1. Social Activist Bunker Roy Passes Away at 81 Sanjit ‘Bunker’ Roy, founder of Barefoot College in Rajasthan, passed away at 81. He was widely recognised for empowering rural communities, particularly women, through education and sustainable development.
2. Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Reveals Family’s Opposition to PM Bid In her newly released memoir, Sonia Gandhi reveals that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra opposed her becoming Prime Minister in 2004, citing the family’s painful history of political assassinations.
3. Three-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Assaulted in Goa A three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in Mapusa. Police have launched an investigation, examined CCTV footage and detained suspects. The child’s condition was reported to be stable.
4. Delhi Battles Severe Air Pollution After Diwali Delhi continued to experience hazardous air quality, with thick smog affecting visibility and making outdoor activities difficult for residents.
5. Delhi Launches Recreational Yamuna River Cruise Service Delhi is set to introduce its first recreational cruise service on the Yamuna, offering a new attraction for visitors and residents.
6. Mumbai Restricts Firecrackers Following Diwali Fires Mumbai authorities imposed restrictions on rockets and aerial firecrackers until November 25 following fire incidents during Diwali celebrations.
7. Bengal Encounter Sparks Political Debate The killing of an accused in a rape-murder case during an encounter in West Bengal triggered a political debate, with opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari defending the police action.
8. Indian Students Win Five Medals at Junior Astronomy Olympiad Indian students brought home two gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors 2026 in Thailand.
9. Special Trains Announced for Chhath Festival Rush Indian Railways arranged additional special trains to manage the increased passenger rush during the Chhath Puja travel season.
10. Traditional Stone-Pelting Festival Draws Crowds in Himachal Pradesh The centuries-old ‘Patthar Ka Khel’ ritual in Dhami village near Shimla attracted attention as villagers continued the unusual tradition associated with Goddess Bhadrakali.
International News Highlights
1. US-Led Peace Talks on Ukraine Begin in Abu Dhabi Diplomatic negotiations involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine began in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant effort to explore a possible end to the prolonged conflict.
2. Russian Attacks Reported Ahead of Ukraine Peace Talks Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukraine shortly before the Abu Dhabi negotiations, highlighting the continuing challenges facing diplomatic efforts.
3. Sheikh Hasina Plans Return to Bangladesh Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is reportedly planning to return from exile despite facing a death sentence in absentia over her role in the 2024 uprising.
4. Poland Holds Silent March for Shooting Victims Thousands of people joined a silent march in Kraków to pay tribute to victims of a mass shooting, expressing solidarity with affected families.
5. Trump Considers Meeting Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin US President Donald Trump indicated that he could meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the upcoming APEC summit in China.
💬 Quote of the Day
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
— Vincent van Gogh
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