In a monumental decision, UNESCO has officially named India's beloved festival of lights, Deepavali, to its prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage List during a committee meeting at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. The news was met with joyous celebrations and performances, with Prime Minister Modi expressing his pride and noting the global impact of Deepavali's inclusion. This marks the sixteenth element from India to be inscribed on the Representative List, solidifying the country's rich cultural heritage.
The latest bout of border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, with hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced and casualties on both sides. The renewed skirmishes have shattered a ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in July. The leaders of both countries have promised to continue their aggressive stance, causing further tension and concerns for the safety of civilians. This has even resulted in the withdrawal of Cambodia's team from a regional sporting event.
Notorious Naxalite commander Ramdher Majji, along with his group, surrendered to the police in Chhattisgarh. This surrender marks a milestone in the fight against Naxalism, as the state's Deputy Chief Minister states that 80 percent of the menace has been eradicated. With the government's resolved aim to eliminate Naxalism by 2026, the country is heading towards a permanent solution to this long-standing issue. Home Minister Amit Shah also noted the significant progress made in reducing Naxal violence, with only 10 percent of the nation's population currently affected compared to 120 million people in the past.
After the tragic fire at their club in Goa, owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra have been detained in Thailand and are expected to be brought back to India soon. The Indian agencies have been in constant communication with Thai authorities and have managed to locate the brothers outside the main city area. With their detention, the process for their deportation has been initiated and Indian agencies are coordinating with Thai authorities for their return. The article also explains the general procedure for deportation of foreigners from Thailand under immigration laws.
Two years after the shocking death of Dawn Sturgess from Novichok poisoning, a public inquiry has released its final report. The report, overseen by retired Supreme Court justice Lord Hughes of Ombersley, examined whether British officials had taken adequate precautions to prevent the attack on ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March 2018. The inquiry also investigated whether Ms. Sturgess's death could have been avoided with timely public warnings about abandoned objects. Good Morning Britain correspondent Richard Gaisford reported live from Salisbury, where the attack first came to light, to reveal the disturbing findings of the inquiry.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has found a solution to maintain its aging Jaguar fleet by obtaining over 20 retired aircraft from the Oman Air Force. These jets will be dismantled and used as spares, as global production of Jaguar has ceased. With this transfer, India will become one of the few countries to still operate the Anglo-French supersonic attack aircraft. The collaboration between India and Oman in this regard reflects their robust defense partnership.
India's festival of lights, Deepavali, has been added to Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, following in the footsteps of Durga Puja. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the nomination, stating that the festival is closely tied to India's culture and ethos. The nomination process for Deepavali involved diverse communities and experts, showcasing the festival's reach beyond the country, as it joins India's 15 elements already on Unesco's list.
The Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025 kicked off at Bharat Future City with an impressive lineup of guests, including Chief Guest Governor Jishnu Dev Verma and film actor Nagarjuna. Attendees were impressed by the interactive robot welcoming guests and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who was accompanied by actor Nagarjuna. The summit also saw the presence of national and international dignitaries, making it a star-studded event. To add to the festive atmosphere, a specially composed song celebrating Telangana Rising was also featured during the opening ceremony.
Despite a ceasefire agreement earlier this year, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have risen as both sides accuse each other of violating the truce. Amid ongoing disputes over the territory along their shared border, Thailand launched airstrikes on Monday, exacerbating the already fragile situation. While mediation efforts are underway, there are concerns that the conflict could escalate further, causing harm to civilians on both sides.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 has triggered a tsunami warning in Japan, with waves predicted to reach up to three meters in height. The quake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture and has already caused significant shaking, according to eyewitness reports on social media. While some areas have already been hit by the tsunami, officials are warning that more areas could potentially be impacted and are urging residents to evacuate and seek higher ground as a precaution. Power outages and safety checks at nuclear power plants have also been reported in the region.