Politics / The Times of India
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded the meeting between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani, highlighting it as a democratic ideal of post-election cooperation for national interest. Tharoor expressed a desire for similar bipartisan engagement in India. The meeting, despite past animosity, focused on New York's pressing issues like housing and affordability.
An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the death of pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The aircraft reportedly failed to recover from a negative-G turn, plunging to the ground and erupting in flames. This marks the second crash of the Tejas fighter since its induction.
A viral Instagram video shows a US-based couple explaining why they moved to India after 17 years. The woman says motherhood, short maternity leave and rising healthcare costs made life stressful. She says India offered quicker care, easier access to doctors and stronger support, giving their young family more balance and peace of mind.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that the world wouldn't exist without Hindus, citing the community's enduring identity. During his visit to Manipur, he urged unity and character-building for peace, emphasizing solutions within the constitutional framework and dialogue based on oneness. Bhagwat also acknowledged historical roots of regional tensions in colonial policies.
The Supreme Court affirmed that the right to a speedy investigation is a fundamental right, stating that accused individuals cannot face endless suffering under the threat of ongoing probes. While not setting strict timelines, the court emphasized that inordinate delays can lead to the quashing of cases, benefiting the accused, victim, and society.
Retiring CJI B.R. Gavai highlighted his judgment against ulldozer justice as his most significant, emphasizing its conflict with the rule of law and the right to shelter. He also cited the ruling allowing sub-classification of SCs and STs for reservations as crucial for addressing genuine inequality, quoting Ambedkar on the nuances of equality.
4 Codes Replace 29 Laws; Rules Within 45 Days
Authorities are now establishing clear, measurable standards to define commuter inconvenience on national highways. This move aims to determine when toll collection should be suspended or reduced on poorly maintained stretches, addressing public outcry and judicial observations. A dedicated panel will submit its findings within a month to ensure accountability for road quality.
The Centre's implementation of four labour codes, a significant reform post-farm laws, aims to prepare industry for global uncertainty and extend social protection to unorganized workers. Despite trade union protests, the government is confident of garnering support from millions of contractual and platform workers who have been largely neglected.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging a Bombay High Court ruling that the Workplace Harassment Act doesn't apply to advocates. The court issued a notice of appeal, emphasizing that professional bodies should have internal complaints committees to ensure a safe workplace for women in the legal profession.
Trade Unions Also Come Out Against Move
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir thwarted a potential terror plot in Handwara, recovering M4 rifles and other ammunition. A joint operation in the Neeriyan forest area led to the discovery of a major hideout. Separately, police are inspecting doctors' lockers in medical institutions to prevent misuse.
A police report submitted to a judicial magistrate's court found no evidence of negligence by Shrine Board officials in the deaths of over 30 pilgrims during an August landslide. The action taken report stated no offense was established against the authorities, though a final report from a three-member committee is still awaited.
A judicial commission investigating the Sept 24 Leh violence has warned against threatening eyewitnesses, assuring confidentiality for those who come forward. The commission, formed after demands from local political groups, is urging people to share information freely before hearings begin. Evidence submission is open until November 28.
Indian diplomatic missions globally have resumed accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese nationals, a significant step following the resolution of military tensions in eastern Ladakh. This move, which began earlier this week, follows the earlier resumption of tourist visas in July and is part of broader citizen-focused initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties.
Ten central trade unions have slammed the government's notification of four new labour codes. They call the move a 'deceptive fraud' and have announced a nationwide protest on November 26. The unions allege the codes are 'anti-worker, pro-employer' and undermine worker welfare. The government, however, states the codes modernize the labor framework, strengthen worker rights, and boost economic growth.
India and Afghanistan are set to resume air freight operations on the Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar routes soon, along with boosting trade ties. Both nations will also appoint trade attachs and have reactivated a joint working group to enhance bilateral commerce, which currently stands at approximately $1 billion, with significant potential for growth.
Kamala Nehru College celebrated its annual College Day with Union Minister Harsh Malhotra as Chief Guest. The event highlighted academic achievements, institutional growth, and infrastructural developments. Distinguished faculty and staff were recognized for their long service, alongside students awarded for outstanding performance. A vibrant cultural showcase and the release of college publications marked the occasion.
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor pledged to donate 90% of his income for the next five years to fund his party's campaign after its debut Bihar assembly election failure. He also criticised the Nitish Kumar cabinet as corrupt and accused the ruling alliance of vote-buying through cash transfers, vowing to ensure women receive promised funds.
A new Lancet Series highlights that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are contributing to a global rise in obesity and diabetes, a trend rapidly unfolding in India. Experts urge immediate policy action, including clear definitions, warning labels, and taxes on UPFs, to address the growing health burden.
A groundbreaking study reveals kissing predates humans by millions of years, originating with ape ancestors in prehistoric Africa. Researchers define it as non-aggressive mouth-to-mouth contact, observing it across diverse species, particularly primates. This ancient behavior, possibly practiced by Neanderthals, may have evolved for mate assessment or social bonding, offering a glimpse into our deep evolutionary past.
Amidst opposition setbacks, Congress reaffirms its commitment to the INDIA bloc, vowing to strengthen the national alliance. Despite local electoral divergences, the party emphasizes its dedication to coordinating efforts against the BJP's politics at the national level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the 'gamcha' during his victory speech and at the swearing-in ceremony in Patna resonated with supporters, highlighting its significance as a cultural symbol.
Nitish Kumar's rise was fueled by Kurmi and Kushwaha support, and their assembly representation has now reached a new high. This surge, particularly within Nitish's JDU, highlights the gains of these intermediary backward castes within the NDA's social coalition, while Muslim and Yadav representation has declined.
A decade after its implementation, India's juvenile justice system is failing children in conflict with the law. A new study reveals massive case backlogs, widespread vacancies in Juvenile Justice Boards, and a shocking lack of essential facilities, leaving thousands of children in limbo and facing prolonged institutionalization.
Seven key secretary-rank appointments were made Thursday, including new leaders for oil, telecom, and agriculture ministries. Neeraj Mittal takes charge as Petroleum Secretary, while Amit Agrawal moves to the Department of Telecom. Manoj Joshi transitions to pharmaceuticals, and V Vidyarthi is replaced in tourism. Atish Chandra is set to become the next Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The Supreme Court has prohibited new mining leases in the Aravali hills to protect them from desertification, while allowing existing operations to continue. The court mandated the preparation of a sustainable mining management plan for the entire range across four states, emphasizing ecological impact analysis and restoration measures.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Robert Vadra in a money laundering case involving fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The ED alleges Vadra assisted Bhandari and benefited from a London property, claiming he possessed proceeds of crime. The court will decide on cognizance on December 6.
Two suspected ISI-backed module members were injured in a police encounter in Ludhiana after allegedly opening fire. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted the duo who were tasked by a Pakistan-based handler to exchange grenades. Recoveries included grenades, pistols, and ammunition.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen attempting to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet at Patna airport before the PM's departure. This marks a recurring gesture from Kumar, who has previously shown similar deference to Modi on multiple occasions. The incident occurred shortly after Kumar's swearing-in for his tenth term as chief minister.
India is advocating for the expansion of a bilateral Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) as a vital tool for global climate action. Spearheaded by Japan, this model allows countries to jointly develop mitigation projects and transparently allocate emission reduction credits, reinforcing multilateral climate objectives.
Russia has offered India unrestricted technology transfer for its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, including production and licensing for critical components. This significant defence partnership aims to bolster India's future fighter aircraft needs, ensuring domestic manufacturing capabilities and long-term upgrades, reinforcing over six decades of cooperation ahead of President Putin's visit.

24 C