Supreme Court Acquits Surendra Koli in Final Nithari Killings Case, Orders Release
The Supreme Court has acquitted Surendra Koli in the last pending case related to the infamous Nithari serial killings, ordering his immediate release. Allowing Koli's curative petition, the bench noted it would be a "travesty of justice" to uphold his conviction when he has already been acquitted in 12 other cases based on the same set of facts and evidence. This verdict brings a legal conclusion to one of India's most horrifying criminal cases, which came to light in 2006.
Voting Begins for Assembly By-elections Across Seven States and Union Territories
Polling is underway for by-elections to eight assembly seats across six states and one union territory. The constituencies include Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatshila in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha. The results of these polls, necessitated by the death, resignation, or disqualification of sitting MLAs, are viewed as a significant indicator of the regional political mood ahead of future elections.
David Szalay's 'Flesh' Wins 2025 Booker Prize, Beating Kiran Desai's Shortlisted Novel
Hungarian British author David Szalay has won the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel ‘Flesh’. The win was announced at a ceremony in London, where Szalay was awarded the £50,000 prize for what judges called a "hypnotically tense and compelling" book. Indian author Kiran Desai was a strong contender on the six-author shortlist for her novel, ‘The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny’. Desai, who won the prestigious award in 2006 for ‘The Inheritance of Loss’, missed the chance to become a rare two-time winner.
Warren Buffett Announces Retirement from Public-Facing Roles in Farewell Letter
In a surprise farewell letter, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett announced he will no longer write the company's famous annual reports or speak at its shareholder meetings, declaring he is "going quiet." The 95-year-old investment icon confirmed Greg Abel will succeed him as CEO by year-end and reflected on his life and career. While he will continue sharing Thanksgiving messages, the announcement marks the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in modern finance.
Future Workplaces to Embrace Adaptability and Experimental Norms, Report Finds
The future of work in India will be defined by experimental styles and lifelong adaptability, according to a new report from job site Indeed. It finds a majority of employees expect to adopt practices like "reverse mentoring" (juniors guiding seniors), "micro-retirements" (short career breaks), and AI integration by 2027. The report highlights a shift from traditional loyalty to "growth-first" habits, where pausing to reflect and reskill is seen not as quitting, but as preparation for future challenges.
COP30 Climate Summit Opens with Calls for Urgent Action Amid US Absence
The UN's COP30 climate negotiations have begun in Belem, Brazil, with leaders calling for accelerated action and greater cooperation to curb global warming. The summit's president urged nations to unite on the shared task. However, the talks are complicated by the United States, which has not sent high-level negotiators and is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement for a second time. The US is historically the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its absence has been described as damaging to the global effort.
Maldives Inaugurates New International Airport Developed with Indian Assistance
The Maldives has inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, a major infrastructure project funded by an $800 million line of credit from India. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu called the airport a "gateway to prosperity" for the country's north, expected to boost tourism and economic development. The inauguration, attended by India's Civil Aviation Minister, was hailed as a symbol of strong India-Maldives ties and a key component of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation.
Punjab AAP MLA Accused of Rape Surfaces in Australia After Absconding
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who has been absconding since September after being charged with rape and cheating, has reportedly been located in Australia. In an interview with a Punjabi web channel, Pathanmajra claimed he was framed in a political conspiracy and would only return to India after securing bail. A Patiala court has declared him an absconder, and Punjab Police are now seeking assistance from central agencies to verify his location and explore extradition options.
Ande Sri, Renowned Poet and Composer of Telangana's State Anthem, Dies at 64
Ande Sri, the celebrated poet who penned "Jaya Jayahe Telangana," the official state song of Telangana, has passed away at the age of 64. Born Ande Ellayya, he rose from humble beginnings with no formal education to become one of the state's most revered literary figures. His powerful lyrics became an anthem for the Telangana statehood movement, inspiring millions. Political leaders expressed deep grief, calling his death an irreparable loss to Telangana's cultural and literary world.
US Government Shutdown Sparks Global Travel Chaos with Thousands of Flight Cancellations
A government shutdown in the United States is causing widespread disruption to air travel, with staff shortages among air traffic controllers leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays. On Saturday alone, over 1,500 flights were cancelled. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to issue ground stops at major hubs like New York's Newark airport. The crisis, stemming from a budget impasse in Washington, is impacting international travel and threatens to worsen ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday if not resolved.
Assam Cabinet Approves Bill to Ban Polygamy
The Assam state cabinet has approved 'The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025', a significant legislative move to outlaw polygamy. The bill, set to be tabled in the assembly, proposes rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years for those convicted. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced the creation of a special fund to provide financial compensation to women who are victims of polygamy, ensuring they do not face hardship. The law may have exceptions for certain Sixth Schedule areas.
Delhi-NCR Air Quality Plummets to 'Severe' Category
Air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region plunged to the 'severe' category, with a thick blanket of smog enveloping the area. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 400 in numerous locations, the highest spike of the season. Authorities attribute the hazardous air to falling temperatures, reduced wind speed, and ongoing emissions from vehicles and construction. Health experts have advised millions of residents, especially vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks.
Powerful 6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, Triggering Minor Tsunami
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck off the coast of Iwate prefecture in northern Japan, prompting a tsunami advisory. The quake led to the observation of small tsunami waves, reaching up to 20cm in some ports, but caused no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. The advisory was lifted after about three hours. Officials have warned that the region, which was devastated by a massive quake and tsunami in 2011, remains at risk for strong aftershocks.
J&K Counter-Intelligence Wing Cracks Down on Online Terror Networks, Detains Nine
Jammu and Kashmir's Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing conducted a series of coordinated raids across the Valley, targeting online terror networks. The operation, aimed at curbing the use of social media for radicalizing youth and spreading anti-national propaganda, resulted in the detention of nine suspects. Authorities seized a cache of digital devices, including mobile phones and SIM cards, for forensic analysis. Officials stated the crackdown is part of an intensified effort to dismantle the region's digital terror ecosystem.
Access to Justice is a 'Moral Duty,' Not Charity, Says Chief Justice of India
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai has described legal aid as a "moral duty" and an essential function of governance, not merely an act of charity. Speaking at a Legal Services Day event, the CJI emphasized that ensuring the rule of law extends to every citizen is paramount. He urged legal professionals involved in legal aid to work with empathy and an "administrative imagination," focusing on the underlying conditions that produce injustice rather than just procedural aspects of law.