Pakistan's human rights record has come under fresh scrutiny after the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over the detention of more than 20 civil society activists during a demonstration in Sindh. The commission has urged authorities to release those who remain in custody and uphold citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The HRCP said members of the Sindh Youth Action Committee, Sindh Sagar Party and other civil society organisations were detained during a protest in Kandiaro on November 10. The demonstrators had reportedly assembled peacefully to demand that government-owned land be used for the construction of a university, a hospital and a children's park. Following the demonstration, the activists were booked on charges including unlawful assembly, obstructing public officials and disturbing public order. According to the commission, at least 12 of those detained have been granted bail, while several others continue to remain in custody.
Condemning the arrests, the HRCP maintained that peaceful protest and dissent are essential democratic rights and should not be treated as criminal activities. It called on the authorities to ensure the release of all detained demonstrators and safeguard fundamental freedoms. The latest incident comes amid continuing concerns among rights organisations over restrictions on public demonstrations and freedom of expression in Pakistan. Civil society groups have repeatedly questioned the handling of protests and the response of authorities to demands raised by local communities.
The HRCP had earlier raised concerns over reports of renewed violence in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where clashes reportedly resulted in casualties among protesters and security personnel. Referring to its fact-finding visit to the region in August, the commission urged both federal and regional authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further violence and address public grievances through meaningful dialogue. It also called for unrestricted media access, emphasising that journalists should be able to cover developments independently.
The commission stressed that preventing further loss of life should remain the foremost priority and urged authorities to pursue political engagement instead of relying on force. The unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been driven by public grievances over electricity prices, rising inflation, taxation and access to essential services. Demonstrations organised by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee have previously resulted in confrontations with security forces, reflecting continuing tensions between local communities and the authorities over economic and governance-related issues. The latest detention of civil society activists in Sindh has added to the debate over the treatment of peaceful demonstrators and the protection of fundamental rights in Pakistan.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by several BJP leaders, attended a light and sound show at the Namo Yamuna River Safari site in Sonia Vihar on the opening day of Chhath Puja. Chhath Puja, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, Surya, and Chhathi Maiya, is one of the most significant festivals in Bihar and several other parts of India. The four-day celebration represents purity, devotion and gratitude towards nature, with devotees observing strict rituals and praying for the health, prosperity and happiness of their families.
The beginning of the festival witnessed large gatherings of devotees across the country, with people offering prayers and making preparations for the traditional ceremonies. Scenes from Varanasi, Ghaziabad and Patna reflected the enthusiasm surrounding the occasion. Devotees gathered along the banks of the Varuna River and at Hindon Chhath Ghat, while families also performed the initial rituals at their homes.
In Patna, Deepmala Srivastava, wife of BJP National President Nitin Nabin, was seen preparing traditional prasad at her residence on Nahay Khay, the first day of the festival. Meanwhile, preparations at Ghaziabad's Hindon Chhath Ghat were reviewed by senior administrative and municipal officials, who also offered prayers to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had described the newly inaugurated Namo Yamuna River Safari as an opportunity for residents to experience the Yamuna more closely and reconnect with nature. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Sonia Vihar, she said the initiative would offer a new recreational experience for families, children and young people in the national capital. Gupta said the project would allow Delhi residents to appreciate the river and its natural surroundings without having to travel to other cities for a similar experience.
She also highlighted the government's efforts to address environmental concerns, including the cleaning of the Yamuna and the removal of accumulated waste. According to the Chief Minister, the administration is working continuously through a comprehensive approach to tackle long-standing environmental problems.
The eco-friendly tourism project features a six-kilometre round-trip cruise between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the Yamuna from the river. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra and Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Verma were among those present at the inauguration. Following the launch, Sonowal, Gupta and Mishra also took a cruise ride along the river. The four-day Chhath festival will continue with Kharna on November 14. Devotees will observe Sandhya Arghya on November 15 by offering prayers to the setting Sun, while the celebrations will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya, dedicated to the rising Sun.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Bihar is witnessing a wave of religious enthusiasm as preparations gather pace for Chhath Puja 2026, one of the most important festivals in the state. From the banks of the Ganga in Patna to ponds and other water bodies across the region, preparations are underway to welcome thousands of devotees who will gather to offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun. The four-day festival began on November 13 with the traditional Nahay Khay ritual and will conclude on November 16 with Usha Arghya. Dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath Puja is observed with strict fasting, traditional offerings and elaborate religious rituals. The festival holds particular significance in Bihar, where it is deeply connected with cultural identity, family traditions and community life.
The Ganga ghats in Patna are among the major centres of activity, with local authorities and organising committees working to ensure that preparations are completed ahead of the main rituals. Cleaning drives, lighting arrangements, barricading and temporary facilities are being put in place to accommodate the large number of devotees expected during the celebrations.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inspected several ghats in Patna on November 5 and reviewed the arrangements. Officials were directed to prioritise cleanliness, public safety, proper lighting and convenient access for devotees. Special attention is also being given to riverbank conditions and locations where strong currents could pose risks to people entering the water.
The festival began with Nahay Khay, a ritual during which devotees take a holy bath and prepare a traditional meal following strict rules of cleanliness. On November 14, devotees observe Kharna, fasting throughout the day before performing evening prayers and consuming offerings such as jaggery-based kheer and chapatis. Following this ritual, devotees begin an approximately 36-hour fast without food or water.
The most prominent ceremonies will take place over the next two days. On November 15, devotees will gather at rivers, ponds and other water bodies to perform Sandhya Arghya, offering prayers to the setting Sun. The celebrations will conclude early on November 16 with Usha Arghya, when devotees offer prayers to the rising Sun before breaking their fast.
With large gatherings expected at prominent ghats, public safety has become a major priority for the administration. District officials have been instructed to strengthen crowd management and emergency response arrangements. Rescue teams, trained divers, swimmers and boats are expected to be deployed at vulnerable locations. Medical facilities, ambulances, barricades and public announcement systems are also being arranged to minimise the risk of accidents.
Traffic management is another important aspect of the preparations, particularly in Patna, where roads leading to popular ghats are likely to experience heavy movement. Authorities are working on traffic restrictions and diversions to ensure smoother movement for devotees and emergency vehicles. Chhath Puja is distinct from many other Hindu festivals because of its emphasis on nature, simplicity and discipline. Rather than elaborate idol worship, devotees offer prayers to the Sun and perform rituals near natural water bodies. Traditional offerings include thekua, seasonal fruits, sugarcane and other items arranged in bamboo baskets.
Beyond its religious significance, the festival represents an important cultural tradition for people from Bihar. Many families living in other Indian cities and abroad return to their hometowns to celebrate Chhath with relatives. Communities outside the state also organise ceremonies near rivers, ponds and specially prepared water bodies, reflecting the festival's growing presence across the country.
As preparations enter their final stages, Bihar is once again getting ready for a celebration that brings together faith, tradition and community participation. The sight of devotees standing in the water with folded hands during sunrise and sunset remains the defining image of Chhath Puja, a festival that continues to preserve the state's cultural heritage across generations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Air travel in the United States faced temporary disruption after authorities briefly grounded flights following a technical issue, while Delhi continued to struggle with worsening air pollution, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday, November 14. The two developments emerged as major news stories on Saturday morning, highlighting concerns over aviation operations in the US and the deteriorating environmental conditions in India's national capital.
The United States witnessed significant disruption to air travel after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily restricted flight departures following a communications-related technical problem. The restrictions affected airline schedules, leaving passengers facing delays and cancellations at several airports. Authorities subsequently lifted the restrictions after addressing the immediate issue, allowing flight operations to resume. However, airlines continued to deal with the impact as they worked to clear passenger backlogs, reorganise aircraft movements and restore regular schedules.
The incident once again brought attention to the reliability of the country's air traffic management infrastructure. Even a temporary technical failure within the aviation network can have consequences extending beyond individual airports, affecting domestic and international connections. Passengers were advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight information before travelling.
Delhi continued to experience unhealthy air quality, with pollution levels remaining in the very poor category on Saturday. The city's average AQI was recorded at 373 on Friday, reflecting the severity of the pollution situation. Although some improvement was reported in the early hours of Saturday, several monitoring stations continued to register concerning readings. Seven of Delhi's 59 air quality monitoring stations recorded pollution levels in the severe category, while eight stations reported poor air quality. Delhi Cantonment was the only monitoring location to register moderate air quality during the morning assessment. PM2.5 remained the dominant pollutant across much of the capital, indicating widespread concentrations of fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
The deterioration in Delhi's air quality is linked to several factors, including vehicle emissions, construction activities, industrial pollution, road dust and the seasonal burning of agricultural residue in neighbouring states. These sources combine with unfavourable weather conditions to create a thick layer of pollution over the National Capital Region. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has remained an additional concern during the winter pollution season. A total of 4,165 farm fires were detected across the two states between October 1 and November 13. Punjab accounted for 3,782 incidents, while Haryana reported 383. However, agricultural fires are only one part of the problem, with local emissions and weather conditions also playing significant roles in determining pollution levels.
Low wind speeds and unfavourable atmospheric conditions can prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing harmful particles to accumulate near the ground. This makes winter particularly challenging for Delhi, where pollution levels frequently rise during November and December. The continuing pollution crisis has raised health concerns, particularly for children, older people and individuals with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Prolonged exposure to very poor air quality can cause breathing difficulties, irritation and aggravate existing health problems. Residents have been advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities, avoid unnecessary exposure during periods of high pollution and follow official health advisories.
Delhi's air quality outlook indicated that very poor conditions could persist through November 16, suggesting that residents may have to deal with unhealthy atmospheric conditions for several more days. While the temporary grounding of flights in the US highlighted vulnerabilities in critical aviation systems, Delhi's pollution situation underscored the continuing challenge of managing urban air quality. Both developments remained significant concerns on November 14, affecting everyday travel and public health in different parts of the world.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Tamil Nadu has attracted investment commitments worth ₹1.14 trillion through 112 MoUs since Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay assumed office in May, with the projects expected to generate 132,771 jobs. Of these agreements, 83 have advanced to the land allotment stage or beyond. To accelerate project implementation, the state government has convened the first meeting of the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Commission (TNIPC), established on November 3, 2026. The Commission will prioritise major investments worth ₹200 crore or more, projects generating at least 5,000 jobs, and proposals requiring coordination across government departments. The government also reported that MoU implementation has reached 74.11 per cent. Meanwhile, 19,323 of the 21,753 applications received through the Single Window Portal have been processed. Tamil Nadu is also preparing its New Industrial Policy 2027 as part of its ambition to become a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Donald Trump continues to stand by prominent men facing mounting criticism and controversy. Among them are Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who reportedly faces questions over his position following allegations involving an affair with a suspected Chinese spy, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is also dealing with growing scrutiny. Trump has additionally drawn attention for jokingly offering powerful authoritarian leaders the opportunity to take over his role.
In a discussion with The New Yorker’s Susan Glasser, Jonathan Freedland examines Trump’s continued support for controversial figures and raises questions about his judgment when it comes to choosing and defending influential men.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
With midnight launches, blockbuster sales and billions of views on TikTok, romantasy has emerged as one of the publishing industry's biggest commercial success stories.
Yet, despite its enormous popularity, the genre—which blends fantasy with female-focused romantic and erotic themes—continues to face criticism and dismissal from mainstream literary circles.
Guardian Australia's lifestyle editor, Alyx Gorman, joins Taylah Strano to explore the worldwide rise of romantasy and the controversy surrounding the latest novel by bestselling author Sarah J. Maas.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardain.
The United Nations climate summit is set to begin in Turkey on Monday, with Australia taking charge of negotiations for the first time. Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen faces the challenging task of building consensus among nearly 190 countries on stronger climate action, as global efforts remain off track to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming target.
In an interview with Guardian Australia's climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, Bowen addressed questions surrounding the Labor government's climate credibility, particularly given Australia's substantial fossil fuel export industry. He also outlined Australia's commitment to representing the concerns and priorities of its Pacific neighbours during COP31.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
We’re revisiting the Guardian’s long-read archives, bringing back standout stories from previous years, accompanied by fresh introductions from their original authors. This week’s pick, originally published in 2023: Just a year earlier, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck was among the country’s most popular public figures. But a tabloid-fuelled backlash changed the political mood, leaving him with the challenge of winning public support all over again.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardain.
