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Protests at National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar over alleged blasphemous remarks targeting a particular religion by a student from outside J&K escalated on Thursday, spreading to other college campuses in the city. In response, NIT declared winter vacations from Thursday, ahead of the originally scheduled mid-December break, instructing students to vacate hostels immediately. It mentioned that all internal and semester-end exams will proceed according to schedule. http://dlvr.it/SzXXJS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Dubai on Thursday to participate in the World Climate Action Summit at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28). PM Modi, before his departure, conveyed his anticipation for the COP-28 Summit on X, saying, "Leaving for Dubai, where I will take part in the COP-28 Summit. This forum will witness important deliberations to strengthen the efforts to overcome climate change and further sustainable development. I will also be interacting with various world leaders on the sidelines of the Summit."

Financial assistance to dialysis patients will be provided from the Governor's discretionary funds at Raj Bhawan in Goa on December 1, an official statement said on Thursday. Earlier Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai had announced various schemes of financial assistance from the Governor's discretionary fund. According to an official statement released, the Goa Governor had also visited 91 NGOs and disbursed financial assistance personally at the doorsteps of these institutions although the initial target was 71 NGOs.

Questioning the Kerala governor for sitting over bills passed by the state assembly for two years without offering any justification and then referring them to the President, the supreme court on Wednesday said it would examine laying down guidelines on when a governor can send bills to the President. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said it would consider framing guidelines on how governors can exercise the discretion they enjoy under the Constitution.

On Wednesday morning, Datta Dalvi, the ex-Mayor of Mumbai and leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), was apprehended on charges of employing offensive language and making inappropriate comments directed at CM Eknath Shinde during a public gathering on Monday. Law enforcement confirmed Dalvi's arrest on Wednesday and subsequently presented him before the local court, where he was remanded to judicial custody until December 12. According to the complaint, Dalvi allegedly used foul language against CM Shinde at a gathering of Sena’s (UBT) Konkan office-bearers.

A pan kiosk in the remote Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh has restricted political discussions at his shop due to toxic arguments and threats. The owner, Mahaveer Singh Thakur, has put up a board outside the shop asking people to wait until December 3 and not waste time arguing over politics. The shop is a popular spot for locals to discuss news and elections over paan and tea. Thakur decided to take this step to maintain decorum and avoid heated arguments.

After 17 days, all 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel were rescued. Arnold Dix, an international tunnel expert, played a major role in the rescue operation. Dix arrived on November 20 and inspected the site, ruling out collapse risks. He never promised a quick or easy rescue, but assured the workers would be home by Christmas. The workers were trapped in a 2 km-built portion of the tunnel after a portion caved in on November 12.

A pan kiosk in the remote Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh has restricted political discussions at his shop due to toxic arguments and threats. The owner, Mahaveer Singh Thakur, has put up a board outside the shop asking people to wait until December 3 and not waste time arguing over politics. The shop is a popular spot for locals to discuss news and elections over paan and tea. Thakur decided to take this step to maintain decorum and avoid heated arguments.

A video of Dwaraka, the daughter of slain LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, has surfaced on social media. In the video, she proclaims to continue the struggle for political freedom of Sri Lankan Tamils. The video was streamed on a web portal and pro-Tamil Youtube channels. Dwaraka criticizes the Sri Lankan government for converting Tamil Eelam into a Sinhala Buddhist territory. She also mentions that the United Nations and global powers have failed to ensure justice for the Eelam Tamils.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has written to central probe agencies and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the tendering process for upgrading the sewage treatment plants run by the DJB. Sachdeva has accused the Delhi government of "hurriedly" awarding the upgrading and augmentation work at "escalated" costs. He has alleged a "scam" of around Rs 500 crore in the matter and called for cancellation of the projects awarded to the contractors.

The Indian American community in the New York Metropolitan Area hosted a farewell reception for Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, who is moving on to his next role as the spokesperson of the external affairs ministry. The reception, attended by members of JAIPUR FOOT USA-BRAHUD SENIORS and Rajasthan Association North America, featured messages of goodbye and congratulations for Jaiswal. During his tenure, Jaiswal was actively involved in the repatriation of Indian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. He will be succeeded by Arindam Bagchi.

The polling for the Rajasthan Assembly elections concluded with over 70 per cent voter turnout. The state recorded a polling percentage of 71.74 per cent, slightly lower than the previous election's turnout of 74.06 per cent. The highest voter turnout was observed in Tijara with 85.15 per cent, while Tonk recorded 68.55 per cent. Key constituencies include Sardarpura, Jhalarapatan, Tonk, Nathdwara, Jhunjhunu, Jhotwara, and Churu. Rebel candidates from BJP and Congress are still in the fray, with around 45 of them competing in the elections.

Ahead of the Telangana Assembly polls next week, the Election Commission (EC) has issued an "advisory" to Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao for his controversial remarks against the Congress leadership, asking him to follow the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct in "letter and spirit". On October 30, Rao had made certain threatening remarks against the Congress leadership in the Banswada constituency of the southern state following an attack on a member of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by him.

JP Nadda, the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), held a roadshow in Musheerabad, Telangana, showcasing the party's popularity. He stated that the people of Telangana want to get rid of the Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), and will decide in favor of the BJP. Nadda mentioned that the people of Telangana have recognized the corruption within BRS and want to eliminate it. He also expressed that the people want to get rid of the corrupt Congress party.

RJD president Lalu Prasad blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's loss in the Cricket World Cup final against Australia. Lalu described Modi as an 'inauspicious person' and stated that the defeat happened because of him. This is not the first time Lalu has made such remarks against the PM. The BJP reacted strongly, calling Lalu 'sinistrous' and pointing out his own controversies. RJD ally JD(U) also blamed PM Modi for the defeat, citing the naming of a cricket stadium after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

BRS MLC K Kavitha has accused Congress leaders of attacking a BRS candidate and party members during election campaigning in Bodhan Assembly constituency. Kavitha believes that Congress is feeling insecure about winning the upcoming elections in Telangana and is showing their true colors. Earlier, Election Commission officials checked Kavitha's vehicle, the second such instance this month. The state is set for a triangular contest between BRS, Congress, and BJP in the November 30 elections. In the previous election, BRS won 88 out of 119 seats.

A shutdown in Manipur's Kangpokpi district disrupted normal life as a protest against the killing of a security force personnel and his driver. Markets were closed, vehicles stayed off the roads, and attendance at government offices and educational institutions was low. The shutdown, called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), will continue until Wednesday evening. The killing occurred during ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which started after protests against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, along with party MLA Vikram Singh Nati Raja and others, have been booked for violating the model code of conduct. They staged a sit-in without permission, demanding the arrest of a BJP candidate over the death of a worker in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district. The incident occurred during the assembly elections in November. The FIR has named Digvijaya Singh, Nati Raja, and several others. The BJP had accused the Congress leaders of staging the sit-in without permission.

Exasperated by the interminable delay on the part of Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi in processing bills sent for his assent after being passed by the assembly, one as far back as January 2020, the Supreme Court on Monday said, “After we passed the order, the governor took action. What was the governor doing for three years?” The SC was irked by the fact that the governor, after the court’s order frowning upon the delay, cleared some long-pending bills on November 13.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi over the guarantees offered by the Congress in Rajasthan ahead of the November 25 polls. Sarma highlighted the need for ensuring the safety of women in Rajasthan before making guarantees. He also mentioned the internal conflicts within the Congress party in Rajasthan and criticized the state's high number of cases of atrocities against women. Himanta said that he has lost faith in the word 'guarantee' as Priyanka has repeatedly spoken of 'guarantees' in her poll campaign.

Anjali Damania, an anti-corruption activist, has given a deadline to Chhagan Bhujbal, the food and civil supplies minister, and his nephew Sameer Bhujbal, to settle the dues owed to a widow whose property they allegedly grabbed. Damania stated that if the dues are not paid, they will hold a peaceful vigil outside the building. Sameer Bhujbal had agreed to pay the family Rs 8.5 crores after the intervention of an NCP leader, but Damania insists that the entire sum should be paid upfront.

The World Cup final led to a boost in air traffic in India, with almost 460,000 domestic flyers on Saturday. This was the highest-ever figure recorded, in contrast to the lean daily numbers seen during the Diwali season. Industry insiders attribute this to the high advance fares set by airlines before Diwali, which led travellers to choose AC classes on premium trains instead. However, looking at the excitement in the audience, airlines later lowered the fares.

The Hyderabad police have frozen a sum of Rs 8 crore that was transferred online from a bank account of Visaka Industries to a security service provider. The transaction was flagged due to its high value, in light of the upcoming Telangana Assembly polls. The police visited the bank's branch, enquired about the transaction, and froze the amount. Further investigation will be carried out to determine the legality of the transaction.

The Indian government plans to meet with social media platforms to address the issue of deepfakes, according to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The government has issued a notice to companies regarding deepfakes, and while some steps have been taken, more action is required. The meeting will involve all platforms, including Meta and Google.

27 companies, including global Dell, HP, Foxconn, and Lenovo, and local Optiemus, Padget, and VVDN, have been granted approval under the upgraded Rs 17,000 crore PLI scheme for IT hardware. The move comes at a time when India is vying to get global and local IT hardware players with policy sweeteners and incentive schemes, making a determined push to position itself as a global hub for hi-tech manufacturing. “A total of 27 companies have been approved under the IT hardware PLI scheme.

The Tamil Nadu assembly has re-adopted 10 bills that were previously returned by the governor, even as Chief Minister M K Stalin criticized the governor for withholding the bills based on his "whims and fancies." The bills cover various departments and were sent to the governor again for his assent. Stalin accused the governor of trying to obstruct the government's initiatives and targeting non-BJP ruled states through governors. The government has taken up the issue with the President and the Prime Minister and has also approached the Supreme Court.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has appointed US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba as co-chairs of an international commission to address the issue of loneliness. Loneliness is a global health threat that is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The commission will work towards outlining solutions over a three-year period to build social connections and establish social connections as a global health priority. Loneliness affects all age groups worldwide, not just older people in high-income countries.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Shah mentioned how Gandhi used to taunt him about the dates for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Shah announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be performing the "pran pratishtha" of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. He also promised that if the BJP retains power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will arrange for people from the state to visit the Ram temple.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Shah mentioned how Gandhi used to taunt him about the dates for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Shah announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be performing the "pran pratishtha" of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. He also promised that if the BJP retains power in Madhya Pradesh, the government will arrange for people from the state to visit the Ram temple.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Admi Party are engaging in a war of words as pollution levels in Delhi spike again. The BJP spokesperson alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had made the national capital a gas chamber and criticized his party for not addressing the internal causes of pollution. The BJP accused the AAP government of blaming Hindus, Diwali, the Centre, Haryana, and UP, while remaining silent on Punjab Parali. The air quality in parts of Delhi remained in the 'Severe' category on Tuesday morning. http://dlvr.it/SypKgQ

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has accused Bharatiya Janata Party leaders of promoting the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali, leading to increased pollution in the city. The air quality in parts of Delhi remained in the 'Severe' category on Tuesday morning, with smog affecting visibility. Rai criticized BJP leaders for trying to hide their mistakes and questioned why firecrackers were being burst despite the ban imposed by the Supreme Court. He also announced that restrictions on private vehicles in Delhi would continue. http://dlvr.it/SypKWY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Jharkhand for a two-day trip during which he will launch various projects and undertake a roadshow. The visit will include the launch of a Rs 24,000 crore project for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and the inauguration of projects worth Rs 7,200 crore in sectors such as rail, road, education, coal, petroleum, and natural gas. The PM will also release the 15th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Security has been heightened for the visit. http://dlvr.it/SypKGZ

Union Minister Anurag Thakur responded to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's comment on Prime Minister Modi, stating that the lotus (symbol of BJP) is ready to bloom in the mess created by Congress. Thakur expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh is prepared to defeat the corrupt Congress leaders. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress of being involved in the Mahadev betting app scandal and criticized their governance. Chhattisgarh is currently in the process of voting for its state assembly in two phases. http://dlvr.it/SypJy7

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With just two days left for campaigning in poll bound Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi will be address multiple public meetings while party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi will hold a roadshow.

The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) has entered into a partnership with GMR, the operator of airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa, to establish "aviation forensics" as a field of study. The university will send students and experts to train airport staff and conduct joint research. The focus of aviation forensics will be on cybersecurity, operational technology, and communications. NFSU is also working on a gait analysis project to identify suspicious behavior patterns in incoming passengers. The implementation of these security measures may take some time. http://dlvr.it/Sylw3Y

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the CO president-designate, praised India for its energy transition vision and called for a "new paradigm" in climate finance to ensure global south countries adopt low carbon development. He highlighted India's commitment to multilateralism and the global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. He also stressed the need for rebuilding trust between north and south and fulfilling promises such as the USD 100 billion pledge and doubling adaptation finance. http://dlvr.it/SylvmW

The Delhi High Court has received a petition from a pilot requesting flight data recorder information regarding an Air India Express aircraft that hit a perimeter wall during takeoff in 2018. This is the first time an Indian court has been approached for the release of flight data in an accident case. The petitioner argues that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) overlooked a crucial aspect in its final report. The weight of the aircraft is being questioned, as it may have been heavier than recorded. http://dlvr.it/SylvRg

An Afghan cricketer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, won hearts in Ahmedabad during Diwali by quietly distributing money to the homeless. Love Shah, a resident of Ahmedabad, captured the heartwarming video and shared it on social media, which quickly went viral. Gurbaz's act of charity was not a one-time occurrence, as he is actively involved in regular charitable activities in Afghanistan. This gesture reflects his compassion and strengthens the ties between the Afghanistan cricket team and the support they've received from India. http://dlvr.it/Sylv6k

The Supreme Court of India has stated that the Constitutional Court should avoid setting fixed time limits for case disposal, unless the situation is exceptional. The court made this statement while dismissing a plea requesting a fixed time frame for the disposal of a criminal matter. The court emphasized that due to the enormous backlog of cases in high courts, some delays in the disposal of petitions are unavoidable. However, the court also mentioned that if there is an urgent need, the concerned bench can be approached for immediate action.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that Canada does not want to have a "fight" with India but wants to work constructively with them on a serious matter. Trudeau alleged that India violated the Vienna Convention by shifting over 40 Canadian diplomats and threatened to strip them of their diplomatic immunity. The strained ties between the two countries began when Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of a Khalistani separatist. India rejected these allegations as absurd and motivated.

A portion of an under-construction tunnel of the Char Dham all-weather highway project collapsed in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Around 40 laborers are feared trapped inside. Rescue teams are working to reach them and provide oxygen and food supply. The tunnel, part of the project to widen roads connecting four Himalayan shrines, is one of the longest tunnels and will reduce the distance between Uttarkashi and Yamunotri by 26km. The collapse occurred near the Silkayara side of the tunnel, but there is a safe space between the landslide area and the tunnel's dead-end.

British PM Rishi Sunak and his wife hosted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his wife for Diwali tea at Downing Street. Jaishankar's visit aims to review bilateral ties and give new impetus to the friendly relationship between India and the UK. During his visit, Jaishankar will attend various events, including a Diwali Reception and a repatriation ceremony for ancient temple sculptures. The talks will also include preparations for Sunak's possible visit to India in the coming months. Both countries have been negotiating a free trade agreement since last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar have extended warm Diwali wishes to the nation, emphasizing the festival's significance in promoting love, harmony, and the victory of good over evil. They highlighted the importance of spreading happiness, prosperity, and knowledge, while also encouraging unity and kindness. Diwali, known as the 'festival of lights', holds cultural and spiritual importance, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. http://dlvr.it/Syk7g3

The upcoming Assembly election in Telangana has seen a trend of family members entering politics. Members from ruling party BRS, like Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, his son K T Rama Rao, and nephew T Harish Rao, are all seeking re-election. The opposition Congress has also fielded candidates like MP N Uttam Kumar Reddy and his wife N Padmavati. This trend has sparked criticism from some, while others believe that dynastic politics is a reality that must be accepted. http://dlvr.it/Syk7T0