Raj Thackeray may play key role after poll results in Maharashtra: Bala Nandgaonkar

Bala Nandgaonkar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) candidate for the Shivadi constituency, believes his party leader Raj Thackeray will be instrumental in shaping the post-election political landscape. Despite past controversies surrounding the MNS's stance on migrants, Nandgaonkar emphasizes his commitment to serving all residents.

A fire erupted in the overcrowded neonatal intensive care unit of Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, India, resulting in the tragic deaths of ten infants.The blaze, attributed to an overheated oxygen concentrator, was exacerbated by overcrowding and continuous operation of life-support equipment.Investigations are underway to determine the extent of safety lapses and potential negligence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu pledged to strengthen their strategic partnership during Modi's visit to Nigeria.They committed to collaborating on combating terrorism, advancing the interests of the Global South, and expanding cooperation in areas like defense, energy, and trade.

In Pakur, a district bordering Bangladesh, accusations of infiltration and land grabbing fuel tensions ahead of elections. However, residents maintain that long-standing traditions of interfaith marriages and land arrangements are being misconstrued. While authorities acknowledge attempts to cross the border, they emphasize that these are primarily related to smuggling, not permanent settlement.

Right-wing groups in Udaipur disrupted the 9th Udaipur Film Festival, forcing organizers to relocate the event to a makeshift tent. Protesters objected to screenings about Palestinian children and the late professor G N Saibaba, labeling them as promoting "jihadist and Maoist ideologies."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the film 'The Sabarmati Report' for revealing the truth about the 2002 Godhra train burning, sparking debate about the incident's history and the film's portrayal. The film claims to offer a fresh perspective on the tragedy based on court documents and eyewitness accounts, challenging established narratives.

An assistant professor in Telangana is under investigation for allegedly getting a first-year medical student's head tonsured. This was done to resolve a dispute between seniors and juniors regarding the student's hairstyle. While the professor claims he was defusing a tense situation and the student went to the barbershop willingly, the incident has sparked an inquiry by the health minister.

Survivors of the Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslides in Kerala are escalating their protests after the RBI rejected their loan waiver requests. Despite meeting with RBI officials, residents continue to face pressure from banks and NBFCs for loan repayments, leaving them struggling to rebuild their lives without income or jobs.

Three engineering students from Mysuru tragically drowned in the swimming pool of a Mangaluru resort. The victims, all in their early twenties, were found at the deep end of the pool, which lacked proper depth markings and a lifeguard. Police are investigating the resort for negligence, as CCTV footage contradicts their claim of having staff present during the incident.

An 18-year-old medical student in Gujarat tragically died after allegedly being forced to stand for hours during a ragging incident. Fellow students claim seniors subjected their group to prolonged standing and questioning. The college and police have initiated investigations, promising disciplinary action against any seniors found culpable.

A new study reveals that nearly 28% of India's subsidized grains, intended for the poor, are lost to leakage, costing the government an estimated Rs 69,108 crore. While digitalization has helped, researchers urge for reforms including direct cash transfers to combat corruption and ensure food security.

At COP29, India criticized developed nations for their reluctance to address climate finance and mitigation, emphasizing that progress on climate action in developing countries hinges on receiving financial and technological support. India accused wealthy nations of delaying action and burdening developing countries with unrealistic expectations.

The Election Commission directed the removal of a controversial video from BJP Jharkhand's social media platforms following complaints from the Congress and JMM, who alleged it spread misinformation and aimed to incite hatred. The EC issued a notice to BJP Jharkhand seeking an explanation for the alleged Model Code of Conduct violation.

Prime Minister Modi left for Brazil to attend the G20 Summit after wrapping up his first-ever visit to Nigeria.

The fire incident occurred at around 10.45 pm on Friday in the neonatal wards of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi.
 

EC directs BJP Jharkhand to remove the misleading video, issues notice for MCC violation and ensures swift post removal.
 

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will convene a meeting to discuss the implementation of GRAP IV following the Commission for Air Quality Management's decision to activate Stage IV due to severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR.The stage IV restrictions include a ban on construction, limitations on truck entry, and potential school and office closures.

Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan ('Severe+'Air Quality) in Delhi-NCR from Monday amid worsening air.

Amid the worsening air quality in the national capital, several measures are set to kick in as AQI reaches alarming levels. 

Delhi NCR is facing severe air pollution, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management to enforce GRAP Stage 4.The stringent measures include banning truck entry (except essential goods), halting construction activities, and urging schools to consider online classes.With a daily AQI exceeding 450, the government advises citizens to stay indoors and minimize outdoor activities.

Manipur is experiencing escalating ethnic violence, leading to numerous deaths and widespread unrest.The National People's Party withdrew support from the BJP-led government, citing its failure to control the situation.Congress leaders offered to resign if it would help restore peace, highlighting the dire situation.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya defended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial 'batenge toh katenge' slogan, calling it a message of unity. Opposition parties have criticized the slogan, claiming it carries communal undertones.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage-IV (Severe+) actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, effective November 18.These measures, including transitioning some school grades to online learning and implementing a 50% workforce policy for offices, aim to combat worsening air quality as winter approaches.

A food van near Delhi's Vishwavidyalaya metro station caught fire on Sunday morning, sending plumes of black smoke into the air. The Delhi Fire Services extinguished the blaze, which broke out around 10:55 am, by noon. No injuries were reported. Police suspect an electrical fault in the cooking equipment caused the fire.

Kejriwal likened Delhi elections to a "dharamyudh," urged workers to focus on reaching every voter through 65,000 meetings.
 

The National People's Party (NPP) has withdrawn its support from the BJP-led Manipur government, blaming its failure to quell the violence and restore peace in the state. The move follows a recent surge in violence, including attacks on government officials' residences, prompting curfews and internet shutdowns.

Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the security situation in Manipur on Sunday after fresh violence erupted. He directed officials to take all necessary steps to restore peace. The unrest, marked by attacks on legislators' homes and killings in Jiribam, follows ethnic strife since May 2023, which has left over 220 dead and thousands displaced.

PM Modi made the remarks on social media platform X, reacting to a user's post praising the movie "Sabarmati Report". 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Nigeria's second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the award, recognizing Modi as the second recipient after Queen Elizabeth. Modi expressed gratitude and pledged to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria.

PM Modi received Nigeria's GCON award, expressed gratitude for strengthening India-Nigeria ties and historic diplomatic achievements.