President Murmu Strengthens India-Angola Ties
President Droupadi Murmu concluded a historic four-day state visit to Angola on November 9, 2025, marking the first such visit by an Indian President. The visit aimed at expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation between India and the oil-producing African nation, which is also celebrating its 50th Independence Day anniversary. Discussions with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço focused on enhancing collaboration in crucial sectors including energy, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, critical and rare earth minerals, diamond processing, defence production, transport infrastructure, and digital public infrastructure.
President Murmu highlighted the "unlimited possibilities" for expanding ties, noting India's capability and willingness to share expertise in areas like road and rail infrastructure development, including the potential export of high-speed 'Vande Bharat' trains to Angola. She also emphasized India's readiness to share its revolutionary digital public infrastructure, particularly in financial inclusion and e-commerce services. The visit underscores India's commitment to forging strong partnerships in Africa, with Angola already being one of India's top three trading partners.
Indian Navy Participates in Malabar Exercise 2025
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and constructed Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, is actively participating in the multilateral Exercise Malabar-2025 at Guam in the Northern Pacific. The Defence Ministry stated that INS Sahyadri's involvement in the exercise reaffirms India's enduring partnership and its dedication to strengthening coordination, enhancing interoperability, and demonstrating a collective resolve to safeguard regional security.
The Harbour Phase of Exercise Malabar-2025 includes operational planning, discussions, alignment on communication protocols, familiarization visits among participating nations, and sports fixtures. Following this, the Sea Phase will commence, where ships and aircraft will engage in naval drills focusing on joint fleet operations, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery serials, and flying operations. This exercise is a crucial platform for India to enhance its maritime capabilities and foster cooperation with key strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Assam Cabinet Approves Bill to Ban Polygamy
In a significant move towards social reform, the Assam Cabinet approved a bill on November 10, 2025, aimed at banning polygamy in the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the government also plans to establish a new fund to compensate women who are victims of polygamy, ensuring they do not face hardship in rebuilding their lives. This legislative step reflects the state government's commitment to addressing social issues and promoting gender equality.
Delhi's Air Quality Remains a Concern, CAQM Holds Off on Stage-3 Curbs
Delhi's struggle with air pollution continued, with the air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category on November 9 and 10, 2025. Despite this, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided against invoking Stage-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), noting a slight improvement and a consistent declining trend in the daily average Air Quality Index (AQI). However, the ongoing pollution prompted protests at India Gate, where parents and activists gathered to demand urgent government action for cleaner air, with some protesters reportedly detained.
Gujarat ATS Foils Terror Plot
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) successfully apprehended three suspects from Ahmedabad on November 9, 2025, who were allegedly conspiring to carry out terrorist attacks across the country. The arrests were made while the individuals were reportedly supplying weapons, following a year-long surveillance by the ATS. This operation highlights ongoing efforts by Indian security agencies to counter terrorism and maintain national security.