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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 05:41 PM
Congress Considers Fielding Ankita Bhandari's Mother in Uttarakhand Elections

Congress Considers Fielding Ankita Bhandari's Mother in Uttarakhand Elections

The battle for justice for Ankita Bhandari may now become a major issue in Uttarakhand's electoral politics. The Congress is considering fielding Ankita's mother, Soni Devi, in the assembly elections. According to sources, the Congress is willing to give her a ticket if Soni Devi agrees to contest. Her parents have been in a constant struggle demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari. Ankita's mother, Soni Devi, has been protesting from India Gate to Rajghat, demanding justice for her daughter. Meanwhile, there is talk of a major political move by the Congress. According to sources, the Congress is considering fielding Ankita Bhandari's mother, Soni Devi, in the Uttarakhand assembly elections. However, no final decision has been taken in this regard yet. After a possible offer from the party, Soni Devi has to decide. Congress strategists believe that if Ankita Bhandari's mother contests the elections, then a big message of justice will be sent to the women and daughters of Uttarakhand.
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 05:38 PM
Aligarh Muslim University Holds Students' Union Elections After Eight-Year Wait

Aligarh Muslim University Holds Students' Union Elections After Eight-Year Wait

Aligarh Muslim University is going to hold students'union elections on November 5 after a long wait of 8 years. A day before the students'union elections, the Aligarh Muslim University campus remained the arena of political rhetoric. Candidates in the students'union elections created an atmosphere through speeches for the students to vote in their favor. Votes for the Aligarh Muslim University Students'Union elections will be cast from the morning, after which the counting of votes will begin from 6: 00 pm. While Aligarh Muslim University has seen a huge influx of students to hear the candidates for the students'union elections before voting. To win the elections, the candidates made many big promises and claims, including the release of senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from jail. According to the Aligarh Muslim University officials, 9 candidates are in the fray for the post of president. 7 for the post of vice president and 3 for the post of secretary. While 46 candidates have been found eligible to contest for the posts of cabinet members. 5 for the membership of the university's medical faculty, 6 from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, 3 from the Faculty of Arts, 3 from the Faculty of Management Studies, 8 from the Faculty of Unani Medicine, 5 from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, 3 from the Faculty of
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The Financial Express
Nov 4, 2026, 05:17 PM
India Approves Rs 14,500 Crore Scheme to Develop 92 GWh Energy Storage Capacity

India Approves Rs 14,500 Crore Scheme to Develop 92 GWh Energy Storage Capacity

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 14,500 crore viability gap funding (VGF) scheme to develop 92 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of grid-scale energy storage capacity, equivalent to 170% of India’s existing capacity, in a major push to attract Rs 97,600 crore investment and support round-the-clock renewable power supply. The scheme, spanning FY27 to FY31, will support nearly 22% of the country’s projected energy storage requirement of 411.4 GWh by FY32. India currently has approximately 54 GWh of grid-scale storage capacity. The approval comes as the government seeks to address one of the biggest challenges in expanding renewable energy : storing surplus electricity generated during the day and supplying it when solar and wind generation declines. Announcing the decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the scheme would be implemented in collaboration with state governments to ensure storage capacity is distributed across the country. Of the proposed 92 GWh, pumped hydro storage projects will account for 60 GWh, followed by battery energy storage systems (BESS) at 30 GWh. Another 2 GWh will be developed through emerging storage technologies. “We will implement this scheme in collaboration with state governments, ensuring that it is distributed across the country,” Vaishnaw said. According to the Central Electricity Authority’s National Electricity Plan, India’s energy storage requirement is projected to reach 336.4 GWh by FY30 and 411.4 GWh by FY32. The FY32 requirement includes 236.22 GWh of battery storage and 175.18 GWh of pumped hydro capacity. The financial assistance will be available for projects yet to be commissioned, with capacity allocated through tariff-based competitive bidding. Public and private electricity distribution companies will be eligible for support for battery and pumped hydro projects, while alternative storage technologies can be developed by public and private sector entities. In a push for domestic manufacturing , battery storage projects under the scheme will have to meet a minimum domestic content requirement of 40%, aimed at reducing import dependence and supporting indigenous equipment manufacturers. The government said, “The requirement will encourage domestic manufacturing, create opportunities for Indian industry and complement existing supply-side incentives for battery manufacturing.” The latest approval expands the government’s storage support beyond batteries to include pumped hydro and alternative technologies. In September 2023, the Cabinet approved Rs 3,760 crore in budgetary support for battery storage, initially targeting 4 GWh, subsequently expanded to approximately 13.85 GWh as battery prices declined. In June 2025, the Power Ministry extended VGF support to another 30 GWh of battery capacity, backed by Rs 5,400 crore from the Power System Development Fund. The new scheme is also expected to improve the utilisation of renewable electricity and transmission infrastructure, reducing dependence on conventional generation for balancing power supply. “With the sharp rise in pace of RE generation capacity addition, especially over the last two years, scaling up energy storage has become an immediate priority for the Indian power system. The focus on pumped hydro, in addition to BESS and alternative technologies, is the key highlight of the new VGF Scheme,” Anujesh Dwivedi, Partner, Deloitte India, said.
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Aaj Tak
Nov 4, 2026, 05:15 PM
Vice President Vance Analyzes Republican Party's Midterm Election Defeat

Vice President Vance Analyzes Republican Party's Midterm Election Defeat

After the crushing defeat of the Republican Party in the US midterm elections, there has been a difference in the statements of President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. US Vice President J.D. Vance has issued a long statement on the social media platform X, analyzing the reasons for the defeat of the Republican Party. According to Vance, Trump and a large number of voters who supported him in the 2024 presidential election voted for the Democratic Party this time. According to Vance, the Iran war, rising inflation, resentment over the'America First'policy and American relations with Israel influenced the decision of the voters. In the midterm elections held on November 3 in the US, the Democratic Party has won a historic victory and gained control of both houses of parliament, the House of Representatives and the Senate. After this defeat, there has been a churning within the Republican Party about the election results. Vice President J.D. Vance has issued a long statement on the social media platform X, analyzing the reasons for the defeat of the Republican Party. He said that the main reason for the defeat of the JD Party was not the exit of the party, but the large number of supporters of the Democratic Party had clearly said their vote
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 05:14 PM
Prashant Kishor Takes Jibe at Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary Over Controversial Statement

Prashant Kishor Takes Jibe at Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary Over Controversial Statement

Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraj Party, took a jibe at Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary's recent statement on'crime and crime'and said on Wednesday (November 04, 2025) that such a statement can be expected when a person who has failed in the seventh grade is made a leader. Prashant Kishor, while addressing a gathering in Begusarai, said that the Chief Minister gives people a chance to laugh at his statements every five to ten days. When a person who has failed in the seventh grade is made a leader, such a statement can be expected. The Chief Minister gives people a chance to laugh every five to ten days. Significantly, CM Samrat Chaudhary claimed at a recent event in Delhi that there can be'crime'in Bihar, but not'crime '. After this statement, a political controversy arose in the state as well as at the national level. On the other hand, two independent members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined the legislative council. Kishor also said that the membership of the BJP government could be cancelled due to alleged unconstitutional activities.
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Indian Express
Nov 4, 2026, 05:13 PM
US Midterm Elections: A Blow to Netanyahu's Government Formation Prospects

US Midterm Elections: A Blow to Netanyahu's Government Formation Prospects

Israeli political rivals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seized on Democrats’ capture of both chambers of the US Congress as evidence that he had weakened Israel’s longstanding bipartisan support in Washington, as they seek to form a government without him. Democrats won majorities in both the Senate and House in Tuesday’s midterm election, in a scathing rebuke to President Donald Trump fuelled in part by deep frustration over the unpopular US-Israeli war on Iran. The US vote came a week after Israel’s election, in which Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority but performed well enough to deny his main opponent, Gadi Eisenkot, a clear path to unseat him. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is due to hold talks on Wednesday and Thursday with party representatives before tasking one of the two men with forming the next government. Netanyahu remains prime minister in a caretaker capacity. World · Results dashboard Counts reflect AP race calls as of 6:35 pm IST, Wednesday, November 4. Republican-held seats won by Democrats Before After · AP calls Senate House Reported Express tally of names in JTA, The Forward and Ynet reports. Not a full census of every newcomer’s position Pro-Israel candidates also won major contests: Florida Senator Ashley Moody beat DSA-linked Democrat Angie Nixon, Ynet reported. Abdul El-Sayed · Michigan Senate The first Muslim elected to the US Senate Won the seat Gary Peters is vacating, after edging Rep. Haley Stevens by about a point in the August primary. Has called Israel’s military campaign in Gaza a genocide and backs ending US military aid. The “mini Mamdanis”, backed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Brad Lander Beat Rep. Dan Goldman in the June primary; calls himself a Zionist and accuses Israel of genocide and apartheid. Darializa Avila Chevalier DSA Former Columbia University encampment activist; unseated Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the primary. Claire Valdez DSA Has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. Other progressive winners Melat Kiros DSA Ousted Rep. Diana DeGette in the primary; wants all weapons shipments to Israel halted. Donavan McKinney DSA Beat Indian-American Rep. Shri Thanedar in the primary; calls for ending military aid to Israel. Chris Rabb DSA Calls for a complete arms embargo on Israel. Adam Hamawy Surgeon who treated patients in Gaza; opposes US funding for Iron Dome. Troy Jackson Unseated Susan Collins; accuses Israel of genocide and opposes US military aid. Peggy Flanagan Named by JTA among the Israel critics who won Senate seats. India angle Indian-American candidates Democrats Republicans Independent Uncalled or vacant Majority line Senate100 seats The before count for Democrats includes two independents who caucus with them. House435 seats Before the vote, one seat was held by an independent and two were vacant. Governors50 states Alaska and Kansas uncalled, with Democrats leading both. Sources: The Associated Press (race calls, via The Guardian’s results tracker); NBC News; NPR; WKAR; Jewish Telegraphic Agency; The Forward; Ynet; The Times of Israel; Anadolu Agency, via The Express Tribune; Business Standard; Free Press Journal; IANS. Yair Golan, head of Israel’s centre-left opposition Democrats party, said on X that the US midterm results “reveal just how toxic Netanyahu is among both Democrats and Republicans”. Centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid said the results showed “Israel cannot afford” for Netanyahu to remain in office. “It endangers our security, it jeopardises our democracy, and it will ruin our standing on the global stage,” Lapid said in a social media post. Netanyahu has so far remained silent about the outcome of the US vote. His office did not respond to a request for comment, news agency Reuters reported. The United States has been Israel’s staunchest ally for generations under presidents of both parties, providing billions of dollars a year in military aid since the 1970s. But unlike previous Israeli leaders who courted Democrats and Republicans alike, Netanyahu has openly backed Republicans. Support for Israel among Democrats and some Republicans wavered after Israel launched its military assault in Gaza following the 2023 Hamas attack, and fell further this year after Trump and Netanyahu ordered a joint attack on Iran. Some Democratic candidates made criticism of American military aid to Israel a prominent campaign argument. On Tuesday, Trump, who had endorsed Netanyahu, made an election-day pledge to halt $4 billion in annual funding to Israel, a move he said would take away a “bad talking point” used by Democrats, Reuters reported. The election also highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel and the future of US support for the country, Ynet reported. Ynet added that at least 36 newly elected candidates associated to varying degrees with the progressive movement won seats in the House and Senate. Five were members of the Democratic Socialists of America, elected to the House for the first time. The progressive camp, however, is not united in its positions on Israel, and not all newly elected members support ending American assistance. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won a Senate seat, becoming the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. El-Sayed has been critical of Israel. In New York, three candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, were elected to the House. Referring to them as the “mini Mamdanis”, Ynet reported that all three call for an end to American military aid to Israel. It reported victories by other candidates critical of Israeli policy, including Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania, Adam Hamawy in New Jersey and James Talarico in Texas. Their positions on US military assistance and weapons transfers to Israel vary. The results also included victories by candidates who support Israel. In Georgia, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff won a second term, while in Ohio former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown returned to the Senate. In Florida, Republican Senator Ashley Moody defeated Democrat Angie Nixon, keeping the seat in Republican hands, It could be weeks or months before it becomes clear whether Netanyahu or Eisenkot will ultimately have to repair the relationship with Washington. Whichever candidate is chosen first must build a new coalition, or the other will get a chance. If both fail, a new election would be called, Reuters reported. Udi Sommer, a professor of political science at Tel Aviv University, predicted that the incoming Democratic-controlled US Congress would be the most adversarial towards Israel in its history. Although most power over foreign policy still resides with the president, Democrats could apply pressure through hearings, congressional oversight and budgetary measures, he said. “The Democratic landslide and the Republican wipeout encapsulate the next chapter in US-Israel relations,” Sommer said. (With inputs from agencies)
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 05:09 PM
US Vice President Blames Iran War and Inflation for Republican Party Defeat

US Vice President Blames Iran War and Inflation for Republican Party Defeat

US Vice President J.D. Vance has blamed the Iran war and inflation as the major reasons for the defeat of the Republican Party. US Vice President J.D. Vance attributed the defeat of the Republican Party in the midterm elections to the Iran war, inflation and not enough attention to the'America First'policy. He also expressed the need to change America's relationship with Israel. Vance said,'We lost because the war happened. The president himself said this last night.'He addressed the angry voters of the party,'Those who are angry and want to say that we warned beforehand were right.'Vance said that now the next two years should be focused on managing the country, achieving achievements and preparing for a big victory in the 2028 presidential election. Vance made a long post on X. In it, he said that the data analysts from our side were paying a lot of attention to the composition of the 2024 group of voters. This is what the Republican Party was showing in the polls, even though it was showing a very good turnout.
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 05:00 PM
Dhananjay Singh to Contest Assembly Elections Independently

Dhananjay Singh to Contest Assembly Elections Independently

Former Jaunpur MP Dhananjay Singh, who is on a visit to Siddharthnagar, made a big announcement regarding the upcoming assembly elections. District Panchayat President Upendra Singh is organizing a seven-day grand Katha of Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram in Semarhana village of Dumariyaganj assembly constituency in Siddharthnagar. Former Jaunpur MP Shri Ram had come to attend the Katha. Former Jaunpur MP Dhananjay Singh, who came to listen to the Shri Ram Katha, made a big announcement of contesting the upcoming assembly elections during the media interaction. He made it clear that he is no longer in the JDU and will contest the next assembly election as an independent candidate. His statement has created a new buzz in the state politics.
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Aaj Tak
Nov 4, 2026, 04:55 PM
US-bound Senator Abdul Al Sayed's Indian Connection Revealed

US-bound Senator Abdul Al Sayed's Indian Connection Revealed

Abdul Al Sayed, who is going to be the first Muslim Senator of America, has a strong India connection. Abdul Al Sayed is married to Sara Jukaku from Karnataka. Democrat Abdul Al-Sayyed has made history by winning the Michigan Senate seat in the midterm elections. These elections are seeing a'Blue Wave'across America. Although few people know that he also has a connection to Karnataka. His wife, Dr. Sara Jukaku, is the granddaughter of a former minister in the former Mysore state government. Sara's family belongs to Bhatkal in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, a city located about 140 km north of Mangaluru in 1973. Her grandfather, जे.एच. Shamsuddin Jukaku, was a well-known lawyer, educationist, and politician. He served as Deputy Finance Minister in the then Mysore state government in the 1950s. The Mysore kingdom was formed when it was officially renamed as'Karnataka State'on 1 November 1956 under the Mysore Reorganisation Act.
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The Moscow Times
Nov 4, 2026, 04:41 PM
US Vice President JD Vance Blames Iran War for Republicans' Midterm Election Losses

US Vice President JD Vance Blames Iran War for Republicans' Midterm Election Losses

US Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the Iran war had doomed Republicans in the midterm elections , moving to distance himself from the unpopular conflict ahead of a possible 2028 White House run. "The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night," Vance said in a lengthy post on X -- apparently referring to President Donald Trump's remarks that the Iran war was "part of it" but that it was still justified. "If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest," added Vance. "But everyone knows why we lost. And any honest conversation about where we go from here must start there." The Democratic wave in Tuesday's midterms has raised major questions over Vance's previous status as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2028 presidential election. He has not yet formally declared that he will run.
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 04:41 PM
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Announces Education and Infrastructure Upgrades

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Announces Education and Infrastructure Upgrades

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday (November 4) announced to connect four government senior secondary schools Himgiri, Thalli, Jajjakothi and Marund in Churah assembly constituency of Chamba with CBSE. In addition, necessary budget was also announced for the construction of roads for various panchayats in Churah. The Chief Minister made these announcements while addressing a huge public meeting held at Bhanjraru Kala Manch in Churah assembly constituency. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that the present government is taking concrete steps to strengthen the economy of the state. He said that the state government has taken a historic decision in 2003 to now sell power to Rajasthan at the rate of ₹400 crore per unit, which will earn the state ₹400 crore in the next four months. CM Sukhu said that the state government is working with commitment to make the state self-reliant by closing the doors of corruption. The state government has asked the Centre to increase the share of 180 MW Barrel Power Project from ₹50 per unit to ₹50 per unit.
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 04:32 PM
Assam CM Launches Scathing Attack on Rahul Gandhi, Suggests He Become Bangladesh PM

Assam CM Launches Scathing Attack on Rahul Gandhi, Suggests He Become Bangladesh PM

On Wednesday (November 4, 2026), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. He said, "Rahul Gandhi has to change the regime." He said, "Rahul Gandhi has to change the regime. Rahul Gandhi's mind is to go to Bangladesh. He is very much influenced by Bangladesh right now, so come, I will make him cross the border of Assam or West Bengal." He said, "Go to Dhaka, become the prime minister there, if you want to become one." Along with this, he also said a short verse from Sanskrit - "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshit:" During this, he also attacked the Congress MP over Rahul Gandhi's allegations of stealing votes from the BJP. He said, "We have definitely stolen, but that is not stealing the hearts of the people, but stealing the votes." He said, "Rahul Gandhi will continue to steal the votes. And Prime Minister Narendra Modi will steal the hearts of the people and Rahul Gandhi will again face an anarchic defeat in the upcoming elections."
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The Moscow Times
Nov 4, 2026, 04:31 PM
Congress Calls Centre's Decision on Agnipath Scheme a 'U-Turn'

Congress Calls Centre's Decision on Agnipath Scheme a 'U-Turn'

The Congress on Wednesday dubbed the Centre a "U-turn" government over its decision to overhaul the Agnipath scheme, saying the BJP changes its stance so frequently that it should be called "Bharatiya Janata Palti". The opposition party said Rahul Gandhi had already spoken out against the scheme when it was rolled out in 2022 and asserted that the government would have to take it back as it is flawed. The Congress was reacting after the government announced that Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure will be given an additional two-year extension and subsequent permanent recruitment subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria. Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed the government has brought the changes due to the approaching assembly elections in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh. "This government is a U-turn government; first Rahul Gandhi says, but they don't agree to it. Later they correct. Agniveer is a wrong scheme; not only is it bad for the defence forces, but it is also wrong for the youths," he told reporters, adding, "They will have to take back this scheme". He stressed that Gandhi has repeatedly warned that the Agniveer scheme is unsustainable and demanded that the government reconsider it. "The rate at which the BJP flips, it should be called the Bharatiya Janata Palti. "With elections approaching in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh - states with high per capita recruitment rates in the Indian Armed Forces - the government has announced a major change to the Agniveer scheme," Khera said in a post on X.
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The Daily Guardian
Nov 4, 2026, 04:30 PM
US Midterm Elections: Republicans Suffer Landslide Defeat as Democrats Make Gains

US Midterm Elections: Republicans Suffer Landslide Defeat as Democrats Make Gains

By Aditya Soni Nov 4 (Reuters) – As Republicans suffered a landslide defeat and Texas elected its first Democratic governor in more than three decades, one of the biggest losers of the US midterms was (The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 04:28 PM
China Reiterates Commitment to Cooperation with US After Democratic Party's Midterm Election Victory

China Reiterates Commitment to Cooperation with US After Democratic Party's Midterm Election Victory

China has responded to the Democratic Party's lead in the US midterm elections in a measured and measured manner. China said it will continue to work with the US to uphold and implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump held two rare summits this year aimed at bringing strategic stability to the two countries. In response to a question about Beijing's approach to the US midterm elections, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "The US midterm elections are an internal matter." In the elections, the opposition Democratic Party won control of the US Congress and also won several key governorships. However, Mao said China is ready to work with the US to uphold and implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance dialogue, properly resolve differences, and expand cooperation. China is willing to work with the US to build a fair, constructive and constructive relationship based on Xi's visit to the US on September 23.
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Free Press Journal
Nov 4, 2026, 03:48 PM
Panvel Municipal Corporation Meeting Turns Contention Over Village Inclusion

Panvel Municipal Corporation Meeting Turns Contention Over Village Inclusion

Panvel: A special general body meeting of the Panvel Municipal Corporation witnessed a noisy confrontation on Tuesday over the proposed inclusion of 19 villages from the Gavan and Vadhghar zilla parishad constituencies within the civic limits. The proceedings took a contentious turn after residents from the villages present in the gallery applauded remarks by Opposition corporator Leena Garad, criticising the civic body's functioning. The applause triggered an exchange of arguments between the ruling BJP and Opposition members, following which Shetkari Kamgar Paksha (Peasants and Workers Party) corporator Prakash Mhatre was suspended from the meeting. The Opposition subsequently staged a walkout in protest. The special general body meeting had five agenda items, with the fourth concerning the inclusion of villages from the Gavan and Vadhghar zilla parishad constituencies in the municipal corporation. As the discussion began, Garad questioned the civic body's ability to take responsibility for additional villages when several existing areas continued to face infrastructure and administrative shortcomings. She alleged that Class C employees were handling responsibilities that required Class A officers at the ward level, while several key positions remained vacant. She also complained that corporators were not receiving responses to their queries and that basic infrastructure facilities were inadequate. Garad argued that the civic body should first ensure proper amenities across its existing 110 sq km jurisdiction before expanding its boundaries. She also alleged that Kharghar's inclusion in the municipal corporation had been forced. Her remarks drew applause from residents of the Gavan and Vadhghar areas who were present in the meeting. Mayor Nitin Patil objected to the applause and directed those clapping to leave the hall. The incident led to further friction, with BJP corporators questioning who had brought the residents into the meeting and accusing Mhatre of arranging their presence. The residents were subsequently escorted out by security personnel. The BJP members alleged that Mhatre had mobilised the residents to disrupt the proceedings. Following the confrontation, Mayor Nitin Patil ordered Mhatre's suspension from the meeting. The decision angered Opposition corporators, who walked out and voiced their displeasure outside the hall. Also Watch: Former zilla parishad member Ravindra Patil alleged that some residents had applauded because they had not been given prior information about the proceedings. He also objected to the manner in which they were asked to leave the hall, claiming that abusive language had been used. Reiterating their opposition to the proposed inclusion, Patil said the residents would not allow the merger of their villages with the municipal corporation. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
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Amar Ujala
Nov 4, 2026, 03:44 PM
BJP's Political Gains from False App Claim Questioned by Congress

BJP's Political Gains from False App Claim Questioned by Congress

He alleged that the video of Shubham Soni's claim about the owner of the app was released by the BJP in a press conference in their office. That is, the BJP also agreed with Shubham Soni's claim. On the basis of Shubham's claim, the BJP also accused the Congress government and our then Chief Minister. The question of the Congress is when will Shubham be caught? Based on his false claim, the BJP had taken political advantage by trying to defame the then Congress government throughout the assembly elections. Ad Pradesh Congress President Baij said that if it was possible to bring Saurabh Chandrakar of Mahadev Satta App from Oman to India, then there is a concerted effort by the Congress's Bhupesh Sarkar. The concrete proceedings to register the first FIR against Mahadev Satta App to 72 FIRs were done by the Congress government. More than 500 seizures and arrests were also done by the Congress government. Saurabh Chandrakar has been brought but when will Ravi Uppal, Shubham Mahadev be brought to the Satta App?
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Amar Ujala
Nov 4, 2026, 03:43 PM
IPS Officers Get New Postings; One Officer's Domestic Dispute Makes Headlines

IPS Officers Get New Postings; One Officer's Domestic Dispute Makes Headlines

Among the IPS officers who have been given new postings till further orders, the top ones are Aparajita, an IPS officer of the 2020 batch. She has been made an assistant to the governor. That is, she will move to the governor's secretariat. Till now, she was also looking after the additional charge of Superintendent of Police (Law and Order), Patna, as a member of the Bihar Special Armed Police-16. The Khagaria SP, though attached to the headquarters, is an IPS officer of the 2021 batch and is currently in the news for a dispute with his wife. His wife had also staged a sit-in in front of the Khagaria SP's residence yesterday.
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Amar Ujala
Nov 4, 2026, 03:43 PM
Congress Raises Concerns Over Voter Registration Issues in Indian State

Congress Raises Concerns Over Voter Registration Issues in Indian State

The Congress, citing reports till October 31, 2026, said that a total of 59,56,574 notices have been issued in the state. In these, the hearing of 40,25,102 voters has been completed, while the hearing in 19,31,472 cases is pending. While 5,06,625 notices have not been delivered to the voters so far. State in-charge K. Raju said that permanent resident certificates are not being issued in many blocks. People are also facing problems in getting caste certificates, family registers and genealogies made. Due to this, eligible voters are not able to submit the required documents on time. The memorandum also raised the issue of increasing workload on BLOs and technical glitches in the BLO app. According to the Congress, in many cases, the online status seems to be pending and notices are being sent to the voters again. The party demanded an immediate solution to these problems. State president Keshav Kamlesh Mahto said that due to the availability of Diwali, Chhath Bhaiya and Chhath Puja festivals, it is difficult to accept all the resident certificates pending hearing.
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Indian Express
Nov 4, 2026, 03:42 PM
J&K Deputy Chief Minister Accuses BJP of Misleading Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi

J&K Deputy Chief Minister Accuses BJP of Misleading Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi

A day after Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi quit his Lok Sabha seat and the ruling National Conference, Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday described him as a “decent’’ and “respectable person’’ who has been “misled” by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “Shareef admi they. Aga sahib ek nek admi they, shareef admi they. BJP ne unko gumrah kiya. Aur kal BJP ke leader ne khud kaha ki Aga Sahib humara aadmi hai” (Aga Sahib was a decent and respectable person. BJP has misled him),” Chaudhary said while talking to media persons in Jammu. He was referring to the statement made by BJP’s national general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday that Ruhullah’s programme had “the blessings of BJP people ”. “If BJP people were in Ruhullah programme, then the entire ‘jalsa’ (rally) was of the BJP. How could Ruhullah be associated with the NC then,” Choudhary asked. Choudhary, meanwhile, also accused the BJP of trying to break the National Conference (NC) . Ruhullah signed a two-page resignation from the podium, in front of thousands of supporters, at a rally in Budgam on Tuesday. When asked about the reports on 10 National Conference (NC) legislators expressing their discontentment and Ruhullah accusing the party leadership, especially Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, of betraying its promise of fighting for restoration of J&K’s special status, Choudhary said: “We have always been saying that the BJP is behind it.” “Yeh main nahi keh raha, Ram Madhav sahib ne kaha hai. Party ke national leader jab yeh keh rahey hain ki Aga sahib ke programme mein humarey log wahan gaye they… (These are not my words but those of Ram Madhav. The BJP’s national leader has said that their workers had gone to attend Ruhullah’s programme),” he added. ‘Why indulge in all this drama?’ However, when pointed out that Madhav had ruled out forming a government with Ruhullah, he asked the BJP to clarify its position. “If Aga Sahib is your man, then why are you indulging in all this drama?” He also asked media persons to go to the BJP and ask questions relating to Ruhullah, accusing its Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, of always carrying a “lollipop’’ with him. “He has now given that `lollipop’ to Aga sahib as well,” he said. Ruhullah, a prominent Shia leader in Kashmir, had been associated with the NC for 24 years. Ruhullah contested the 2002 assembly election from Budgam after his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, was assassinated in a suspected militant attack in 2000. He chose his father’s death anniversary as the day to announce his resignation from both the party and the post.
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Aaj Tak
Nov 4, 2026, 03:37 PM
Israel Begins Forming New Government After Election Results Released

Israel Begins Forming New Government After Election Results Released

The official results of Israel's general election were handed over to President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday by the chairman of the Central Election Committee (CEC) and Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg. This begins the process of forming a new government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and its allies had demanded a halt to the publication of the results, alleging electoral fraud. No one has won a clear majority in this election. In this regard, the president's role becomes important. At the ceremony held at the presidential residence, Sohlberg described attempts to cast doubt on the election results as a "real threat" to democracy. He said, "In recent days, we have heard voices that are casting doubt on the election results and undermining their legitimacy. This is a real threat. The foundations of electoral democracy include the peaceful transfer of power, which comes from respecting the will of the voters." Sohlberg stressed that even if suspicions of fraud are proven, "so much is the limited impact" that we have heard of such attempts to undermine the possible legitimacy of the election results. "
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The Financial Express
Nov 4, 2026, 03:31 PM
SEBI Eases KYC Rules for Non-Resident Indians and Foreign Nationals

SEBI Eases KYC Rules for Non-Resident Indians and Foreign Nationals

The Securities and Exchange Board of India announced easing of ‘know your client’ (KYC) rules for non-resident Indians , overseas citizens of India, and foreign nationals. Digital onboarding means potential customers no longer need to be physically present in India for KYC . The new rules take effect on 3 December 2026, according to the SEBI release. “Intermediaries can collect KYC details in physical mode or through apps or websites. They can also accept scanned copies under electronic signatures or fully digital KYC forms under electronic signatures,” the new rule said. For specimen signatures, intermediaries can collect wet signatures on physical forms or as cropped signature images under electronic signature. If the signature is submitted digitally, the potential or existing customer must provide a wet signature during video-based in-person verification for live matching, the new rule said. All KYC records are now portable across intermediaries, just as they are for resident Indians. Another important step is the ease of the re-verification process. If foreign clients already have records registered in KRA/CKYCRR through depositories and registrars, they do not need fresh details unless there is a change, lapsed validity, incomplete data, or a new due diligence requirement. The rupee needs that support from foreign investors. The relentless selloff by foreign portfolio investors and record lows mean that India must take steps to remove blocks in the way of foreign flows. A key impediment was India’s time-consuming registration procedure. Physical documents, signatures, and in-person presence meant non-resident Indians could address investment-related issues only when they visited the country once a year.
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Indian Express
Nov 4, 2026, 03:31 PM
Gujarat: Rupsing Ranaji Thakor Elected As Youngest Mayor Of Gandhinagar

Gujarat: Rupsing Ranaji Thakor Elected As Youngest Mayor Of Gandhinagar

He is 29 years old, owns a clothing showroom in Gandhinagar , and says that he will “take forward the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat by 2047”. Rupsing Ranaji Thakor, the youngest mayor of Gujarat’s capital city, presided over the first meeting of the general board on Tuesday (November 3). Thakor, a first time councillor, represents Ward 4, which covers the Dholakuva-Palaj area, and includes Indroda, home to the ruins of an ancient 15th century fort on the bank of the Sabarmati river. The BJP swept 38 of the 44 seats in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation election held on October 11, a victory that came ahead of the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled in the city early next year. Five seats went to the Congress, and one to an Independent. The state capital forms a significant part of the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah . The city is also home to Gujarat International Finance-Tec (GIFT) City, the state’s first smart city and financial centre. (GIFT City has its own notified administrative area.) Rupsing, who studied until Class 10, belongs to the politically influential Thakor community, which is included under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The post of mayor was reserved for OBCs this year. Rupsing is also Gandhinagar’s first Thakor mayor. This was the fourth election to the civic body after it was set up in 2010; elections were earlier held in 2011, 2016, and 2021. Mahendrasinh Rana, Pravin Patel, Rita Patel, Hitesh Makwana, and Meeraben Patel were mayors of the city earlier. Thakor’s rise to mayorship is part of the BJP’s strategy to promote younger and GenZ leaders as the faces of the party ahead of the Assembly elections due next year, several BJP leaders told The Indian Express. Thakor’s family has an old association with the BJP, and Rupsing himself has been formally associated with the party since the age of 18. He has earlier been a ward president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the BJP’s youth wing. “I will take forward the incomplete work of the BJP in Gandhinagar. I will also work for the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India developed by 2047,” Thakor told The Indian Express. A political observer said, “With Rupsing’s appointment, the BJP has aimed at two targets with one stone, GenZ and the Thakor community. They are signalling that the youth are getting prominence in the party. At the same time, they are also trying to woo the Thakor community, which has the potential to bring dividends for the party in the Assembly election.” Alpesh Thakor, founder of the Kshatriya-Thakor Sena, said: “This (appointment) is a major decision of the party. I thank the party for giving representation to a young boy of the Thakor community, which has a huge population.” Alpesh rose to fame as the leader of an OBC agitation against Hardik Patel’s 2015 Patidar quota agitation. Both are now BJP MLAs; Alpesh represents Gandhinagar South, and Hardik Viramgam in the state Assembly. Thakors have influence in Assembly seats in north and central Gujarat. Alpesh said Rupsing’s appointment could benefit the BJP at seats around Gandhinagar, where Thakors make up a significant chunk of electors. On Tuesday, Anjana Mehta and Mahendra Patel were appointed deputy mayor and chairperson of the Standing Committee respectively.
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Siasat News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 03:31 PM
Student Islamic Organisation Demands Inquiry Over Alleged Coercion of Students to Attend Amit Shah's Rally

Student Islamic Organisation Demands Inquiry Over Alleged Coercion of Students to Attend Amit Shah's Rally

The Student Islamic Organisation (SIO) Telangana expressed concern over a report by The News Minute alleging that students were asked to attend Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s rally in Hyderabad on November 2. The independent news organisation reported that students were allegedly brought to the rally under misleading pretexts, including assurances that they would participate in a protest over pending scholarships, without being told the programme’s actual purpose. “Educational institutions must remain spaces for learning and intellectual development, not platforms for political mobilisation. Students’ participation in political programmes must always be voluntary and free from institutional pressure or misleading information,” read the statement. The organisation has urged the Education Department to conduct an independent inquiry, take strict action against BJP-affiliated individuals and others found responsible.
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 03:16 PM
Owaisi Slams Congress Leadership Over Alleged Double Standards

Owaisi Slams Congress Leadership Over Alleged Double Standards

Highlighting the deep fissures in the opposition camp, AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a scathing attack on the Congress leadership. He said the Congress is "allergic" to aligning with him, but at the same time expects his party to support him on the street. Owaisi's scathing remarks come in the context of the mega-rally of the India Alliance at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. He has categorically disassociated himself from the rally and said "I have nothing to do with it." He also made it clear that his fight on the issue of SIR (Special Intensive Revision) is in court and not on a political platform. The main reason for Owaisi's anger is the contradictory attitude of the Congress. The Congress and its allies have repeatedly denied any electoral pact with AIMIM. Uttar Pradesh Congress working president Imran Masood has categorically said that the "secular" form of leadership was not in sync with the Congress.
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The Moscow Times
Nov 4, 2026, 03:15 PM
National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir Faces Internal Turmoil Amid Leadership Crisis

National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir Faces Internal Turmoil Amid Leadership Crisis

SRINAGAR: The internal troubles within the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir appear far from over. The party suffered a major setback on Tuesday after its MP and senior leader Aga Ruhullah quit . Meanwhile, discontent among disgruntled MLAs over the cabinet reshuffle continues to simmer, with the legislators holding their third closed-door meeting on Wednesday to discuss action on their charter of demands. One of the dissenting MLAs publicly asserted that he was a fighter and would continue his fight. The group of disgruntled MLAs held their third closed-door meeting at the residence of party MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi in Srinagar to deliberate on their demands and build pressure on the party leadership to address their grievances. Sources said the MLAs reiterated their charter of demands and stressed on the leadership to take concrete steps to address their concerns. The group of around 20 MLAs is demanding the removal of four ministers who have been part of Omar Abdullah's cabinet since its formation in October 2024, to make way for senior leaders and those left out in the recent reshuffle. Their other demands include removing CM's advisers Nasir Aslam Wani and Shammi Oberoi, fulfilment of the party's electoral promises and a more assertive stand on restoration of statehood and Article 370, which figured prominently in NC's 2024 Assembly election manifesto. Gurezi, while confirming the meeting, said a few MLAs had gathered at his residence after visiting the party's Lal Chowk legislator to offer condolences on the demise of his father. A disgruntled MLA said the group's charter of demands had already been conveyed to NC president Farooq Abdullah and CM Omar Abdullah following their first meeting on Friday.
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The Financial Express
Nov 4, 2026, 03:10 PM
US Stocks Surge as Democrats Win Majorities in Midterm Elections

US Stocks Surge as Democrats Win Majorities in Midterm Elections

US stocks surged on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising more than 1,000 points after Democrats won majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections. President Donald Trump ’s decision to accept the election results also helped ease concerns among investors about political uncertainty. The election results are expected to limit Trump’s ability to push through major policy decisions. However, his administration has introduced business-friendly tax cuts, its policies on tariffs and the war in Iran have raised concerns about inflation and economic stability. Democrats are now expected to act as a check on the president’s decisions. At 9:01 am ET, Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,026.11 points, or 1.98%, at 52,812.83. S&P 500 gained 96.28 points, or 1.27%, to 7,665.20, Nasdaq Composite rose 339.95 points, or 1.34%, to 25,711.96. Trump told The New York Times that he was “absolutely willing” to accept the election results. He also told The Wall Street Journal that he and other Republicans would work with Democrats. Jay Woods, chief market strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, said Trump’s initial response to the results played a part in the market’s recovery. “The rebound “was in part due to the president’s initial tone and reaction to the results,” Woods told CNBC. “Still more uncertainty looms, but one thing is certain, there will be gridlock and historically this is good for the market.” The election outcome could also influence decisions within the Trump administration. Christopher Hodge, chief US economist at Natixis, New York, told Reuters that the political impact of the results could be significant, even if their direct effect on the economy remains limited. “The wave looks to be underway; the questions are how high, how wide, and what will ​the fallout be. “Economically, we still don’t think the direct implications are huge. “That doesn’t mean that tonight won’t have big implications. For one thing, Trump doesn’t like bad news and seeing as how he personally selected many of the struggling candidates, he might ‌be looking to change the narrative sooner rather than later. “A ‘short and intense’ campaign in Iran has been rumoured … and that would certainly be a distraction. “Presidents typically start making changes after midterms anyway and Trump could be looking for scapegoats. Secretary of Defense Hegseth comes to mind as a possibility. Bessent is another one to watch…he may be looking for a graceful exit if he views the administration as a sinking ship.” Shares of companies linked to Elon Musk and Donald Trump came under pressure as the election results emerged. At 9:39 am ET, Tesla shares were down 4.99% at $378.62, losing $19.88 during the trading session. SpaceX shares fell 4.28% to $135.26, a decline of $6.05. Trump Media & Technology Group shares dropped 11.18% to $5.28, losing $0.66. The declines came as Democrats secured important victories in Texas. Democrat James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in the race for a US Senate seat, Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, who conceded on Tuesday night. Elon Musk had spent more than $200 million supporting Paxton, according to the Texas Tribune. Musk had also campaigned for Paxton and criticised Talarico on his social media platform X in the final days of the election. Another reason behind Wednesday’s market rally was the expectation that a divided government could be good for stocks. Historically, markets have performed well when political power is shared between parties. Such power sharing makes it harder for any one party to introduce major policy changes, which can give businesses greater certainty. Speaking to CNBC, Andrew Slimmon of Morgan Stanley Investment Management said markets generally prefer a divided government. “The markets “like gridlock — they don’t like a party with too much power,” Slimmon said. Slimmon also said the election outcome could increase pressure to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. A possible reduction in tensions could bring oil prices down. “The combination of a large Democratic majority in Congress and President Trump’s statement that he is willing to work with the opposition should act as a break on extreme policy outcomes and bring down risk premia,” George Saravelos, global head of FX research at Deutsche Bank, said in a note shared with CNN. The election results have given investors greater clarity about the political outlook, helping improve market sentiment. Expectations that the new Congress could limit excessive government borrowing and spending also supported US government bonds, pushing bond yields lower. The US dollar weakened against a basket of major currencies. “Divided government has generally made it harder for fiscal stimulus to be passed,” Deutsche Bank analysts wrote in a note. “So that’s eased concerns on the fiscal trajectory a bit.” Investors are also watching how the election results could affect the expansion of data centres across the US. These facilities are important for the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) because they provide the computing power needed to run AI services. Although analysts had expected Democrats to perform well, the scale of their victory surprised some investors. The construction of AI data centres had become an important issue in several election campaigns. Concerns about their impact on local communities, particularly their heavy use of electricity and water, have led to calls for restrictions on new projects. Democratic victories in states such as Texas have raised questions about whether local governments could introduce more restrictions or temporary bans on data centre construction. Such measures could slow down the expansion of the infrastructure supporting the AI industry.
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India TV
Nov 4, 2026, 03:00 PM
US Election System: Paper Ballots and Electronic Scanners Ensure Security and Transparency

US Election System: Paper Ballots and Electronic Scanners Ensure Security and Transparency

The US election is very different from India. In the US, EVMs are not used like in India, but American citizens vote mainly on paper ballots and these ballots are counted by electronic scanner machines. In a technologically advanced superpower like the US, even today paper ballots are used mainly for elections to ensure security, transparency and an impeccable system of audit (verification). At present, about 98% of the US voters cast their votes through some form of paper ballot or paper trail (paper record). In short, the US election model works on the hybrid principle of paper for voting and technology for counting. This system assures both the rapidity of technology and the safety of paper. US Midterm Election Results: How'Blue Wave'turned into'Redout,'Why Trump's historic defeat?
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Aaj Tak
Nov 4, 2026, 02:59 PM
Indian-American Leaders Make Mark in US Midterm Elections

Indian-American Leaders Make Mark in US Midterm Elections

The midterm elections in the United States have seen the rise of'desi'talent. The candidates who have won this election include Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera. These include Pramila Jayapal, who questioned India's SIR process. These election results show the growing role of Indian-American leaders in American politics. These leaders, who have made their mark as doctors, lawyers, engineers, educators, and social workers, are now playing important roles in the US Parliament and administration. Let's know about these Indian-American leaders who won the US elections in 1999. Democratic Party leader Ami Bera has won by defeating Republican candidate Rob Tucker from California's 3rd congressional district. 61-year-old Ami Bera will now start his eighth term in the US House of Representatives. Ami Bera's full name is Amerishul Babal Bera. He was born in Los Angeles. His Gujarati-American father was a medical doctor and his mother is a biologist. He studied medicine at the University of California.
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AIR News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 02:58 PM
Democrats Secure Control of Congress in Sweeping Midterm Victory

Democrats Secure Control of Congress in Sweeping Midterm Victory

In the US, the Democratic Party has secured control of both chambers of the Congress in a sweeping victory in the 2026 midterm elections, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. In a stunning reversal, Democrats captured the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending Republican control of Congress and setting the stage for a new era of political confrontation in Washington.As per the latest results, Democrats have secured at least 228 seats in the 435-member House of Representatives, comfortably crossing the 218-seat majority mark. In the Senate, they have won 54 seats against 44 for Republicans, with two seats yet to be decided.The Democratic gains include major victories in traditionally Republican strongholds such as Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, signalling a significant shift in the political landscape.The results signal a strong voter backlash against the Trump administration’s economic and foreign policies. Economic concerns, particularly inflation and rising fuel prices, emerged as major factors behind the Republican setback. The prolonged US-Israeli war with Iran, which has disrupted global energy supplies and pushed up fuel costs, also became a major campaign issue.With control of both chambers, Democrats will have greater powers to scrutinise the Trump administration, launch congressional investigations and block key legislative proposals and presidential nominations. However, President Trump will remain in office, retaining his executive powers and the ability to veto legislation.
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Siasat News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 02:52 PM
Karnataka High Court Quashes Defamation Complaint Against Congress Leaders Over Election Advertisements

Karnataka High Court Quashes Defamation Complaint Against Congress Leaders Over Election Advertisements

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the private defamation complaint against Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the Congress’ ‘corruption rate card’ advertisements targeting the BJP government ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. Justice M. Nagaprasanna passed the order, bringing relief to the two senior Congress leaders. The detailed copy of the judgment is yet to be released. The complaint was filed by BJP leader Keshav Prasad following advertisements published by the KPCC in local newspapers during the Assembly election campaign. The advertisements accused the BJP government of collecting commissions for appointments and transfers across various departments. The Congress campaign had alleged that the BJP government operated through a system of fixed rates for government services and appointments. It also coined the phrase ‘Trouble Engine Government’ to counter the BJP’s ‘Double Engine Government’ slogan. The BJP strongly objected to the advertisements, alleging that the Congress had published false and defamatory claims to tarnish its reputation and influence the outcome of the elections. It maintained that the allegations were imaginary and lacked factual basis. The trial court had taken cognisance of the complaint in 2023, initiating criminal defamation proceedings against the Congress leaders. The latest order is part of a series of developments in the case. On July 4, the High Court stayed proceedings against Shivakumar, who was then serving as Deputy Chief Minister. The KPCC had also obtained similar relief. In January this year, the High Court had stayed the proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the same matter. The BJP had contended that the advertisements were deliberately designed to portray its government as corrupt and undermine its electoral chances. The Congress leaders had challenged the proceedings before the High Court. With the complaint now quashed against Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, the ruling marks another significant development in the legal battle arising from the 2023 election campaign. The detailed order is expected to provide further clarity on the court’s reasoning.
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DNA Hindi
Nov 4, 2026, 02:44 PM
Trump Suffers Crushing Defeat as Republicans Lose Majority in US Midterm Elections

Trump Suffers Crushing Defeat as Republicans Lose Majority in US Midterm Elections

In the midterm elections in the United States, Trump has suffered a major setback. Trump's Republican Party has lost the majority in both houses of parliament (Congress). CNN reports that the opposition Democratic Party has won 228 seats in the House of Representatives. Republicans have only 139 seats. There are 435 seats and the majority mark is 218. In the elections held for 35 out of 100 seats in the Senate, the Democratic Party has won 20 seats and the Republican Party has won 13 seats. The counting of two seats is underway. Together with these results, the Democratic Party now has 54 seats in the Senate and the Republican Party has 44 seats. Trump has suffered a crushing defeat in the elections, but some historical records have also been made. This is the first time in the history of America that a Muslim and a'gay'are going to become a senator. This is also the first time that a black woman has become a governor.
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Amar Ujala
Nov 4, 2026, 02:41 PM
India Eradicates Naxalism, Controls Terrorism: Home Minister Amit Shah

India Eradicates Naxalism, Controls Terrorism: Home Minister Amit Shah

He further said that Home Minister Amit Shah had promised to eradicate Naxalism. Not only has Naxalism come to an end, but for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF jawan has lost his life. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, he said that Rahul Gandhi used to say that it is not possible to completely eradicate terrorism from the country. Today India has succeeded in controlling terrorism. Terrorism has almost been eliminated from all of India, except a few districts of Jammu and Kashmir. In an advertisement, Rahul Gandhi had targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the drug problem in Punjab during the Congress's'Insaaf Rally'in Sangrur. He had questioned Amit Shah's promise to eradicate drugs from Punjab in three years. He had said that he did not think that the current central government would last even a year. Rahul had said that Amit Shah would not be home minister after three years.
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The Moscow Times
Nov 4, 2026, 02:41 PM
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Election Commission's New Voter Re-Enrollment System

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Election Commission's New Voter Re-Enrollment System

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will hear the arguments on November 19 regarding the Election Commission's new system requiring voters whose names were removed from the draft voter list during Delhi's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to fill out Form-6 to get re-enrolled. The court has directed the petitioners to file an appropriate application to bring the Election Commission's November 3 clarification on record. Chief Justice Surya Kant also indicated that, if necessary, the Commission could be asked to consider extending the application deadline. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana stated that people do not need to panic as the court is hearing the matter. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioners Anjali Bhardwaj and Amrita Johri, questioned the Commission's new clarification. "No need to be panic, we are hearing the matter, as it is before us," the CJI assured the petitioners. Bhushan argued that the Election Commission's November 3 clarification appears to contradict the Supreme Court's October 28 observations. He contended that individuals previously included in the voter list but removed during the SIR should be given the option to restore their names through Form-8 or an enumeration form, rather than being forced to fill out Form-6 like a new voter. Form-6 is generally used for registering in the voter list for the first time. On the other hand, Form-8 is used for circumstances such as correcting names, addresses, or other details, as well as for transfers in the voter list. In its November 3 clarification sent to the Chief Electoral Officers of the states, the Election Commission stated that if a person's name is missing from the draft voter list, they can apply to include their name in the final voter list via Form-6.
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Amar Ujala
Nov 4, 2026, 02:40 PM
Haryana CM, Home Minister Review Preparations for Amit Shah's Visit

Haryana CM, Home Minister Review Preparations for Amit Shah's Visit

In the meeting held at Kartavya Bhawan, both discussed the preparations for the programmes to be held in Karnal and Ambala. The Chief Minister said after the meeting that there is enthusiasm among the people about the arrival of Amit Shah in Haryana. He discussed the preparations and arrangements for both the programmes with the Home Minister. The BJP is preparing to give a political message through the padyatra of Karnal, while the inauguration of the Martyr's Memorial in Ambala is a programme to pay respect to the martyrs of the freedom struggle.
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The Moscow Times
Nov 4, 2026, 02:37 PM
Trump's Political Legacy Rejected: Voters Turn Against Him in Midterm Elections

Trump's Political Legacy Rejected: Voters Turn Against Him in Midterm Elections

WASHINGTON: For more than a decade, Donald Trump defied the rules of politics that applied to everyone else. No more. of a Republican president who has spent the first half of his second term governing without regard to consequences, imposing unilateral tariffs that undermined the economy and starting a war that spiked fuel prices and angered Americans who did not approve of US involvement in the kind of Middle East conflict he had promised to avoid. On top of that, he earned billions in outside investments and focused on Washington renovations that showed little empathy for those struggling financially. Having survived scandal, impeachments and a criminal conviction, Trump approached the midterms as yet another hurdle he could clear with the sheer force of his personality, insisting the economy was fine and the war in Iran was needed to avoid nuclear war. This time, he couldn't make the sale and voters forcefully rejected him. In the Senate, such as South Carolina, Texas and Kansas. , a state that was both the heart of the Confederacy and the soul of the Civil Rights Movement. , where Trump's strict immigration enforcement has rocked communities from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston. For Democrats who have learned to temper their expectations after painful losses, the magnitude of Tuesday's results was hard to comprehend. As votes were still being counted, Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia and Gina Hinojosa in Texas posted dominant victories in governor's races where even the rosiest outlooks found them narrowly winning. Republican Ken Paxton with relative ease to become the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988.
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ABP News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 02:27 PM
Congress Hits Out at BJP's 'Save Democracy' Campaign, Accuses Ruling Party of Hypocrisy

Congress Hits Out at BJP's 'Save Democracy' Campaign, Accuses Ruling Party of Hypocrisy

The Congress has hit out at the BJP's Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy campaign. Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera has said that the people who are putting Arunachal Pradesh in danger are the same people who are saving it today. Khera further said in his statement that those who are putting democracy in danger are also pretending to save it. This is the first time that people from the ruling party are taking to the streets. If the BJP improves, democracy will not be in danger. Also on Rahul Gandhi's challenge to the Prime Minister to debate, Pawan Khera said that 24 hours have passed, but the Prime Minister has not yet responded. The Prime Minister will not even be ready for a debate, because he knows that Rahul Gandhi will bring out the whole truth. The Congress MP said, "We also challenged to show the condition of Arunachal Pradesh, but he was not ready for it. Prime Minister Modi is working under pressure. Also, Pawan Khera said that apart from the results of the mid-term elections in the United States, he would not have taken a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Siasat News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 02:26 PM
Rahul Gandhi Attacks Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Over Alleged Intoxication, Criticizes AAP's Governance

Rahul Gandhi Attacks Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Over Alleged Intoxication, Criticizes AAP's Governance

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, November 4, launched a personal attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann , alleging that he reeked of alcohol when in Parliament, and wondered how a chief minister can fight drugs if he gets “intoxicated” every evening. The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) formed the government in Punjab after people placed their trust in Mann and the party on their promise to end the drug menace in the state. “I want to ask, from which corner of Punjab did they wipe out drugs?” Gandhi said at Congress’ ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur, the home district of Mann, kicking off the party’s election campaign in Punjab, where elections are due early next year. Recalling Mann’s stint in Parliament as the Sangrur MP, Gandhi said, “In Lok Sabha, he used to crack jokes sitting with us. At 11 am, he used to smell of alcohol. I am not saying Bhagwant Mann should not consume alcohol; it is his personal matter. But if you want to fight drugs, the chief minister can’t get intoxicated every evening.” “Punjab needs a man who can fight for its cause, someone who feels the pain of drug addiction in his heart,” he added. Gandhi also said that people deserve a government that works for Punjab, not like AAP, which is run from Delhi . “The Congress will run the government from the soil of Punjab, with neither the home minister nor a former chief minister of Delhi interfering,” Gandhi said, taking an indirect dig at Amit Shah and Arvind Kejriwal. Mann won the Sangrur parliamentary seat twice, in 2014 and 2019, before contesting the 2022 Assembly polls from Dhuri in the district after resigning from his Lok Sabha seat. At a rally in Barnala in 2019, Mann had vowed to give up alcohol in the presence of his mother and AAP supremo Kejriwal. Mann had also accused his political rivals of defaming him by portraying him as a “born drunkard”. Sangrur, which is part of the Malwa region, is often described as the political capital of AAP.
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Amar Ujala
Nov 4, 2026, 02:25 PM
High Court Sets Timeline for Timely Completion of Election Process in Bihar

High Court Sets Timeline for Timely Completion of Election Process in Bihar

The court, during the detailed hearing of Mahendra Pal Singh Dhillon vs Inderjit Singh G, has laid down a transparent time-table for the timely completion of the election process. After this stern direction of the High Court, the managing committee is now faced with a huge challenge of completing all the procedures within the stipulated time. As per the High Court order, the managing committee will have to prepare the electoral roll by 20th November. Thereafter, it will be mandatory to submit this list to the Bihar State Election Authority between 21st November and 24th November. During this crucial hearing, the Bihar State Election Authority also made its submission in the court. The election authority has assured the court that the elections will be conducted in a completely fair and transparent manner within 90 to 120 days of the receipt of the electoral roll from the managing committee. The court has taken on record the assurance of the election authority to complete the entire election process in a transparent and time-bound manner. The court has also issued directions for timely disposal of the objections related to the electoral roll.
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Siasat News✓
Nov 4, 2026, 02:20 PM
Owaisi Slams Centre Over Demolition of Century-Old Mosque in New Delhi

Owaisi Slams Centre Over Demolition of Century-Old Mosque in New Delhi

Remarking that secularism doesn’t seem to be “offended by Hindu rituals but is allergic to a mosque”, Asaduddin Owaisi hit back at the Union Government over its claims that a mosque inside government premises is incompatible with its secular character. His statements came a day after the Centre informed the Delhi High Court that the century-old Qadeemi Mosque inside the government office complex needs to be demolished as part of the Central Vista project. The reason given: the mosque is incompatible with the secular character of the property. “The Union government has told the Delhi High Court that the century-old Qadeemi Masjid, located within the Krishi Bhawan compound in New Delhi, must be removed to make way for the redevelopment of the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) under the Central Vista project,” the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader wrote on X. He said the government argues that the mosque is “impermissible and incompatible with the secular character of government property”, when the ruling party itself inaugurated the project with Bhoomi Puja. “Apparently, secularism is not offended by the use of one faith’s rituals for a public project but is allergic to a masjid that has stood there even before 1912, long before Krishi Bhawan was even built,” Owaisi said. The Central Vista project began in 2019, intending to redevelop a 3.2-kilometre stretch of central Delhi to make way for new Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings. The new Parliament building, the Vice President’s residence, the Central Secretariat, and the new Prime Minister’s Office have been completed. The Krishi Bhawan, headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is slated for demolition as part of the project. The Centre’s status report filed through the Land and Development Office (L&DO) contends that the mosque is built on government land and that its committee was given only permissive or temporary possession. The government said the complex was designated solely for administrative, government, or public service events.
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The Moscow Times
Nov 4, 2026, 02:20 PM
Global Far-Right 'Unravelling', Says Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez Amid Political Shifts

Global Far-Right 'Unravelling', Says Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez Amid Political Shifts

MADRID: The global far-right is "unravelling", Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday as he celebrated which saw them seize control of Congress in a rebuke to President Donald Trump. "It happened in Brazil. It just happened in the US. And it will soon happen in Spain," said Sanchez, a global progressive star but whose premiership is in peril in snap elections he called for November 29. The far-right wave of his rivals is "no longer growing, it is unravelling," he added. The decisive victory by Democrats, who took both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as a string of wins in deep Republican strongholds across the country, came days after the unexpected reelection of leftist Luis Inacio Lula da Silva as Brazil's president. With less than four weeks to Spain's vote, however, polls point to a potential loss for Sanchez -- one of Europe's last remaining socialist leaders -- against the main conservative Popular Party. It is predicted to win the most seats but fall short of a majority, meaning the far-right Vox party could become Spain's kingmakers. Migration and housing have dominated public debate in Spain in recent months, but the election campaign has been overshadowed by a horrific train crash in Urda, south of Madrid, last week which killed at least 69 people.
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Indian Express
Nov 4, 2026, 02:19 PM
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam

Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam

Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for November 4, 2026. If you missed the November 3, 2026 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here Front Page Poll panel fixes Form 6, deletes ‘illegal’ SIR para Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance Mains Examination: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. What’s the ongoing story : IN THE latest of a series of U-turns that have effectively undone almost every decision the two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had objected to in 14 notes over 10 months , the Election Commission of India (ECI) has now taken the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration out of the online version of the statutory voter enrolment form, Form 6, on its ECINet portal in the states where the SIR is still under way. Key Points to Ponder: • What is Form 6? • What does Article 326 of the Constitution provide? • What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls? • How Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is different from ordinary revision of electoral rolls? • Why is collective decision-making important in a multi-member Election Commission? • Establish the relationship between the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and the Election Commission’s powers over electoral rolls. Key Takeaways: • What this means is that the declaration inserted between Sections J and K of the online enrolment application for new voters is no longer part of Form 6. This declaration asked applicants to choose one of three statements: whether their name appeared in the electoral roll during the last SIR held in the early 2000s, whether the name of a parent or grandparent appeared in that roll, or whether neither their name nor that of their parents appeared in it. An applicant could not proceed without answering it. • Joshi had written on May 16 that no such change could be made without a legal amendment to the form. Sandhu, on August 13, called it “unauthorised/illegal”. This declaration is now available on the portal as a separate form. • The development comes after the Commission told the Supreme Court, in its counter-affidavit filed on October 26, that its ER (Electoral Roll) Division had decided on October 21 to split the two. The affidavit says the SIR-related declaration had been placed inside Form 6 so that an applicant would generate a single OTP and a single e-signature rather than two, and that this “bonafide objective became a subject matter of deliberation and suggestions”. It goes on to state, “It has been decided vide decision dt. 21.10.2026 of the ER Division that as in the case of submitting the Application in Form 6 in a physical format, the online Application shall also be in two parts i.e. Form 6 as prescribed in the Rules and the SIR Declaration.” Do You Know: • On September 23, The Indian Express reported that Sandhu and Joshi had objected to the change, on the ground that Form 6 is prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and that only the Central Government can amend it. Joshi put that on record on May 16. Sandhu concurred on May 19. The question appeared on the online form anyway in July, as this newspaper first reported on July 12. On August 13, Sandhu called it “unauthorised/illegal” and said it must be removed immediately. It was still there when the investigation was published. • The Commission’s first answer, in a press note issued the same day, did not mention Form 6 at all. It said “all actions of ECI have been in accordance of laws and instructions of the Commission”, described the Commissioners’ notes as “operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages”, and said every decision of the past year was “an outcome of the unanimous decisions of the full Commission”. • The Commission’s own explanation for putting the declaration inside Form 6 is that it saved the applicant an OTP. Two separate documents would have required two one-time passwords and two e-signatures. One page produced one of each. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍 Biometrics, voter IDs for beneficiary payments, not Aadhaar: Minister Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 📍Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters? (UPSC, GS2, 2026) On Govt agenda: New Rs 2,800-cr capex scheme for critical minerals Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. What’s the ongoing story : A new scheme with a proposed outlay of about Rs 2,800 crore to provide capital expenditure (capex) support for the processing of critical minerals such as lithium and nickel ores is likely to be taken up by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, The Indian Express has learnt. Key Points to Ponder: • What are critical minerals? • Compare and contrast critical minerals and rare earth minerals. • What are the criteria used to determine the criticality of a mineral for an economy? • Why are lithium and nickel considered important for India’s energy transition and industrial development? • Know the role of critical minerals in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, batteries and renewable-energy systems. • How critical minerals, strategic minerals and conventional minerals are different from each other? • What factors make a mineral supply chain vulnerable? • What is the role of critical minerals in the emerging global strategic landscape? • Why critical minerals are significant for India’s economic and strategic security? Key Takeaways: • According to sources aware of the development, the scheme, aimed at developing domestic critical mineral processing base, is likely to be focused on processing of lithium and nickel ores and intermediary products into high-purity compounds. Cobalt is expected to be recovered as a by-product of nickel production, the sources said. • Lithium, nickel and cobalt are important components for Li-ion batteries that power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. • Sources said the scheme is likely to provide a capital subsidy of 30 per cent of eligible investment for setting up four processing plants — two lithium processing plants with a minimum capacity of 30 kilotonnes (kt) each and two nickel processing plants with a minimum capacity of 50 kt each. The maximum capital support could be capped at Rs 500 crore per lithium beneficiary and Rs 900 crore per nickel beneficiary. • The proposed scheme is expected to support sectors such as electric mobility, battery energy storage systems (BESS), electronics, defence and speciality steel, while strengthening India’s domestic critical mineral value chain. • Discussions regarding a scheme to promote the processing of lithium and nickel have been going on for some time. In September, Keshav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, had said the government was planning to launch a scheme for critical minerals considered important to the battery manufacturing ecosystem. However, he did not reveal any further details. • The government has already identified four states — Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra — for setting up critical mineral processing parks. Chandra had said the government was planning to develop each park as a complete ecosystem for a particular mineral. Accordingly, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are looking at rare earth processing, while Odisha and Maharashtra are set to focus on nickel and lithium, respectively. • Gujarat was identified for rare earth processing given the availability of heavy rare earth elements in the state and its existing beneficiation and processing capabilities. Andhra Pradesh was identified for the development of a rare earth corridor. • Odisha is being considered for nickel processing due to its nickel reserves and its location in eastern India, which could facilitate the processing of imported nickel from Indonesia and other countries with abundant reserves. Do You Know: • Currently, India has limited processing capacity and is almost completely import-dependent for key critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements and silicon. On the other hand, China controls 90 per cent of global critical mineral processing. India, therefore, remains vulnerable to supply disruptions. • Currently, India has limited processing capacity for critical minerals and is almost completely import-dependent for some key critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements (REEs) and silicon. On the other hand, China controls 90 per cent of global critical mineral processing and often uses it as leverage during trade tensions. India, therefore, remains vulnerable to supply disruptions. The proposed scheme can be seen as part of the government’s broader efforts to address this strategic vulnerability, build domestic processing capabilities, and reduce dependence on China. • India’s National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) has proposed to develop a National Critical Mineral Stockpile Programme for stockpiling critical and strategic minerals. For the development of such a reserve, the government has committed the allocation of Rs 500 crore for 2024-25 to 2030-31. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍 Critical minerals are a strategic asset – India must not fall behind Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 1) Consider the following minerals: (UPSC, CSE, 2020) 1. Bentonite 2. Chromite 3. Kyanite 4. Sillimanite In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2, 3 and 4 only 2) Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why? (UPSC, CSE, 2012) 1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export. 2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country. 3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 📍Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (UPSC, GS1, 2021) The Editorial Page Midterms will play a part in the reset of US policy, at home and abroad Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. What’s the ongoing story : C. Raja Mohan Writes-With Democrats confident of regaining the House of Representatives and hopeful of capturing the Senate in the midterm elections, speculation is growing that the Trump era is drawing to a close. Key Points to Ponder: • What are midterm elections in the United States? • Know the significance of midterm elections in the United States. • How USA’s voting system differs from India’s? • How is the US political system structured? • What is the 2026 midterm arena looking like? • Why does India, and the world at large, care about US midterm elections? • What are the constitutional and political relationship between the executive and legislative branches of the US government? • What is the significance of congressional control over foreign policy funding and authorisations? • Differentiate between the foreign policy powers of the US President and the role of Congress in shaping international agreements. • Explain the significance of H-1B visas in India-US relations. • Why has immigration become a contested issue in American domestic politics? Key Takeaways: C. Raja Mohan Writes— • The emerging political picture in the US is more complex — the election is one important piece of a long-term reorientation of US policies at home and abroad. • A sweeping Democratic victory will demonstrate American democratic resilience and the capacity of its institutions to resist strongman rule. It would restore some of the traditional balance between the executive and legislature and internal distribution of power within his own Republican party. It would also encourage democratic forces everywhere at a time when obituaries are being written for democracy around the world. Do You Know: C. Raja Mohan Writes- • Five broad likely consequences from the midterm elections deserve attention. —First, a weaker Trump at home could become more active abroad. Losing Congress would not deprive him of his executive privilege over the conduct of foreign policy. Politically, presidents frustrated by legislative gridlock have often turned to diplomacy. Trump can pursue international initiatives until his last day in office in January 2029. —Second, Democratic control of Congress would bring investigations into alleged wrongdoing, conflicts of interest and the activities of Trump’s family. These could hurt his standing and consume the administration’s attention without necessarily disabling it. —Third, American arguments about immigration reveal competing currents in American politics. Trump’s emphasis on sovereign borders answered the powerful public sentiment against illegal immigration. But the opposition to the administration’s enforcement methods is real and growing. Similar tensions surround legal immigration, especially the H-1B visas, of particular interest to India. American capital wants access to foreign talent, while opposition to labour imports has grown on both left and right. The next two years are unlikely to resolve these contradictions. —Fourth, the biggest political changes could unfold within the two parties. Socialists and progressives have gained influence within the Democratic Party, challenging its traditional leadership on economic and foreign policy questions. Capturing Congress could intensify rather than settle these internal arguments in the Party. On the Middle East, progressives challenge the party’s traditional support for Israel. —Fifth, the campaign’s focus on affordability and rising living costs brings into view America’s unfinished argument over economic globalisation. Trump promises industrial renewal through import tariffs, ease of living, and higher economic growth. Tariffs can raise costs for consumers and businesses, while the anticipated benefits of industrial reshoring and economic growth take time to materialise. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍 US midterms: Why voters may punish Trump and Republicans despite booming economy 📍 What are US midterms, why these elections matter to India Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 📍India and USA are the two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (UPSC, GS2, 2018) 📍Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA. (UPSC, GS2, 2026) Economy India won’t allow genetically modified products: Goyal Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. What’s the ongoing story : Amid ongoing talks for a trade deal with the US, the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India will not allow imports of genetically modified (GM) products or dairy products produced using calf meat. He said that if China restricts the exports of tunnel boring machines, the country will produce them domestically. Key Points to Ponder: • What are genetically modified (GM) products? • What is the significance of genetically modified (GM) products in modern agriculture and the concerns associated with their international trade? • Differentiate between genetically modified crops and conventionally bred crops. • Why has the import of GM agricultural products become a sensitive issue in India’s trade negotiations? • Know the significance of India’s restrictions on dairy imports and the certification requirements relating to animal-derived feed and calf-derived rennet. • What is calf-derived rennet? • Why calf-derived rennet use in foreign dairy production become a concern in India’s dairy import policy? Key Takeaways: • This comes as the US has been pushing for exports of GM products under the trade deal with India and has cited Indian regulations blocking imports of certain dairy products as non-tariff barriers. The United States Trade Representative (USTR), in its report on non-tariff barriers released in March 2025, had said that the country imposes “onerous requirements” on dairy imports. • “We are very sensitive to the opening of the dairy sector. Till date we have never opened the dairy sector for anybody. We are sensitive not to allow any GM products to come to India. We have never allowed it, and we will never allow it in the future. We are sensitive to our religious sensitivities. Very often in foreign countries, they use calf meat or rennet while producing their dairy products. We have never allowed it in the past, and we will not do so in the future. It has to be strictly certified,” Goyal said while interacting with students at the Kirori Mal College. Do You Know: • The USTR report had said that the country requires dairy products intended for food to be derived from animals that have not consumed feeds containing internal organs, blood meal, or tissues of ruminant or porcine origin, and that exporting countries certify to these conditions, which lack a discernible animal health or human health justification. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍 How India — the largest consumer and producer of dairy – is now making its own artisanal cheese Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 3) Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of (UPSC, CSE, 2021) (a) clonal propagation of crop plants (b) developing genetically modified crop plants (c) production of plant growth substances (d) production of biofertilizers Explained Signals from Xi Jinping’s anti-graft military purge Syllabus: Preliminary Examination : Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. What’s the ongoing story : At the conclusion of a four-day closed-door meeting of senior Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders on Thursday (October 29), it was difficult to miss the main messaging that emerged — “full and rigorous party self-governance”. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the significance of the Fifth Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China? • What is meant by the Chinese Communist Party’s policy of ‘full and rigorous Party self-governance’? • Know the organisational structure of the Communist Party of China (CPC). • Why Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign is significant? • What can be the implications of leadership instability within China’s Western Theatre Command for India? Key Takeaways: • Underneath the jargon commonly spotted in official communiques was the goal that CCP general secretary and Chinese President Xi Jinping has pursued over nearly 15 years in power: ridding the Party of corruption. Of late, however, it has taken the shape of major leaders being removed across key bodies, including military ones. • The recent meeting, known as the Fifth Plenum, saw a record number of members expelled. It also saw the elevation of General Zhang Shengmin into the Politburo, which is a 24-member body of top party leaders. • In January this year, General Zhang Youxia, holding the top rank in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), was purged from the Central Military Commission (CMC) — China’s apex military decision-making body, involved in procurement, testing and other key functions. Nearly all of the CMC’s top leadership have come under corruption investigations in recent years, and only Zhang Shengmin and Xi remain now. • And it’s not just the CMC. Suyash Desai, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia and an analyst of the Chinese military, told The Indian Express that within the PLA, “over 55% of its top leadership (three-star and above) has been purged” to date. The fact that the purge has affected “every section of the PLA” makes it unique in terms of its scale, scope, and nature, he added. Do You Know: • Since Xi assumed power as the general secretary of the CCP in 2012, he has described tackling corruption as a top priority. In fact, his first few years also saw senior military leaders purged, including CMC Vice Chairman Guo Boxiong, who was then the highest-ranking general to ever face a corruption charge. He is currently serving a life sentence. • Initially, some analysts in the West saw the campaign as a means for Xi to remove rivals and consolidate power, but over the years, not even his loyalists and appointees have been spared. The campaign has taken the shape of sudden removals and investigations. • Defence has increasingly come under focus. Key posts are now vacant (see chart) in many top bodies, while others have witnessed a churn. Five of the seven CMC positions remain unfilled, and while the political head of defence has historically been part of the body, current Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun has yet to be made a member. • In May, former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve (meaning the sentence would be converted to life imprisonment after that period) over graft charges. • Desai said that across the five theatre commands, almost all commanders and commissars (who handle major political responsibilities) have been purged on multiple occasions over the past three years. He added that this also includes the Eastern and Western Theatre Commands, which are responsible for Taiwan and India, respectively. • Saxena termed it the “pillar of China’s long-range strategic deterrent and the arm that would open a campaign against Taiwan and threaten US naval vessels”. “After former PLARF Commander Li Yuchao was pulled in 2023 and replaced by Wang Houbin, who was parachuted from the Navy, Wang himself was expelled in October 2025… the PLARF has been decapitated twice in barely two years, and no successor commander has surfaced in public since,” she told The Indian Express. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍 The Communist Party with Xi Jinping characteristics Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 📍‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC, GS2, 2017) How New York is regulating the way chatbots interact with children Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. What’s the ongoing story : The US state of New York has introduced a law restricting how artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots interact with children. The Senate Bill, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on October 28, adds Article 48 to the state’s General Business Law. Key Points to Ponder: • Why was the law introduced? • Where the law sits? • What New York’s proposed AI chatbot law prohibits? • Why does the New York law prohibit AI companions from presenting themselves as human or claiming to have emotions and personal relationships with users? • Who is a ‘covered minor’? • How AI companions ability to simulate sustained human-like relationships distinguish them from conventional digital assistants? • What are the concerns surrounding the collection and use of children’s mental and physical well-being information from previous chatbot interactions? Key Takeaways: • It prohibits operators of AI companions from providing certain features to minors, including chatbots presenting themselves as human, claiming personal relationships with users, encouraging self-harm or isolation, and generating sexually explicit content. The legislation is said to take effect from January 2027. • The Act identifies 12 categories of “unsafe AI companion features”. These are design features that generate specified outputs “at any point during” an interaction between a chatbot and a user. The Act defines a “covered AI companion” as a “generative artificial intelligence system with a neutral language interface, including via writing or sound, that provides ongoing, adaptive responses to user inputs”. Operators are persons or businesses that provide a covered AI companion to a user. • Certain provisions concern how a chatbot presents itself. It cannot generate outputs suggesting that it is human, alive or capable of experiencing human emotions. It cannot state or imply a “personal relationship, professional relationship or an authority figure role” with the user. It also cannot deceive minors about its “mechanical and non-sentient nature”. • The Act distinguishes between three categories of users — a minor who is a person under the age of 18 years; a “covered user” who is a person in NYC using a covered AI companion other than an operator or its agent or affiliate; and a “covered minor” who is a covered user whom the operator has “actual knowledge” is a minor. • According to Reuters, Google and AI startup Character.ai settled lawsuits in January this year, including one filed by the mother of a 14-year-old Sewell Setzer who died by suicide in 2024. The family of 16-year-old Adam Raine sued OpenAI in August 2025 following his death. The Common Sense Media chief executive said Raine’s parents met several lawmakers to press for protection of minors from AI chatbots. • Hochul’s office cited Common Sense Media research that 72% of teenagers have used an AI companion and 52% use one regularly. Do You Know: • The legislation adds a new Article 48 to the General Business Law. Article 47 and 45 are of particular importance. • Article 47 is the state’s first AI companion law that covers systems “designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user”. It took effect in November 2025. Such systems are defined partly by their ability of “retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions”, personalised conversations as well as retaining conversations about matters personal to the users. The article defines “human relationships” as “intimate, romantic or platonic interactions or companionship”. • Article 47 requires operators to tell users at the beginning of any interaction and at least every three hours during continuing interactions that they are not communicating with a human. They must also have protocols to detect and respond to signs of suicidal ideation or self-harm. • Article 45 is the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act, also known as the SAFE for Kids Act. It requires social media companies to restrict algorithmically personalised feeds and night-time notifications for users under 18 years of age unless they obtain parental consent. The law relies on age assurance, the process of determining a user’s age. Article 48 draws on Article 45’s age assurance framework but also establishes interim requirements for operators until the relevant rules come into force. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍 What are the guardrails India is putting to safeguard young social media users? Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 📍Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem (UPSC, GS3, 2024) 📍Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (UPSC, GS1, 2023) Flagship fest ahead, why Nagaland wants permit regime scrapped Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: • General Studies I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times • General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What’s the ongoing story: The Nagaland government has urged the Centre to completely withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) scheme from the state ahead of the state’s flagship Hornbill Festival. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime? • Why has the Nagaland government demanded the complete withdrawal of the Protected Area Permit regime? • What is the significance of the Hornbill Festival for Nagaland’s cultural identity, tourism and local economy? • Differentiate between the Protected Area Permit (PAP) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP). • What issues does the Nagaland government have with PAP? • Why is the Hornbill Festival popularly known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’? • How does the Hornbill Festival contribute to the preservation and promotion of the traditional art, music, dance and handicrafts of Nagaland? Key Takeaways: • The festival sees a footfall of over one lakh visitors, including tourists from various countries. This year, it will be held in Kohima between December 1 and 10. The state claims that the regime and accompanying restrictions hinder investment opportunities, economic growth, and tourist flow to the annual cultural event. • Issued by the Government of India, the PAP authorises foreigners to visit states along India’s international borders in areas designated centrally as protected or restricted. • The PAP regime was initially imposed under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 and spans most northeastern states, including Nagaland. • In a bid to boost tourism, PAP was relaxed for Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland in 2011. However, it was reimposed in December 2024, citing security reasons. Since then, the Nagaland government has insisted it be completely withdrawn. • Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had written to the Union Home Ministry in September seeking a withdrawal of the PAP. Do You Know: • The Hornbill Festival, organised by the Nagaland government, is the state’s largest public event. Started in 2000 as an annual tradition, it aims to boost tourism by showcasing Naga heritage and culture, and thus act as a unifying force within the state. The festival acts as an umbrella of the major festivals celebrated by the 14 recognised Naga tribes in the state, each replete with its own traditions and practices. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍 Knowledge nugget of the day: Hornbill Festival Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 4) In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat? (UPSC, CSE, 2016) (a) Sand deserts of northwest India (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat (d) Western Ghats PRELIMS ANSWER KEY 1.(d) 2.(c) 3.(b) 4.(d) For any queries and feedback, contact priya.shukla@ indianexpress.com Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. 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