Good evening. The continuing probe into the Red Fort blast and Delhi’s worsening air quality dominated news headlines on Thursday, November 13. But much more has happened in the worlds of politics, business, technology, sport, and entertainment. Don’t worry, Express Catch-up is here to bring you up to speed.
- 01
NAAC issues show cause notice to Al-Falah University over false accreditation claim
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Al-Falah University in Faridabad, which has been under the scanner over its staff members’ involvement in the Red Fort blast in Delhi. The private university, which was founded in 2014, had claimed that it was accredited by NAAC. However, NAAC on Wednesday said that accreditation of its two colleges expired several years ago. The website of Al-Falah University has also gone down amid the scrutiny into its activities. Umar Nabi Bhat, the Red Fort bomber and his associates Dr Muzamil Shakeel Ganai, and Dr Shaheen Saeed were staff members at Al-Falah School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre. Read more
- 02
Trump signs funding bill to end America’s longest-running government shutdown
US President Donald Trump signed the stopgap funding bill on Wednesday night to end the 43-day-long government shutdown. The shutdown saw thousands of federal workers go without paychecks and face layoffs and furloughs, while travellers were left stranded at the airport due to air traffic controller shortages. People were also seen lining up at food banks to get a meal for their families. The government shutdown, the longest in US history, dragged on for nearly eight weeks due to the disagreement between the Republicans and Democrats over funding legislation, primarily concerning healthcare spending. Read more
- 03
Amid SIR, Election Commission changes process to appoint Booth Level Agents
The Election Commission of India on Tuesday amended the criteria for appointing a political party’s Booth Level Agent. Until now, the BLAs had to be registered electors of the booth in which they were appointed. But the EC has now allowed parties to appoint a registered elector from the same Assembly constituency if they cannot find a BLA from the same booth. The changes come at a time when the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is underway in 12 states and Union Territories. Read more
- 04
Delhi Metro gears up to execute projects in UK, Australia
The Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL) – the newly created international subsidiary of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will execute projects in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. DMIL was announced last week as the international consult arm of DMRC to work on behalf of the MoHUA to undertake international consultancy, construction, turnkey projects, and management services, including operation and maintenance-related projects. Apart from Australia and the UK, DMIL is also engaged in active discussions to undertake projects with agencies and authorities in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where several urban mobility systems are in the planning or tendering stages. Read more
- 05
Special Bangladeshi tribunal to deliver verdict against Hasina next week
The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh will deliver the verdict against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina on November 17 in a case over crimes against humanity. Hasina, her home minister in the ousted Awami League government, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and then inspector general of police (IGP) or police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were tried in the tribunal, where the ex-premier and Kamal were tried in absentia. Hasina fled to India in August 2024 amid the student-led protests that rocked Bangladesh. Read more
