General news

Sonia Gandhi shared her surprise at Pranab Mukherjee's ambition for the prime minister role in 2010. His daughter Sharmishtha questioned the surprise, expressing that such aspirations are valid in politics. India condemned an anti-India campaign by Chinese vloggers in Dhaka, urging the Bangladesh government to act against it. The country also expressed its continued bipartisan support for ties with the US after recent midterm elections.

India's vigorous vaccination campaigns have made remarkable strides in eliminating diseases such as smallpox and polio. Yet, disparities still exist in immunization coverage between various states and communities. Current initiatives aim to enhance accessibility and monitoring of vaccinations, especially addressing caregiver hesitancy and obstacles encountered by migrants. Raising awareness and consistent follow-up will be vital in boosting vaccination rates in the future.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized that clean air is a fundamental right and not a privilege. He highlighted rising air pollution in Delhi and criticized the government's piecemeal measures over the years. Kharge cited alarming statistics related to pollution-linked deaths and unspent environmental funds in the city. He also mentioned the Supreme Court's directive to states to address pollution concerns within two weeks.

HS Phoolka voices his concerns over Sonia Gandhi's memoir addressing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Operation Blue Star. He contests her claims about the Army's intervention timing post-Indira Gandhi's assassination, citing historical documentation. Furthermore, he questions her emotional depiction of Indira Gandhi after the operation, supported by Justice VM Tarkunde's report. Phoolka underscored that key military figures failed to arrive promptly, which could have averted the loss of life.

Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has recalled how Pranab Mukherjee hinted at his ambition to become prime minister during a 2010 conversation, leaving her "shocked". Her account in her memoir has drawn a sharp response from Mukherjee's daughter Sharmishtha, who questioned Sonia's reaction, saying there was nothing wrong with her father aspiring for the top post. Sonia also revisits her 2004 decision to decline the prime minister's post.

India’s capital, New Delhi, will attempt cloud seeding to induce rain and address severe pollution. The initiative involves Delhi International Airport Ltd, the Delhi government, and IIT Kanpur. A specialized aircraft from Kyathi Climate will undertake the operation on Tuesday and Wednesday. A fresh western disturbance is expected to bring rain to northwestern India later this week. Cloud seeding aims to enhance precipitation as the air quality deteriorates.

The Supreme Court has mandated that Delhi and three adjacent states intensify measures to combat vehicle emissions. Officials are tasked with reporting on the implementation of laws governing aging and non-compliant vehicles. With rising pollution levels in the National Capital Region, the court emphasized the need for inter-state collaboration on vehicle management and stricter adherence to emission standards. The matter will be reviewed again on November 23.

Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, offers an intimate account of Indira Gandhi’s temper, recalling how staff were made to stand in corners, a senior Congress leader ordered to face a wall and others ignored for days. Sonia also describes Rajiv’s reassurance during her mother-in-law’s outbursts, Indira’s domestic routines, love for sarees and photographs, and how grandchildren gradually softened her temperament.

Sonia Gandhi reveals her thoughts in her memoir about declining the prime minister role after the UPA's victory. She describes her inner voice guiding her decision and her conversation with Rahul. Gandhi highlights why she chose Manmohan Singh for the position, noting his integrity and governance experience. Her memoir also covers her personal journey, including significant tragedies and cultural adjustments after moving to India.

Top security officials from India and the US gathered in New Delhi to address narcotics syndicates. The discussions focused on establishing a framework to combat synthetic drug flows and secure supply chains. NCB Director General Anurag Garg emphasized a network-centric enforcement model to target cartels and facilitators. Both nations endorsed operational milestones, including initiatives to prevent the diversion of synthetic drug precursors.

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport from the Bangladesh High Commission. The request aims to facilitate her planned return to Bangladesh after two years in exile. Bangladesh authorities have labeled the request a political stunt and emphasized her extradition due to criminal convictions. Indian officials have stated that the extradition matter should be handled through existing legal processes.