General news

Air India and Air India Express have announced an extension of their flight suspensions to Riyadh and Dammam until November 30, with Jeddah flights suspended until November 21. This decision, impacting also IndiGo and Akasa Air, arises from the increased instability in the region due to threats from Yemen's Houthi militia. Affected passengers may reschedule or obtain refunds for their bookings.

The investigation into the ethnic violence in Manipur has received an extension until May 20, 2027. This unrest, which began on May 3, 2023, led to more than 300 fatalities and left thousands displaced. The commission will delve into the origins, escalation, and governmental responses to the turmoil. Initially scheduled to wrap up by November 2023, the inquiry has been extended multiple times to ensure a thorough examination of evidence.

India has invited Pakistan to participate in the inaugural SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi. This event is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 22, featuring various participating countries. Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed hope that Pakistan would attend the forum. The discussions will focus on cultural ties and shared civilisational heritage among member states.

Rahul Gandhi has renewed his challenge for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an Instagram session. He claimed he was unable to speak freely in Parliament and called for direct allegations against each other. Gandhi suggested a debate moderated by a neutral party, including options like RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. BJP leaders dismissed his calls, emphasizing that Parliament serves as an appropriate platform for discussions.

Former CPI(Maoist) leader Deoji is pivoting towards engaging in democratic politics, discarding his previous reliance on armed struggle. Now pursuing a law degree in Hyderabad, he is vocal about the need to remove the ban on CPI(Maoist) and seeks broad amnesty for Maoists in custody. He asserts that counter-Naxal initiatives have harmed their cause and expresses a vision for a society characterized by equity and freedom from exploitation.

India's estimated TB deaths declined by 38% between 2015 and 2025, signaling significant progress in controlling the disease. The treatment success rate for drug-susceptible TB reached 94%, supported by innovative diagnostic methods and comprehensive patient care. The ongoing TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan effectively identified nearly 15 lakh asymptomatic TB cases throughout the campaign. Despite progress, drug-resistant TB remains a challenge, with a notable treatment gap.