India
PM Modi Meets Teachers to Discuss Education, Drug Awareness and Health Topics
Prime Minister Modi engaged in a discussion with teachers, exchanging ideas on various educational and social issues. Topics covered during the interaction included oratory skills and the role of screen time in modern learning environments. The conversation also addressed the importance of spreading awareness about drug abuse among students. Additionally, breast cancer awareness was discussed as part of the broader agenda. The exchange reflected a collaborative effort between national leadership and educators to tackle pressing societal concerns.
Men exploit unofficial sharia courts to bypass triple talaq ban in India
Mumbai's deputy charity commissioner has deregistered a trust that was operating as an unauthorized sharia court. The trust was found engaged in illegal activities, including dissolving Muslim marriages through extra-judicial means. The case came to light after a woman received and challenged a talaq-e-ahsan notice issued through such a body. Following the criminalization of triple talaq, men are increasingly turning to these unofficial courts to end marriages outside the legal framework. Experts say the trend underscores the urgency of codifying Muslim Personal Laws to better safeguard women's rights.
Centre Appoints Chief Justices for Calcutta and Bombay High Courts Among 8 Posts
The central government has appointed eight new Chief Justices across various High Courts in India. Justice Ravindra V Ghuge, currently serving at the Bombay High Court, has been elevated to head the Calcutta High Court. Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi of the Allahabad High Court has been named as the new Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. These appointments are part of a broader judicial reshuffle covering multiple High Courts across the country.

Trump Administration Drafting Broad Middle East Strategy to Contain Iran
The Trump administration is reportedly developing a comprehensive regional strategy for the Middle East following tensions with Iran. The plan, still in its drafting stage, aims to build a unified regional front to counter Iranian influence. A key component involves encouraging Israel to forge deeper diplomatic and security ties with neighboring countries. Four sources, including two US officials and two others familiar with the discussions, disclosed the plans to a publication.

Delhi Teen Dies By Suicide After Being Scolded for Coming Home Late
A teenage girl in Delhi's Krishna Nagar area died by suicide after her family reprimanded her for returning home late. Her sister discovered her hanging and brought her down, finding her unconscious on the floor. Police were informed of the incident and are investigating the circumstances. The case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health pressures faced by young people at home.

India Census 2027: Population Count to Begin in 4 Poll-Bound States from Dec 1
India's long-delayed Census 2027 is set to kick off its population enumeration phase in four election-bound states starting December 1. The remaining parts of the country are expected to begin the counting process in February of the following year. Snow-bound regions will be treated as exceptions and are likely to follow a separate, adjusted schedule. The census has been significantly delayed, having originally been due in 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This phased rollout reflects logistical and electoral considerations across different states and regions.

Putin Meets US Envoys as Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Talks Get Underway
Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with US envoys as Washington pushes to revive negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The conflict, now considered Europe's most devastating since World War Two, has prompted renewed American diplomatic efforts. As a confidence-building measure, both Russia and Ukraine agreed to refrain from striking each other's capitals for a period of three days during the talks. Putin acknowledged the complexity of the situation, signaling that a resolution will not come easily.

BJP Pledges Tripartite Agreement in Tripura After Key Delhi Talks
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha travelled to New Delhi for high-level discussions on the political situation in the state. He held meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma. The BJP has committed to entering into a tripartite agreement as part of these negotiations. The talks are seen as a significant step toward addressing demands raised by the TIPRA Motha party in Tripura.

2 Dead, 212 Injured During Dahi Handi Celebrations in Mumbai and Thane
Two people, including a seven-year-old child, lost their lives during Dahi Handi festivities in the Mumbai region. At least 212 participants, known as Govindas, sustained injuries while forming human pyramids as part of the traditional celebrations. Of those injured, 168 were reported in Mumbai and 44 in the neighbouring city of Thane. The casualties occurred during the annual Janmashtami event, which involves teams competing to break clay pots suspended at height.
