India News Today November 24, 2025: Dharmendra passes away at 89; nation mourns
India News Today (Nov 24, 2025): Dharmendra passes away at 89; nation mourns. Delhi pollution protest turns violent with Naxal posters.
In a day marked by profound loss and high-stakes political drama, India bids a tearful farewell to cinema legend Dharmendra, whose passing at 89 marks the end of a golden era.
As the nation mourns, political tensions flare in the capital where anti-pollution protests took a controversial turn with the display of slain Naxal commander Hidma’s posters at India Gate.
Meanwhile, the markets tumbled as Sensex and Nifty closed in the red amid global recession fears, and South India braces for Cyclone Senyar with heavy rainfall alerts issued across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Dharmendra No More, Delhi Protest Turns ‘Naxal’, and Cyclone Senyar Looms: The Definitive Report for Monday, 24 November 2025
New Delhi / Mumbai / Chennai: Monday, November 24, 2025, will be recorded in the annals of Indian history as a day of heavy hearts and heated tempers. The sun rose over a nation already grieving the loss of one of its most masculine, charming, and enduring cinematic icons, Dharmendra Deol, but set upon a landscape fractured by political controversy and threatened by impending natural calamities.
From the somber cremation grounds of Pawan Hans in Mumbai to the tear-gas clouded streets near India Gate in Delhi, the news cycle has been relentless.
In the financial capital, the stock markets responded to global cues with a nervous sell-off, while in the deep south, the skies turned grey as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued grave warnings about Cyclone Senyar.
This report provides an exhaustive, 360-degree coverage of every major development that transpired across the subcontinent today.
1. TOP STORIES: THE HEADLINES THAT SHOOK INDIA
End of an Era: Dharmendra Dies at 89
The day’s most heart-wrenching story comes from Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where veteran actor Dharmendra breathed his last early this morning. He was 89.
The “He-Man” of Indian cinema, known for his rustic charm in Sholay and sensitive portrayals in Satyakam, had been battling age-related respiratory and heart issues for the past few weeks.
- The Final Moments: Hospital sources confirmed that the actor passed away peacefully in his sleep. His wife, Hema Malini, and children Sunny, Bobby, Esha, and Ahana were by his side.
- National Mourning: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, calling him “a colossus of Indian culture whose laughter and strength defined a generation.” The Maharashtra government has announced a state funeral.
- The Scene at Juhu: Thousands of fans have gathered outside his Juhu residence, ‘Yamuna Nagar’, chanting his iconic dialogues.
‘Urban Naxal’ Row Explodes at India Gate
What began as a citizens’ protest against Delhi’s hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI of 506) mutated into a major national security controversy this evening.
- The Incident: During a demonstration at the C-Hexagon near India Gate, a faction of protesters was seen brandishing posters of Madvi Hidma, the dreaded Maoist commander killed by security forces just last week.
- Violence: The situation escalated when protesters allegedly used pepper spray on Delhi Police personnel attempting to confiscate the posters. Police responded with a lathi charge.
- Political Fallout: The BJP has launched a blistering attack, with spokespersons labeling the protesters “Urban Naxals using pollution as a shield for anti-India propaganda.” An FIR under UAPA sections is being deliberated.
Cyclone Senyar: Red Alert for South India
The IMD has officially upgraded the low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal to a “Depression” likely to intensify into Cyclone Senyar within 24 hours.
- Impact Zone: Red alerts have been sounded for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, while Orange alerts cover coastal Tamil Nadu (including Chennai) and Kerala.
- Preparation: The NDRF has deployed 15 teams across the southern peninsula. Fishermen have been recalled from the Andaman Sea.
2. NATIONAL POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Key Highlights:
- SC Adjourns Umar Khalid Bail: Hearing pushed to December 2.
- Naxal Surrender Offer: Maoist committee writes to 3 CMs offering “eventless surrender”.
- LDF Wins in Kerala: Candidates win unopposed in Anthoor.
Supreme Court Adjourns Umar Khalid Bail Hearing
The Supreme Court today adjourned the hearing on the bail plea of former JNU student leader Umar Khalid to December 2. Khalid, accused of being a “key conspirator” in the 2020 Delhi riots, has been incarcerated for over five years.
- Courtroom Drama: A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria deferred the matter after the Delhi Police sought more time to file a rejoinder to fresh submissions.
- Defense Argument: Khalid’s legal team argued that the “conspiracy” narrative is fabricated and that prolonged incarceration without trial violates Article 21.
- Prosecution Stance: The Delhi Police maintains that Khalid’s speeches were the “spark” that ignited the communal violence, designed to embarrass the Indian government during Donald Trump’s visit.
The ‘Hidma’ Controversy: A Strategic Analysis
The appearance of Madvi Hidma’s posters in central Delhi is not merely a law and order issue; it signifies a potential shift in ultra-left strategy. Hidma, the commander of Battalion No.
1 of the PLGA, was responsible for the Dandakaranya ambushes that killed dozens of CRPF jawans over the last decade. His death in an encounter on the Andhra-Odisha border was a massive win for the state.
- The Provocation: By eulogizing him in the heart of the capital, sympathizers are attempting to reframe him as a “tribal martyr” (comparing him to Birsa Munda) rather than a terrorist.
- Government Reaction: Home Ministry officials have reportedly summoned the Delhi Police Commissioner to explain the intelligence failure that allowed such posters to reach India Gate.
LDF Sweeps Anthoor Wards Unopposed
In a significant boost for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala, their candidates have been declared winners unopposed in two wards of the Anthoor municipality.
This victory, coming ahead of the local body polls, reinforces the CPM’s stranglehold on its Kannur bastion, despite recent corruption allegations rocking the state government.
3. ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Key Highlights:
- Sensex: Closed at 84,782 (-331 points).
- Nifty: Closed at 25,959 (-108 points).
- Top Loser: Bharat Electronics (BEL) down 3.23%.
- Big Deal: County Group buys 5-acre Noida land for ₹473 Cr.
- IPO News: Sembcorp Energy India plans listing.
Market Meltdown: Recession Fears Grip Dalal Street
Monday blues hit the Indian bourses hard as the Sensex crashed over 300 points, dragged down by weak global cues and a “tired” tech rally on Wall Street.
- The Trigger: Expert Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar of Geojit Investments warned today that a “US market meltdown can trigger a global recession,” a sentiment that spooked domestic investors.
- Sectoral Bleeding: The metal and defense sectors were the worst hit. Bharat Electronics (BEL) shed over 3% amid profit booking, while JSW Steel fell 2.4%.
- The Silver Lining: Tech stocks provided some cushion. Tech Mahindra and HCL Tech bucked the trend, rising ~2% on hopes of a favorable rupee-dollar equation for exporters.
Real Estate: County Group’s Massive Noida Bet
In a defiance of the broader economic gloom, County Group today announced a staggering ₹473 crore acquisition of a 5-acre land parcel in Noida’s Sector 151.
- The Project: The group plans to develop an “ultra-luxury, low-density” residential project.
- Significance: This deal, at nearly ₹100 crore per acre, sets a new benchmark for land prices in the NCR region, signaling that the premium housing market remains insulated from the slowdown affecting affordable housing.
Sembcorp Eyes India Listing
Singaporean energy giant Sembcorp Industries has initiated talks for an IPO of its Indian unit, Sembcorp Green Infra. Sources indicate the company has appointed Citi and HSBC as advisors.
This move underscores the booming interest in India’s renewable energy sector, which aims to reach 500 GW capacity by 2030.
4. DEFENCE & INTERNAL SECURITY
Key Highlights:
- Maoist Surrender Letter: MMC Zone asks for time until Feb 2026.
- Army Chief Statement: “Synergy is armed forces’ strength.”
- Hidma Aftermath: Security tightened in Chhattisgarh.
Maoists Wave the White Flag?
In a startling development reported from Raipur, the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zonal Committee of the CPI (Maoist) has released a letter addressed to the Chief Ministers of the three states.
- The Content: Signed by spokesperson “Anant”, the letter requests a “temporary suspension of combing operations” until February 15, 2026.
- The Offer: The Maoists claim they want to discuss an “eventless surrender” and join the government’s rehabilitation program.
- Strategic Trap? Security experts are skeptical. This “peace offering” comes immediately after the death of their top commander Hidma and could be a tactic to buy time to regroup. The Union Home Ministry has yet to respond officially, but sources suggest operations will not pause.
5. WEATHER REPORT: CYCLONE SENYAR ALERT
Forecast for Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The IMD has issued a critical update regarding the depression in the Bay of Bengal.
- Cyclone Status: The system is expected to intensify into Cyclone Senyar by late tonight or tomorrow morning.
- Red Alert (Andaman & Nicobar): Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) is expected. Sea conditions will be “phenomenal” (wave heights 10-14 meters). All tourism activities have been suspended.
- Orange Alert (Tamil Nadu & Kerala):
- Chennai: Moderate to heavy showers expected starting tomorrow afternoon.
- Kerala: Districts like Pathanamthitta and Idukki are on high alert for landslides due to pre-monsoon saturation combined with the new system.
- Delhi NCR: The weather remains dry and cold, but the primary concern is the AQI, which hovers in the “Severe” category (450+), with smog reducing visibility to under 800 meters in the morning.
6. SPORTS ARENA
Key Highlights:
- Cricket (Ind vs SA): SA leads by 314 runs. Marco Jansen takes 6 wickets.
- Domestic Cricket: Delhi-born player scores Sheffield Shield century.
Guwahati Test: India staring at Defeat
The 2nd Test between India and South Africa at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati has swung decisively in the visitors’ favor on Day 3.
- The Collapse: Responding to South Africa’s massive first-innings total of 489, India capitulated for just 201.
- The Destroyer: The 6ft 8in left-arm pacer Marco Jansen was the wrecker-in-chief, delivering a career-best spell of 6/48. He utilized the bounce on the Guwahati track to terrorize the Indian middle order.
- The Resistance: Only Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 off 97 balls) and Washington Sundar (48) offered any semblance of a fight.
- Current Situation: South Africa decided not to enforce the follow-on. At stumps, they were 26/0, extending their overall lead to a daunting 314 runs. With two days to go, India needs a miracle to save the series.
Dressing Room Tension?
Reports have emerged of a heated exchange between KL Rahul and pacer Mohammed Siraj during the match. Rahul was reportedly unhappy with a “wild throw” from Siraj that nearly hit him while he was backing up.
The stump mic caught Rahul telling Siraj to “Calm down” repeatedly.
7. ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Key Highlights:
- Dharmendra Passing: Tributes from Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan.
- Box Office: Border 2 music announcement creates buzz.
Bollywood Weeps for its ‘Veeru’
The industry has come to a standstill. Filming for several major projects was halted today as a mark of respect for Dharmendra.
- Salman Khan’s Visit: A teary-eyed Salman Khan was among the first to reach the Deol residence. He has often cited Dharmendra as his “real-life hero.”
- Shah Rukh Khan’s Tribute: SRK posted a heartfelt note: “When I came to Bombay, the one man who looked like a star and made me feel like a son was Dharam ji. The heavens are lucky today.”
- The Funeral: The funeral at Pawan Hans Crematorium was attended by the Who’s Who of Bollywood. Hema Malini, composed but visibly heartbroken, folded her hands to the gathered media. Sunny Deol, usually stoic, broke down as the pyre was lit.
Border 2: A Musical Tribute?
In a timely coincidence, the makers of Border 2 announced today that Diljit Dosanjh will join Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh for a “rebirth” of the legendary song Sandese Aate Hai.
The announcement was dedicated to Dharmendra, who starred in many war films that defined patriotism for an era.
8. REGIONAL FOCUS - NORTH INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Uttarakhand Tragedy: 5 dead in Tehri bus accident.
- Delhi: Riots case hearing adjourned; Pollution protests turn violent.
Tragedy in the Hills: Bus Falls into Gorge
A horrific accident occurred in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district today. A private bus carrying 28 passengers skidded off the road near Kunjapuri-Hindolakhal and plunged into a 70-meter deep gorge.
- Casualties: 5 people died on the spot. The SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) has rescued the remaining passengers, many of whom are in critical condition.
- Cause: Preliminary reports suggest brake failure on a sharp bend.
Our Analysis: The North’s Dual Crisis North India is currently battling two distinct forms of volatility. In the hills (Uttarakhand/Himachal), infrastructure fragility continues to claim lives, raising questions about the pace of road widening projects in ecologically sensitive zones. In the plains (Delhi/NCR), the crisis is existential. The “Hidma Poster” incident at India Gate is a dangerous signal.
It suggests that the frustration with the state’s inability to handle basic quality-of-life issues (like pollution) is creating a vacuum that extremist ideologies are trying to fill.
The BJP’s quick labeling of the protesters as “Urban Naxals” indicates that this will become a primary political talking point leading up to the next election cycle, potentially polarizing the electorate further.
9. REGIONAL FOCUS - SOUTH INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Tenkasi Horror: 6 dead in head-on bus collision.
- Uber Protest: Bengaluru drivers besiege HQ.
- Temple Row: Srisailam mandates online booking.
Tenkasi Bus Collision: 6 Lives Lost
A gruesome head-on collision between two private buses in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district has left 6 people dead and over 50 injured.
- The Crash: The accident occurred on the Tenkasi-Kadayanallur highway near Achampatti. One bus was overtaking a lorry when it rammed into the oncoming vehicle.
- ** aftermath:** Local residents and fire services had to use gas cutters to extricate victims from the mangled remains. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the kin of the deceased.
Bengaluru Uber Drivers Protest
Traffic in Bengaluru’s tech corridor came to a standstill as hundreds of Uber drivers protested outside the company’s head office. Their grievance: “Algorithm Bias”.
Drivers allege that the new ride-allocation system favors those who accept under-priced long-distance trips and penalizes drivers who cancel unsafe rides.
Our Analysis: Infrastructure vs. Policy South India is showcasing a contrast in governance challenges. The Tenkasi accident highlights the lethal indiscipline on Tamil Nadu’s highways, despite the state having some of the best road infrastructure in India.
The government’s focus on “speed” of travel often overlooks the “safety” of transit. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Uber protest represents the “Gig Economy” crisis. As platforms squeeze margins to show profitability for IPOs or investors, the friction with the ground-level workforce is intensifying.
This could lead to state-level regulatory interventions in Karnataka, similar to the recent moves by the Karnataka government to launch its own ride-hailing app.
10. REGIONAL FOCUS - EAST INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Bengal Revolt: BLOs march to CEO office.
- Odisha Mystery: Missing lawyer’s body found in pond.
Revolt of the BLOs in West Bengal
Kolkata witnessed a massive march by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) today, who walked from College Square to the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office.
- The Issue: The BLOs are protesting against the “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) of electoral rolls. They claim the workload is “inhuman,” forcing them to work 12-hour shifts without adequate pay or medical benefits.
- The Conflict: Scuffles broke out when police tried to barricade the marchers near the CEO office.
Odisha Lawyer Death Mystery
In a chilling discovery in Mayurbhanj district, the decomposed body of lawyer Gulesh Chandra Gochhayat was found inside his car, which was submerged in a village pond.
- Timeline: Gochhayat had been missing for 90 days.
- The Discovery: Villagers spotted a tyre protruding from the water as the pond level receded. Police suspect foul play as the lawyer was involved in sensitive land dispute cases.
Our Analysis: The East’s Governance Deficit The BLO protest in Bengal is a microcosm of the state’s administrative over-reliance on contractual workers. By pushing the “SIR” process aggressively, the Election Commission is ensuring data accuracy, but the state machinery is crumbling under the pressure. In Odisha, the lawyer’s death reinforces the vulnerability of legal professionals in the hinterlands.
This incident will likely spark protests by the Bar Association, putting pressure on the BJP-led state government to improve law and order, a key plank of their recent election victory.
11. REGIONAL FOCUS - NORTHEAST INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Assam Pride: 1000 youths dress as Lachit Borphukan in Jamugurihat.
- Guwahati Test: City hosts international cricket.
Jamugurihat’s Tribute to the ‘Hero of Saraighat’
While the rest of India discussed politics and movies, the town of Jamugurihat in Assam staged a spectacular display of cultural pride.
To celebrate the legacy of Lachit Borphukan (the Ahom general who defeated the Mughals), over 1,000 youths dressed in traditional Ahom war attire marched through the streets.
- The Spectacle: The participants carried ‘Hengdangs’ (traditional swords) and marched for 15 km to the Pakamora field. The event was organized to instill martial pride in the younger generation.
Our Analysis: The Cultural Renaissance of the Northeast The grand celebration of Lachit Borphukan is part of a larger project by the Assam government and the RSS-backed organizations to “mainstream” Northeast Indian heroes into the national consciousness.
By positioning Lachit Borphukan as a “Hindu defender” against “Mughal invaders” (a narrative heavily promoted during his 400th birth anniversary), the state is aligning regional identity with the broader national Hindutva narrative.
This creates a powerful political base for the ruling coalition, merging Assamese sub-nationalism with Indian nationalism.
12. REGIONAL FOCUS - WEST INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Suicide Scandal: Minister Pankaja Munde’s PA arrested.
- Mumbai Politics: Congress attacks BJP over “Khan Mayor” remark.
Maharashtra Minister’s PA Booked for Abetment
A major scandal has erupted in the Maharashtra government. Anant Garje, the Personal Assistant to Minister Pankaja Munde, was arrested today by the Worli Police.
- The Crime: Garje is accused of abetting the suicide of his wife, Dr. Gauri Palve, who was found hanging in their Worli apartment on Saturday.
- The Allegations: The victim’s father has filed an FIR alleging that Garje was having an extramarital affair and mentally tortured Gauri. The opposition is demanding Munde’s resignation on moral grounds, though she has distanced herself from her PA’s personal life.
‘No Khan Mayor’: Mumbai’s Communal Cauldron
Mumbai Congress workers, led by Varsha Gaikwad, marched to the police station today to file a complaint against Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam.
- The Comment: Satam had recently stated that the BJP would “not allow a Khan to become the Mayor of Mumbai,” referring to the upcoming BMC elections.
- The Backlash: Congress claims this is hate speech designed to polarize the electorate before the crucial civic polls.
Our Analysis: The Battle for Mumbai
The two stories from Mumbai today—the PA scandal and the Mayor controversy—reveal the high stakes of Maharashtra politics.
The BJP is aggressively using identity politics (“No Khan Mayor”) to consolidate the Hindu vote for the BMC elections, which is the richest civic body in Asia.
Meanwhile, the scandal involving a minister’s aide gives the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ammunition to attack the government on “moral decay” and “anti-women” sentiments.
The convergence of these issues creates a volatile mix ahead of the polls.
13. REGIONAL FOCUS - CENTRAL INDIA
Key Highlights:
- Maoist Letter: Offer of surrender to MP/Chhattisgarh CMs.
- Security: High alert in Bastar.
The Letter from the Jungle: A Ruse or Real?
The letter from the Maoist MMC zone offering a surrender is the biggest story in Central India today.
- Context: The MMC (Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh) zone was created by Maoists as a new “base” after security forces cracked down on Bastar.
- The Impact: If genuine, this signals the collapse of the Maoist movement in Central India. However, intelligence agencies suspect it is a delay tactic.
- Political Response: Neither MP CM Mohan Yadav nor Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai has officially accepted the offer. They are likely to demand “unconditional surrender” rather than a negotiated “eventless” one.
Our Analysis: The End Game
The death of Hidma and this subsequent letter suggest that the CPI (Maoist) is facing an existential crisis. Their supply lines are cut, their leadership is aging or eliminated, and their recruitment is drying up.
The governments of MP and Chhattisgarh smell blood.
Expect intensified operations in the coming weeks rather than a ceasefire. The state wants total victory, not a truce.
14. SOCIAL MEDIA & PUBLIC SENTIMENT
Top Trends of the Day:
- #RIPDharmendra (Positive/Sorrowful): The dominant trend. Millions sharing clips of Sholay and Chupke Chupke. It is a rare moment of unified national grief.
- #UrbanNaxals (Negative/Angry): Trending due to the Hidma posters in Delhi. Right-wing handles are demanding strict action against the protesters.
- #CycloneSenyar (Anxious): People in Chennai and Kerala sharing rain updates and helpline numbers.
- #MarcoJansen (Awe): Cricket fans applauding the SA bowler’s destruction of the Indian lineup.
- #BoycottUber (Negative): Trending in Bengaluru due to the drivers’ protest.
Impact Analysis: The social media landscape today is bipolar. On one hand, there is the unifying nostalgia of Dharmendra’s death. On the other, there is the sharp polarization of the “Urban Naxal” narrative.
The fact that a pollution protest (a civic issue) was hijacked by ideological posters (a political issue) has given the ruling party a potent narrative to discredit dissent.
Meanwhile, the #CycloneSenyar trend shows the platform’s utility in disaster management, with citizens filling the information gaps left by official channels.
Final Word: As Monday draws to a close, India stands at a crossroads. It has lost a link to its past (Dharmendra), faces a challenge to its internal security (Naxal posters), and confronts the fury of nature (Cyclone Senyar).
Tuesday promises to be a critical day as the cyclone makes landfall and the political heat over the Delhi protests intensifies.
Stay tuned.
