Julie, a four-year-old endangered red panda at Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, is set to be rewilded in two months, marking the park's tenth red panda release. With only around 10,000 red pandas in the wild, conservation efforts are crucial. The zoo’s red panda program, managed by the Topkeydara Conservation Centre, has gained international recognition, becoming the first Indian project shortlisted for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) global conservation award. This praise contrasts with the recent suspension of Delhi Zoo’s WAZA membership over ethical concerns regarding its treatment of an African elephant.

Mumbai Police arrested Faizal Khan, a Chhattisgarh resident, for threatening Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's life and demanding ₹50 lakh ransom. Khan was taken into custody from his Raipur home. He had initially planned to give a statement at Bandra Police Station on November 14 but requested virtual recording due to safety concerns, citing threats. Mumbai Police Commissionerate confirmed the arrest. The incident highlights growing concerns over celebrity safety, following similar threats to actor Salman Khan. Authorities are investigating the matter and ensuring enhanced security for the affected individuals. Legal action will be taken against the accused.

Explosion at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery in Gujarat's Vadodara’s Koyali area sparked a massive fire on Monday afternoon. Thick smoke was visible from kilometers away. Local authorities reported that a rescue operation is underway, with no fatalities or serious injuries reported so far. Workers inside the refinery were safely evacuated. Traffic DCP Jyoti Patel confirmed the ongoing efforts to control the fire. MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela mentioned minor injuries but assured that no deaths occurred. Firefighters and emergency teams are working on-site to douse the flames and secure the area.

10 militants were killed in an encounter with CRPF forces in Jiribam, Manipur, after the militants attacked a CRPF camp on Monday. One CRPF jawan was injured and airlifted to a hospital. The violence comes amid ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which have left over 200 dead and displaced thousands since last year. On the same day, militants fired on a farmer in Imphal East, injuring him. In separate operations, security forces seized weapons, ammunition, and explosives from different areas, including Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, as they continued efforts to curb the unrest.

The Supreme Court has questioned the limited seasonal firecracker ban in Delhi, suggesting a year-round ban to address the city's chronic air pollution. Criticizing the Delhi government for failing to enforce existing restrictions, the court emphasized that firecrackers worsen pollution and violate citizens' fundamental right to health. The bench highlighted that air pollution is a year-round issue and demanded that the Delhi government consider a permanent ban before November 25. It also directed Delhi Police to immediately ensure no sale or manufacture of firecrackers. Delhi's air quality has remained "very poor" despite the seasonal ban during Diwali.

India’s music scene welcomes its first vinyl pressing plant in four decades, launched by Samanvii Digimedia Art and Solutions Pvt Ltd. This state-of-the-art facility uses European technology to cut production times, enabling quicker domestic pressing for both international labels and local indie artists. Vinyl's comeback has reignited interest in analog music, with fans now embracing the tactile experience of record-playing. The plant represents a significant shift, making vinyl accessible for India's new generation of listeners. This resurgence in vinyl reflects a broader cultural trend toward nostalgia, reintroducing the art of music appreciation to a digital age.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, Justice Khanna will serve until May 2025, focusing on reducing judicial delays. Known for his thoughtful judgments, Justice Khanna previously served as chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Service Committee and the National Legal Services Authority. He has been involved in significant rulings, including the abrogation of Article 370 and opposing the Central Vista project approval. Justice Khanna follows in the footsteps of his uncle, Justice H R Khanna, a revered judge.

India's aviation sector is transforming as Vistara completes its merger with Air India, enhancing Tata Group's market presence with a fleet of 210 jets. The merger aims to strengthen Air India's premium appeal by integrating Vistara’s popular services. Meanwhile, budget airline IndiGo introduces business-class cabins, challenging Air India's dominance in the premium market with more affordable options starting at ₹18,000. IndiGo's new “IndiGoStretch” service will initially focus on the high-demand Delhi-Mumbai route. This strategic shift reflects the fierce competition as Indian carriers race to attract premium travelers in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

The Supreme Court rebuked the Delhi government for lax enforcement of firecracker bans during Diwali, suggesting a year-round prohibition to curb chronic air pollution. Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih argued no religion endorses pollution, stating, “If firecrackers are burnt in this fashion, it affects citizens' fundamental right to health.” The court questioned why restrictions apply only between October and January, when pollution in Delhi persists throughout the year. Delhi Police were directed to enforce the ban, while the government was urged to implement a permanent ban on firecrackers by November 25 to safeguard public health.

Mainak Pal, a 44-year-old professor in the Philosophy Department at Jadavpur University, was found dead in a hotel washroom in Uttarakhand on November 8, with deep cuts on his neck and hands. He had traveled to Uttarakhand with two friends and was expected to return on the same day. The hotel staff discovered his body after his family failed to reach him. Police have not ruled out suicide, pending further investigation. Pal, a respected academic, previously worked at Presidency University and other institutions. His death has left the university community in deep shock.