Supreme Court Halts Calcutta High Court Proceedings on West Bengal OBC List
The Supreme Court has stayed further proceedings at the Calcutta High Court concerning the West Bengal government's preparation of a new Other Backward Classes (OBC) list. A bench led by CJI B.R. Gavai questioned the High Court's "anxiety" to hear the case when the apex court was already seized of the matter. The decision freezes the state-level legal challenge, which arose after the High Court had earlier paused the publication of the revised OBC list.
Typhoon Kalmaegi Kills Over 100 in Central Philippines
The Philippines has declared a national state of calamity after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated central provinces, leaving at least 114 people dead and 127 missing. The majority of casualties were from drownings in flash floods, particularly in the hard-hit Cebu province, which was still recovering from a recent earthquake. The typhoon has affected nearly two million people and displaced over 560,000. The emergency declaration will expedite the release of funds for relief efforts as the country braces for another potential cyclone.
Trump Announces He Will Not Attend G20 Summit in South Africa
US President Donald Trump has stated he will not attend the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. In remarks made in Miami, Trump also questioned South Africa's continued membership in the group of major economies, stating "what's happened there is bad." South Africa is hosting the G20 for the first time on African soil. The US is scheduled to take over the G20 presidency from South Africa in December 2025, with Trump having previously expressed plans to host the summit.
Zohran Mamdani Becomes First Indian-American Muslim Mayor of New York City
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, 34, has been elected mayor of New York City, becoming the city's first Muslim and South Asian-origin leader. The son of Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. In his victory speech, he quoted former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and celebrated by playing the Bollywood song 'Dhoom Machale', signaling a significant political and cultural moment for the city and the Indian-American community.
India to Reduce Direct Russian Oil Imports Following New US Sanctions
Several major Indian refiners, including Reliance Industries, are set to halt or reduce direct crude oil purchases from Russia's Rosneft and Lukoil starting late November. This follows new US sanctions targeting the Russian energy giants, which take effect on November 21. The move is expected to cause a sharp decline in Russian crude arrivals in December, shifting India's procurement towards the Middle East, West Africa, and the Americas to avoid exposure to the sanctions, which have reshaped global energy flows.
Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York City's First South Asian Mayor
Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has been elected the 111th mayor of New York City, becoming the city's first mayor of South Asian heritage and its first Muslim leader. The 34-year-old son of filmmaker Mira Nair defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani's victory, celebrated with Bollywood music and a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru, marks a significant progressive shift in the city's politics. His campaign focused on affordability, housing, and social justice issues in America's largest city.
Democrats Sweep Virginia Races, Making Spanberger First Woman Governor and Hashmi First Muslim Lt. Governor
In a historic Virginia election, Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become the state's first-ever female governor. In a concurrent victory, Indian-American Democrat Ghazala Hashmi was elected Lieutenant Governor, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian American to hold the post. These key victories for the Democratic party represent significant milestones for female and minority representation in American politics and are seen as a bellwether for upcoming midterm elections.
Voting Underway for First Phase of Bihar Assembly Elections
Voting has begun for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, covering 121 constituencies across 18 districts. Over 37.5 million voters are eligible to decide the fate of 1,314 candidates in this crucial phase. Key contestants include INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav and BJP's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The election, which pits the ruling NDA against the opposition Mahagathbandhan, is being held amid tight security, with results for the two-phase poll scheduled for November 14.
Gunfight Erupts Between Security Forces and Terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar
An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in the Chhatru area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. The gunfight began after the Indian Army and J&K Police launched a joint intelligence-based operation in the mountainous region. Officials believe two to three terrorists are engaged in the firefight. The incident is the latest in a series of recent encounters in the district, highlighting ongoing security challenges and counter-terrorism efforts in the Jammu region.
Supreme Court to Review Surrogacy Act's Bar on Second Child
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a provision in the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, that prevents couples with a surviving child from using surrogacy for a second baby. A petition argues this unfairly restricts the reproductive choices of those facing secondary infertility—the inability to conceive after a previous birth. The law currently allows an exception only if the first child has a severe disability or life-threatening illness. The court will determine if this restriction is a reasonable regulation or unconstitutional state interference.
UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Kentucky Kills Seven, Injures 11
A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded while taking off from Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least seven people, including four on the ground, and injuring 11. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft was departing for Honolulu from UPS's global hub. Video footage showed the plane on fire before it crashed, causing a massive fireball. The crash shut down the airport and prompted a shelter-in-place order due to hazardous materials. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
Odisha Announces ₹46,000 Crore for New Port and Shipbuilding Hub
The Odisha government has announced major infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,000 crore to boost its maritime economy. The plans include establishing a new port at Bahuda in Ganjam district with an investment of ₹21,500 crore, and a shipbuilding and repair centre near Paradip at a cost of ₹24,700 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated these projects, part of a broader vision to develop Paradip Port, will significantly advance the state's trade, tourism, and industrial sectors.
Six Women Pilgrims Die After Being Run Over by Train in Uttar Pradesh
Six women were killed after being run over by a train at Chunar Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh's Mirzapur district. The pilgrims had disembarked from the Chopan Express on the wrong side, directly onto the tracks, and were struck by the non-stopping Netaji Express approaching from the opposite direction. The women were reportedly on their way for a holy dip for Kartik Purnima. The incident has raised serious questions about passenger safety and the management of crowds at railway stations during festivals.
Indian GM Upsets Former World Title Challenger at Chess World Cup
In a major upset at the World Chess Cup, Indian Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh defeated former world championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia. Ghosh secured the victory in the second game of the second round, capitalizing on a tactical error by his higher-ranked opponent. Nepomniachtchi, who was erratic with the white pieces, lost a pawn early in the middlegame and was unable to recover. Ghosh called it the "biggest victory" of his chess career, marking a significant achievement for the Indian player on the international stage.
Death Toll in Chhattisgarh Train Collision Rises to 11
A passenger train collided with a freight train near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, killing at least 11 people and injuring 20. The MEMU passenger train allegedly overshot a red signal before ramming into the goods train from behind. The impact was severe, causing one coach to mount a wagon. The loco pilot was among the deceased. The Railways has announced compensation for the victims and initiated an inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety to determine the exact cause of the disaster.