More than 1,400 flights were cancelled across the US on Saturday as the federal government shutdown forced the FAA to cut air traffic. Nearly 6,000 flights were delayed as air traffic controllers, working without pay, reported fatigue. The FAA said flight capacity will drop by up to 10% at 40 major airports to maintain safety. Newark, Chicago O’Hare, and Charlotte airports faced the worst disruptions. The shutdown, now in its 39th day, has left 1.4 million federal workers unpaid. Airlines urged Washington to end the deadlock as travellers faced long delays ahead of Thanksgiving. (PC: BBC)

Syria’s interior ministry initiated a large-scale operation targeting Islamic State cells, executing 61 coordinated raids and arresting 71 individuals. Authorities seized significant quantities of explosives and weapons, stating the action stemmed from “precise” intelligence uncovering planned attacks. The crackdown coincides with Ahmed al Sharaa’s visit to Washington to join an anti-IS coalition, underscoring Syria’s renewed focus on internal security and global partnerships. 

Authorities in Bengaluru have launched a probe after videos showed ISIS operative Zuhaib Manna and serial rapist Umesh Reddy using mobile phones inside Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The clips, which went viral, showed inmates freely using phones and watching TV, raising questions about jail security and possible special treatment. Manna, an alleged ISIS recruiter, was seen sipping tea and scrolling through a phone, while Reddy appeared using three phones. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the matter will be investigated, and action will be taken against those responsible for the security lapse. (PC: HT)

An Indian-American employee of the Illinois Department of Transportation was stopped by three masked agents and questioned about his immigration status and whether he knew New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The man, a US citizen, was working on a road project when the agents approached him. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the incident, calling it racial profiling and “harassment of state employees.” The Department of Homeland Security denied the agents were from ICE or CBP. The episode sparked fear in nearby schools and concern over growing immigration raids across the Chicago area this week. (PC: India Today)

A tragic incident occurred in Tarakeshwar, Hooghly district near Kolkata, where a minor girl was reportedly taken away while sleeping beside her grandmother in a railway shed. She was later found injured near a railway drain and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and formed a special team to investigate. Local leaders have expressed concern over safety issues and demanded strict action against the culprit. The police have assured a swift and fair investigation. (PC: Getty Images)

Typhoon Fung Wong, now a super typhoon, hit the Philippines on Sunday with winds up to 185 km/h and heavy rain. The storm first struck Catanduanes island before moving across Luzon. Thousands of people were evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas as authorities warned of “life-threatening” conditions. Flights and schools were cancelled, and hotels along the coast were cleared. The storm comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi killed more than 200 people. Officials say Fung Wong will weaken after landfall but remain dangerous. The government has declared a state of calamity to speed up emergency aid. (PC: BBC)

Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on November 9, 2025, with the overall AQI reaching 391, placing the city in the “severe” pollution category. Several monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, recorded AQI levels above 400. A thick layer of smog reduced visibility and aggravated respiratory discomfort among residents. Meteorological officials attributed the deterioration to low wind speed and temperature inversion. Authorities under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are closely monitoring the situation, preparing for stricter curbs if pollution persists, as schools and hospitals report rising health complaints. (PC: The Hindu)

Delhi’s air quality remained dangerously high on Sunday, with an overall AQI of 392 and 21 of 39 monitoring stations showing ‘severe’ levels above 400. Areas like Wazirpur, ITO, and Nehru Nagar recorded the worst pollution. Officials said efforts are underway to avoid stricter restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee claimed air quality is slightly better than last year due to timely action. However, PM2.5 and PM10 continue to be the main pollutants, posing health risks, especially to children and the elderly. (PC: HT)

Indian authorities confirmed the arrests of two of India’s most-wanted gangsters abroad. Venkatesh Garg, accused in multiple murders and extortion cases, was captured in Georgia. Bhanu Rana, a key member of the Bishnoi gang involved in grenade attacks and arms trafficking, was arrested in the United States. Both fugitives had been evading capture for years while orchestrating crimes from overseas. Coordination between Indian and international law enforcement led to their arrests. Authorities are now completing legal formalities for their deportation to India, marking a major victory against organized crime networks. (PC: NDTV)

Saikat Chakrabarti, a 39-year-old Indian-origin Democrat, is preparing to contest for the San Francisco congressional seat after Nancy Pelosi’s retirement. A Harvard graduate and former chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chakrabarti is known for his progressive views and digital-driven campaigns. Inspired by Zohran Mamdani’s New York mayoral win, he said, “Organised people beat organised money.” Born to Bengali parents in Texas, he co-founded Justice Democrats and advocates a wealth tax to support working families. If elected, Chakrabarti will become the sixth Indian-American in the US Congress, representing a new wave of progressive Democratic leaders. (PC: India Today)