deshmukh, and Harshvardhan Patil. The electoral debut of Rohit Patil, son of late politician RR Patil, has also generated significant interest. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has filed his nomination from the Worli assembly constituency. The MVA alliance has finalized a seat-sharing arrangement for 255 out of 288 constituencies, with each party securing 85 seats. The election is scheduled for November 20, with vote counting taking place on November 23.
India-Canada Diplomatic Row Takes a Sharp Turn
The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated further, with recalled Indian envoy Sanjay Verma accusing Canadian politicians of promoting Khalistan “for electoral gains” and “back-stabbing” India. Verma, recently designated a “person of interest” by Ottawa, also alleged that “terrorists and extremists” have found refuge in Canada due to a perceived lax legal system. He accused Khalistan supporters of engaging in human trafficking, drug trafficking, and gun-running while using gurudwaras as fronts to fund their activities. This latest development has fueled the diplomatic row and raised concerns about potential implications for bilateral relations.
Q2 Results Released: Companies Report Mixed Performances
The business world saw a flurry of activity this week as several major companies announced their second-quarter earnings. PNB Housing Finance reported a notable 23% increase in profit for the quarter, driven by strong demand for home loans. Adani Wilmar Limited also showcased positive growth, recording an 18% increase in revenue year-on-year. Cement maker ACC achieved its highest revenue in five years, clocking in at ₹ 4,613.52 crore for the quarter. The diverse performances across sectors highlight the ongoing dynamic of the global economy.
IPO-Bound Swiggy Adjusts Valuation Target
Swiggy, the popular food delivery platform, is preparing for its initial public offering (IPO) and has adjusted its valuation target to between $12.5 billion and $13.5 billion. This represents a 10-16% reduction from its earlier target, attributed to market volatility. The company aims to ensure a substantial value proposition for investors participating in the IPO.
Global Events: BRICS Summit, Middle East Tensions, US Elections
Beyond the headlines mentioned above, several other significant events are shaping the global landscape. World leaders are concluding their participation in the BRICS summit in Russia, while tensions in the Middle East remain high following continued attacks in Gaza and Lebanon. The threat of a wider conflict looms over the region. Meanwhile, the US presidential elections are approaching, with both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump engaging in last-ditch efforts to secure the support of undecided voters.
This dynamic global scene underscores the interconnectedness of world events and the challenges faced by nations in navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as these stories unfold.