Month: November 2025

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, along with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, conducted an on-site inspection at Jewar Airport and also held a review meeting on Friday.

The Jewar airport, officially named Noida International Airport, is a major greenfield airport project located near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, India, intended to serve the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).

The project is being developed under a public-private partnership model, with Zurich Airport International AG selected as the concessionaire. Construction began in June 2022, with the first phase scheduled to be operational by December 2025.

The idea for a second international airport in the NCR was first discussed around the time of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but construction did not begin for over a decade due to challenges with the expansion of Delhi’s airport.

The project is being developed through a PPP model, with Zurich Airport International AG winning the 40-year concession in 2020.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in November 2021. Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, is responsible for development, and Tata Projects is handling the engineering, procurement, and construction.

Located 75 km from Delhi, it will be the NCR’s second international airport after Indira Gandhi International Airport, boosting connectivity for western Uttar Pradesh.

The airport is expected to be a strategic hub for cargo operations, enhancing logistics and economic growth.

The airport is linked by six roads, rapid rail-cum-metro, and pod taxis; it features a CAT-III B Instrument Landing System for operations in low visibility.

The Jewar Airport is expected to spur real estate development and generate about one lakh direct and indirect jobs.

The airport was intended to ease congestion at Delhi’s IGI airport, improve connectivity in Western Uttar Pradesh, and serve as a modern, efficient hub.

The project emphasised a “Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality” approach and aimed to be environmentally conscious, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions and minimal environmental impact. The design included modern terminals, automated systems, and advanced technology.

The master plan includes four phases, with the initial phase featuring two runways. The airport is slated for expansion to a six-runway airport in later stages. (ANI)

Special NIA court at Patiala House on Thursday extended the custody of Accused Jasir Bilal Wani for a further 7 days. He was the second accused arrested by the counter-terrorism Agency.

It is alleged that he provided technical support for carrying out the attack and modified the drones. He was attempting to make a rocket.

NIA produced Jasir before the special court after 10 days of custody. He was arrested from Srinagar on November 17 by the NIA.

Principal District and Sessions judge (Special NIA Judge) Anju Bajaj Chandana extended the NIA custody of Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish for a further 7 days. He was produced before the court in a heavy security.

Earlier, the court had allowed him to meet his lawyer on alternate days while in NIA custody.

It is alleged that Jasir provided technical support for carrying out terror attacks by modified drones. He was also attempting to make a rocket. He was closely associated with the terror Conspiracy with Umar Un Nabi.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, also a Kashmiri resident from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, by an NIA team that was in the Valley.

NIA in a press release, had said that investigations have revealed that Jasir had allegedly provided technical support for carrying out terror attacks by modifying drones and attempting to make rockets ahead of the deadly car bomb blast, which killed 10 persons and left 32 persons injured.

The accused, a resident of Qazigund in Anantnag district of J&K, was an active co-conspirator behind the attack and had worked closely with the terrorist, Umar un Nabi, to plan the terror carnage, the NIA said.

NIA continues to explore various angles to unravel the conspiracy behind the bombing. Several teams of the anti-terror agency are pursuing multiple leads, and are conducting searches across states to identify every person involved in the terror attack.

Earlier, the Special NIA Court at Patiala House remanded Soyab to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for 10 days’ custody in connection with the November 10 blast case. The court had extended NIA custody of Amir Rashid Ali for seven days. NIA produced two accused, Soyab and Amir Rashid, before the Special NIA court in heavy security. (ANI)

The death toll in Hong Kong’s devastating apartment building fire has risen to at least 55, the city’s fire department said Thursday, CNN reported.

At least 123 people were injured in the blaze, including eight firefighters.

Among the dead were 51 who died at the scene and four who died in hospital, officials said.

The fire department did not immediately give an update on how many people remain missing after the blaze. Earlier, officials had said 279 people were unaccounted for, as per CNN.

The housing estate, Wang Fuk Court was home to a larger population of elderly residents than in many Hong Kong housing estates. Roughly 36% of residents were 65 or older, according to Centaline Property Agency, which uses the city’s government data, as per CNN.

That’s much higher than the percentage of elderly people in Hong Kong overall — 19.6 per cent, according to Centaline.

The median age of the tenants at Wang Fuk Court was 56, the data shows.

Officials are investigating “potential corruption” linked to renovations at Wang Fuk Court, the Hong Kong complex afflicted by a massive blaze.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong’s statutory anti-graft body, announced on Thursday that it had set up a dedicated task force “given the significant public interest in this matter,” as per CNN.

The fire spread in an “unusual” manner, other officials said, and a criminal investigation has been launched, Security Secretary Chris Tang said. Hong Kong Police said they arrested three men – two directors and a consultant of a construction company – on suspicion of manslaughter, and accused them of “gross negligence.” Authorities will also investigate whether building materials complied with fire safety standards.

A number of major Chinese corporations have joined the donation drive for victims of the deadly Hong Kong fire, as per CNN.

Tech giant Alibaba announced its first batch of donations totaling 20 million Hong Kong dollars (USD 2.6 million) to support fire rescue efforts and provide transitional housing, essential supplies, and emotional support.

Its logistics subsidiary Cainiao has also been involved in mobilizing emergency supplies such as food and bedding to affected areas, as per CNN. (ANI)

The National Security Guard (NSG) organised an event to mark the 17th anniversary of the Mumbai 26/11 terror attack at the Gateway of India and paid tributes to the victims and personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty while fighting terrorists.

Group Commander, NSG Mumbai (Special Composite Group – 26), Colonel Abhishek Singh, said that they also held a ‘Neverever’ pledge as the affected families met each other during the event.

“Primarily the 51 Special Action Group, which fought against the cowardly 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai…I pay my heartfelt tribute to the martyrs, who were from the NSG and also included members of the Mumbai Police. There were many innocent victims who lost their lives. We organised this event in their memory to meet their families. We invited a large number of survivors. We also took a pledge there on the ‘Neverever’ theme. A total of 21,000 people have taken this pledge,” Singh told ANI.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan was killed in action during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as he confronted terrorists at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. He was part of the 51 Special Action Group of the NSG.

Divya Vijay Salaskar, daughter of encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar, told ANI that she remembers her father each day.

“He came home early on November 26. Even 10 pm was early for him to come. I told him to take me for a drive. He sat down to have dinner. One hour passed, and my mom told me that he had left in a rush. My mom told me that my father realised it was not a gang war, but something else. She said, ‘We’ll know what happened when he comes back home in the morning’. I never thought he wouldn’t come home,” Divya said.

Three top cops died in the line of duty on November 27, 2008, including former ATS chief Hemant Karkare, Salaskar and former Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte. Karkare was well-known for his fair investigations.

This year marks 17 years since terrorists from the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) unleashed mayhem on the streets of India’s financial capital, Mumbai.

Commonly referred to as 26/11, these coordinated assaults by a group of 10 terrorists sent shockwaves through the nation and the world. The terrorists had entered the city of Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008, via sea route and over the course of four days, they killed 166 people and injured 300, in some of the busiest parts of the city.

The scars left by the tragic event continue to haunt those who witnessed it and the families who lost their loved ones. The bullet marks at Leopold Cafe and Nariman House, the bust of Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble, who gave up his life while capturing the lone surviving Pakistani terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, and the streets of south Mumbai keep alive the memory of the gruesome terror attack.

The nine LeT terrorists were killed while Kasab was arrested. In May 2010, Kasab was awarded death penalty, and two years later, he was hanged in a maximum security prison in Pune. (ANI)

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced that President Donald Trump has directed the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, DC, following the shooting of two Guardsmen near the White House.

Hegseth said his team was first informed that “two National Guardsmen had been shot in Washington, DC, critically wounded.” Calling the attack deliberate, he said, “The shooter shot in a cowardly, dastardly act targeting the best of America.”

He described the injured Guardsmen as individuals who serve out of commitment to the country. “Heroes willing to serve in Washington, DC, serve for people they don’t know, and they’ve never met, because they love their country and their capital and their community,” he said. “They were willing to do dangerous things; others were not, because they love their fellow Americans.”

Hegseth said the attack appeared to target service members. “Someone decided to turn that into targeting National Guardsmen. That will only stiffen our resolve. We will never back down. We will secure our capital. We will secure our cities.”

The shooting happened close to the seat of government. “In fact, this happened just steps away from the White House. It will not stand,” he said.

He then confirmed the new deployment request. “And that’s why President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the Secretary of the Army to the National Guard, to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen, to Washington, D.C. This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, DC, safe and beautiful.”

Hegseth said recent efforts had already shown improvement. “The drop in crime has been historic. The increase in safety and security has been historic,” he said. But he added that the government would continue responding firmly. “If criminals want to conduct things like this, violence against America’s best, we will never back down. President Trump will never back down. That’s why the American people elected him.”

Earlier on Wednesday (local time), two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, DC

The guardsmen engaged in gunfire with the suspected shooter, who was detained and transported away from the scene on a stretcher.

Their conditions are unknown, according to the Governor of West Virginia, Patrick Morrisey. (ANI)

India’s economic growth is expected to come in strong for the second quarter of the current financial year, with GDP likely to rise 7.5 per cent, according to a report by Union Bank of India.

This would be significantly higher than the 5.6 per cent growth recorded in the same quarter of the previous financial year. The official GDP data for the 2nd Quarter (Q2) of the financial year 2026 (FY26) will be released on November 28.

The report stated “GDP data for Q2 FY26….. likely clocked 7.5 per cent, sharply higher from the same period previous year (Q2 FY25: 5.6 per cent) but lower than 7.8 per cent clocked in the previous quarter”

Gross Value Added (GVA) growth for Q2 FY26 is also expected to increase to 7.3 per cent, compared to 5.8 per cent in Q2 FY25, although it remains below the 7.6 per cent expansion seen in Q1.

The report highlighted that nominal GDP growth is likely to slow further to 8.0 per cent in Q2, down from 8.8 per cent in Q1 and compared to 8.3 per cent in the same period last year. A favourable base effect and subdued deflator growth, which boosted Q1 GDP, continued to act as statistical drivers in the second quarter as well.

The report added that the steep 50 per cent US tariffs had not fully impacted the quarter because of the front-loading of exports by Indian companies. Strong government spending also supported overall GDP growth during the period.

Importantly, private sector activity, measured through GVA excluding agriculture and public administration, is expected to remain robust at 8 per cent in Q2, similar to the momentum seen in Q1 FY26. This, the report said, better reflects underlying economic activity.

However, the bank cautioned that the second half of FY26 may witness some moderation. It said that statistical drivers, such as base effects, may begin to fade, and that inflation measured by both WPI and CPI could see an uptick in Q4.

Delays in concluding the US-India trade deal and the lagged impact of earlier front-loaded exports may also soften growth.

Looking ahead, Union Bank said the GST rate cuts are expected to support demand and positively impact Q3 FY26 GDP numbers. But the delay in the US-India trade agreement could still weigh on growth, though India’s direct export exposure to the US remains limited at around 2 per cent of GDP, and even closer to 1 per cent when excluding exempted items.

The bank has also revised its FY26 GDP growth target upward to 7.1 per cent.

While the bank expects real GDP growth to rise in FY26, it projects that nominal GDP growth may decline due to lower inflation. (ANI)

A devastating fire has torn through several high-rise apartment blocks in a Hong Kong housing complex, killing at least 44 people and leaving hundreds of people missing, CNN reported, citing an official statement.

Firefighters have been struggling to reach residents stranded on upper floors as the blaze continues to rage.

Authorities revealed early Thursday that three men have been arrested in connection with the incident — two directors and a consultant from a construction company.

Police accused them of “gross negligence” after investigators discovered the company’s name on highly flammable polystyrene boards found blocking windows in some apartments, according to CNN.

Officials also suspect that other construction materials at the site — such as protective nets, canvas sheets, and plastic coverings — did not meet required safety standards.

Seven of the eight towers in the complex, which houses many elderly residents, were still burning hours after the fire first broke out. The fire is now believed to be Hong Kong’s deadliest in nearly 30 years, surpassing even the infamous 1996 Garley Building blaze that killed 41 people.

The inferno, centred in the Tai Po district, has been burning for roughly 16 hours, with firefighters focusing their efforts on three of the worst-affected towers. They say the flames in four other buildings have been brought “under control,” though not fully extinguished.

Questions are mounting about how the fire spread so quickly. Andy Yeung, Director of Fire Services, said crews noticed polystyrene boards blocking windows in multiple units, a detail he called highly unusual, as per CNN.

“These polystyrene boards are extremely inflammable, and the fire spread very rapidly,” he said.

“Their presence was unusual, so we have referred the incident to the police for further enquiries,” Yeung added.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the city’s housing authorities will also examine whether the protective layers coating the buildings during refurbishment were sufficiently fire-resistant. “We will hold those accountable in accordance with the laws and regulations,” he said.

Officials are also looking at the role of bamboo scaffolding, commonly used to wrap Hong Kong buildings during construction or repair work, which has previously been cited as a factor in the spread of fires. (ANI)

Global Punjabi music star Karan Aujla has announced the India leg of his P-POP CULTURE World Tour for 2026, which will cover six major cities, including his first-ever stadium shows in New Delhi and Chandigarh.

The announcement comes after the success of Aujla’s 2024 ‘It Was All A Dream’ India Tour, which attracted more than 2,00,000 fans across seven cities and ten shows.

Before India shows, Aujla will perform in Abu Dhabi on 29 November 2025 at Etihad Park, Yas Island, marking the start of the global tour, which will also include stops in the US, Europe, Asia, Canada, and the UK.

The India tour will feature songs from his 11-track album ‘P-POP CULTURE’, including ‘P Pop Culture’, ‘I Really Do…’, ‘MF Gabhru!’, ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘For A Reason’ alongside his iconic hits as ‘Admiring You’, ‘Winning Speech’, ‘Tauba Tauba’, ‘Wavy’ and ‘Softly’. He will be joined on stage by longtime collaborator and Toronto-based producer Ikky, along with a series of high-octane celebrity cameos in every city–a signature element of his live shows.

The tour dates are: 28 February – New Delhi, 4 March – Mumbai, 4 March – Pune, 14 March – Chandigarh, 21 March – Indore, and 29 March – Bengaluru.

Speaking about the tour, Aujla said, “India has some of the most powerful and passionate fans in the world, and they remind me of that every single time I step on stage. No matter where I perform globally, the energy and love I receive in India is unmatched and the fans never disappoint. Every milestone, every achievement feels bigger when I get to bring it home and celebrate it with my people.”

“Returning to India with the P-POP CULTURE World Tour is a moment I’ve been looking forward to for a very long time. This album represents who I am today- my growth, my culture and my vision for Punjabi music on the world stage. India has always given me unconditional love, and this tour is my way of giving that love back with the biggest live experience I’ve ever created,” he added.

Mohit Bijlani, Founder, Team Innovation, states, “Karan Aujla’s evolution into a global Punjabi music icon has been extraordinary to witness, and we are proud to be part of this journey once again. After the massive success of his 2024 tour, we knew the next chapter had to be even larger in vision and impact.” (ANI)

Bollywood socialite Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, appeared before Mumbai Police to record his statement allegedly in connection with the Rs 252-crore drugs case.

In the visuals, he was seen leaving the Anti-Narcotics Cell’s Ghatkopar unit.

Orry was summoned by the Mumbai Police allegedly in connection with the case on November 19. A second summons was sent to Social media influencer Orry, who has been asked to appear at the ANC Ghatkopar unit on November 26, to record his statement in the case, according to Mumbai Police.

In fact, Orry was also among several individuals named in an FIR lodged on March 15, 2025, by Katra police for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra. As per a press release from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, “Taking cognizance of the complaint regarding an issue involving certain guests who were staying at Hotel of Katra and found taking Alcohol, Katra police has lodged an FIR on March 15 against Orhan Awatramani (ORRY), Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasila Arzamaskina, who consumed alcohol in hotel premises despite being told that alcohol and non-vegitarian diet is not allowed inside Cottage Suite as it is strictly prohibited at such a divine place of Mata vaishnodevi pilgrimage.”

The release noted, “Sensing the gravity of the matter, strict instructions were passed by SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh (JKPS) to nab the defaulters, thereby setting an example of no tolerance of any such act of drugs or alcohol at religious places, which hurts the sentiments of the common masses.”

As per the release, the team was constituted under the supervision of SP Katra, DySP Katra, and SHO Katra to track down the culprits who violated the rule of the land and showed disrespect to the sentiments of people associated with the faith. (ANI)

Comedian and actor Kapil Sharma on Wednesday spoke about the earlier attacks on his cafe in Vancouver, Canada, recalling a series of shootings and noting that despite the incidents leading to discussions in the Canadian Parliament, he has never felt unsafe in Mumbai due to the strong law-and-order presence of the city police.

While speaking to the media during the trailer launch of ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 in Mumbai, he said, “These incidents happened in Canada, in Vancouver. I think teen baar vahan pe firing huyi ( I think there were three shootings there)..I think the police don’t have the power to control things. But after that, when our case happened, it went to the federal court… There was a discussion in the Canadian Parliament… “

He added, “I received calls from many people saying that all this was already going on there, but after the shooting at my cafe became news, the police are taking steps to significantly improve the law and order situation… “

Kapil stressed that he has never felt unsafe in Mumbai. “I never feel like this in Mumbai or in my country. There’s no one like our Mumbai Police… “

He noted that the incidents did not affect business in the long run, “After all the gunfire there, we saw a bigger opening in our cafe… If God is with you, everything is fine…”

In October, Kapil’s cafe in Canada was reportedly targeted in another shooting incident. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating after reports of shots fired at the outlet, Kap’s cafe, on 85 Avenue and 120 Street, around 3:45 a.m., as per City News Vancouver.

Kulvir Sidhu, reportedly linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s operations, claimed responsibility in a viral social media post. “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Today’s firing at Caps Cafe, Surrey, was carried out by me, Kulvir Sidhu, and Goldy Dhillon. We hold no grudge against the general public. Those who owe us or cheat us will be warned. Bollywood individuals who speak against our religion should also be prepared, bullets can come from anywhere.”After all the gunfire there, we saw a bigger opening in our cafe… If God is with you, everything is fine…”

While staff were reportedly present inside the premises during the shooting, no injuries were reported. Kapil Sharma and his team have not issued any statement yet.

This was the third time since July that Kapil’s restaurant has been targeted in a shooting incident. The first attack was reported on July 10. The second attack happened on August 8. (ANI)