Paytm has expanded its UPI payment services to international destinations including the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal. This will allow Indian travelers to make cashless transactions using their Paytm app at UPI-enabled locations in these countries, offering greater convenience for retail purchases, dining, and other activities.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Lucknow arrested Ravi Attri and Subhash Prakash, the masterminds behind the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable and UPPSC RO/ARO exam paper leaks. They are accused of leaking papers to candidates and generating significant illegal proceeds. The ED has been granted custody for further investigation.

The Delhi Metro reached a new record ridership of over 7.8 million passengers on November 18, surpassing its previous high set just three months prior. This surge comes as Delhi grapples with severe air pollution, prompting many to choose the metro over private vehicles. The DMRC has increased services and promoted the metro's environmental benefits to encourage ridership.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has penned a letter to President Draupadi Murmu, urging her intervention in the Manipur crisis. Kharge criticizes both the central and state governments for failing to restore peace, highlighting the escalating violence and displacement that has plagued the region for 18 months.

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government over the ongoing crisis in Manipur, alleging a disarray within the ruling NDA coalition and demanding Prime Minister Modi's immediate intervention. They highlighted the poor attendance at a recent NDA meeting as evidence of the turmoil and criticized the Prime Minister's silence on the matter.

BVA workers led by MLA Kshitij Thakur disrupted a BJP meeting alleging cash distribution by BJP leader Vinod Tawde. Tawde refuted the claims, urging an inquiry by the Election Commission. The incident has fueled controversy ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai has called for an emergency meeting with his federal counterpart to address the capital's severe pollution levels. Rai is demanding immediate approval for cloud seeding and criticized the central government for inaction, urging Prime Minister Modi to intervene.

Former AAP leader and Delhi MLA Kailash Gahlot joined the BJP after accusing his former party of abandoning its founding principles. Gahlot expressed disappointment with the AAP, stating that the values that attracted him and many others to the party had been compromised, leading to his departure.

The Samajwadi Party has accused Uttar Pradesh police of forcing Muslim women voters to remove their veils for identification during the Lok Sabha elections, deterring many from voting. While Congress echoed these concerns, Union Minister Giriraj Singh defended the practice, deeming it legally permissible for voter verification. By-elections in nine Uttar Pradesh constituencies are scheduled for November 20.

BVA workers led by MLA Kshitij Thakur disrupted a BJP meeting alleging cash distribution by BJP leader Vinod Tawde. Tawde refuted the claims, urging an inquiry by the Election Commission. The incident has fueled controversy ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro to discuss recent progress in easing border tensions. Both sides acknowledged the positive steps in disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and talked about future steps to improve bilateral relations.

The Supreme Court withdrew its order requesting the President to decide on Balwant Singh Rajoana's mercy plea after the solicitor general assured to brief the court on the Centre's stand. Rajoana was convicted for the 1995 assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh and has been in jail for 29 years.

During the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between their two nations. The leaders announced a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-2029 focusing on collaboration in trade, investment, and technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 107th birth anniversary. Gandhi, India's first and only female prime minister, served from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She is remembered as a towering figure in Indian politics.

Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and a suspect in multiple high-profile cases, has been detained in Sacramento, US. Accused of crimes including the murder of Baba Siddique and involvement in the shooting outside Salman Khan's residence, Bishnoi is also suspected of providing support in the murder of Sidhu Moosewala.

At the G20 summit in Rio, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for Brazil's proposal to establish a 'Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.' Modi emphasized the disproportionate impact of food, fuel, and fertilizer shortages on developing nations and highlighted India's commitment to global food security and poverty reduction.

The Supreme Court directed Delhi and neighboring states to implement strict pollution control measures as air quality reached alarming levels. The court ordered schools to consider closure, encouraged work-from-home arrangements, and criticized authorities for their delayed response to the crisis.

India has overtaken China as the top source of international students in the US for the first time in 15 years, with over 3.3 lakh Indian students enrolling in the 2023-24 academic year. This surge, a 23% increase from the previous year, is largely driven by growth in graduate programs and optional practical training participation. Indian students contributed $11.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Maharashtra leaders who switched allegiances of accepting bribes. He urged voters to reject divisive politics and highlighted the MVA's commitment to unity and constitutional principles. Kharge criticized the government's economic policies and alleged corruption within the BJP-led coalition.

The Election Commission has given the BJP and Congress another week to respond to complaints about their leaders' statements during the election campaign. The complaints allege violations of the poll code. The parties had requested more time due to their focus on Assembly elections. The deadline extension means any action will come after the elections conclude.

Campaigning for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections concluded on Monday, with both BJP and Congress vying for victory in these crucial polls. The BJP is aiming to retain Maharashtra through its alliance, while the Congress-led opposition seeks to capitalize on its recent Lok Sabha performance. The outcome will significantly impact the political landscape and future trajectories of both parties.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, speaking at a convocation ceremony, emphasized the importance of recognizing ancient Indian technological advancements. She cited examples like the Pushpak Viman from Ramayana and Rishi Bharadwaj's supposed flight, claiming they predate modern inventions. Patel also presented a unique interpretation of Kumbhakarna, portraying him as a secretive weapons developer rather than a lazy giant.

India's Gsat-20 communication satellite, designed to boost broadband and in-flight connectivity, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from Florida. The satellite, weighing 4,700kg and built for a 14-year mission, is expected to significantly enhance communication infrastructure across India. This launch marks the first time India has utilized a US rocket for its space program.

K Sanjay Murthy, an IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, succeeding Girish Chandra Murmu. Murthy, currently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, will assume his new role upon taking charge. The President of India made the appointment, exercising the power vested in her by the Constitution.

Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was injured in a stone-pelting incident while returning from a political meeting in Nagpur district. The attack occurred on the last day of campaigning for the Maharashtra assembly elections. Police are investigating the incident and have not yet identified the assailants. Deshmukh's son, Salil, is contesting the Katol assembly seat in the elections.

IIT Kanpur has developed a new indigenous Kamikaze drone capable of carrying a 6kg warhead with a range of 100km. The drone, designed for the Indian armed forces, features a foldable fixed-wing design, AI-based autonomous navigation, and advanced stealth technology for all-weather operations. This development aligns with India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported record-breaking seizures of over Rs 1,000 crore in Maharashtra and Jharkhand during the recent assembly bypolls. The seizures, seven times higher than in 2019, included cash, precious metals, freebies, drugs, and liquor. Maharashtra accounted for the majority of seizures, with a significant portion being illegal cash and silver.