News Wrap: Umar Nabi’s House Razed, Ricin Plot Uncovered, Congress’ Terror List Exposed & Chandrayaan-3 Lunar Flyby
1. Gujarat ATS Raids Doctor Ahmed Saiyyad’s Hyderabad Home, Seizes Suspected Ricin-Making Material
A Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) team raided the Hyderabad home of Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyyad and seized material allegedly used to produce ricin, one of the world’s most dangerous toxins. The officers recovered 3 kg of castor pulp, 5 litres of acetone, a cold-press oil extraction machine, a mixing tub, and an acetone delivery receipt, items that can be used to extract ricin from castor meal. Dr Ahmed, a medical graduate who studied in China, is among three people arrested by the Gujarat ATS on suspicion of planning to make the toxin. His brother, Omer Farooq, who spoke to NDTV, claimed Dr Ahmed had been given a “project” by someone and was unaware of ricin’s deadly nature.
2. Congress’ Terror List Backfires: Netizens Spot Over 37 Blunders, Slam INC For Including Killed Terrorists as Indian Casualties
The Congress party has come under sharp criticism after it listed counter-terror operations as terror attacks, misleading the public about the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir. A detailed fact-check shared widely on social media shows that at least 37 incidents marked by Congress as “terror attacks” were actually encounters or security operations in the wake of cross-border infiltration. For example, on June 26, the list shows 3 terrorists killed in Doda’s Gandoh.
This selective and grossly misleading presentation of security data sparked strong reactions online, with many users calling it an attempt to create fear and distort the ground reality for political gain. Social media users highlighted the mismatch between the actual terror attacks (like the Reasi bus attack or the Kishtwar killings) and the operations where security forces were the ones taking action against terrorists. Notably, the recent 10/11 Delhi terror attack was the first such incident in 13 years prior to which the warning signals repeatedly highlighted in the past had almost faded from public memory.
3. Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module Re-Enters Moon’s Orbit, Completes Rare Lunar Flybys After Two Years
Chandrayaan-3’s Propulsion Module has achieved a rare milestone by re-entering the Moon’s sphere of influence for two lunar flybys, more than two years after the mission’s successful landing in 2023. After being placed in an Earth-bound orbit in October 2023, the module gradually drifted back toward the Moon and re-entered its gravitational zone on November 4, 2025. It completed flybys on November 6 and November 11, passing within a few thousand kilometres of the lunar surface and providing Isro with valuable data on spacecraft navigation and gravitational effects. ISRO confirmed that the module remains in good condition and that the manoeuvres have offered important insights for future deep space missions.
4. NIA Probes Bengaluru Prison After ISIS Operative’s Illegal Phone Access Sparks Alarm
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday visited Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison to investigate how inmates, including suspected ISIS operative Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, gained illegal access to mobile phones. Officials questioned Manna in a high-security block as part of their probe into leaked videos showing prisoners using phones and other banned items. The visit comes amid rising criticism of Karnataka’s prison administration. In a separate development, police in Tumakuru questioned Hussain Mujauddin, a man with past terror-related charges, over the November 10 Delhi car blast that killed 12 people, but released him after finding no evidence linking him to the attack.
5. Mumbai Police Bust Dawood-Linked Drug Syndicate, Bollywood Figures Likely to Face Summons
The Mumbai Police’s Anti-Narcotics Cell has uncovered a major drug syndicate linked to Dawood Ibrahim after the deportation of his aide, Mohammed Salman Safi Sheikh, from Dubai. According to documents accessed by India Today, accused Taher Dola revealed that the syndicate organised drug parties in India and abroad with Alisha Parkar, Nora Fatehi, Shraddha Kapoor, her brother Siddharth Kapoor, Zishan Siddiqui, Ori alias Orhan, Abbas Mastaan, Loka, and others, and supplied drugs at these events. The case is now being jointly investigated by the Mumbai Police, the ED, and the Crime Branch, with more action expected soon.
6. President Murmu Concludes Historic Africa Visit, Strengthens India’s Ties with Angola and Botswana
President Droupadi Murmu returned to Delhi on Friday after a six-day state visit to Angola and Botswana, the first ever by an Indian President to both nations. During her meetings with Presidents Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola and Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, she reaffirmed India’s commitment to stronger ties in energy, trade, investment, agriculture, and medicine. In Botswana, Murmu took part in the symbolic handover of eight cheetahs under India’s translocation pact and witnessed the release of two of them. India also signed MoUs with Angola on fisheries and consular matters, and with Botswana for supplying affordable medicines.
7. Umar Nabi’s Pulwama House Demolished, Red Fort Blast Probe Tracks Multiple Vehicles
Security forces on Friday demolished the Pulwama house of Dr Umar Nabi, the main accused in the Red Fort blast that killed 8 people. Investigators say he drove the explosive-laden car, and agencies have now seized a fourth vehicle as they track how the module moved explosives and weapons. The NIA and J&K Police are probing the wider network, and Delhi Police have filed UAPA and murder charges in the case.
8. Haldwani Common Service Centres Raided After Clerk Caught Forging Residence Certificates
Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat on Thursday raided two Common Service Centres in Haldwani’s Banbhulpura area after a complaint revealed that clerk Faizan Mikarani had forged permanent residence certificates. The inquiry found that Faizan created a fake certificate in the name of Raees Ahmed from Uttar Pradesh and used others’ documents and mobile numbers to produce multiple forged IDs. During searches at his home and CSC, officials recovered several Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID cards, and electricity bills. Rawat ordered a case against the CSCs, directed strict action against those operating without licences, and instructed officials to ensure transparency in issuing documents as the investigation continues.
9. Haryana: Faridabad Had Earlier Exposed an Al-Qaeda–Pakistan-backed terror Network in 2025; a Plot to attack the Ram Temple was foiled
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Faridabad is currently in the spotlight due to the terror links uncovered at Al-Falah University. Recently, police arrested Muzammil and six others and recovered 2,900 kg of explosives. However, this is not the first time an Al-Qaeda–Pakistan-supported terror network has been exposed in Faridabad.
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Multistate Terror Network Traces Found in Faridabad in March 2025
In March 2025, the Gujarat ATS arrested 19-year-old Abdul Rehman, a resident of Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, from Pali in Faridabad. Two hand grenades and detonators were recovered from him. Abdul worked as an e-rickshaw driver and was plotting a major attack on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
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Plot to Attack Ram Temple Was Foiled
Investigations revealed that Abdul Rehman was in contact with Abu Sufiyan, a terrorist from the banned outfit Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). As instructed by his handlers, explosives were hidden in a pit near a field on Bans Road in Faridabad. Abdul was supposed to reach Ayodhya with the explosives on March 4, but he was arrested after his location and photo were shared with agencies.
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Gujarat ATS Exposed the Entire Plan
The Gujarat ATS disclosed that Abdul was working under the instructions of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and had already conducted reconnaissance of the Ram Temple. He had travelled from Faizabad to Faridabad to collect the hand grenades. Meanwhile, another terror module recently busted was found planning to use the deadly poison ricin by mixing it in temple water and prasad.
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Terror Links Established Through Social Media
Evidence showed that Abdul Rehman had connected with terror groups through social media. An ISI-Khurasan handler provided him with two hand grenades and gave him training. The newly arrested module also showed signs of Telegram-based communication and reconnaissance of crowded markets.
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Abdul Rehman Was in Touch With Maulana Usman Hazrat
Abdul arrived in Ayodhya about six months earlier and came into contact with Maulana Usman Hazrat, who lived in the old vegetable market area. He later joined Jamaat activities as well. Following instructions from the terror outfit, Abdul conducted reconnaissance of the Ram Temple and nearby areas and recorded videos. He is currently in jail, and the ATS has already filed a chargesheet. The trial is set to begin next year.
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How Terrorists Hide in Such Locations
Both Abdul Rehman’s arrest and the Al-Falah module reveal that terrorists are now choosing crowded areas, rather than isolated spots, to hide. These locations involve fewer questions, and locals often assist them in exchange for money.
10. Punjab Bachao Morcha to Move Court Against ‘Illegal Conversions’
The newly formed Punjab Bachao Morcha has announced legal action against alleged illegal religious conversions in Punjab, claiming that “self-styled godmen and pastors” are promoting fake miracle cures to entice people. President Tejasvi Minhas demanded an anti-conversion law and said the group will file PILs and submit memorandums to top state authorities. The organisation also offered Rs 2 lakh for evidence of illegal conversions and alleged that thousands of pastors, including some foreign nationals without missionary visas, are involved. It further raised concerns over loudspeaker use, illegal advertisements, and land misuse, while calling for a fresh religious census, investigations into foreign funding, and withdrawal of reservation benefits for those converting from Hinduism and Sikhism.
11. States Mandate Vande Mataram; India Today Recalls Gandhi Comparing the Chant to “Allahu Akbar” During Communal Clashes
Several states have recently moved to make the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in public spaces and educational institutions. Uttar Pradesh has announced that the national song will now be mandatory in all schools and colleges, while Haryana has directed that Vande Mataram must be included in the daily school assembly. Assam already requires the song to be sung at all official Republic Day and Independence Day functions, with several local bodies pushing for its expansion to schools. These directives come as the country marks 150 years of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s iconic composition.
Amid this renewed push, India Today, in a detailed historical report, revisited the lesser-known nuances behind the anthem. The article notes that MK Gandhi, during the 1920 Non-Cooperation–Khilafat phase, had expressed discomfort that crowds often hurled “Vande Mataram” and “Allahu Akbar” at each other during riots, reflecting a deep communal divide despite the rhetoric of unity. It also highlights that Rabindranath Tagore himself recommended that only the first two stanzas be adopted as India’s national song.
Even a hundred years ago, leaders were trying to balance strong national symbols with the realities of a diverse country. Tagore’s suggestion to keep only the first two stanzas, and the concerns raised at the time, show how the full version of Vande Mataram had already become a point of argument long before Independence. Now, as several states make the song compulsory and the country marks 150 years of its creation, the same questions are resurfacing.
12. Husband Seeks Divorce After Wife’s Love for Stray Dogs Ruins Marriage, Says She Made Him Sleep with Them
The Gujarat High Court will hear a peculiar divorce case on 1st December, involving a man seeking separation from his wife over her bringing stray dogs into their apartment. The husband alleges that his wife’s excessive attachment to the dogs, which included forcing him to sleep alongside them, ruined their marriage. He described her as “dominant and cruel” and claimed the pets caused health, hygiene, and social issues, including dog bites and police complaints.
The couple married in 2006, but tensions reportedly began when the wife adopted stray dogs against society rules. The husband also cited a public April Fool’s prank by his wife that embarrassed him.
The wife denies all claims, stating the husband was the real dog lover and that the prank was harmless. She also rejected any link between her actions and his health issues.
The High Court had earlier issued a notice in March and will hear both parties on 1st December to decide if cruelty can justify divorce.
13. Kerala’s Puthur Zoological Park Closes Weeks After Opening Following Death of 10 Deer in Stray Dog Attack
Kerala’s newly inaugurated Puthur Zoological Park in Thrissur has been temporarily closed just weeks after its grand opening, following the death of 10 spotted deer in a stray dog attack. Late Monday night, a pack of stray dogs entered the deer enclosure, causing panic among 20 animals. While the deer were not directly killed by bites, the stress-induced “capture myopathy” led them to injure themselves fatally against the enclosure walls, according to Dr. Arun Zacharia, Chief Forest Veterinary Officer.
Spanning 336 acres with 23 naturalistic enclosures and housing 534 animals across 80 species, the park was promoted as India’s first “designer” zoo. Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has ordered a high-level probe, and the Central Zoo Authority is conducting its own investigation. Activists criticized the incident, highlighting prior deaths during animal relocation and demanding stricter safety measures.
14. Bhopal: Accused Kasim Arrested in Suspicious Death Case of Pregnant Model Khushi; Case Filed Under Religious Conversion, Assault, and SC/ST Act
In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the police arrested Kasim Ahmed on November 12 in connection with the suspicious death of 22-year-old pregnant model Khushbu Ahirwar, also known as Khushi.
Khushbu’s family alleged that Kasim initially befriended her by introducing himself as “Rahul.” Later, when she discovered his real name and religion (Muslim), he allegedly pressured her continuously for marriage and religious conversion.
When she resisted, he reportedly assaulted her and threatened her life. According to the family, on November 11, Kasim was forcibly taking Khushbu to Ujjain. During the journey, she fell ill on the bus and passed away.
Based on the family’s statements, the police have registered a case against Kasim under charges of assault, sections of the Religious Freedom Act 2021, and the SC/ST Act.
15. UP: Teacher Suspended in Aligarh for Refusing to Sing ‘Vande Mataram’; Case Registered
In Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, Shamsul Hasan, an assistant teacher at Shahpur Qutub Upper Primary School, has been suspended for refusing to sing the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. A police case has also been registered against him.
The incident occurred during the school’s prayer assembly, where all teachers and students were singing the national song. During this, Shamsul Hasan openly refused to sing. When assistant teacher Chandrapal Singh asked him the reason, Shamsul Hasan said that “‘Vande Mataram’ goes against his religion.”
He also allegedly threatened Chandrapal Singh. Following a written complaint by Chandrapal Singh, the Khair Block Education Officer immediately suspended Shamsul Hasan. The police have registered a case against the teacher for hurting religious sentiments.
16. Red Fort Blast: Forensic Audit of All Al-Falah University Records Following Terrorist Links
After the involvement of terrorist Dr. Umar Nabi and the Faridabad module in the Delhi Red Fort blast case, Al-Falah University has come under investigation. Following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the central government has ordered a forensic audit of all university records and instructed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate the sources and transactions of funds. Meanwhile, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended the university’s membership with immediate effect, citing that it is not in a “peaceful condition.” Dr. Umar Nabi, who drove the car used in the blast, was an assistant professor at this university.
17. BBC Apologises to Trump Over Misleading Edited Speech, Rejects Defamation Claim
The BBC has issued an apology to US President Donald Trump for a misleadingly edited segment in its Panorama documentary but denied his demand for compensation, stating there is no basis for defamation. In a statement, the broadcaster said its chair, Samir Shah, personally wrote to the White House expressing regret. The BBC acknowledged that the edit “unintentionally created the impression of a single continuous speech” and wrongly suggested Trump had called for violent action, though the footage actually combined excerpts from different points.
The BBC added it has no plans to rebroadcast the episode. Meanwhile, Trump has not yet filed a lawsuit against the broadcaster. His legal team confirmed the letter sent to the BBC on Sunday, demanding an apology and compensation, gives the broadcaster until November 14 to respond, while reserving the right to pursue legal action sooner.
18. After terror links in the Delhi blast, AIU cancels Al-Falah University’s membership, citing the institution is not in a ‘good standing’ condition
Al-Falah University has suffered a major setback after its name surfaced in connection with terrorist Umar Nabi in the Delhi Red Fort blast and the Faridabad terror module. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended the university’s membership with immediate effect.
In an official statement, the AIU said that according to media reports, the institution is currently “not in a good standing” condition, which is a violation of its bylaws.
19. Pulwama House of Dr. Umar Nabi Demolished as Key Evidence Emerges in Red Fort Blast That Killed 13
Security forces on Friday carried out a controlled demolition at the Pulwama residence of Dr. Umar Nabi, the prime suspect in the deadly Red Fort Blast on November 10. The operation, conducted between Thursday night and Friday morning, involved using an improvised explosive device (IED) to destroy the house as part of the ongoing investigation.
Dr. Umar, a Jammu and Kashmir-based doctor, is believed to have driven the Hyundai i20 used in Monday’s blast, which killed 13 people and left more than 20 injured. During widespread raids, police arrested six people, including three of his family members. His identity was confirmed after DNA from the blast site matched samples from his mother.
Officials say Dr. Umar had links with two other Kashmiri doctors detained in the Faridabad terror module, where 2,900 kg of explosives were recovered. Investigators found the suspects were using encrypted apps like Threema and Signal to coordinate, collecting over ₹26 lakh to buy nearly 26 quintals of NPK fertiliser for bomb-making. Sources added that a group of eight suspects was preparing for coordinated blasts across four major cities.
