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National / The Times of India
Maulana Mahmood Madani has ignited controversy with his remarks on the Supreme Court's handling of key cases and his views on 'jihad' and 'ghar wapsi'. His statements have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP and differing opinions within the Muslim community, highlighting a divided political landscape.
Over 1,000 Amazon employees have signed an open letter warning of dire consequences from the company's rapid AI development. They argue Amazon is sacrificing climate goals and its human workforce for AI dominance, citing increased emissions, water consumption for data centers, and job displacement. The workers demand ethical AI practices, including clean energy use and employee involvement in AI decisions.
India's annual groundwater recharge saw a slight increase in 2025, yet nearly a quarter of assessment units remain in stressed categories. This is due to declines in recharge in several states, despite overall improvements in some regions attributed to good rainfall and conservation efforts.
The BJP has sharply criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of sympathizing with Maoists and potentially endorsing urban naxals. This accusation stems from Gandhi sharing a video that reportedly featured individuals raising pro-Naxal slogans, including support for a slain commander, during a protest. The ruling party's attack comes as the government intensifies its efforts to combat Naxalism.
IndiGo has fully updated its entire A320 fleet, becoming the first Indian carrier to complete mandatory software enhancements. This rapid upgrade, prompted by an Airbus global warning about solar radiation affecting flight-control systems, saw Air India and Air India Express also making significant progress. While minor delays occurred, cancellations were largely avoided as airlines raced to meet regulatory deadlines.
Central agencies are scrutinizing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) process for alleged rigging and misuse. The ED arrested Amit Katyal, Lalu Prasad Yadav's aide, in a real estate fraud case involving undervalued land sales and bid manipulation. Investigations reveal collusion between bank officials, resolution professionals, and buyers, leading to significant financial irregularities.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran stated that Air India represents a responsibility for the Tata Group, not just a business opportunity. He highlighted the significant growth potential in India's aviation sector, driven by economic expansion and increasing consumer aspirations. Despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and geopolitical factors, the commitment is to build a world-class airline.
Jamiat-Ulama-Hind chief Maulana Mahmood Madani accused the Supreme Court and government of undermining minority rights, suggesting judicial verdicts are made under government pressure. He also defended Jihad as a noble duty against injustice, while the BJP condemned his remarks as inflammatory and divisive, particularly his opposition to Vande Mataram.
Indian airlines swiftly addressed a critical software issue affecting Airbus A320s, linked to solar flare risks. Operators worked through the weekend to roll back flight-control updates on 338 aircraft, preventing potential pilot control loss. This rapid fix, under DGCA supervision, avoided mass cancellations during peak holiday travel, with minimal delays reported.
Robert Kiyosaki, author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad,' warns of an unprecedented market crash, attributing it to AI-driven job losses and real estate stress. He reiterates his 2002 prediction, now linking it to current global instability. Kiyosaki advises investors to consider silver and gold as safe havens amidst this predicted turmoil, though market indicators suggest a more moderate downturn.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled cross-LoC trade as intra-state, asserting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is part of the Union Territory. The court dismissed petitions from traders challenging GST notices, stating the trade was internal. This ruling comes after the Indian government suspended cross-LoC trade in 2019 due to misuse concerns.
Journalist Arafaz Ahmad Daing's home demolition in Jammu has ignited a political firestorm. Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary is demanding an inquiry, questioning who ordered the action. Former BJP President Ravinder Raina also visited, claiming the LG's administration wasn't involved. CM Omar Abdullah accused Raj Bhavan-posted officers of selective demolitions, undermining the elected government.
Leh Apex Body (LAB) has urged a judicial probe panel to obtain medico-legal reports of civilians injured in alleged security forces firing on September 24. LAB also demanded scrutiny of CCTV footage and investigation into delayed medical reports of police personnel, emphasizing these as crucial for a fair inquiry.
Housing sales in India's 15 major Tier II cities saw a 4% value increase to Rs 37,409 crore in Q3 2025, despite a 4% dip in unit volumes. This rise, attributed to expanding employment and infrastructure, indicates strong buyer willingness for quality and amenities, signaling a maturing market.
Following fatal bus fires, the National Human Rights Commission has ordered chief secretaries to immediately recall buses violating safety norms. This includes removing driver partitions, installing fire detection systems, and stricter checks on bus builders. The NHRC stressed accountability for officials who approved unsafe vehicles, deeming the accident preventable.
Oil India Limited has commenced its first deepwater drilling campaign in the Kerala-Konkan Basin, marking a significant step in India's energy independence. The 6,000-meter well aims to explore the basin's potential, aligning with the government's strategy to boost domestic exploration and reduce import reliance.
India's engineering exports plunged 16.71% in October 2025, hitting $9.37 billion, largely due to a significant drop in shipments to the US and a high base effect. Key markets like Asean also saw steep declines. Despite this monthly dip, cumulative exports for April-October 2025 showed a modest 1.68% growth.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is now in an era where politics increasingly influences economics, urging India to diversify supply sources to protect national interests. He highlighted global fragmentation and supply insecurity, emphasising India's pursuit of self-reliance and manufacturing growth to secure its future.
Election Commission has doubled Booth Level Officers' pay to Rs 12,000 and supervisors' to Rs 18,000, acknowledging their crucial role. This comes as the BJP forms a team to monitor electoral roll revisions and address BLO issues, amid reports of BLO deaths and protests over workload.
A special NIA court has convicted two more individuals, Mohd. Mustaqueem and Shakeel, in an Al-Qaeda conspiracy case, sentencing them to 20 months in prison. This follows a previous conviction in the same plot, which aimed to carry out terror attacks in Uttar Pradesh. The accused were found guilty of procuring weapons and ammunition for the banned outfit's affiliate.
Starting January 1, 2026, India's market regulator Sebi will classify Mutual Fund and Specialised Investment Fund investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts as equity. This aims to boost REIT market participation. REITs can join equity indices from July 1, 2026, with existing debt scheme holdings grandfathered. Sebi encourages gradual divestment from debt schemes.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 expands Tamil outreach with 50 teachers teaching spoken Tamil in Varanasi schools and 300 Varanasi students visiting Tamil Nadu for immersive learning. This initiative, despite ongoing state-federal education disputes, aims to strengthen India's linguistic traditions and civilisational ties through reciprocal cultural exchange.
Donald Trump asserted his tariff regime has made the U.S. Rich, Strong, Powerful, and Safe, claiming it has stopped wars, strengthened alliances, and boosted the stock market. He attributed these outcomes to Strong Leadership and TARIFFS, as tariff revenues have significantly increased, with a Supreme Court ruling on presidential authority pending.
Cyclone Ditwah is poised to make landfall near the North Tamil NaduPuducherrySouth Andhra Pradesh coast by early November 30, prompting high alert across southern India. The storm, which has already caused devastation in Sri Lanka, is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to widespread disruptions and potential urban flooding.
Airbus has issued a global alert for A320-family aircraft due to a software flaw potentially caused by solar radiation, leading to grounding of over 350 planes in India. Meanwhile, the NIA is investigating a 'white-coat terror module' after recovering Rs 18 lakh from a university room. Additionally, R Ashwin suggested Jasprit Bumrah be used sparingly in Test cricket.
The Indian rupee is unlikely to see a sharp fall soon, having already depreciated 4% this year and trading in a narrow band. Union Bank of India anticipates the rupee to remain range-bound between 88.80 and 89.50 through December, with potential strengthening contingent on equity inflows or progress on the India-US BTA.
Indian exports to the US plummeted by 28.5% between May and October 2025 due to aggressive US tariff hikes, hitting labour-intensive sectors hardest. Shipments dropped significantly as duties surged, making Indian goods heavily taxed compared to competitors. Delays in operationalizing export promotion schemes are further hindering recovery efforts.
COP30 in Brazil concluded with India's environment minister highlighting successful outcomes, including increased adaptation finance and a just transition mechanism. India played a key role in shaping decisions, reinforcing multilateralism and developing countries' interests. Discussions on fossil fuels and deforestation occurred outside formal processes, while trade measures like CBAM were addressed.
Ayodhya's 500-year Ram Janmabhoomi struggle culminated on January 22, 2024, with the consecration of the Ram Lalla temple. This event marked the physical manifestation of faith, fulfilling a centuries-long aspiration. The journey, from Maharishi Valmiki's depiction of Ram's exile to modern movements and legal battles, finally saw the temple stand as a reclaimed heritage.
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, has been remanded to NIA custody in Delhi following his extradition from the US. Wanted in several high-profile cases including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, Anmol is accused of aiding terror activities and extortion from abroad. His arrest is part of a larger probe into a terror syndicate.
India's robust 8.2% GDP growth in the July-September quarter, a testament to the government's reform agenda and business-friendly policies, solidifies its standing as the world's fastest-growing major economy. This impressive expansion, driven by strong public investment, services, industrial output, and consumption, refutes earlier doubts and signals continued economic momentum.
Delhi Police apprehended wanted gangster Harsimran, a close associate of Goldy Dhillon, after his deportation from Bangkok. Harsimran, who fled India on a fake passport, is implicated in numerous criminal cases, including extortion and murder. His arrest is a significant blow to Dhillon's international crime network.
Karnataka's Congress faces a leadership dilemma as Chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar present a united front after intense speculation. The party grapples with balancing the influential AHINDA coalition and Vokkaliga support, crucial for its electoral success, as a potential midterm leadership change remains unresolved.
Indian companies anticipate a 5-10% rise in wage bills due to new labour codes, impacting benefits like gratuity and overtime. Labour-intensive sectors and MSMEs face the steepest increases. While employers may see higher costs, employees are set to gain as wages cannot be reduced. The government expects compliance burdens to offset employer expenses.
Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath cautioned retail investors against speculative behavior in India's unlisted market, fueled by the current IPO boom. He highlighted inflated prices, high commissions, and the risk of IPO prices falling below pre-IPO purchase prices, leading to immediate losses. Kamath also warned about the regulatory ambiguity and potential for total losses in cryptocurrency derivatives.
Luxury homes in India's top seven cities saw a significant 40% price appreciation between 2022 and 2025, far outpacing the 26% rise in affordable housing. Delhi-NCR led the luxury segment with a remarkable 72% increase, while mid- and premium-segment homes grew by 39%.
India is leading the charge in utilizing AI technology to anticipate common disease outbreaks like dengue and flu, getting ahead of potential health crises. The system expertly analyzes various data streamsranging from news reports and weather conditions to health statisticsto uncover early signs of impending outbreaks.
India's digital organ donation registry has surpassed 4.54 lakh pledges since its launch, with Maharashtra leading the nation. The data highlights a significant state-wise disparity in participation, influenced by awareness and local engagement. While the 30-35 age group shows the highest commitment, younger adults are also actively pledging, and the gender gap is narrowing.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the 2027 Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela will be celebrated grandly, mirroring the Purna Kumbh. For the first time, sadhus and saints will participate in 'Shahi Snan' during the four-month event, with extensive preparations underway to ensure its historic significance and the safety of millions of expected devotees.

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