News live: US has set radically new terms of engagement by dealing with countries on one-on-one basis, says EAM Jaishankar

"I extend heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi for specially mentioning the proud heritage of Kurukshetra and Haryana in Mann Ki Baat. His appreciation of Mahabharat Anubhav Kendra is an honour for us. Presentation of the Mahabharat through 3D light and sound and digital technique is giving a new identity to Haryana's cultural heritage on a global level. Through International Gita Mahotsav organised at Brahma Sarovar, the PM has mentioned the inspiration from Gita across the world. It is a matter of pride for people of Haryana. Discussion of Gita Mahotsav from Saudi Arabia to Europe, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Central Asia is a symbol of India's cultural power. This became possible only under the leadership of the PM. Under the guidance of the PM, the Haryana Govt is committed to further enriching our cultural heritage and making Kurukshetra a leading global spiritual hub..."

Pakistan pushed back against the UN criticism of its 27th Constitutional amendment saying that it is fully committed to protecting human rights and dignity.

"Vinay Kumar is a three-time MLA and is deeply connected with Congress ideology. After detailed discussions with everyone, a consensus was reached on his name... We will all work together and repeat the Congress government."

A national-level para-athlete from Haryana's Rohtak district died of his injuries two days after a group of men brutally beat him up with iron rods and hockey sticks after he objected to their alleged indecent behaviour at a wedding.

At least eight people were killed and 20 injured after two government buses collided head-on in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district on Sunday, police said.  Sivagnaga is nearly 460 km from state capital Chennai.

"Neither I nor any Indian Muslim agrees with Maulana Mahmood Madani's statement. His statement is baseless. The statement will vitiate the atmosphere and cause anarchy in the country. He said that he trusts neither the government nor the courts, especially the Supreme Court. We do not know what message he wants to give or what he wants to say. But he specifically mentioned Muslims in his statement; Muslims of the country do not agree with this. His uncle, too, had made controversial statements some time back. That too had vitiated the atmosphere in the country...We should think about his intentions behind the statement...The peace in the country should not be affected. Anti-national forces are active today. Conspiracies are being hatched to disturb the peace in the country. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, our country is heading towards becoming the 'Vishwa Guru'. So, conspiracies are being hatched to vitiate the atmosphere in the country. No Indian Muslim agrees with his statement. So, he should clearly state why he has such a mindset..."

India is transforming its eastern frontier with a decisive military buildup along the Siliguri Corridor, the narrow 22-kilometre strip connecting the country's seven northeastern states to the mainland. Three new military installations are rising in this critical region, signalling a fundamental shift in New Delhi's strategic posture.

The MCD bypolls for 12 wards on Sunday recorded a voter turnout of 12.63 per cent till 11.30 am, the State Election Commission said.  The voting for the bypolls began on Sunday at 7.30 am and will end at 5.30 pm.

Sangam Vihar A ward recorded the highest voter turnout at 19.98 per cent followed by Mundka, where 17.02 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise.  The lowest voter turnout was recorded in Greater Kailash, where 7.16 per cent voters turned up. Shalimar Bagh B ward, held earlier by Rekha Gupta, recorded a voter turnout of 9.44 per cent. Gupta also exercised her franchise and urged citizens to participate in large numbers.

The polls are expected to reveal the voters' mood in the national capital after a comprehensive victory of the BJP in the Assembly election earlier this year.

"Extending SIR by one week means EC realises that exercise cannot be completed in such a short period," says Congress leader Pramod Tiwari.

"Matter will be discussed at Business Advisory Committee meetings this evening," said Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on demand for SIR discussion." "Government will keep discussing with all parties to ensure smooth functioning of Parliament," he said after after the all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.

“The opposition parties were unanimous that the issue of SIR should be discussed, along with national security, rural distress and federal issues, including how governors sit on bills passed by state legislatures. A whole range of issues was raised by the opposition and other parties. I also pointed out that the Honourable Parliamentary Affairs Minister is on record saying that if the subject is broadened to include reforms, then the government is ready for a discussion. We welcome that, let them widen the topic and bring reforms in the electoral process. We are ready for that," says CPI(M) MP John Brittas after the all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.

Breaking News Live: EC extends schedule for Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls by one week

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday extended all key deadlines for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 States and Union Territories by one week, with January 1, 2026 set as the qualifying date.

After the all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Union Minister and Apna Dal leader Anupriya Patel says, “Fourteen bills have been listed by the government for the Winter Session. All are important and necessary. During this 15-day session, we will strive to hold comprehensive discussions on all the bills, and every party will present its views.”

After the all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva says, “The government has listed 14 bills; the common issue for the opposition is SIR.”

"It seems as if the government led by the BJP, PM Modi and HM Amit Shah, is trying to finish the parliamentary tradition. The Winter Session is being called for 19 days, but only 15 days are available for discussions. Probably this is the shortest Winter Session ever. This session is being called late as well. It seems that the government itself is trying to derail Parliament," said Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi after the all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.

He added, "We said that we need to discuss security issues, with priority to national security. The blast in Delhi is evidence of the failing law and order and the Home Ministry, but it doesn't seem that the government is ready for any short-term discussion on it. The second thing is about democracy, but the way the government is behaving, this political bias doesn't look good. It raises a question whether electoral democracy is safe within the country." -- PTI

“Government is accountable to Parliament, and Parliament is accountable to the people. From Monday morning, the Trinamool Congress’ contention is this: if we say the BJP will disrupt Parliament, then the government will not remain accountable to the people. We, as an opposition party, want Parliament to function because we want the government to be answerable to the people,” said TMC MP Derek O'Brien on Saturday during a press conference in Delhi.

"Our teams are equipped to deal with a flood-like situation in Chennai. To tackle a flood-like situation, we have inflatable rubber boats, we have life jackets, and our men are trained in giving medical first response. We are also trained in rope rescue items": NDRF Deputy Commandant Kapil K to PTI on precautionary measures taken on Cyclone Ditwah.

Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, referring to his meeting with CM Siddaramaiah, says, “There is no difference between me and the CM. As party president, I know my limits. Nowhere have I made comments that create differences. We are committed, and our aim is 2028–29."

He adds, "I can’t disclose everything. This is not for the media. It is for us to send messages to party cadres and the people of Karnataka. The CM and I will work out strategies and call an all-party meeting on issues like water, funds, maize, and sugarcane, where the central government has to take an appropriate call.” -- PTI

Cyclone Ditwah Live: EAM Jaishankar shares photos of NDRF undertaking relief ops in Sri Lanka

EAM S Jaishankar posts on X, "@NDRFHQ personnel, in close coordination with local authorities, continue to undertake relief operations in Sri Lanka. #OperationSagarBandhu"

Breaking News Live: All-party meeting begins ahead of Parliament's winter session

An all-party meeting was convened by the government on Sunday ahead of the winter session of Parliament, which is set to begin on December 1.

The meeting began at 11 am on Sunday. The Winter Session of Parliament will begin on December 1 and will continue till December 19.

BJP candidate Anita Jain for the Shalimar Bagh-B ward casts her vote. She says, "We want to gift the Chief Minister a victory with an increased margin this time. If the BJP retains the ward, development work will happen at a much faster pace." --PTI

MCD Bypolls Live: Senior citizens cast their votes in Delhi's Shalimar Bagh

Senior citizens cast their votes at AP Block, GBSSS, Shalimar Bagh. A senior voter, Satish Kulshreshtha, says, "I came early to vote because it is important. We serve the nation by voting. I cast my vote keeping development in mind... I request all young people to come out enthusiastically and vote, the country runs on your vote." -- PTI

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta posts, "Respected voters, today's municipal corporation by-elections in 12 wards are far more than just an electoral process—they are an opportunity to empower our shared aspirations. Each of your votes will determine that the stream of administrative transparency, good governance, and public service in your ward moves forward, where development is not just in promises but visible in ground realities. I urge all of you to participate in this festival of democracy and certainly exercise your right to vote. Step out of your homes, reach the polling stations, and choose that candidate and party who can prioritise your aspirations by making your area safe, capable, and development-oriented. Your single vote will shape Delhi's bright future and build a 'Developed Delhi.' Vote first, then refreshments!"

The Election Commission is likely to hold special camps in red-light districts in Kolkata on December 2 and 3 to address difficulties faced by sex workers during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, an official told PTI.

The decision came amid rising concerns in the city's red-light districts over difficulties in completing SIR enumeration forms. The initial phase of the SIR will continue until December 4, with the draft voter list scheduled for publication on December 9.

A 23-year-old man died and two others sustained injuries after a Mercedes SUV (G63) allegedly rammed into them near a mall on Nelson Mandela Marg in Delhi's Vasant Kunj area early Sunday, police said. The police said the incident took place at 2.33 am when a PCR call regarding the accident was received at Vasant Kunj North police station.

"A team reached the spot opposite a mall and found a Mercedes G63 in a mangled condition," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel in a statement said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar offering all necessary support from the state for the Indians stranded at the Colombo airport due to Cyclone Ditwah, reported PTI. Vijayan, in his letter on Saturday, said the cyclone has caused severe disruptions at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, stranding nearly 300 Indian passengers, many of whom are from Kerala.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray has opposed the cutting of trees for constructing a 'Sadhu Gram' ahead of the Kumbh Mela in Maharashtra's Nashik city, and said the BJP-led government should not allow the matter to escalate, reported PTI. Actor Sayaji Shinde, a member of the NCP which is part of the ruling coalition, also said he would oppose the government if it was adamant on removing the trees.

Shinde visited the Tapovan area on Saturday where the Sadhu Gram -- accommodation for visiting religious leaders -- is going to come up. Raj Thackeray in a statement on Saturday accused the government of indulging in "opportunism". It plans to cut the trees under the pretext of Kumbh Mela, and then donate the land to their "favourite industrialists", the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief said.

In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah bearing down on Tamil Nadu, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, reviewed preparedness measures with General Manager and teams of Southern Railways to ensure minimum disruption to rail services and ensure safety for passengers and coastal populations.

Union Minister emphasised the establishment of dedicated helplines and passenger-assistance desks to support travellers facing uncertainties due to cancellations or rerouting, reported ANI.

Taiwan recorded the presence of 27 PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around its territory on Sunday, as reported by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND).

As per the MND, 25 out of 27 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "27 PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 25 out of 27 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." -- ANI

Voting for bypolls in 12 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)began on Sunday morning amid tight security.

The voting will end at 5.30 pm.  The polls are expected to reveal the voters' mood in the national capital after a comprehensive victory of the BJP in the assembly election earlier this year.