Indian businesses are at the forefront of global optimism, with a remarkable 72 per cent expecting a substantial surge in Business-to-Business (B2B) spending in 2023, a survey commissioned by American Express with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) has revealed. &nbsp;

This optimism outpaces the global average of 49 per cent, showcasing India's economic potential and confidence in its future prospects.

Technology investments propel growth

The report indicates that 88 per cent of Indian businesses are preparing to increase their resources for technological developments in the second half of 2023, making technology investments the driving force behind this spending spree.

This technology-focused strategy is primarily driven by the need to increase productivity, satisfy the growing demand for digital products, and improve payment efficiency and speed.

Business travel and professional services on the rise

Interestingly, 72 per cent of Indian businesses foresee more travel, entertainment, and cost budgets, highlighting the critical role that business travel plays. In order to network, learn about the industry, and consider possible collaborations, firms are increasingly taking part in industry events. &nbsp;

To broaden their horizons, make contacts, and take advantage of fresh prospects, Indian businesses are also allocating larger resources for both local and international business travel.

68 per cent of Indian enterprises anticipate increasing their spending in business and professional services, underscoring the importance of these services. For the purpose of fully utilising technical breakthroughs, IT and technology consulting services account for 61 per cent of total investments. Even more, up to 59 per cent are looking for more accounting and financial guidance to deal with possible restructuring and other financial difficulties.

Additionally, 79 per cent of businesses seek to increase their marketing and advertising budgets to target international markets, promote new products and services, and pursue new marketing channels.

Optimism and automation in payments

Apart from their anticipated expenditure, Indian businesses are also hopeful about their organisations' future performance in the upcoming year. Of them, 88 per cent are positive, which is higher than the global Trendex average of 77 per cent.

Manish Kapoor, Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Services (GCS) at American Express Banking Corp., India, highlighted the growing trend of payment automation among Indian businesses. He stated, "It's noteworthy that a substantial 84 per cent of Indian businesses have taken steps to partially automate payments to their suppliers, with an impressive 39 per cent achieving full automation of their payment processes. As the business landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the need to adopt smarter and more efficient payment solutions becomes paramount."

92 per cent of Indian businesses said that enhancing payment security is their top priority, indicating a greater understanding of the significance of safe financial transactions. Additionally, during the previous year, 90 per cent of organisations acknowledged the growing importance of managing cash flow and working capital.

The Path Forward: Increased Automation

The poll also shows that payment automation is increasing, with 84 per cent of Indian businesses reporting at least partially automated supplier payments and 39 per cent reporting full automation. Companies that have embraced automation report 58 per cent faster and more accurate billing and 54 per cent fewer errors made by humans.

Future projections indicate that 86 per cent of Indian businesses want to start automation for the process of collecting payments from customers. 83 per cent want to increase the level of automation they now use for payments to suppliers while 34 per cent of those who have not yet automated their payments are actively looking for partners to help them streamline their payment procedures.

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Indian businesses are at the forefront of global optimism, with a remarkable 72 per cent expecting a substantial surge in Business-to-Business (B2B) spending in 2023, a survey commissioned by American Express with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) has revealed.

Indian businesses are at the forefront of global optimism, with a remarkable 72 per cent expecting a substantial surge in Business-to-Business (B2B) spending in 2023, a survey commissioned by American Express with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) has revealed. This optimism outpaces the global average of 49 per cent, showcasing India's economic potential and confidence in its future prospects. Technology investments propel growth The report indicates that 88 per cent of Indian businesses are preparing to increase their resources for technological developments in the second half of 2023, making technology investments the driving force behind this spending spree. This technology-focused strategy is primarily driven by the need to increase productivity, satisfy the growing demand for digital products, and improve payment efficiency and speed. Business travel and professional services on the rise Interestingly, 72 per cent of Indian businesses foresee more travel, entertainment, and cost budgets, highlighting the critical role that business travel plays. In order to network, learn about the industry, and consider possible collaborations, firms are increasingly taking part in industry events. To broaden their horizons, make contacts, and take advantage of fresh prospects, Indian businesses are also allocating larger resources for both local and international business travel. 68 per cent of Indian enterprises anticipate increasing their spending in business and professional services, underscoring the importance of these services. For the purpose of fully utilising technical breakthroughs, IT and technology consulting services account for 61 per cent of total investments. Even more, up to 59 per cent are looking for more accounting and financial guidance to deal with possible restructuring and other financial difficulties. Additionally, 79 per cent of businesses seek to increase their marketing and advertising budgets to target international markets, promote new products and services, and pursue new marketing channels. Optimism and automation in payments Apart from their anticipated expenditure, Indian businesses are also hopeful about their organisations' future performance in the upcoming year. Of them, 88 per cent are positive, which is higher than the global Trendex average of 77 per cent. Manish Kapoor, Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Services (GCS) at American Express Banking Corp., India, highlighted the growing trend of payment automation among Indian businesses. He stated, "It's noteworthy that a substantial 84 per cent of Indian businesses have taken steps to partially automate payments to their suppliers, with an impressive 39 per cent achieving full automation of their payment processes. As the business landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the need to adopt smarter and more efficient payment solutions becomes paramount." 92 per cent of Indian businesses said that enhancing payment security is their top priority, indicating a greater understanding of the significance of safe financial transactions. Additionally, during the previous year, 90 per cent of organisations acknowledged the growing importance of managing cash flow and working capital. The Path Forward: Increased Automation The poll also shows that payment automation is increasing, with 84 per cent of Indian businesses reporting at least partially automated supplier payments and 39 per cent reporting full automation. Companies that have embraced automation report 58 per cent faster and more accurate billing and 54 per cent fewer errors made by humans. Future projections indicate that 86 per cent of Indian businesses want to start automation for the process of collecting payments from customers. 83 per cent want to increase the level of automation they now use for payments to suppliers while 34 per cent of those who have not yet automated their payments are actively looking for partners to help them streamline their payment procedures. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian businesses outshine global peers, anticipate 72pc surge in B2B spending in 2023

There are nearly 15,80,000&nbsp;women working in industries (manufacturing sector) in India; of this, 6,79,000 women, or 43 per cent, are working in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This data has been revealed in the Annual Survey of Industry (2019–20) by the Indian Labour Ministry. The Southern Indian state also ranks second in the share of women-owned enterprises in all proprietary micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Notably, Tamil Nadu's population is around 6 per cent of the Indian population.

"If you want to progress, don't incentivize poverty or population; instead, incentivize what percentage of girls get to go to school, stay in school, graduate, get employed, etc." Palanivel Thiagarajan, the Minister for IT and Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, said.&nbsp;He was speaking at an event titled 'Avtar and Seramount Best of the Best Conference', where firms were awarded on the basis of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The categories included Best Companies for Women in India, Most Inclusive Companies, and many more.

Listing out a few of the women-centric initiatives in Tamil Nadu, the minister mentioned that maternity leave for those in government jobs was extended to a whole year.&nbsp;Free bus services for women&nbsp;and free breakfast in government-run schools were the other benefits being provided.

He also said that self-respect marriages in Tamil Nadu had drastically reduced the cases of female infanticide. Elaborating on this, he said that families with girl children once felt burdened by high marriage expenses, which led to rampant female infanticide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/data-lab-women-led-startups-now-forge-18-share-in-indias-booming-startup-ecosystem-653993">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab: Women-led Indian startups surge to 18% in past five years</a>

However, the introduction of self-respect measures, which could be done on a small scale and registered by the government, had brought about reform. Adding further, he said that economic independence has become a priority for women over getting married.

Quoting a study by BlackRock, the minister said that organisations with more diverse workforces performed better than those with less gender-balanced workforces. He also added that similar studies revealed how above-average profitability in organisations was linked to gender diversity.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Indian women seek employment as husbands' incomes rise | What new study reveals?

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"From 53 per cent&nbsp;of companies in 2021 stating that having a diverse workforce has positively impacted their innovation revenue, the number rose to 77 per cent&nbsp;in 2023. This indicator is set to cross the 100 per cent mark by 2025", said Dr&nbsp;Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group.

&nbsp;

There are nearly 15,80,000 women working in industries (manufacturing sector) in India; of this, 6,79,000 women, or 43 per cent, are working in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

There are nearly 15,80,000 women working in industries (manufacturing sector) in India; of this, 6,79,000 women, or 43 per cent, are working in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This data has been revealed in the Annual Survey of Industry (2019–20) by the Indian Labour Ministry. The Southern Indian state also ranks second in the share of women-owned enterprises in all proprietary micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Notably, Tamil Nadu's population is around 6 per cent of the Indian population. "If you want to progress, don't incentivize poverty or population; instead, incentivize what percentage of girls get to go to school, stay in school, graduate, get employed, etc." Palanivel Thiagarajan, the Minister for IT and Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, said. He was speaking at an event titled 'Avtar and Seramount Best of the Best Conference', where firms were awarded on the basis of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The categories included Best Companies for Women in India, Most Inclusive Companies, and many more. Listing out a few of the women-centric initiatives in Tamil Nadu, the minister mentioned that maternity leave for those in government jobs was extended to a whole year. Free bus services for women and free breakfast in government-run schools were the other benefits being provided. He also said that self-respect marriages in Tamil Nadu had drastically reduced the cases of female infanticide. Elaborating on this, he said that families with girl children once felt burdened by high marriage expenses, which led to rampant female infanticide. Also read | Data Lab: Women-led Indian startups surge to 18% in past five years However, the introduction of self-respect measures, which could be done on a small scale and registered by the government, had brought about reform. Adding further, he said that economic independence has become a priority for women over getting married. Quoting a study by BlackRock, the minister said that organisations with more diverse workforces performed better than those with less gender-balanced workforces. He also added that similar studies revealed how above-average profitability in organisations was linked to gender diversity. Also watch | Gravitas: Indian women seek employment as husbands' incomes rise | What new study reveals? "From 53 per cent of companies in 2021 stating that having a diverse workforce has positively impacted their innovation revenue, the number rose to 77 per cent in 2023. This indicator is set to cross the 100 per cent mark by 2025", said Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group.

Over 43% of Indian women working in manufacturing sector hail from this state

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- The odd-even rule is back in Delhi. Given rising air pollution, the odd-even vehicle system will apply from Nov 13 to Nov 20. It means that vehicles with odd-numbered license plates will be permitted to operate on odd-numbered dates. While those with even-numbered plates will be allowed on even dates during the restriction period.

Delhi government to bring back odd-even curbs amid air quality deterioration

In a bid to shield consumers from the surging prices of cereals and in preparation for the upcoming general election early next year, India on Saturday announced a five-year extension of its free food grains program.&nbsp;

The extension is expected to provide relief to consumers but will also lead to increased government spending and the necessity for New Delhi to procure larger quantities of wheat and rice from farmers to sustain the welfare program, which currently offers free grains to over 800 million people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed this decision during an election rally in Durg, a city located in the central state of Chhattisgarh, where state elections are scheduled for this month. The grains program, estimated to cost the government approximately 2 trillion rupees ($24.06 billion) this year, was initially set to expire at the end of the year.

As the world's second-largest producer of wheat and rice, India has taken steps to restrict the exports of these cereals in order to curb rising prices domestically. This move has been necessitated by the government's need to purchase from farmers to ensure the smooth operation of the welfare program.

Reuters cited a dealer based in Mumbai and affiliated with a global trade house, who highlighted the implications of these export restrictions, stating that without them, local prices would surpass the government-set floor prices, hindering the government's ability to procure an adequate quantity of grains.

For the first time in eight years, India is expecting a drop in its rice output this year, which has raised concerns that New Delhi may extend restrictions on rice exports to maintain control over food prices in the lead-up to the elections.

Global rice prices have surged to a 15-year high following India's decision to limit exports of non-basmati rice varieties in July. India, as the world's largest rice exporter, is responsible for over 40 per cent of global rice exports.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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In a bid to shield consumers from the surging prices of cereals and in preparation for the upcoming general election early next year, India on Saturday announced a five-year extension of its free food grains program.

In a bid to shield consumers from the surging prices of cereals and in preparation for the upcoming general election early next year, India on Saturday announced a five-year extension of its free food grains program. The extension is expected to provide relief to consumers but will also lead to increased government spending and the necessity for New Delhi to procure larger quantities of wheat and rice from farmers to sustain the welfare program, which currently offers free grains to over 800 million people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed this decision during an election rally in Durg, a city located in the central state of Chhattisgarh, where state elections are scheduled for this month. The grains program, estimated to cost the government approximately 2 trillion rupees ($24.06 billion) this year, was initially set to expire at the end of the year. As the world's second-largest producer of wheat and rice, India has taken steps to restrict the exports of these cereals in order to curb rising prices domestically. This move has been necessitated by the government's need to purchase from farmers to ensure the smooth operation of the welfare program. Reuters cited a dealer based in Mumbai and affiliated with a global trade house, who highlighted the implications of these export restrictions, stating that without them, local prices would surpass the government-set floor prices, hindering the government's ability to procure an adequate quantity of grains. For the first time in eight years, India is expecting a drop in its rice output this year, which has raised concerns that New Delhi may extend restrictions on rice exports to maintain control over food prices in the lead-up to the elections. Global rice prices have surged to a 15-year high following India's decision to limit exports of non-basmati rice varieties in July. India, as the world's largest rice exporter, is responsible for over 40 per cent of global rice exports. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India extends free food grain programme to tackle rising cereal prices: Report

In our next report, we'll tell you about a lesser-known and versatile aircraft operated by the Indian Navy after 47 years of service the Indian Navy has been farewelled to a Soviet-era platform known as the sea dragon. WION's Senior Correspondent Siddhart MP tells you more.

Indian Navy's sea dragons played crucial roles in classified missions

In a first, Jammu and Kashmir Police have introduced GPS tracker anklets to monitor the terror-accused people on bail in the union territory. With this, the J&K police department became the first in India to be using GPS tracker anklets.

J&K police becomes 1st in India to use GPS tracker anklets for terror-accused on bail

In a strategic move to ease financial pressures, Indian ed-tech giant Byju's is in advanced talks to sell its US-based kids' digital reading platform, epic! creations, for approximately $400 million. this comes as part of Byju's plan to streamline its business operations and address financial challenges.

India’s Byju's in talks to sell epic! creations | World Business Watch

Chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar Nitish Kumar has quoted controversy over his bizarre speech on the importance of sex education.

Indian opposition leader Nitish Kumar's bizarre speech

Delhi India's political pulse in one of the world's most rapidly rising metropolises is grappling with the crisis that spotlights the urgency of addressing climate goals. The city's air quality has plummeted below acceptable standards in recent days landing it on the global list of the most polluted cities in the world. But what's the economic role of this predicament take a look.

Delhi AQI: India's capital takes the crown for the most polluted global city

Telangana MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy was stabbed&nbsp;in the stomach on Monday (Oct 30), during his&nbsp;campaign in Siddipet district. He was attacked by an unidentified man who seemingly extended his hand to greet him but instead&nbsp;drew a knife and stabbed the MP in the stomach. The attacker was subsequently nabbed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)&nbsp;workers at the rally.

"The assailant has been taken into custody. We are verifying his details," Siddipet Commissioner of Police N Swetha told PTI.

Disclaimer: Some viewers may find the video disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;

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The Member of Parliament representing the Medak Lok Sabha constituency sustained stomach injuries and has been transferred to Gajwel government hospital. Reports indicate that his condition is currently stable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-up-migrant-worker-killed-by-terrorists-in-jammu-and-kashmir-653062">Also read |&nbsp;India: UP migrant worker killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir</a>

Recently, Reddy was declared as the BRS candidate for the Dubbaka constituency, where he is set to challenge the incumbent BJP MLA Raghunandan in the upcoming November 30 elections. He assumed the role of an MP when Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao vacated the position in 2014 to participate in the assembly elections.

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian EAM Jaishankar meets families of Qatar detainees

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-eam-jaishankar-meets-families-of-qatar-detainees-653019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Visuals captured at the scene show Prabhakar Reddy sitting in a vehicle and applying pressure to his abdominal stab wound in an effort to control the bleeding.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Telangana MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy was stabbed in the stomach on Monday (Oct 30), during his campaign in Siddipet district. He was attacked by an unidentified man who seemingly extended his hand to greet him but instead drew a knife and stabbed the MP in the stomach.

Telangana MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy was stabbed in the stomach on Monday (Oct 30), during his campaign in Siddipet district. He was attacked by an unidentified man who seemingly extended his hand to greet him but instead drew a knife and stabbed the MP in the stomach. The attacker was subsequently nabbed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) workers at the rally. "The assailant has been taken into custody. We are verifying his details," Siddipet Commissioner of Police N Swetha told PTI. Disclaimer: Some viewers may find the video disturbing. Discretion is advised. #WATCH | Telangana: BRS MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy was stabbed in the stomach by an unidentified person during his campaign in Siddipet. MP Kotha Prabhakar Reddy is safe. The incident took place in Surampally village of the Daulatabad mandal. He has been shifted to Gajwel. The… pic.twitter.com/MI0BvbFxDJ — ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2023 × The Member of Parliament representing the Medak Lok Sabha constituency sustained stomach injuries and has been transferred to Gajwel government hospital. Reports indicate that his condition is currently stable. Also read | India: UP migrant worker killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir Recently, Reddy was declared as the BRS candidate for the Dubbaka constituency, where he is set to challenge the incumbent BJP MLA Raghunandan in the upcoming November 30 elections. He assumed the role of an MP when Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao vacated the position in 2014 to participate in the assembly elections. Also watch | Indian EAM Jaishankar meets families of Qatar detainees Visuals captured at the scene show Prabhakar Reddy sitting in a vehicle and applying pressure to his abdominal stab wound in an effort to control the bleeding. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Telangana MP Prabhakar Reddy stabbed in stomach during rally

England's title defence might be over, but the Three Lions have Champions Trophy qualification to worry about. Bottom-placed England Face Netherlands in Pune, with the Dutch themselves chasing a spot in the multi-team Event.

England, Netherlands chase Champions Trophy Berth

Jammu and Kashmir police have become the first police force in India to use GPS tracker anklets. These tracker anklets will monitor the movements of people on Bail Facing Terror charges in the Union territory here's a detailed report.

Jammu & Kashmir cops become first police in India to use GPS trackers

Indian capital continues to be shrouded in smog. Odd-Even rule came back in Delhi to curb the pollution. The schools are ordered to be shut. Government and private offices are asked to operate from home. The major contributor of smog in Delhi-NCR is stubble burning.

Indian Supreme Court raps Punjab government over stubble burning amid rising air pollution

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and he expressed concern over the terrorist incidents and the loss of civilian lives. India has maintained a neutral stand on Israel Gaza War now India has definitely condemned any kind of terrorism.

PM Modi discusses de-escalation, aid in phone call with Raisi

In the latest,&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump had a heated confrontation with the judge during his court testimony in the New York civil fraud case on Monday, November 6. This marked the first time in over a century that a former US president testified as a defendant in a legal proceeding. As the Israel-Hamas war completes one month,&nbsp;the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that it has "eliminated"&nbsp;Wael Asefa, Commander of Hamas' Deir al-Balah Battalion. In other news,&nbsp;The election season in India commenced on Tuesday, November 7, with two crucial states heading to the polls, which are expected to establish the groundwork for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-biden-netanyahu-discuss-tactical-pauses-in-gaza-strikes-655892">Israel-Hamas war Live updates: 'Eliminated' Wael Asefa, commander of Hamas' Deir al-Balah Battalion: IDF</a>

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Today marks day 31&nbsp;of the war in the Middle East. Over the past month, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives on both sides, most of them civilians. On Oct 7th, Hamas launched its operation Al-Aqsa Floodgun, and its operatives stormed across the border into Israel, triggering the war that as per authorities in Tel Aviv, has claimed the lives of 1,400 people, while in the Gaza Strip, the death toll has crossed 10,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ex-prez-donald-trump-fights-with-judge-during-testimony-in-civil-fraud-trial-655906">Ex-US prez Donald Trump fights with judge during testimony in civil fraud trial</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/07/391601-trump-3.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Former US president Donald Trump clashed with the judge on Monday (November 6) as he testified in court in the New York civil fraud case, as he became the first former US president to testify as a defendant in more than a century. His court appearance came just a year before presidential elections take place in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-police-seize-giggle-switch-gun-after-stolen-car-crashes-into-barricade-655936">US: Capitol police seize 'giggle switch' gun after stolen car crashes into barricade</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/07/391617-the-battle-for-kyiv-2023-11-07t090344316.png?imwidth=1920" />

In a recent incident, Capitol Police made arrests after two men crashed a stolen vehicle into a barricade outside the Capitol. The suspects, Ricardo Glass and Onosetale Okojie&nbsp;(both 20), led officers on a foot chase before being arrested, reported ABC news. During the arrest, law enforcement recovered two handguns, one of which had been illegally modified into a machine gun.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-season-kicks-off-in-india-as-chhattisgarh-and-mizoram-go-to-polls-655922">Election season kicks off in India as Chhattisgarh and Mizoram go to polls</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/07/391608-safeimagekit-resized-img305.jpeg?imwidth=1920" />

Election season in India kicked off on Tuesday (Nov 7), with two key states going to the polls that will likely set the stage for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Elections are taking place for the first phase in India’s central state of Chhattisgarh, where the fates of the candidates on 20 out of 90 seats will be sealed today. Mizoram is also holding single-phase polls on all of its 40 seats on November 7.

Watch |&nbsp;Hamas releases video which shows militants firing mortars

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In the latest, Former US President Donald Trump had a heated confrontation with the judge during his court testimony in the New York civil fraud case on Monday, November 6.

In the latest, Former US President Donald Trump had a heated confrontation with the judge during his court testimony in the New York civil fraud case on Monday, November 6. This marked the first time in over a century that a former US president testified as a defendant in a legal proceeding. As the Israel-Hamas war completes one month, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that it has "eliminated" Wael Asefa, Commander of Hamas' Deir al-Balah Battalion. In other news, The election season in India commenced on Tuesday, November 7, with two crucial states heading to the polls, which are expected to establish the groundwork for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Click on the headlines to read more. Israel-Hamas war Live updates: 'Eliminated' Wael Asefa, commander of Hamas' Deir al-Balah Battalion: IDF Today marks day 31 of the war in the Middle East. Over the past month, the conflict has claimed thousands of lives on both sides, most of them civilians. On Oct 7th, Hamas launched its operation Al-Aqsa Floodgun, and its operatives stormed across the border into Israel, triggering the war that as per authorities in Tel Aviv, has claimed the lives of 1,400 people, while in the Gaza Strip, the death toll has crossed 10,000. Ex-US prez Donald Trump fights with judge during testimony in civil fraud trial Former US president Donald Trump clashed with the judge on Monday (November 6) as he testified in court in the New York civil fraud case, as he became the first former US president to testify as a defendant in more than a century. His court appearance came just a year before presidential elections take place in the US. US: Capitol police seize 'giggle switch' gun after stolen car crashes into barricade In a recent incident, Capitol Police made arrests after two men crashed a stolen vehicle into a barricade outside the Capitol. The suspects, Ricardo Glass and Onosetale Okojie (both 20), led officers on a foot chase before being arrested, reported ABC news. During the arrest, law enforcement recovered two handguns, one of which had been illegally modified into a machine gun. Election season kicks off in India as Chhattisgarh and Mizoram go to polls Election season in India kicked off on Tuesday (Nov 7), with two key states going to the polls that will likely set the stage for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Elections are taking place for the first phase in India’s central state of Chhattisgarh, where the fates of the candidates on 20 out of 90 seats will be sealed today. Mizoram is also holding single-phase polls on all of its 40 seats on November 7. Watch | Hamas releases video which shows militants firing mortars

Morning brief: IDF kills key Hamas commander, Trump fights with judge during civil fraud trial, and more

India's Supreme Court on Delhi pollution

An Indian origin man, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a court in Florida for stabbing his wife, Merin Joy, 17 times and then driving over her body.

US: Indian origin man jailed for stabbing wife in 17 times

Diwali is around the corner and this is just the time when sweet shops gear up to cater to the enormous demand on gifting sweets.

Creme De La Coco: India's sweetmeats get fancy

An International flyer's attempt to smuggle in wildlife was thwarted by Air Customs officials at the Anna International Airport in Chennai, Southern India, as he was intercepted and his check-in baggage was examined. According to officials, the 44-year-old passenger Guruswamy Sudhakar had arrived from Bangkok and his check-in baggage contained snakes, primates and rodents concealed in custom-made packaging.&nbsp;

Air Customs teams at the airport sought the assistance of regional Wildlife Crime Control Bureau officials and closely inspected the baggage, which revealed that there were two live Ball Pythons, a deceased Golden-Handed Tamarin (squirrel-like species), two deceased Common Marmosets (small-sized primates), 11 live and 15 deceased Woodland Dormice (rodents). Notably, all species, except the Woodland Dormouse, are covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Appendix-II. CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats posed by international trade.&nbsp;

According to officials, the deceased animals were disposed off and the rescued animals were transported back to origin country, after being deemed fit and healthy for travel. The individual who&nbsp;attempted to smuggle these animals and caused the death of few of them, was remanded to judicial custody and subsequently sent to Central Prison at Puzhal. Investigation is underway to identify any additional individuals involved in this illicit wildlife trafficking operation, Air Customs said.

An International flyer's attempt to smuggle in wildlife was thwarted by Air Customs officials at the Anna International Airport in Chennai, Southern India, as he was intercepted and his check-in baggage was examined.

An International flyer's attempt to smuggle in wildlife was thwarted by Air Customs officials at the Anna International Airport in Chennai, Southern India, as he was intercepted and his check-in baggage was examined. According to officials, the 44-year-old passenger Guruswamy Sudhakar had arrived from Bangkok and his check-in baggage contained snakes, primates and rodents concealed in custom-made packaging. Air Customs teams at the airport sought the assistance of regional Wildlife Crime Control Bureau officials and closely inspected the baggage, which revealed that there were two live Ball Pythons, a deceased Golden-Handed Tamarin (squirrel-like species), two deceased Common Marmosets (small-sized primates), 11 live and 15 deceased Woodland Dormice (rodents). Notably, all species, except the Woodland Dormouse, are covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Appendix-II. CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats posed by international trade. According to officials, the deceased animals were disposed off and the rescued animals were transported back to origin country, after being deemed fit and healthy for travel. The individual who attempted to smuggle these animals and caused the death of few of them, was remanded to judicial custody and subsequently sent to Central Prison at Puzhal. Investigation is underway to identify any additional individuals involved in this illicit wildlife trafficking operation, Air Customs said.

Flyer smuggles snakes, rodents in baggage; Customs send animals back to origin country

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