India is considering setting up a nuclear power plant in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to bolster its strategic presence near the Malacca Strait, a critical global shipping route. This move comes amid China's growing military and naval influence in the Indian Ocean Region. The islands' location offers India a strategic advantage to monitor maritime activities. Nuclear energy would address the archipelago's power needs while supporting expanded military infrastructure, including naval and air bases, enhancing India's ability to counter China's assertiveness and protect sea lanes vital for global trade.

AITUC General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur has urged workers across India to unite through mass mobilisation to protect their fundamental labour rights. She raised concerns over the central government's new labour codes, which she believes undermine workers' job security, wages, and collective bargaining power. Kaur criticised the dilution of existing labour laws favouring corporate interests at workers' expense. She called on trade unions nationwide to organise protests and strikes against anti-worker policies, emphasising solidarity among the working class to resist exploitation and ensure social justice.

The Punjab government has opposed the proposed elevation of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of a High Court, raising concerns over certain judicial decisions and conduct. The opposition stems from disagreements related to his past rulings, which the state government believes were contentious. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his elevation, but the state's objections could delay the process. Such disputes between state governments and the judiciary over appointments highlight ongoing tensions in India's judicial appointment system, where executive and judiciary often clash over selections for top judicial posts.

During the launch of the State-wide 'Prajaseva' drive in Karnataka's Yadgir and Raichur districts, a total of 473 grievance applications were submitted by citizens. The initiative aims to address public grievances efficiently by bringing government services closer to the people. Officials received complaints and requests related to various issues including land, revenue, housing, and welfare schemes. Senior district administrators oversaw the drive, ensuring proper registration and timely redressal of grievances. The campaign reflects the state government's commitment to transparent, accessible governance in underserved regions.

Industries Minister is leading a high-level delegation on a visit to Europe aimed at attracting foreign investments and strengthening industrial partnerships. The delegation will engage with European business leaders, investors, and government officials to showcase investment opportunities in key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. The visit seeks to boost economic ties, promote favorable business policies, and encourage European companies to establish operations domestically. This initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to enhance foreign direct investment, create jobs, and accelerate industrial growth.

India's Railway Board Chairman has announced plans to operate the country's first hydrogen-powered train at a speed of 110 kmph. The hydrogen train project aims to replace diesel locomotives on non-electrified routes, reducing carbon emissions significantly. Indian Railways is working toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The hydrogen fuel cell-based train will be an eco-friendly alternative, emitting only water vapor. Trials are expected on heritage and hill routes initially before broader deployment across the network.

India is increasingly leveraging Yoga and Ayurveda as tools of global health diplomacy, promoting traditional wellness practices worldwide through initiatives like International Yoga Day and AYUSH ministry collaborations. However, experts warn that without credible, evidence-based standards, scientific validation, and quality regulation, these practices risk losing global trust. They urge standardized training, clinical trials, and internationally recognized certifications to ensure safety and efficacy, positioning India's ancient systems as legitimate complements to modern medicine.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Assam for a two-day official visit aimed at reviewing developmental progress and engaging with state leaders. During his trip, he visited key institutions, addressed gatherings, and emphasized national unity and education. He met with the Governor, Chief Minister, and prominent citizens, discussing Assam's socio-economic challenges, including flood management and tribal welfare. His visit boosted morale and highlighted the central government's commitment to the Northeast region's growth and development.

Authorities in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, demolished a mosque deemed illegally constructed, sparking political controversy. The administration claimed the structure was built on encroached land without proper approvals, violating building regulations. Opposition parties strongly condemned the action, calling it "undemocratic" and alleging it targeted the Muslim community for political gains. They accused the ruling BJP government of selectively demolishing religious structures. Local residents protested the demolition, while officials maintained it followed due legal process and court orders.

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery emphasized that India's healthcare system must prepare for the challenges posed by an ageing population. With rising life expectancy and declining fertility rates, the elderly demographic is growing rapidly. He stressed the need for expanded geriatric care, affordable healthcare infrastructure, and robust social security systems. Bery highlighted that chronic diseases, long-term care needs, and mental health support for seniors require urgent policy focus. He urged states to invest in preventive healthcare and digital health solutions to ensure accessible, quality care for the elderly, making age-friendly healthcare a national priority.

India's Jan Dhan Yojana, launched in 2014 for financial inclusion, faces challenges. An RTI query reveals every fourth account is inoperative, with about 5.72 crore accounts holding zero balance. Out of over 52 crore accounts opened, a significant portion remains unused, raising concerns about the scheme's effectiveness. Critics argue many accounts were opened merely to meet targets without ensuring active usage. The government maintains the scheme has improved banking access for the underprivileged population across India.

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have discovered that an enzyme found in cow milk, called lactoferrin, exhibits potent antimicrobial properties against drug-resistant bacteria, including superbugs. The research highlights its ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes, offering a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics amid rising antimicrobial resistance. This naturally occurring protein could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies to combat infections that no longer respond to existing drugs, addressing a critical global health challenge.

India co-sponsored a United Nations General Assembly resolution declaring November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage. The resolution, adopted by consensus, aims to raise global awareness about the harmful impacts of child marriage, including health risks, limited education, and perpetuation of poverty. India, despite having one of the highest child marriage rates, has taken legislative and social measures to combat the practice. The resolution urges nations to strengthen laws, empower girls, and promote gender equality to end child marriage globally by 2030, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Kyiv to discuss potential ceasefire and peace negotiations with Ukrainian leaders, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks that ending the war is "not simple." Putin acknowledged complexities in resolving the conflict, signaling no quick resolution. The visit reflects the Trump administration's intensified diplomatic push to broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has expressed willingness to negotiate but insists on sovereignty guarantees, while Russia demands territorial concessions and NATO neutrality.

**पटना में गंगा नदी ने 10 साल का रिकॉर्ड तोड़ दिया है। गंगा का जलस्तर खतरे के निशान से काफी ऊपर पहुंच गया, जिससे पटना समेत कई इलाकों में बाढ़ जैसे हालात बन गए। बिहार की कई प्रमुख नदियां जैसे गंडक, कोसी, बागमती और सोन भी लाल निशान के पार बह रही हैं। निचले इलाकों में पानी भर गया है, हजारों लोग विस्थापित हुए हैं। NDRF और SDRF की टीमें राहत-बचाव कार्य में जुटी हैं। कई जिलों में स्कूल बंद कर दिए गए हैं। प्रशासन ने लोगों को सुरक्षित स्थानों पर जाने की अपील की है। लगातार बारिश से स्थिति और बिगड़ने की आशंका जताई जा रही है।**