A car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort on Monday killed eight people and injured 21 during evening rush hour, prompting a high-security alert across the capital and neighbouring states. Investigators are probing whether the blast in a white Hyundai i20 was terror-related or resulted from an accidental detonation of explosives being transported. Initial findings suggest the explosion was not caused by a CNG cylinder, as high temperatures indicate the use of ammonia gel or similar material. No nails, shrapnel or wires were recovered from the scene. Separately, security agencies uncovered a so-called white-collar terror network spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, arresting seven individuals including two doctors. Raids in Faridabad recovered nearly 2,900 kg of explosives, assault rifles, pistols, and IED components linked to banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. The Supreme Court criticised the Centre over the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, saying the law reintroduced provisions on tenure and eligibility of tribunal members that the court had previously struck down, questioning the legislative overreach. The BBC faced a leadership crisis after its director-general and head of news resigned over accusations of bias for editing a speech by Donald Trump before the 2024 US presidential election. China launched a K-visa programme targeting science and technology workers, offering relaxed requirements compared to its existing schemes, aiming to attract global talent as the US tightens H-1B visa policies. Russian President Vladimir Putin's planned December visit to New Delhi is viewed as a chance to strengthen India-Russia ties amid Western sanctions. Goldman Sachs upgraded India to overweight, setting a Nifty 50 target of 29,000 for 2026, citing strengthening earnings and policy tailwinds. Assam's plan to arm indigenous people in remote areas has sparked concerns over vigilantism and the state's monopoly on violence.
Tribunal Reforms Act Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Centre's Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, calling it a legislative overreach for reintroducing provisions on tenure and eligibility of tribunal members and chairpersons that the court had previously struck down. The law mandates a four-year tenure and a minimum entry age of 50 years, provisions the court had invalidated in the Tribunal Reforms Ordinance earlier in 2021. The Act was brought within four months of that ruling. Petitions by the Madras Bar Association and other bar groups argue that the four-year term and age requirement discourage bright young lawyers from joining tribunals. The law allows for reappointment after four years, with all selections made by a Search-cum-Selection Committee that includes a nominee of the Chief Justice of India with a casting vote. The court asked the government to justify reintroducing provisions when tribunals had functioned efficiently for decades without deviation. The case highlights ongoing tensions between legislative authority and judicial review, raising questions about how India can balance these constitutional powers while ensuring effective governance and judicial independence without undermining either branch of government.
Large Explosives Cache Seized in Faridabad Raids
Security agencies discovered what officials described as a white-collar terror network spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, arresting seven people including two doctors. Raids in Faridabad between November 8 and 10 recovered nearly 2,900 kg of explosive and inflammable materials, assault rifles, pistols, and components for making improvised explosive devices. Investigators say the group had links to the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, with handlers operating from Pakistan and Gulf countries. The operation was jointly conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Haryana Police. The investigation began in October after posters of these terror outfits appeared in Srinagar's Nowgam area, threatening security forces and calling for anti-India activities. Authorities registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Explosive Substances Act, and Arms Act, and began tracking radicalised individuals. Officials called this one of the largest explosives seizures in recent years. The involvement of educated professionals complicates India's internal security challenge, as such networks operate differently from traditional militant groups and can evade detection more easily due to their social standing and professional cover.
Delhi Blast Near Red Fort Kills Eight People
A car explosion in Delhi near the historic Red Fort on Monday evening killed at least eight people and injured 21 during rush hour. The blast occurred in a slow-moving white Hyundai i20 and damaged at least six cars, two e-rickshaws, one auto, and a bus. Police and counter-terrorism agencies are investigating whether the explosion was a terror attack or resulted from an accidental detonation of explosives being transported. An officer said it did not appear to be caused by a CNG cylinder as initially theorised. High temperatures from the blast suggest the use of ammonia gel or similar explosive material. Vehicle registration papers showed the car was retrofitted with a CNG tank. A Delhi Police Special Cell officer stated that no nails, splinters, shrapnel, wires, chemicals, or suspicious debris were found at the scene. Investigators detained two previous owners of the car to establish the chain of ownership. As a precaution, Delhi was placed on high alert, along with neighbouring states Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, and cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Security was heightened at the Delhi Metro, Red Fort, government buildings, and the airport to prevent any further incidents.
BBC Leadership Resigns Over Trump Speech Edit
The BBC faced a leadership crisis after its director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness resigned on Monday over accusations of bias in editing a speech by US President Donald Trump. The controversy arose from a documentary titled Trump: A Second Chance broadcast as part of the Panorama series days before the 2024 US presidential election. The programme edited Trump's January 6, 2021 speech before supporters stormed the Capitol, splicing together three quotes from two sections delivered almost an hour apart to create what appeared to be one quote urging supporters to march and fight like hell. The edit omitted parts where Trump called for peaceful demonstration. BBC chairman Samir Shah apologised for the error of judgment, admitting the editing gave the impression of a direct call for violent action. Trump welcomed the resignations, accusing the broadcaster of attempting to influence a presidential election. The incident highlights challenges faced by publicly funded broadcasters in maintaining editorial independence while ensuring accountability, especially in an era of polarised media ecosystems where perceptions of bias can undermine trust and credibility across different political audiences.
China Launches K-Visa to Attract Global Talent
China rolled out a K-visa programme last month targeting science and technology workers, aiming to attract global talent as the United States tightens immigration policies under Donald Trump. The K-visa is equivalent to the US H-1B visa but has looser requirements, including not requiring applicants to have a job offer before applying. The programme supplements China's existing R-visa for foreign professionals. Stricter US policies, including raising H-1B visa fees to $100,000 for new applicants, are prompting non-American professionals and students to consider alternatives. The ruling Communist Party has made global leadership in advanced technology a top priority. For decades, China lost top talent to developed countries, with many staying in the US and Europe after finishing studies. While the brain drain has not fully reversed and many Chinese parents still prefer Western education, a growing number of professionals have moved to China from the US in recent years. Skilled workers from India and Southeast Asia have expressed interest in the K-visa. An Indian IT professional who worked in both India and the US said the programme could help realize her dream of working in China. The initiative reflects China's strategic effort to compete with the US for cutting-edge technology and skilled professionals in advanced fields.
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