Top News: PM Modi’s G20 Initiatives; Udhayanidhi Insults Sanskrit, NCERT Revises “Great” Tag for Akbar and Tipu Sultan
Historical Correction: NCERT Strips “Great” Tag from Mughal Tyrants Akbar and Tipu Sultan
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has stripped the title “Great” from Mughal tyrants Akbar and Tipu Sultan in school history textbooks. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the move on Saturday (22nd November) during an event in Bongaigaon, calling it “very well done” and strongly criticizing Tipu Sultan. The revision has drawn responses from political and social organizations. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Sunil Ambekar praised the decision, saying it helps students understand history accurately by highlighting rulers’ misdeeds. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal also supported the change, noting it corrects historical exaggerations and honors local heroes like Maharana Pratap. This step is part of NCERT’s wider effort to present history factually, reducing glorification in the curriculum.
West Bengal’s Voter Roll Update (SIR) Leads to Miraculous Family Reunion in Purulia After 37 Years; Missing Brother Found Through Routine Government Forms
In a remarkable twist during West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, a family in Purulia reunited after nearly four decades. Vivek Chakraborty, who disappeared in 1988, was traced through a routine government form. His younger brother, Pradip, serving as Booth Level Officer, had his contact details printed on every SIR form in the village. Vivek’s son, unaware of the connection, called Pradip for assistance with documentation. The conversation revealed family details only the Chakrabortys would know, leading Pradip to realize he was speaking to his nephew. Soon, Vivek and Pradip spoke after 37 years, bringing tears and joy to the family. The SIR process, intended for voter verification, unexpectedly healed a 37-year-old family rift.
Security Forces Arrest 4 Militants, Seize Large Cache of Weapons and Ammunition in Manipur
In Manipur, security forces have arrested four active militants belonging to various banned organizations. The police stated on Sunday that this operation was carried out as part of a large-scale “cordon and search operation” ongoing in the state, aimed at apprehending individuals involved in extortion and criminal activities.
The arrested militants are members of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA), PREPAK (Pro), and KCP (PWG). They were captured from Kakching, Bishnupur, and Imphal West districts. Police also recovered a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition, including rifles and pistols, from their possession.
Bomb Threat on Hyderabad-Bahrain Flight: Landed Safely at Mumbai Airport
A Gulf Air flight GF 274 coming from Bahrain to Hyderabad caused panic on Tuesday after receiving a bomb threat. The plane was safely diverted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Immediately after landing, the aircraft was moved to an isolated bay. CISF and bomb disposal squads surrounded the plane, safely evacuated the passengers, and launched a thorough search operation. Following the threat, both Hyderabad and Mumbai airports were placed on high alert. Security agencies are investigating whether the threat was genuine or just a rumor.
Punjab: Batala Municipal Commissioner Vikramjeet Singh Caught Red-Handed Taking ₹50,000 Bribe
In Batala, Punjab, the Vigilance Bureau has arrested Municipal Commissioner Vikramjeet Singh Panthe while accepting a bribe of ₹50,000. The commissioner had demanded a 10% commission from the complainant for the payment of contract bills totaling ₹5.54 lakh. Upon receiving the complaint, the bureau set up a trap and caught him in the act. After his arrest, a search of his residence was conducted, where unaccounted money worth ₹13.50 lakh was recovered. The police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Countries Should Not Use Threat or Force for Territorial Expansion: G20 Joint Declaration
During the Johannesburg G20 Summit, world leaders agreed on a strong declaration insisting that countries must not rely on threats or military force to alter recognised borders. This collective stand shows the group’s firm belief in protecting sovereignty and maintaining global stability. Unusually, the Declaration was finalised with full consensus, despite US objections, also denounced terrorism in “all its forms”. It was passed at the very beginning of the Summit, signalling how urgently members view today’s growing conflicts, political tensions and economic divisions.
The leaders urged nations to uphold human rights for every individual, without any form of discrimination. They highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation and peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes. The document also called for greater assistance to disaster-affected and vulnerable nations. It pointed out how high debt blocks progress in developing countries and stressed priorities like food security, reliable energy, technological growth, climate action, and stronger support from global development banks.
India, Australia and Canada Launch New ACITI Partnership to Boost Green Energy, Supply Chain Strength and AI Cooperation
India, Australia and Canada have jointly launched the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership to strengthen global cooperation in new and critical technologies. The announcement was made during a meeting in Johannesburg, where PM Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Canadian PM Mark Carney met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. The three leaders agreed to work closely on clean energy progress, stable and diversified supply chains, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The initiative aims to support net-zero goals, promote innovation in green technologies and secure essential minerals for future industries. It also highlights the combined strengths of India’s technology sector, Australia’s mineral resources and Canada’s leadership in AI and clean energy. Officials will meet in early 2026 to start implementing the action plan.
Rajasthan Police Book Christian Missionaries Chandy Varghese and Arun John for Unlawful Conversions During Kota Prayer Event
On Thursday, the Rajasthan Police filed a case against Christian missionaries Chandy Varghese and Arun John under the state’s newly introduced anti-conversion law. The FIR mentions that both men were involved in converting people by offering incentives during a Spiritual Satsang organised at Beersheba Church in Kota from 6 to 9 November. The complaint was given by members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who said that the missionaries misled participants into embracing Christianity.
Police charged them under BNS Section 299 for actions hurting religious sentiments and under Sections 3 and 5 of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025. They also reportedly used abusive language against the Hindu community and criticised the BJP-led state government. The police have begun an investigation, are checking social media videos, questioning witnesses, and have issued three-day notices to the accused.
Maharashtra School Tragedy: 13-Year-Old Student Commits Suicide From School Building
A tragic incident in Maharashtra’s Jalna district has left the community shocked after 13-year-old Aarohi Deepak Bidlan, a Class 8 student of CTMK Gujarati School, died on Friday morning. The girl reportedly jumped from the terrace of her three-storey school building soon after reaching campus. Her father, Deepak Bidlan, who works at a private hospital, said he received a sudden call from the school and rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared her dead. He said Aarohi showed no distress before leaving home. He believes she may have faced harassment at school. Police are now investigating the circumstances of the incident and verifying all details.
This tragedy follows recent student deaths in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, renewing concerns about mental health, school pressure, and the need for stronger support systems for children.
PM Modi Unveils Six Global Initiatives at First Africa-Hosted G20 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, marking his 12th appearance at the forum. He thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for organising the first G20 Summit held on African soil. In both opening-day sessions, PM Modi appreciated South Africa’s efforts in promoting skilled migration, food security, digital progress, and women’s empowerment.
He said the Africa-based summit offered a chance to shape new development standards that respect harmony between people, society, and nature, reflecting India’s idea of “Integral Humanism.”
PM Modi suggested six major initiatives:
1. Global Traditional Knowledge Repository
2. Africa Skills Multiplier programme
3. Global Healthcare Response Team
4. Satellite-data partnership for developing countries
5. Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative
6. Plan to tackle the drug-terror network
PM Modi also stressed climate finance, disaster resilience, strong food security systems and a greater voice for the Global South in global decision-making.
Tamil Nadu: Mechanic Abdul Charged Under POCSO for Abducting Minor Hindu Girl, Forcing Her into Nikah
A 21-year-old mechanic from Krishnagiri, Abdul Kaif, has been booked under the POCSO Act for abducting a minor Hindu girl and forcing her into Nikah.
The girl went missing on October 23, and her father named Kaif in his complaint. On October 27, the police summoned both parties to inquire into the matter. That day, Kaif arrived at the police station with the girl, his parents, and members of the Jammat. The girl was found wearing a burqa.
The family has accused several police officers on duty that day of dereliction of duty, adding that the police merely took assurance from Kaif’s family that he would marry the girl after she turned 18, instead of rescuing the minor and handing her over to her biological parents.
On October 29, the victim’s family again approached the police station, following which the girl was brought home and narrated her ordeal.
She revealed that she had been taken to Bengaluru and Muslimpur, forced to sign an Urdu marriage register, and subjected to sexual assault. With help from the VHP, her parents filed complaints with district authorities, leading to a POCSO case against Kaif. He has been absconding since then.
Officials from the Krishnagiri Women’s Police Station were transferred for mishandling the case, while Hindu organizations have demanded strict action against Kaif and the officers involved.
Four BPO Managers Kidnapped in Bengaluru; ₹8.90 Lakh Ransom Demanded, 8 Arrested
In Bengaluru, four manager-level employees of a BPO company were kidnapped by eight people, who demanded a ransom of ₹8.90 lakh. The incident took place late Friday night in the Koramangala area. The accused pretended to be police officers and used the pretext of a cybercrime investigation to target the managers. The kidnapped employees were held in Kolar. Acting on the BPO employees’ complaint, the police took immediate action and arrested all eight accused, seizing two vehicles. According to DCP (South-East) Sara Fatima, one of the accused is a police constable from Kolar.
Countries Should Not Use Threat or Force for Territorial Expansion: G20 Joint Declaration
During the Johannesburg G20 Summit, world leaders agreed on a strong declaration insisting that countries must not rely on threats or military force to alter recognised borders. This collective stand shows the group’s firm belief in protecting sovereignty and maintaining global stability. Unusually, the Declaration was finalised with full consensus, despite US objections, also denounced terrorism in “all its forms”. It was passed at the very beginning of the Summit, signalling how urgently members view today’s growing conflicts, political tensions and economic divisions.
The leaders urged nations to uphold human rights for every individual, without any form of discrimination. They highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation and peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes. The document also called for greater assistance to disaster-affected and vulnerable nations. It pointed out how high debt blocks progress in developing countries and stressed priorities like food security, reliable energy, technological growth, climate action, and stronger support from global development banks.
New Footage Shows Tejas Pilot’s Last Moments During Dubai Airshow Crash
A newly surfaced video from the Dubai Airshow captures the final moments before the Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter jet crashed, killing Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The clip, shared by WL Tan’s Aviation Videos, shows the aircraft performing a low-altitude aerobatic manoeuvre before losing height rapidly. Around the 49–52 second mark, a parachute-like shape appears, indicating the pilot tried to eject. However, the jet was too close to the ground, giving him no time or altitude to escape. The aircraft hit the ground and burst into a massive fireball, with thick black smoke rising from the site.
This is the first fatal crash involving the Tejas in its decade of service. A court of inquiry has been ordered. Wing Commander Syal, 37, will be cremated today.
Bengaluru Police Detain Constable and Two Others in ₹7.11 Crore Cash Van Heist
Bengaluru Police have taken three individuals into custody, including a police constable and a former CMS Info System staff member, for their role in the ₹7.11 crore robbery from an ATM cash refill van carried out in broad daylight. Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh stated that ₹5.76 crore has been recovered and the vehicles involved in the operation have been seized. The incident took place on 19 November near Ashoka Pillar in Jayanagar, where a group stopped the cash van by pretending to be officials from the RBI and Income Tax Department. They moved the cash boxes at the Dairy Circle flyover, and left their getaway vehicle near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Investigation has revealed frequent communication between the constable and the former CMS employee. Police believe inside support was involved and are continuing to uncover the complete network behind this well-planned crime.
“Sanskrit Is A Dead Language”: Udhayanidhi Stalin Stirs Fresh Controversy Amid Hate Speech on Sanatan Dharma Row; BJP Hits Back
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and son of CM MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin has once again stirred a major controversy by derogatorily describing Sanskrit as a “dead language”. He made this contentious remark during a book launch event in Chennai on November 21.
In an attempt to target the Union Government for budgetary allocation for Tamil vis-a-vis Sanskrit, he went on to run down Sanskrit as “dead”. He alleged that the Modi government gave only ₹150 crore for Tamil development while it allocated ₹2,400 crore for Sanskrit.
His remark received sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who said Udhayanidhi has repeatedly insulted Hindu culture and earlier compared Sanatana Dharma to diseases.
BJP spokespersons Gaurav Bhatia and Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan said that belittling one language to praise another is irresponsible, and reminded that Sanskrit forms the foundation of many Indian traditions. TN BJP leaders also accused the DMK of promoting linguistic hatred and ignoring the contributions of Prime Minister Modi in highlighting Tamil globally.
Odisha: Sikandar Alam Arrested for Involving Bangladeshi Immigrants in Criminal Activities; 2 Held
Odisha police have uncovered a gang that was illegally bringing Bangladeshi immigrants into India and involving them in criminal activities. The main accused, Sikandar Alam, also known as Siko, and his brother Abdul Motalif Khan, have been arrested by the police. Siko was providing shelter to immigrants by constructing illegal huts on government land. During a raid, swords and a locally made pistol were recovered from his house, after which the district administration demolished the illegal structures. Police are now searching for over 30 Bangladeshi immigrants who are still at large. The investigation is also examining possible foreign funding behind this racket.
Illegal Coal Syndicate Busted on Jharkhand–Bengal Border: ED Raids 44 Locations, Seizes ₹14 Crore Cash and Gold
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has exposed a major illegal coal mining and smuggling syndicate active along the Jharkhand and West Bengal border. The ED conducted raids at 44 premises across both states and seized more than ₹14 crore in cash, jewellery, and gold.
The investigation revealed that this racket was supplying large quantities of coal illegally from Jharkhand to West Bengal without any valid documents. According to the ED’s statement, the syndicate was operating with the support of some local officials. The ED also recovered several diaries that contained detailed records of illegal cash collections.
Unnao: Ancient Idols of Lord Radha-Krishna and a Sanskrit Birch-Bark Manuscript Found During Field Excavation
In Mirzapur Kala village of Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh, ancient idols of Lord Radha-Krishna and a birch-bark manuscript written in Sanskrit were found during excavation in a field. These artefacts surfaced when the spade of labourers working there hit an old earthen pot buried underground. When someone tried to take the idols home, a young man suddenly became unwell. After this, villagers considered it a supernatural sign and performed proper rituals and worship of the idols.
It is noteworthy that during the removal of soil, a snake was found injured, which many people linked to the “protection of treasure.” Upon receiving the information, the police reached the spot and took all the items into their custody. The police said that experts will now examine the idols and the birch-bark manuscript to determine their origin and age.
161 Gelatin Sticks Found Near Almora School in Uttarakhand, Police Launch Investigation and Heighten Security
In Uttarakhand’s Almora district, authorities recovered 161 gelatin sticks near a government school in Dabra village on Thursday evening, prompting a swift security response. The school principal alerted police after children playing nearby spotted suspicious objects in the bushes.
Police immediately secured the site and bomb disposal and canine units conducted a detailed search, safely removing the explosives and collecting samples. Almora SSP Devendra Pincha stated that an FIR has been filed under the Indian Explosives Act against unidentified individuals. Four police teams are now working to determine who left the explosives and why.
Gelatin sticks are generally used in road construction, but the proximity of such a large quantity to a school has raised serious concerns. Security measures in the area have been strengthened as investigations continue, amid heightened vigilance following recent nationwide terror incidents, including the Red Fort blast.
