At St Columba’s School in New Delhi, a Class X student allegedly died by suicide, blaming two teachers and the school’s headmistress in a note for sustained mental harassment. His parents and fellow students protested outside the school demanding accountability. The FIR names three staff members for abetment of suicide. According to his father, the boy had complained repeatedly about being mocked, singled out, and threatened with expulsion. 

A Reuters investigation found that contaminated cold syrup produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical caused at least 24 child deaths, due to diethylene glycol (DEG) poisoning. The solvent used (propylene glycol) was repackaged by unlicensed distributors, breaching safety protocols. Inspections revealed “critical” violations at Sresan’s factory, including unhygienic storage and data falsification. Despite prior fines, the plant hadn’t been inspected since 2023. The incident has reignited global concerns about safety oversight in India’s pharmaceutical industry.  (PC: Reuters)

NDTV reports that UG Solutions, an American security contractor, has operated at multiple aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) for nearly a year. Whistle-blowers and video evidence suggest that U.S. contractors used live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray against desperate, unarmed Palestinians seeking food. The group claims it is “neither a private military contractor nor a humanitarian outfit.” Observers are questioning what regulates their role in a politically sensitive, militarised aid system. (PC: NDTV)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands following a cyclonic circulation forming over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify from November 21. Forecasts indicate heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) in Nicobar and heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) in Andaman. Thunderstorms, gusty winds of 40-50 km/h and lightning are likely on November 24-25, with squally seas (35-45 km/h gusting up to 55 km/h) in the Andaman Sea. Fishermen, tourists, and boat operators have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea; inter-island ferry services may face suspension. (PC: The Hindu)

The United States has delivered a sweeping 28-point peace proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — despite Kyiv not being involved in drafting the plan. The framework reportedly asks Ukraine to cede parts of eastern territory, drastically scale down its military, and constitutionally renounce future NATO membership. While Zelenskyy has neither accepted nor rejected it, he says he will negotiate “constructively, honestly and swiftly” with the U.S. European leaders are wary, warning that peace must not mean “capitulation.” (PC: AP)

A fire broke out on Thursday at the COP30 climate conference venue in Belém, Brazil, forcing a full evacuation of the site. Thirteen people suffered from smoke inhalation but no severe injuries were reported. The blaze, possibly caused by faulty electrical equipment, quickly spread through fabric-structure pavilions, triggering sirens and chaos. Key climate negotiations—especially over fossil fuel transition and climate finance—were stalled just a day before the summit’s scheduled close. 

Faridabad Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged ties between Al-Falah University and the extremist module behind the Delhi Red Fort car explosion. The SIT—led by senior officers—is scrutinising the university’s funding, operations, faculty, and how accused doctors allegedly used its infrastructure for terror activities. Investigators are also tracing the source and movement of explosives, believed to have originated from Dhauj village in Faridabad. Authorities detained a cleric and a teacher linked to a mosque nearby, and the DGP has called for priority oversight. (PC: HT)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana confirmed her engagement to music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal through a viral dance video with World Cup-winning teammates Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, and Shreyanka Patil. The group danced to 'Samjho Ho Hi Gaya' from Lage Raho Munna Bhai, with Mandhana revealing her engagement ring at the end. Reports indicate the wedding is scheduled for November 23. Palash, 30, has created over 40 music videos and is working on film 'Ardh' featuring Rajpal Yadav and Rubina Dilaik. His sister Palak Muchhal is a celebrated playback singer. PM Modi sent congratulations, referencing the wedding date before official announcement.

New York's incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani will meet President Donald Trump Friday at the White House, despite months of exchanging insults during the election. The 34-year-old Democratic socialist, who defeated Andrew Cuomo by nine points earlier this month, said the Oval Office meeting will focus on public safety, affordability, and economic security. Trump called Mamdani a "communist mayor" who requested the meeting and previously threatened withholding federal funding. Mamdani pledged to work with Trump on beneficial agendas while opposing harmful ones. The mayor-elect has hired extra lawyers for potential legal challenges and vowed New York will "remain a city of immigrants" despite Trump's immigration crackdown.(PC: Mint & The Telegraph)

Social media influencer Orry failed to appear before Mumbai Police's Anti-Narcotics Cell for questioning in the ₹252-crore drugs case, sending his lawyer instead who requested time until November 25. Orry was summoned following allegations by deported drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Mohammad Suhail Shaikh, who allegedly has Dawood Ibrahim gang links. Shaikh confessed to organizing lavish rave parties in Dubai and Mumbai, claiming high-profile attendees including Nora Fatehi, Shraddha Kapoor, and Orry. The case involves March 2024 seizure of 126.14kg mephedrone worth ₹252 crore from a Sangli manufacturing facility. Mumbai-based socialite Orry, frequently photographed with Bollywood celebrities, hasn't publicly commented and recently attended Travis Scott's Mumbai concert.(PC: Deccan Herald)