In the Rangpuri Pahari slum of Delhi, a wave of unease has swept through the community of migrant workers. These individuals, who have long lived on the margins of society, are now confronted with the daunting prospect of making unexpected and costly trips back to their hometowns to ensure their names remain on India’s electoral rolls. This follows the initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by India’s Election Commission on November 4, a nationwide effort to update voter lists across 12 states and federally administered regions, encompassing nearly 510 million voters. The SIR aims to eliminate ineligible voters and include those who are eligible, but for many migrant workers, this process poses significant challenges. Anjali Mondol, a domestic worker, expressed her concerns about the financial strain and potential job loss associated with taking unplanned leave. Similar worries were voiced by Subhashri Doloi, who fears depleting her savings meant for voting in the upcoming elections. The SIR also raises fears about access to welfare schemes and, for those from West Bengal, the added anxiety of proving citizenship amidst ongoing crackdowns on alleged illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. While the Election Commission has introduced online verification to ease the process, many workers remain unfamiliar with or wary of this option. The physical forms can be filled by family members, but the lack of awareness and the tight deadlines exacerbate the stress. Rajesh Kumar, a trade unionist, has called for more awareness campaigns and help desks in major cities to assist migrant workers. Despite these challenges, some, like Ramdhin Prajapati, view the SIR as a necessary one-time effort. However, for workers from West Bengal, where elections are imminent, the time constraints are particularly pressing. The situation underscores the broader issues faced by India’s migrant population, who navigate the complexities of electoral participation while grappling with job insecurity and financial instability.
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Philippine president says 7 suspects in corruption scandal have been detained, others being sought
In a significant move to address widespread public outrage, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the detention of seven suspects linked to a major corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Speaking on Monday, Marcos revealed that additional suspects are being pursued, including powerful members of Congress implicated in the brazen anomalies. The scandal has exposed substandard or non-existent flood control initiatives in the poverty-stricken Southeast Asian nation, which is highly vulnerable to deadly floods and extreme weather. The Sandiganbayan, a special anti-corruption court, has already indicted over a dozen suspects, including former House of Representatives member Zaldy Co and government public works engineers. This marks the first wave of what is expected to be dozens of criminal graft and corruption lawsuits, with Marcos vowing to bring implicated senators, House members, and wealthy construction company owners to justice by Christmas. The initial case involves irregularities in a 289 million peso ($4.8 million) river dike project in Oriental Mindoro province, undertaken by Sunwest Corp., a construction firm allegedly owned by Co’s family. One suspect was arrested, while six others surrendered over the weekend. Marcos urged remaining suspects to surrender, emphasizing that the crackdown will continue relentlessly. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned that authorities will pursue suspects globally, with three individuals expected to surrender at Philippine embassies in the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan. The scandal has sparked massive protests, fueled by revelations of kickbacks, lavish lifestyles, and luxury assets among the accused. An upcoming demonstration on November 30, backed by the Roman Catholic Church, underscores the public’s frustration. Among those implicated is Rep. Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin and key ally, who has denied involvement but stepped down as House Speaker. Former Senate President Chiz Escudero has also been accused of pocketing kickbacks, though he denies wrongdoing. Marcos’s aides defended him, noting he first raised concerns about the irregularities in his July state of the nation address. Investigations now span over 9,855 flood control projects worth 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) since Marcos took office in mid-2022, with officials estimating up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) lost to corruption since 2023. The probe may extend to projects undertaken during the tenure of Marcos’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
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Takeoff of China’s flying taxis hits turbulence
In the bustling innovation zones of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China’s technological prowess is taking to the skies. EHang, a leading flying taxi manufacturer, recently showcased its unmanned, oval-shaped craft hovering over a riverside area, resembling a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. Meanwhile, in Shenzhen, food-delivery drones have become a daily convenience and a tourist attraction, despite their higher costs. Polish tourist Karolina Trzciańska marveled at the novelty of receiving her bubble tea via drone, calling it a ‘super fun’ experience.
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Israeli military says killed Hezbollah chief of staff in Beirut strike
In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli military announced the successful elimination of Hezbollah’s chief of general staff, Haitham Ali Tabatabai, in a targeted strike on a residential building in Beirut. The operation, conducted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire. According to the Israeli military’s official statement, the strike was aimed at neutralizing a high-ranking terrorist figure, marking a bold move in the region’s volatile security landscape. The Lebanese health ministry reported that the attack resulted in at least five fatalities and 28 injuries, underscoring the human cost of the operation. This incident has raised concerns about the potential for renewed hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militant group. The strike in Beirut, a city already grappling with political and economic instability, has further heightened tensions in the Middle East. Analysts suggest that this targeted killing could have far-reaching implications for regional security and diplomatic relations, particularly in the context of the fragile ceasefire. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for restraint and de-escalation from various global leaders. The incident also highlights the ongoing complexities of the Israel-Lebanon conflict, which has seen periodic flare-ups despite attempts at peacekeeping and mediation.
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Ajman Titans outplay Royal Champs in Abu Dhabi T10
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, the Ajman Titans secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Royal Champs in the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. The Titans, led by Rilee Rossouw’s explosive 37 runs off 20 balls, chased down a target of 110 runs in just 8.2 overs, marking their second consecutive win after two initial setbacks. Meanwhile, the Royal Champs suffered their fourth straight defeat in the competition. The Titans’ chase was bolstered by a flying start from Aneurin Donald, who smashed two fours and a six in the opening over before being dismissed by Daniel Sams. Alex Hales (21 off 10) and Rossouw maintained the momentum, with Rossouw top-scoring with four boundaries and two sixes. Moeen Ali sealed the victory in style, finishing unbeaten with 29 runs off 10 deliveries, including two sixes and three fours. Earlier, the Royal Champs posted a competitive total of 109/5, thanks to a strong 80-run partnership between Jason Roy (42 off 25) and Brandon McMullen (43 off 26). However, Wasim Akram’s exceptional bowling (2/7) and Chris Green’s late strikes restricted their innings. In another match, Quetta Qavalry edged past Aspin Stallions by eight runs, defending their total of 100/7.
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First Australian woman to win a Michelin star dies
Skye Gyngell, the trailblazing Australian chef who became the first woman from her country to earn a Michelin star, has passed away at the age of 62. Gyngell, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer last year, died in London on Saturday. Her family described her as a ‘culinary visionary’ whose influence extended globally, inspiring chefs and growers to rethink the relationship between food and the land. Gyngell rose to prominence in the UK after her garden centre cafe in south-west London, Petersham Nurseries, was awarded a Michelin star in 2011. This achievement, however, came with challenges, as she later expressed frustration over customers expecting a traditional Michelin-starred experience at her rustic establishment. Gyngell’s career was marked by innovation and resilience. She pioneered the ‘slow food movement’ in the 1980s and went on to become a private chef for high-profile clients, including Nigella Lawson, Madonna, and Guy Ritchie. Her later ventures included Spring at Somerset House, London’s first single-use plastic-free restaurant. Beyond her culinary achievements, Gyngell was known for her award-winning cookbooks and her role as a food editor for Vogue. She also overcame personal struggles, including drug and alcohol addiction in her younger years. Last year, she was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer, and underwent surgery that temporarily affected her sense of smell and taste. Tributes poured in from the culinary world, with Jamie Oliver praising her for inspiring young cooks and Nigella Lawson expressing her grief on Instagram. Gyngell’s legacy as a pioneer in the culinary arts and her commitment to sustainable and thoughtful food practices will continue to resonate for years to come.
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Hunting down those who kill people to sell their body parts for ‘magic charms’
In Sierra Leone, a grim shadow looms over communities as ritual killings linked to black magic continue to devastate families. The murder of 11-year-old Papayo, whose body was found mutilated with vital organs, eyes, and an arm removed, remains unsolved four years later. His mother, Sallay Kalokoh, is tormented by the silence surrounding her son’s death. ‘They killed my child, and now there is just silence,’ she told BBC Africa Eye. Papayo’s case is emblematic of a broader crisis in the country, where killings tied to juju (black magic) often go uninvestigated due to under-resourced authorities and deeply ingrained superstitions. BBC Africa Eye’s investigation uncovered a clandestine network of juju practitioners who claim to supply human body parts for rituals, promising clients prosperity and power. One practitioner, Kanu, boasted of political connections across West Africa and showed undercover reporters a human skull as evidence of his trade. Another, Idara, claimed to lead a network of 250 herbalists. Despite arrests and raids, justice remains elusive, with many cases stalled or dismissed. The lack of closure for victims’ families fuels fear and despair in communities already grappling with poverty and the legacy of civil war. Traditional healers, often conflated with these rogue practitioners, are working to clear their name, but the fight against this dark trade remains an uphill battle.
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Israel targets Hezbollah chief of staff in deadly Beirut strike
In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel conducted a targeted air strike in Beirut on Sunday, aiming at Hezbollah’s chief of staff. The attack, which occurred in the densely populated Haret Hreik area of Beirut’s southern suburbs, resulted in five fatalities and 28 injuries, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Hezbollah confirmed that a senior commander was targeted, though the Israeli government has not disclosed the identity of the individual. The strike hit the third and fourth floors of a nine-story building, leaving debris scattered across the street and causing significant damage to nearby vehicles. Rescue workers swiftly evacuated a wounded woman on a stretcher, while Lebanese soldiers secured the site. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that the operation was aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to acting decisively against threats. Hezbollah officials condemned the attack, labeling it as crossing a ‘new red line.’ This incident marks the first strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs since June 5, when Israel targeted a Hezbollah drone factory. The ongoing conflict has placed Lebanon under increasing pressure to disarm Hezbollah, a demand the group has consistently rejected. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for international intervention to halt Israeli attacks on the country.
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Bangladesh presses India on ousted leader Sheikh Hasina’s extradition
Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in hiding in India since her autocratic regime was overthrown in August 2024. The 78-year-old leader was recently sentenced to death for crimes against humanity related to a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising during her tenure. The Bangladeshi government, led by interim Foreign Affairs Minister Touhid Hossain, sent its third official extradition request on Friday, urging India to comply under a bilateral treaty. India’s foreign ministry acknowledged the court verdict but has yet to respond to the latest request. The political landscape in Bangladesh remains unstable, with violence escalating ahead of the 2026 elections. The United Nations estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed in the crackdowns that defined Hasina’s trial. India’s historical support for Hasina has strained relations between the two nations, though recent diplomatic engagements, including a meeting between their national security advisers, suggest a slight easing of tensions.
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UAE’s Mohammed Al Balooshi clinches fourth FIM World Cup Bajas title
The Dubai International Baja 2025 concluded with a thrilling finale as UAE’s Mohammed Al Balooshi clinched his fourth FIM World Cup Bajas title, solidifying his reputation as the undisputed king of desert motorcycle racing. The event, held across the challenging terrains of Hatta and Al Qudra, saw Al Balooshi adopt a strategic, no-risk approach on the final day to secure his historic victory. Despite finishing third in the race, his focus on accumulating points ensured his triumph in the World Cup standings, marking his third consecutive title. Reflecting on his achievement, Al Balooshi praised his competitors, Alex McInnes of Britain and Poland’s Konrad Dabrowski, who battled fiercely for the event’s top spot. Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Ahli celebrated a dominant victory in the Quads category, overcoming mechanical issues to claim the title. In the FIA World Baja Cup, Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini emerged victorious after a gripping three-day duel with Seth Quintero of California, capping off a stellar season with his fifth win in six starts.