Good evening. The latest on Anmol Bishnoi’s extradition, his NIA custody, and the US Senate’s agreement to pass the Epstein Files bill after a near-unanimous House vote dominated news headlines on Wednesday, November 19. 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
272 former judges, bureaucrats criticise Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ attacks on EC
A group of 272 prominent citizens, including former judges, civil servants and military veterans — have issued a sharp critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of venting “impotent rage” after repeated electoral defeats and undermining the Election Commission of India. In a joint statement, they said Gandhi’s allegations of “vote theft” and threats to “hound” officials lack credibility, noting he has not filed any formal complaint with an affidavit. They argued that his attacks, echoed by some opposition leaders and activists, are an attempt to mask political setbacks as institutional failure and called for respect for democratic processes. Read more
- 02
Supreme Court asks CAQM to issue order to defer sports activities in Delhi-NCR schools
The Supreme Court on Wednesday urged the CAQM to consider directing Delhi-NCR schools to shift sports activities scheduled for November–December to safer months, citing severe air pollution. The bench, led by CJI B R Gavai, noted submissions that holding outdoor events during peak pollution “would amount to putting children in a gas chamber.” The Court also stayed a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had paused the Punjab government’s directive requiring brick kilns to use cleaner paddy straw pellets instead of coal. The Centre and Punjab argued that pellets produce significantly lower emissions and are crucial to reducing pollution. Read more
- 03
Masked men with swords and baseball bats storm Bhopal cafe as customers flee
Around 20–25 masked men armed with swords, sticks, and baseball bats stormed the Magic Spot Cafe on Bhopal’s Hoshangabad Road on November 18, unleashing a swift, violent rampage. CCTV footage shows the attackers smashing furniture, glass panels, and equipment as customers fled in panic. One staff member suffered a sword injury, and a customer’s finger was fractured. The cafe owner, who reported no personal disputes, filed an FIR naming five suspects. Police have ruled out robbery and are probing personal enmity or business rivalry. Two suspects have been detained, and multiple police stations are jointly investigating the case. Read more
- 04
Microsoft and Nvidia pour billions into Anthropic, putting focus back on circular AI investments
Anthropic has secured up to $15 billion in new investments from Microsoft and Nvidia, boosting its valuation to $350 billion, up from $183 billion in September. The partnership deepens collaboration between the three companies: Microsoft and Nvidia will fund Anthropic’s AI development, while Anthropic will purchase $30 billion in Azure computing powered by Nvidia systems. Satya Nadella stressed that OpenAI remains a key partner even as Microsoft expands ties with Anthropic. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang called the collaboration a “dream come true.” Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI leaders, Anthropic is known for its Claude models, including the new Claude Sonnet 4.5. Read more
- 05
BLO dies by suicide, her family in Bengal alleges ‘work pressure’
A Booth Level Officer (BLO), Shantimoni Ekka, died by suicide in Malbazar, West Bengal, with her family alleging unbearable pressure from Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties. The 48-year-old anganwadi worker was reportedly overburdened as the only BLO in her booth, struggling with extensive form work and language barriers. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the Election Commission’s “inhuman workload,” claiming 28 BLOs have died since SIR began. A report has been sought by the Chief Electoral Office. The incident follows another recent BLO death in Purba Bardhaman, intensifying concerns over high-pressure election-related duties in the state. Read more
