Democrats are preparing congressional investigations into President Donald Trump’s family and business associates after taking control of the House in January. Incoming House Oversight Committee leader Robert Garcia said Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Elon Musk could face questioning. The inquiries are expected to examine Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency, access to federal information, government contracts and possible conflicts of interest. Lawmakers also plan to scrutinise Kushner’s business interests and diplomatic involvement, the Trump family’s cryptocurrency ventures and payments connected to Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding. Democrats say they want documents, testimony and public hearings. The allegations remain unproven; the investigations aim to determine whether rules were breached. (PC: Northeastern Global News)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel at a CRPF camp in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district on Sunday, declaring that India had won its decades-long battle against armed Maoism. Calling Diwali 2026 the first since the country’s victory over Naxalism, Modi said every district was now free from the threat. However, he warned that the ideological challenge remained, accusing what he called “dimagi Naxals” of infiltrating organisations, including political parties, and instigating people against the Constitution and democracy. The government had declared India free from Left-wing extremism on March 31, following the elimination of Maoist leaders and cadres and the surrender of hundreds of others.

Around 150 Chinese nationals have reportedly been livestreaming from impoverished neighbourhoods in Dhaka, presenting footage as scenes from New Delhi to audiences in China. An investigation published by Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo on November 6 identified Chinese vloggers filming in areas including Tekpara and Uttara, portraying local living conditions as representative of India. The videos are reportedly being shared on Chinese social media platforms, with some creators making derogatory claims about India's poverty and infrastructure. Another Bangladeshi outlet, The Business Standard, had documented similar filming in Dhaka's low-income neighbourhoods in May. The activity has raised questions about possible organised disinformation, although no evidence establishing a coordinated campaign is provided. (Video Source: Prothom Alo)

Delhi’s air pollution levels surged to more than 50 times the World Health Organization (WHO) limit in several areas as residents burst firecrackers beyond the 10 pm Deepavali deadline. Delhi Pollution Control Committee data showed PM2.5 levels reaching 767 micrograms per cubic metre in Anand Vihar and 760.99 in Akshardham at 11 pm on November 8. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recorded 702 micrograms per cubic metre. These levels were 51.13, 50.73 and 46.8 times the WHO’s 24-hour limit of 15 micrograms, respectively. Delhi’s overall air quality remained ‘very poor’, while several areas reported ‘severe’ conditions. (PC: The Hindu)

Iranian hardliners have urged the government to take a tougher stand in talks with the US after President Donald Trump's Republican Party suffered losses in the midterm elections. Iran's security council chief Mohsen Rezaei said, “You lost the war and the election,” targeting US leaders. They believe the election results show that the eight-month war has weakened Trump politically. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has also warned against making concessions. Iran has set seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. These include ending the war, compensation for damages, withdrawal of US forces and lifting sanctions.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has asked former army chief Gadi Eisenkot to form the next government. The move is a setback for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose coalition lost its majority in the October 27 election. Eisenkot received support from 67 lawmakers, while 46 backed Netanyahu. He now has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. However, talks could prove difficult due to differences among opposition parties and concerns over support from Arab lawmakers. Netanyahu has not conceded and continues to push for a national unity government. Failure could lead to fresh elections in 2027.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has predicted that the BJP-led NDA government will lose the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at a protest in Kochi against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, he called for an independent electoral system. Dipke accused the Centre of trying to control people's choices and restricting freedom. He also criticised the arrest of young protesters and compared the government's actions to British rule. He urged citizens to raise their voices and bring political change through elections.

A Diwali celebration in Seattle was disrupted by far-right activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, who carried anti-Hindu placards targeting Hindus and people of Indian origin. The incident has triggered strong reactions from US lawmakers and the Indian-American community. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal condemned the demonstration, saying, “I am beyond disgusted by this vile and racist display.” Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also called for action against religious hatred, saying, “We have a lot of work to do.” Businessman Ajay Jain Bhutoria described the incident as “pure hate and bigotry”, while Hindu organisations urged the community to remain vigilant.

Pakistan defeated India by 3 wickets in a Group A clash of the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 in Oman on Sunday. After winning the toss, India elected to bat but struggled against Pakistan's bowling attack. Arjun Rajput led India's fightback with a brilliant 107 off 85 balls, including 11 fours and 5 sixes. Aaryavir Sehwag scored 22, while Anvay Dravid managed just 10 runs. India were bowled out for 208 in 46.3 overs. Pakistan chased down the target, scoring 209/7 in 48.1 overs to secure an important victory. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has vowed that America will return “bigger and stronger than ever” after the Republican Party suffered a major defeat in the November 3 midterm elections. Calling the outcome a “giant step back in history”, Trump blamed the election results for a reported $3 trillion loss in the stock market. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, he defended his economic record and expressed confidence in a political comeback. Democrats secured control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, dealing a major setback to Trump and his Republican Party. (PC: India Today)