On Monday, November 24, the news cycle was dominated by two major events in India: the passing of veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra and the swearing-in of Justice Surya Kant as the new Chief Justice of India. However, developments in politics, international relations, business, technology, and sports also captured attention. Here is a comprehensive summary of the key stories making headlines.
The passing of Dharmendra, one of Bollywood’s most beloved and iconic actors, marked the end of an era in Indian cinema. Dharmendra, who died at the age of 89 in Mumbai, was known not only for his prolific acting career, which spanned over 300 films, but also for his charisma and versatile talent. Revered as the “He-Man of Bollywood” and the “Action King,” he was celebrated for his dynamic screen presence and ability to effortlessly inhabit diverse roles. Beyond acting, Dharmendra was also a successful film producer and served as a Member of Parliament, contributing to public life. Many notable figures, including legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, paid heartfelt tributes to the actor. Tendulkar recalled their personal friendship and praised Dharmendra’s infectious energy and warm personality, emphasizing the lasting impact he had both on and off screen.
In judicial news, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of India, a significant moment for the country’s highest court. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the judiciary continues to play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and addressing a variety of complex legal challenges facing the nation. Justice Kant’s experience and judicial philosophy are expected to influence the Supreme Court’s approach to pressing issues, ranging from constitutional matters to social justice and governance.
On the international front, tensions flared between India and Pakistan following comments made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Speaking at an event in New Delhi with the Sindhi community, Singh suggested that although Sindh is currently part of Pakistan, “borders can change” and hinted that “tomorrow Sindh may return to India.” This statement provoked a strong backlash from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, which condemned the remarks as delusional and expansionist. Pakistan accused India of harboring a Hindutva-driven mindset that seeks to undermine established international borders and violate the sovereignty of states. The reaction underscored the enduring sensitivity and volatility surrounding India-Pakistan relations, particularly concerning territorial claims and historical grievances.
Meanwhile, a potentially disastrous aviation incident was narrowly avoided at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday. An Ariana Afghan Airlines Airbus A310, arriving from Kabul, mistakenly landed on the wrong runway. The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 29L but instead touched down on the parallel runway 29R. At the same time, an Air India flight bound for Riyadh had just taken off from that runway, raising the risk of a catastrophic collision. The pilot of the Afghan plane attributed the error to a failure in the instrument landing system amid poor visibility, which caused the aircraft to deviate from its intended path. Fortunately, no accidents occurred, but the incident highlighted the critical importance of navigational aids and air traffic control coordination to ensure aviation safety, especially under challenging weather conditions.
In the United States, the federal government under President Donald Trump took a significant step by disbanding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a body created to reduce the size of the federal government. Established by an executive order on Trump’s first day back in office, DOGE’s objective was to streamline government operations and improve efficiency. However, less than two years later, the department was quietly dissolved, with Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor confirming that “that doesn’t exist” when questioned by Reuters. The disbandment reflects shifting priorities within the Trump administration and raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of such government reform initiatives.
Another major development from the Trump administration concerns Venezuela. The U.S. government announced plans to designate the notorious Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. This cartel, linked to high-ranking Venezuelan military officials, has been implicated in extensive drug trafficking operations that threaten the United States. The designation is part of an intensified campaign to combat narcotics smuggling and pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Although President Trump has not ruled out military intervention, he has also mentioned the possibility of engaging in talks with Maduro. The move to label the cartel as a terrorist group signals a