Bengaluru Woman Loses ₹32 Crore in Six-Month 'Digital Arrest' Scam
A 57-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru lost approximately ₹32 crore in an elaborate "digital arrest" scam that lasted for over six months. Fraudsters posing as CBI officers accused her of being linked to a parcel containing illegal items. They held her under constant surveillance via Skype, coercing her into making 187 transfers to "verify" her assets. The case highlights a sophisticated and long-running form of cybercrime where victims are psychologically manipulated and isolated while being extorted for large sums.
Investigation into Delhi Blast Uncovers Terror Fund Trail, Military-Grade Ammunition
The investigation into the November 10 Red Fort car blast that killed at least 12 people has uncovered a ₹20 lakh fund trail linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed handler. Police recovered 9mm cartridges, prohibited for civilian use, from the site. FIRs have been filed against Al-Falah University for alleged irregularities as the probe continues into a "white-collar terror module." As normalcy returns, the Lal Quila Metro station and Red Fort have reopened to the public.
Bangladesh Tribunal Begins Delivering Verdict Against Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has begun delivering its verdict in the case against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity. The charges stem from a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024 that led to her ouster. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty. Hasina, currently residing in India, has called the trial a "kangaroo court." Authorities have deployed heavy security across Bangladesh amid fears of widespread violence and issued shoot-at-sight orders in Dhaka.
Bangladesh on High Alert for Tribunal Verdict Against Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh has heightened security nationwide ahead of a special tribunal's verdict on Monday against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity. The charges relate to a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in 2024 that led to her ouster. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Hasina, who fled to India last year, has called the trial politically motivated. The verdict could have significant implications for regional stability.
ISRO Announces Chandrayaan-4 Lunar Sample Return Mission for 2028
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has laid out an ambitious roadmap, confirming the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample-return mission is approved and targeted for 2028. Chairman V Narayanan also announced plans to triple annual spacecraft production, launch the first module of an Indian space station by 2028, and maintain the 2027 schedule for the first crewed Gaganyaan flight. These initiatives aim to significantly expand India's capabilities and its share in the global space economy.
Key Conspirator Arrested in Delhi's Red Fort Car Bombing Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Amir Rashid Ali, a resident of Kashmir, in connection with the November 10 car bomb blast near Delhi's Red Fort that killed 13 people. The NIA alleges Ali conspired with the "suicide bomber," Dr. Umar Un Nabi, and helped procure the car used in the attack. The investigation is also focusing on a "white-collar terror module," leading to the questioning of individuals at Faridabad's Al-Falah University, where Nabi was an assistant professor.
India's Russian Oil Imports Remain High Despite Fresh US Sanctions
India spent €2.5 billion on Russian crude oil in October, maintaining its position as the second-largest buyer after China, according to a report by a European think tank. The sustained high volume of imports comes just before the US imposed new sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil. The data highlights India's continued reliance on discounted Russian energy to meet its domestic needs, balancing its strategic interests amid Western pressure on Moscow.
One Killed, Over a Dozen Feared Trapped After Stone Quarry Collapses in Uttar Pradesh
A portion of a stone quarry collapsed in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, killing at least one worker and trapping around 15 others under debris on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at the Krishna Mines quarry in Billi Markundi village. A large-scale rescue operation is underway, involving teams from the State and National Disaster Response Forces. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the collapse and the operational safety of the mine.
Death Toll in Uttar Pradesh Stone Quarry Collapse Rises to Six
The death toll from a stone quarry collapse in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, has risen to six, with rescue operations ongoing. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Billi Markundi mining area, trapping several laborers under heavy debris. The owner and partners of Krishna Mining Works have been booked by the police. A local Samajwadi Party MP alleged that illegal mining is rampant in the area and is being carried out with the connivance of local authorities.
Delhi's Air Quality Remains 'Very Poor' as Many Areas Enter 'Severe' Category
Air quality in New Delhi remained in the 'very poor' category on Sunday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 385. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, 18 monitoring stations across the city reported air quality in the 'severe' category, with readings above 400. The persistent toxic air continues to pose significant health risks to millions of residents, even as the minimum temperature dropped below the seasonal average, settling at 9 degrees Celsius.
IIT Madras Researchers Identify Physiological Markers for Test Anxiety
Researchers at IIT Madras have identified key physiological markers that can predict a student's vulnerability to test anxiety. By measuring Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (a brain-based indicator) and Heart Rate Variability, the study found that a breakdown in brain-heart communication during stress is linked to heightened anxiety. This breakthrough could lead to non-invasive, AI-driven tools for early identification of at-risk students, enabling proactive and personalised interventions to manage academic stress and improve mental well-being.
Tata Motors Reimagines an Icon, Unveils Production-Ready Sierra SUV
Tata Motors has unveiled the production-ready version of the new Tata Sierra, reviving one of India's most iconic SUV nameplates. The modern interpretation pays homage to the original's distinctive design, featuring its signature panoramic glass roof while incorporating a contemporary, lounge-like interior. Positioned as an SUV for exploration and self-expression, the new Sierra blends nostalgia with modern technology and design, with a formal launch scheduled for November 25, 2025.
Accidental Blast at Srinagar Police Station Kills Nine, Injures 32
An accidental explosion at the Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar has killed nine people and injured 32. The blast occurred late Friday night as a Forensic Science Laboratory team was handling a 360 kg cache of seized explosives. The material, which included unstable chemicals like ammonium nitrate, had been recovered from Faridabad as part of a terror module investigation. The deceased include forensic, revenue, and police personnel. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident's cause.
NDA Begins Government Formation in Bihar Amid Fallout in RJD
Following a landslide victory securing 202 of 243 seats, the NDA has begun government formation talks in Bihar, with a swearing-in ceremony expected around November 19-20. The election's aftermath has triggered turmoil within the opposition RJD, with Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Rohini Acharya announcing she is quitting politics and "disowning" her family. Meanwhile, former Union Minister R.K. Singh resigned from the BJP hours after being suspended for "anti-party activities" during the campaign.
US Scraps Tariffs on Beef, Coffee, and Other Foods to Curb Prices
The Trump administration has scrapped US tariffs on over 200 food products, including beef, coffee, bananas, and orange juice, in a significant policy reversal aimed at lowering high grocery prices. The move comes amid rising public concern over inflation and follows poor election results for Republicans where affordability was a key issue. President Donald Trump, who built his second term on imposing steep import levies, acknowledged the tariffs may have contributed to higher consumer prices in some cases.