Breaking: Stunning News Headlines Transforming India – November 21, 2024

Headlines Trending Indian and World: Politics, E-Commerce, Lifestyle, Sports, Health & Entertainment on 21st November 2024

The ‘Biggest’ Stories in World and Indian Headlines – November 21, 2024

1. Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani Charged with US Bribery and Fraud

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, has been indicted in New York for his involvement in a $265 million bribery scheme related to solar energy contracts. U.S. prosecutors accused Adani and seven co-defendants, including his nephew Sagar Adani, of orchestrating bribes to secure solar energy deals projected to yield $2 billion in profit over two decades.

The indictment also alleges that the Adani Group secretly siphoned off $3 billion raised through loans and bonds, thereby hiding corruption from investors and financial institutions. Adani has not yet commented on this; however, reports suggest there are outstanding arrest warrants for both Gautam and Sagar Adani, and U.S. authorities are reportedly seeking international cooperation in order to enforce them.

The case goes several notches up the legislative book of scrutiny in operations of this Indian conglomerate on potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. SEC has also filed related charges, making legal woes mount further for the billionaire.

2. Maharashtra Sees Record Voter Turnout in Assembly Elections
   

Maharashtra witnessed a record 65.02 percent voter turnout in its recently concluded assembly elections, the highest turnout since 1995. This is by far the largest percentage voter turnout since the 61.39 percent recorded in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and also the 61.4 percent recorded during the 2019 state polls.

The major city of the Kolhapur led the state with a turnout of 76.25%, followed by Gadchiroli and Jalna. Here, however, Mumbai was at the rear end with a pathetic figure of 52.07%. The Election Commission claimed that because of vigorous campaign programs specifically targeted towards curbing urban voter apathy efforts included celebrity endorsements and better polling station facilities.

Maharashtra, home to over 45% urban residents, has struggled with low voter turnout in past elections. This year’s figures signal a break in that trend, reflecting growing public interest in shaping the state’s political future.

3. AR Rahman’s Lawyer Addresses Speculation Around Divorce

The online rumors linking the composer’s bassist, Mohini Dey, to the separation between AR Rahman and Saira Banu, following 29 years of marriage, have been dismissed by both Rahman’s legal team and Dey herself.

According to the lawyer, Vandana Shah, the couple took the decision independently and in no way relates to the personal life of Dey. Recent announcement from Mohini Dey also, who has recently disclosed her separation urged privacy and respect during this difficult time.

Divorce Rumors: Despite the rumors of acrimonious and financially disputed divorce, Rahman’s lawyer has reportedly said that the divorce continues to be amicable with no settlement dispute. The celebrated composer and his wife continue requesting privacy in this personal chapter.

4. Liam Payne’s Funeral Attended by A-List Celebrities

Music tycoon Simon Cowell shown emotional as he pays his last respects to One Direction star Liam Payne during a private funeral in Amersham, England. Liam Payne’s death after falling from heights in Buenos Aires last month shocked fans and colleagues.

Cowell was among the people who attended the ceremony, joining Payne’s family and bandmates, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson to say their final goodbyes. Also present were Cheryl Cole, the mother of Payne’s son Bear, and other bigwigs like James Corden and Damian Hurley.

The private service honored the legacy of Payne within the music industry with emotional tributes and an outpouring of support for a grieving family.

5. Polls Predict BJP Victory in Maharashtra, Tight Race in Jharkhand

Exit polls for the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand suggest differing prospects for the two states. In Maharashtra, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is poised to win a comfortable majority, crushing the dreams of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.

But in Jharkhand, the contest seems to be running neck-and-neck between the BJP and the Congress-JMM alliance. For Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the stakes are especially high, after a tempestuous term.

With 9.7 crore eligible voters across both states, the outcomes could decide the course of the political future as parties look toward the final counting on November 23.

6. Jaguar’s Rebrand Sparks Controversy
   

Jaguar’s new bold rebranding campaign, set to usher in the company’s transition into the electric vehicle era, left mixed reactions online. The campaign, with colorful visuals and non-traditional-gender models, is a far cry from what the luxury automaker has always been known for.

Critics, even Tesla CEO Elon Musk, questioned what the company has been trying to say about its campaign. Musk even remarked sarcastically, “Do you sell cars?” Other netizens were not amused, calling the rebrand “confusing” and “out of touch.

JLR’s new logo and the new identity are designed to position the brand as a leader in sustainable modern mobility despite the backlash. The automaker seems committed to embracing change as it moves into its second century.

7. Malayalam Actor Meghanathan Passes Away at 60

Veteran Malayalam actor Meghanathan, who gained popularity for his powerful villainous roles, died recently at 60 due to complications of lung disease. The actor, who was undergoing treatment in Kozhikode, left behind a legacy of over 50 films built over the last three decades.

The son of legendary actor Balan K Nair, Meghanathan too was inspired to stride onto his father’s territory in the Malayalam film industry. He carved out a space of his own with diversified performances. There is nothing much more that audiences or fellow artists can say about him.

Actor’s funeral will be held at his residence in Shoranur. Fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of the cinematic icon.

8. Instagram to Roll Out “Reset Recommendations” Feature
   

To this end, Instagram has introduced a new feature that will enable users to reset content recommendations across Explore, Reels, and Feed. Dubbed “fresh start,” the tool is looking to give users more control over their timelines as they seek to tailor content for changing tastes.

It further enhances Instagram’s capabilities in curating content and is part of Meta’s broader efforts to address concerns around issues of mental health and online addiction, particularly among the teen user base. Once initiated, the reset cannot be undone, emphasizing its use as a deliberate step toward a more personalized experience.

Set to roll out globally soon, this update reflects Instagram’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user satisfaction and addressing growing regulatory pressures.

9. NBA Mourns the Death of Bulls Legend Bob Love

The basketball world lost Bob Love, the Chicago Bulls legend and three-time NBA All-Star who died at the age of 81 after battling cancer. Love was remembered not only for his sterling performances on the court but also for his contributions as a Bulls’ Director of Community Affairs post-retirement.

Tributes have been pouring in from all quarters of the NBA, celebrating Love’s legacy as a player and humanitarian. His legacy in the sport and the community of Chicago will be talked about for generations to come.

10. Wasim Jaffer Proposes India’s Batting Line-up for Perth Test

Ahead of the first Test against Australia, with injuries plaguing the Indian cricket team, former cricketer Wasim Jaffer has weighed in on the batting line-up. Jaffer suggested KL Rahul to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, and for the critical No 3 spot he would like to see the face of Devdutt Padikkal.

These performances in domestic cricket and India A matches have catapulted him into a frontrunner for selection, given the conditions he will face in Australia. Jaffer told the team that they need to play the right kind of cricketers under the pace and bounce Perth will dish out. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy beckons with a revamped Indian line-up against a best Australian side, promising an epic battle.

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