Donald Trump makes historic comeback, wins second term

Former U.S. President and Republican Donald Trump made a forceful comeback as he won a second term in office, defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, to become the 47th President of the United States. 

Republicans took control of the Senate, increasing their tally to at least 52 of the chamber's 100 seats. 

India hopes to strengthen ties, promote peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of the Congress were among the first to congratulate President-elect Donald Trump.

In a social media message, Mr Modi said: "I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let's work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace." 

Vehicular emissions top contributor to air pollution: study

Vehicles in the Capital contributed more to air pollution than stubble burning in neighbouring States during the period from October 12 to November 3, said the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a Delhi-based research and advocacy group.

According to the research group, the neighbouring districts accounted for 34.97% of the city's air pollution while the contribution of 'Delhi's local sources' was 30.34%. 

The contribution of farm fires stood at only 8.19% during the period while the remaining sources of pollution were in areas beyond the National Capital Region. 

Chhattisgarh tribal commission finds irregularities in mining clearance

The Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission (CSSTC) has found irregularities in getting environmental clearance for the Parsa coal mine in the Surguja region of the State and has recommended cancelling the forest clearance for the mining project in the biodiversity-rich area. 

The Commission has found that the said clearance which is obtained only after receiving the consent of the gram sabha according to the rules was obtained using forged documents. 

Why did SC uphold the U.P. Madrasa Act?

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, except for its provisions allowing the Board to award higher degrees. 

The court emphasised the need for the State to balance quality education with the autonomy of minority institutions, advocating for madrasas to provide a standard secular education while respecting their religious character. 

The court asserted that State regulation of madrasas, even with religious instruction, is valid as long as it does not breach legislative competence or overstep minority rights. 

Climate experts worry about Trump's reelection impact

With the 29th edition of the annual climate conference set to begin in Baku, Azerbaijan next week and Donald Trump winning the presidential election in the U.S., climate experts worry about what this will mean for global efforts at addressing climate change. 

In 2017, Mr. Trump announced the U.S.'s exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, which commits countries to keep the world from ensuring that average temperatures do not exceed 2 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels by the turn of the century. 

The Paris Agreement in Trump's reckoning was a "bad deal that committed the country to pay billions of dollars" without getting anything in return, hobbled the coal industry and compromised the country's defence spending. 

Autonomous surface vessel completes 1,500-km voyage

An autonomous surface vessel built by Sagar Defence Engineering has completed a 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi without human intervention, in an endeavour supported by the Indian Navy.

"This first-of-its-kind journey highlights India's growing expertise in autonomous maritime technology and establishes a significant milestone in developing cutting-edge, unmanned systems for national security," the company said in a statement. 

It is supported by the Indian Navy's Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), the Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).