Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has defended the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, playing down concerns over rising air pollution. Speaking at a government event in Lucknow on Wednesday, November 11, he said that pollution caused by the celebrations would eventually subside. He also questioned why critics were targeting people for bursting firecrackers for a day but remained silent about those who had allegedly polluted the system through corruption. Adityanath said his government had imposed no restrictions on Diwali celebrations and allowed people to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm. His remarks come amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality. (PC: India Today)

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's reported relationship with Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, suspected by US officials of having links to Chinese intelligence, allegedly helped facilitate $7.5 billion worth of chip shipments to China since 2023, according to an investigation by The Information. The report said Alice Huang, her husband and sister built a network of companies across China and Singapore to obtain Nvidia chips. The network allegedly moved around 240,000 processors, including restricted H100 and H200 systems. Some chips reportedly reached Chinese technology companies, including Alibaba and Tencent. Nvidia's board has launched an independent investigation into the allegations. (PC: NDTV)

A hijack threat triggered a security alert at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Wednesday morning, moments before an Air India flight was scheduled to depart for Mumbai. A threatening message was reportedly found written on the mirror inside the aircraft's washroom. The pilot alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC), following which the aircraft, flight AI 772, was moved to an isolation bay. All 93 passengers and 5 crew members were deboarded. Security agencies launched a thorough inspection of the aircraft. Airport authorities activated security protocols as investigations began to identify the source of the threat. (PC: News18)

India's stock market opened higher on Wednesday after remaining closed for Diwali, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty beginning the trading session on a positive note. The Sensex started at 82,248.68, up 1,142.03 points, while the Nifty 50 opened at 25,337.80, gaining 293.15 points. Both indices later extended gains to reach their highest levels since February 27. Falling crude oil prices, strong foreign fund inflows and better-than-expected corporate earnings supported investor sentiment. Foreign portfolio investors bought $5.68 billion worth of Indian shares in November, their biggest monthly purchase since September 2024. The markets had remained closed on Tuesday for Diwali Balipratipada. (PC: HT)

A group of 50 Indian diaspora organisations in the UK has written to President Droupadi Murmu, raising concerns over alleged anti-India activities and protests in London. In an open letter, the groups called for an investigation into possible links between protest organisers and extremist or separatist networks. They highlighted demonstrations held outside the Indian High Commission on October 16 and at Parliament Square on October 17, where influencer Dhruv Rathee addressed protesters. The letter also raised concerns over alleged involvement of pro-Khalistan activists and Islamist organisations. The groups said peaceful protests must not encourage violence or intimidation. (PC: India Today)

The US Department of Justice has charged 3 Iran-backed suspects over alleged terrorist plots in the US and Europe, including an incident near Britain's RAF Fairford airbase in September. The accused, Mohsen Mohajeri, Mohammad Ali al-Hassani and Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, allegedly planned attacks linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to the DOJ, al-Hassani directed associates in the UK to arrange vans, fuel and other materials for the RAF Fairford operation. The incident involved 3 suspicious vans spotted near the base on September 27. Iran has strongly denied any involvement. (PC: BBC)

Fresh concerns have emerged over the health of Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, former director of Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, who has been detained by Israel since December 2024 without formal charges. According to medical records reviewed by an independent Israeli professor, his weight has dropped from 90kg to 76kg, alongside chest pain, dizziness, bruising and untreated scabies. Physicians for Human Rights Israel has demanded an independent medical examination, warning that his condition could be life-threatening. However, an Israeli district court recently rejected the request. Israel maintains that its prison authorities operate lawfully. (PC: Getty Images)

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has accused the US military of misleading commercial shipping operators by claiming that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz is open. An IRGC Navy commander alleged that American forces are encouraging oil tankers to enter dangerous waters while avoiding the route themselves. The warning comes amid escalating maritime tensions, with Iranian authorities reporting that several tankers caught fire after encountering naval mines on unauthorised routes. Iran has also demanded the lifting of US sanctions and naval restrictions. Washington has not independently confirmed the allegations. (PC: Reuters)

Nvidia is facing a leadership crisis as CEO Jensen Huang comes under scrutiny following reports of an alleged relationship with a businesswoman suspected by US intelligence agencies of having links to Chinese espionage. Huang has acknowledged an extramarital relationship, while the company's board has launched an independent investigation. The controversy has raised concerns about corporate governance, national security and Nvidia's future leadership. Huang, who co-founded the company and has led it for 33 years, remains central to its operations. His departure could create uncertainty, as Nvidia reportedly lacks a clear successor. The controversy has also triggered shareholder litigation and market concerns. (PC: NDTV)

The Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Digaru railway station in Assam’s Kamrup (Metropolitan) district on Wednesday, November 11, at approximately 6:54 am. The locomotive and five coaches reportedly went off the tracks while the train was being received at the station to give precedence to another train. Several passengers were feared injured, although no fatalities had been reported. Northeast Frontier Railway launched rescue and relief operations, deploying senior officials to the accident site. An alternative train was arranged to transport stranded passengers. Authorities are assessing the situation, while the exact cause and number of injuries remain unconfirmed. (PC: The Hindu)