1. 19 Bomb Threats in 3 Days; Government to Double the Number of Air Marshals
Seven flights, including 4 operated by IndiGo, 2 by SpiceJet, and 1 by Akasa, received bomb threats on Wednesday. Over the past three days, a total of 19 flights have been threatened. The Indian government has decided to double the number of air marshals on both domestic and international routes, particularly those deemed sensitive.
The deployment of National Security Guards (NSG) as air marshals will ensure enhanced security. These units are trained to handle anti-hijacking and anti-terror operations. Air marshals are typically in plain clothes, carrying loaded weapons, ensuring safety onboard.
The arrest of a minor from Chhattisgarh by Mumbai police, in connection with one of the threats, has raised concerns about the growing frequency of such incidents.
2. Central Employees’ DA Increased by 3%, Benefiting Over 49 Lakh Employees
The Union Cabinet has announced a 3% increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees, raising it from 50% to 53%. This increment will benefit 49.18 lakh central employees and 64.89 lakh pensioners, effective from July 1, 2024. DA is typically revised every six months to counter inflation and rising prices.
3. MSP Increased for Mustard and Wheat Crops; Wheat MSP Raised by ₹150 to ₹2,425 per Quintal
The government has raised the minimum support price (MSP) for six rabi crops. Mustard’s MSP has been increased by ₹300, while wheat saw an increase of ₹150 to reach ₹2,425 per quintal. The MSP for chickpeas was also raised by ₹210, bringing it to ₹5,650 per quintal.
The MSP now covers 23 crops, including grains, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops, ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
4. Supreme Court Installs New ‘Lady of Justice’ Statue with an Open Eye and Constitution in Hand
A new statue of the ‘Lady of Justice’ was installed in the Supreme Court’s Judges Library. This statue differs from the traditional representation, as it lacks the blindfold and carries the Constitution instead of a sword. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud commissioned the artwork to send a message that justice in India is neither blind nor a mere symbol of punishment.
The aim is to convey that the law in India strives for fairness and equality, emphasizing the role of the Constitution.
5. Gold Hits ₹76,553 for 10 Grams, All-Time High; Silver Increases by ₹1,712 to ₹91,512 per kg
Gold prices surged by ₹623 to reach an all-time high of ₹76,553 per 10 grams, while silver rose by ₹1,712 to ₹91,512 per kilogram. So far, gold has seen a rise of ₹13,201 this year, with expectations that it might reach ₹78,000 by year-end. Silver is also projected to hit ₹1,00,000 per kilogram.
6. Omar Abdullah Becomes First CM of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory; Congress Stays Out of Government
Omar Abdullah of the National Conference was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, making him the first CM of the newly formed Union Territory. The Congress party, which contested the elections in alliance, has chosen not to join the government but is offering external support.
During his speech, Omar promised that no special traffic arrangements or green corridors would be made for his movements, urging his ministers to follow the same practice, emphasizing that they serve the people, not inconvenience them.
7. Girl Found Murdered After Alleged Rape in Bengal; Face Burned, Body Dumped Near Puja Pandal
In a shocking incident in West Bengal’s Nadia district, the body of a 20-22-year-old girl was found near a Puja pandal. The girl was allegedly raped and murdered, and her face was burned in an attempt to conceal her identity. Police have arrested her boyfriend for questioning.
This marks the second such incident in West Bengal in the last 10 days, following the discovery of a 10-year-old girl’s body in South 24 Parganas. The public’s outrage over the recent incidents has led to violent protests, with demonstrators attacking police stations.
Headlines:
- National: NSG Commandos to be Replaced with CRPF for Security of 9 Leaders Including Yogi Adityanath and Rajnath Singh – Decision to be Implemented Next Month
- Judiciary: Karnataka High Court Says Mosque is a Public Place – Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Does Not Hurt Religious Sentiments; Incident Took Place in Bengaluru Mosque
- Crime: Maid Mixed Flour with Her Own Urine to Prepare Bread – Businessman’s Entire Family in Ghaziabad Falls Sick, Caught After Installing Kitchen Camera
- Judiciary: Supreme Court Calls Central Panel a ‘Toothless Tiger’ Regarding Stubble Burning – Criticizes Punjab and Haryana Governments for Inaction, Orders Accountability of Officials
- National: Chief Election Commissioner’s Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing in Uttarakhand – Landed in a Field Due to Bad Weather While Heading for Nanda Devi Trek
- Crime: Singer Neha Kakkar and Husband Receive Threats in Punjab – Nihang Sect Accuses Them of Indecent Public Behavior, Warns of Consequences
- Sports: India-New Zealand Test Match Day 1 Canceled Due to Rain – No Toss, Continuous Rainfall in Bengaluru Since Morning
- Politics: BJP CEC Meeting on Maharashtra Elections – Discussion on Candidate Names, Modi and Shah Present; Voting Scheduled for November 20
- International: US Criticizes India’s Lack of Cooperation in the India-Canada Dispute – Urges India to Help with Investigation; Trudeau Accuses Indian Officials in Nijjar’s Killing
- International: Israel Carries Out Airstrike on Lebanon’s Nabatiyeh, Killing Mayor and 5 Others – Reportedly Preparing to Target Iran as Well
- Dog Reaches the Top of the Great Pyramid of Giza: A paraglider named Alex Lang shared a viral image showing a dog on top of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The Great Pyramid, which stands at 481 feet tall, is the largest of Egypt’s 118 pyramids and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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