National News - India

India to Submit Revised 2035 Climate Targets by December

India is set to publish its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2035 by the end of December, according to a statement from the Environment Minister at the COP30 Climate Summit. This move underscores the nation's commitment to addressing climate change despite global economic challenges. The minister emphasized that climate change is an imminent threat driven by unsustainable development patterns. India has consistently maintained a high growth rate, with its GDP expanding at nearly seven percent, showcasing its resilience and dedication to sustainable development.

Minor Earthquake in Arunachal Pradesh

An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 on the Richter scale was recorded in Upper Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, early on Tuesday morning. The National Centre for Seismology confirmed the event, although no immediate reports of damage or casualties were received.

Strengthening India-Russia Ties Ahead of Putin's Visit

India and Russia are in the process of finalizing new agreements and initiatives ahead of a planned visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi. This visit is expected to further bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations, with discussions likely to cover a wide range of topics including defense, trade, and energy cooperation. The deepening of this relationship comes at a crucial time in global geopolitics.

Over 1,500 Polluting Units Shut in NCR Amid Air Quality Concerns

In response to the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the closure of over 1,500 industrial units that were contributing to pollution. This decisive action is part of a broader effort to mitigate the severe air pollution that plagues the region, particularly during the winter months. The Supreme Court has also sought a response from authorities on the efficiency of air quality monitoring stations in Delhi.

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Regional Spotlight

West Bengal: Protests Erupt Over Teacher Recruitment Process

Kolkata witnessed fresh protests on Monday in connection with the recruitment of teachers in state-aided schools. Candidates have raised serious allegations, claiming that individuals previously implicated in the school recruitment scam have been included in the new interview list published by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC). The list, which contains over 20,000 candidates for assistant teacher positions, has been challenged in court.

Protesters and petitioners are questioning how these 'tainted' candidates were permitted to apply and sit for the exams, especially after a Supreme Court order had barred them. There are also claims that many deserving 'untainted' teachers who lost their jobs have not been shortlisted, and some who scored full marks in the written test have been left out. State Education Minister Bratya Basu has urged the candidates to have faith in the process, stating that document verification is scheduled to begin on November 18, and has assured transparency.

In a separate development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strongly objecting to the Centre's appointment of an interlocutor for Gorkha issues in the Darjeeling Hills. In her letter, she described the move as "unilateral, arbitrary and wholly unconstitutional," asserting that it encroaches upon the state's authority and the country's federal structure.

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Uttar Pradesh: Focus on Infrastructure and Technology

The Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned Rs 7.97 crore for the construction and repair of 25 rural roads in the Bareilly division. This initiative, under the Chief Minister's Village Scheme, aims to enhance connectivity to historical and religious sites, aligning with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's priority of beautifying and restoring such locations.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Adityanath has highlighted the state's emergence as a significant hub for artificial intelligence, data centers, and other cutting-edge technologies like robotics and drone systems. During a university convocation, he urged educational institutions to integrate these emerging technologies into their curriculum through various programs to create new job opportunities. The state has also achieved the third-highest number of solar installations in the country under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, with 2,75,936 homes now equipped with rooftop solar units.

In a move to enhance security and crowd management at major religious sites, the state is implementing an AI-based surveillance system at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ram Temple, and Gorakhnath Temple. This system will utilize AI-powered cameras for real-time monitoring of visitor footfall and crowd density.

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Assam: Special Revision of Electoral Rolls Begins

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam, starting from November 18. This exercise is being conducted in place of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) due to the ongoing process of citizenship verification under the supervision of the Supreme Court, which is in its final stages. A key aspect of this revision is that the entries of 'D-Voters' (doubtful voters) will be carried forward in the draft rolls without fresh verification unless their status is altered by a Foreigners' Tribunal or a court. Booth Level Officers will conduct house-to-house verification from November 22, with the final electoral roll scheduled to be published on February 10, 2026.

In other news, the Assam Pradesh BJP has organized a massive blood donation drive, "Jeevan Surabhi," across 53 locations in the state to mark the 53rd birthday of popular singer Zubeen Garg. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, upon his return from London, is expected to participate and donate blood. During his visit to London, the Chief Minister signed a letter of intent with the British Museum for the loan of the sacred Vrindavani Vastra, a significant cultural artifact, to Assam.

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International Desk

Bangladesh: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death

In a landmark verdict, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for her role in a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. The International Crimes Tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity. The trial was conducted in absentia as Hasina has been in exile in India since she was ousted from power. The court also handed down the death sentence to her former interior minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

The verdict was met with cheers in the courtroom and has been hailed by Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, as a recognition of the suffering of the student protesters. However, in a statement, Sheikh Hasina condemned the trial as being conducted by a "rigged" tribunal and described the verdict as politically motivated. The United Nations has expressed regret over the imposition of the death penalty. Following the verdict, Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina, citing the extradition treaty between the two countries. India's Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it will "constructively engage with all stakeholders" in Bangladesh.

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Pakistan: Strengthening Anti-Terror Cooperation with China and Constitutional Changes

Pakistan and China have agreed to enhance their cooperation on counter-terrorism and security matters. This was discussed in a meeting between Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Chinese Ambassador, where the recent suicide attack in Islamabad was also condemned.

In a significant political development, Pakistan's parliament passed the 27th amendment to the Constitution, which formalizes and expands the power of the military establishment. The amendment introduces the post of Chief of Defence Forces, a role that will be held by the army chief, granting authority over all three branches of the military. It also provides lifelong immunity from criminal proceedings to any officer promoted to a five-star rank. This move is seen as a consolidation of power by the current army chief, General Asim Munir. In other news, as part of its commitments to the International Monetary Fund, Pakistan is considering new tax measures for 2026, which may include increased taxes on mobile calls and solar panels if revenue targets are not met.

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Sports Update

Cricket: Recent Match Results and Upcoming Fixtures

In a recent encounter in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, Pakistan A secured a decisive 8-wicket victory over India A. Chasing a target of 137, Pakistan A reached the goal in just 13.2 overs, with a standout performance by Maaz Sadaqat who scored an unbeaten 79. This win propelled Pakistan A into the semifinals of the tournament. In another recent match, India A defeated South Africa A by 9 wickets in the second unofficial ODI, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Upcoming Matches:

  • T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan: Pakistan will face Zimbabwe in the first match of the tri-series on November 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series also features Sri Lanka.
  • West Indies tour of New Zealand: The second ODI between New Zealand and West Indies is scheduled for November 18 at McLean Park, Napier.
  • Bahrain tour of Indonesia: The second T20I between Indonesia and Bahrain will be played on November 18.
  • Ireland tour of Bangladesh: The second Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland is set to begin on November 18 in Dhaka.
  • South Africa tour of India: The second Test between India and South Africa will commence on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The tour also includes a three-match ODI series starting November 30.
  • The Ashes 2025-26: The first Test between Australia and England is scheduled to start on November 21 in Perth.

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References

Due to the nature of the search results for a future date, direct URLs to specific news articles for November 18, 2025, are not available. The information is synthesized from news archives and reports citing events of this day.