Top Maoist Commander Madvi Hidma Killed in Andhra Pradesh Encounter
Madvi Hidma, one of India's most-wanted Maoist commanders, was killed along with five other insurgents during an encounter with security forces in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitaramaraju district. Hidma, a key strategist and leader of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army's (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, was the alleged mastermind behind several deadly attacks, including the 2010 ambush in Dantewada that killed 76 CRPF personnel. His death is considered a major blow to the Naxal insurgency in the region.
Supreme Court Recalls Verdict Barring Retrospective Environmental Clearances
In a significant 2:1 majority ruling, the Supreme Court has recalled its May 2025 judgment that declared retrospective or 'ex post facto' environmental clearances illegal. The court reasoned that demolishing existing projects, many of them public and worth over ₹20,000 crore, would cause greater environmental harm. The majority opinion stated that the earlier bench should have referred the matter to a larger bench due to conflicting precedents. The dissenting judge strongly upheld the original verdict, calling retrospective clearances an "anathema to environmental jurisprudence."
Delhi Blast Probe Deepens with Raids, Arrests, and Bomber's Video
The investigation into the November 10 Red Fort car bombing has intensified, with the Enforcement Directorate raiding 25 locations linked to Al Falah University in the Delhi-NCR. Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested another key associate of the bomber, Dr. Umar Nabi, for providing technical support. A newly surfaced video shows Nabi attempting to justify suicide attacks as "martyrdom operations." The death toll from the blast has risen to 15, with multi-agency probes continuing across several states.
Iran Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Indians Citing Misuse
Iran has suspended its visa-waiver facility for Indian nationals, effective November 22, due to its misuse by criminal networks. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory stating that several Indians had been lured to Iran with false promises of employment or onward travel, only to be kidnapped for ransom upon arrival. The visa waiver, introduced in February 2024 to boost tourism, was being exploited by traffickers. Indian citizens will now be required to obtain a visa for entry or transit through Iran.
US Confirms F-35 Fighter Jet Sale to Saudi Arabia
US President Donald Trump has confirmed his administration will approve the sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The announcement came ahead of a White House visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The move is seen as a significant step to strengthen US-Saudi ties and potentially encourage Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords with Israel. However, the deal faces potential hurdles in Congress and concerns regarding Israel's qualitative military edge and China's access to sensitive technology.
Newborn, Doctor, and Two Others Killed in Gujarat Ambulance Fire
A newborn baby, his father, a doctor, and a nurse were tragically killed after their ambulance caught fire near Modasa in Gujarat's Arvalli district. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning while the one-day-old infant was being transferred to a hospital in Ahmedabad for specialized treatment. The driver and two other relatives managed to escape with burn injuries. Authorities have initiated an investigation, with forensic experts working to determine the cause of the blaze that engulfed the vehicle.
Multiple Delhi Courts and Schools Evacuated After Bomb Threats
Several key locations in Delhi, including the Patiala House, Saket, and Rohini district courts, along with two CRPF schools, received bomb threats via email on Tuesday morning. The threats triggered immediate evacuations and a temporary suspension of court proceedings. Police, fire departments, and bomb disposal squads conducted extensive searches at all locations. After thorough investigations, officials found no suspicious items and declared the threats to be hoaxes. Security has been heightened across the national capital as a precautionary measure.
Cambridge Dictionary Names 'Parasocial' as 2025 Word of the Year
The Cambridge Dictionary has selected 'parasocial' as its Word of the Year for 2025, highlighting a growing cultural focus on one-sided relationships. The term, first coined in 1956, describes the sense of connection an individual feels with a celebrity, influencer, or public figure whom they do not know personally. The choice reflects the increasing prevalence of these bonds in the digital age, which now extend not only to pop stars but also to AI chatbots and online personalities.
At Least 42 Indian Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Arabia Bus Crash
A bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims collided with a diesel tanker and burst into flames near Medina, Saudi Arabia, killing at least 42 people, many from Hyderabad. The accident occurred early Monday morning as the pilgrims were travelling from Mecca. There is reportedly only one survivor, who is now hospitalised. The Indian government and Telangana state authorities have set up control rooms and helplines to assist affected families, while efforts are underway to repatriate the bodies of the victims.
Bangladesh Sentences Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina to Death, Seeks Extradition From India
A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ex-home minister to death in absentia for crimes against humanity over a deadly crackdown on student protests in 2024. Following the verdict, Bangladesh's interim government formally requested India to extradite Hasina, who has been in India since fleeing the country. The UN called the verdict an “important moment” for victims but reiterated its opposition to the death penalty. India's MEA has noted the verdict, stating it remains committed to Bangladesh's stability.
US Threatens 'Severe Sanctions' on Countries Trading with Russia
US President Donald Trump has warned that any country doing business with Russia will face "very severe sanctions," signaling his support for tough new legislation being advanced by Republican lawmakers. The proposed "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" aims to impose secondary tariffs on nations like India, China, and Brazil for purchasing Russian oil and gas. The Trump administration has already placed 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% levy for its Russian energy imports, heightening economic and diplomatic pressure.
UN Security Council Approves US-Led Plan for Post-War Gaza
The UN Security Council has adopted a US-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza's future. The resolution, which passed 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining, authorises an international stabilization force to provide security, oversee demilitarization, and manage humanitarian aid. The plan also envisions a transitional authority called the 'Board of Peace,' chaired by Trump, and outlines a potential but non-binding pathway to Palestinian statehood, a controversial point for Israel. Hamas has rejected the resolution.
Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to Telangana Speaker Over Defection Pleas
The Supreme Court has issued a contempt of court notice to the Telangana Assembly Speaker for failing to decide on disqualification pleas against 10 BRS MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress. The court had set a three-month deadline which expired in October. A bench headed by CJI B.R. Gavai termed the non-compliance "the grossest kind of contempt" and gave the Speaker two weeks to act or face further proceedings, reiterating that a speaker acting as a tribunal does not enjoy constitutional immunity.
India Signs 'Historic' Deal to Import LPG from the United States
India has signed its first-ever deal to import Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the United States, a move described by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as a "historic first." State-run oil companies have secured a one-year contract for 2.2 million tonnes of LPG, which will account for about 10% of India's annual imports in 2026. The deal is a significant step towards diversifying India's energy sources and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
X Corp Challenges Legality of Government's 'Sahyog' Content Takedown Portal
X Corp (formerly Twitter) has challenged the legality of the Indian government's 'Sahyog' portal in the Karnataka High Court, arguing it creates an unconstitutional mechanism for ordering content takedowns. The social media giant contends that authorities are bypassing the legally mandated process under Section 69A of the IT Act. X claims the portal enables censorship without due process, citing a 91.5% compliance rate with over 29,000 government requests in early 2025 to counter claims of defiance against Indian law.