Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as India's 53rd Chief Justice on Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath. He succeeds Justice BR Gavai, who retired Sunday. Born February 10, 1962, in Haryana, Justice Kant began practicing law in Hisar in 1984 before moving to Punjab and Haryana High Court, handling constitutional, civil, and service matters. He became Haryana's youngest Advocate General in 2000, was designated senior advocate in 2001, and elevated as Punjab and Haryana High Court judge in 2004. After serving as Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice, he was elevated to Supreme Court in May 2019. He has chaired the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee since November 2024.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sparked controversy by suggesting Pakistan's Sindh province could "return to India," stating "borders can change." Speaking at an event, Singh referenced BJP leader LK Advani's writings about Sindhi Hindus never accepting Sindh's separation during the 1947 Partition. The Defence Minister emphasized that while Sindh may not be part of India territorially, it remains connected civilizationally, with both Hindus and Muslims considering the Indus River sacred. Singh also reiterated his September statement about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) potentially returning to India without aggressive action, citing freedom demands from PoK residents. The Sindh province near the Indus River was allocated to Pakistan during Partition, displacing Sindhi Hindus to India.

A Delhi pollution protest at India Gate turned violent on Sunday when demonstrators allegedly sprayed chilli powder on police personnel, injuring three to four officers who required treatment at RML Hospital. Over 15 arrests were made under charges including assault and obstructing public servants. The protest took a political turn with posters of slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma appearing at the scene. The Delhi Coordination Committee for Clean Air organized the demonstration, criticizing the government's "cosmetic measures" like water sprinklers and cloud seeding instead of long-term solutions. Protesters claimed the current development model contributes to pollution and displacement, while authorities respond with suppression. DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla called the chilli spray use "very unusual."

Israel carried out an air strike in Beirut on Sunday, its first in the city in months. The attack targeted a senior Hezbollah commander, according to both Israel and the group. Lebanon’s health ministry said five people were killed and 28 injured. The strike hit an apartment building in the Haret Hreik area, a busy neighbourhood controlled by Hezbollah. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strike, calling it part of Israel’s “maximum enforcement” policy. Hezbollah said the attack crossed a “new red line.” Lebanon urged the international community to act and stop Israeli strikes on its territory. (PC: NDTV)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that Sindh, now in Pakistan, may return to India in the future. Speaking at a Sindhi community event in New Delhi, he said that Sindh is not part of India today, but it will always remain part of India’s civilisational heritage. He added that borders can change, and no one knows what may happen tomorrow. His remarks come months after Operation Sindoor, which raised tensions between India and Pakistan. Singh also spoke about the Citizenship Amendment Act, saying it was needed to protect persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries, including Sindhi Hindus. (PC: Reuters)

Wing Commander Namansh Syal was given a hero’s farewell in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district on Sunday. He died on November 21 after his Tejas LCA Mk-1 crashed during a show at the Dubai Airshow. His wife, Wing Commander Afshan Akhtar, an IAF officer, bid him a heartbreaking goodbye while their six-year-old daughter stood by her side. IAF officers honoured him with a gun salute as villagers and officials paid their final respects. Syal, remembered as a dedicated and skilled fighter pilot, was commissioned in 2009. A court of inquiry is looking into the cause of the crash. (PC: HT)

Ladakh’s Leh Apex Body (LAB) has made the release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk its foremost demand before resuming talks with the Centre. The group stated that without Wangchuk’s freedom and a general amnesty for all individuals detained following the September 24 violence, dialogue cannot move forward. LAB leaders stressed that Wangchuk’s detention has created deep mistrust among locals and is seen as a major obstacle to restoring peace. They also reiterated broader demands, including statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Until the government responds, LAB says negotiations will remain on hold. (PC: X)

Wing Commander Afshan tearfully paid her final respects to her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, whose Tejas aircraft tragically crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. His body was brought to his ancestral village, Patialkar in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, where he was cremated with full military honours, including a gun salute. In a heart-wrenching moment, Afshan—also an IAF officer—stood in uniform, fighting back tears, and saluted her late husband. The Indian Air Force remembered him as a dedicated pilot with “unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and an unyielding sense of duty.” 

Bengaluru police have arrested the seventh accused in the ₹7.11 crore ATM-van robbery, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to seven. The new suspect is related to one of the earlier detainees. During the kidnapping-like operation on November 19, the robbers impersonated Income Tax and RBI officials to intercept a CMS-operated cash van. Authorities have so far recovered ₹6.29 crore of the stolen amount. Multiple investigation teams, including 200 personnel, are working to track down the remaining culprits. (PC: The Hindu)

The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal reached his native village in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. The Indian Air Force pilot died on November 21 when the Tejas fighter jet he was flying at the Dubai Air Show lost control and crashed. His body arrived at Kangra airport and was taken to his village, Patiyalkar, for the final rites. Before this, his remains were kept at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu, where tributes were paid by officials and IAF personnel. Syal, 34, was a skilled pilot and a former Sainik School student. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.