News from November 17, 2025

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A Second Chance' supercut: When Popoy and Basha finally get their happy ending!
Days after Delhi blast, Army Chief's BIG statement on Operation Sindoor, warns Pakistan of...
World

Days after Delhi blast, Army Chief's BIG statement on Operation Sindoor, warns Pakistan of...

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday reiterated that India will not tolerate terrorism while pursuing dialogue, asserting once again that "blood and water cannot flow together" and that talks cannot proceed alongside terror. He warned that if Pakistan attempts any misadventure, India is fully prepared to deliver a lesson on how a neighbour should act. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 on Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism and the recent car blast attack in Delhi, General Dwivedi said, "When that country sponsors terrorism, it's a concern for us. We talk about progress, but if anyone creates obstacles, we will have to take action. As far as the New Normal is concerned, we say blood and water cannot flow together, talks and terror cannot be together." "We are only saying that if they adopt peace, we will be fine with it. Till this happens, we will definitely respond to the terrorists and their masters. If someone tries to blackmail India, they should remember that today India is at a point where it will not be afraid of such blackmail," he said. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he described it as "just a trailer", adding, "The full picture hadn't even begun. The trailer finished in 88 hours. We are fully prepared for the future. If Pakistan does something, then we are ready to teach it a lesson on how a neighbour should behave." He emphasised that the operation underscored the need for swift decision-making, saying, "From Operation Sindoor, we learned that decision-making time is very short, so decisions must be made, and actions must be taken at every level. Secondly, integration is very important -- be it the Army, Air Force, Navy, CAPF, etc. The Army cannot fight alone; everyone comes together to give a strong fight. Today's war is multi-domain, so synergy is crucial." On the duration of future conflicts, he said, "We cannot say how long it will last. We must be prepared for the length of the war, even if it lasts four years." Stressing India's strengthened position, the Army Chief added, "In today's time, our deterrence is very strong... After 2019, when there came a huge change in our Constitution, there has been a major transformation in the situation in J&K." Recalling an incident of during his years in J&K, he said, "A woman came to me, when I was serving as the Commander of Northern Command, and told me that when we used to mark Independence Day, schools used to ask children to make a drawing of the national flag, but the children used to ask parents about which country's flag should they draw; this was the situation there. But now, political clarity has come. There has been a huge decline in terrorism." "Terrorism has also declined significantly. This year, 31 terrorists were killed, 61 per cent of whom were Pakistanis. Only one was recruited, and he was also caught... What I mean is that there are no stone-pelting incidents, no sloganeering, everything has stopped," he noted. The Army Chief said tourism has surged in Jammu and Kashmir and that "every parameter has changed in the past few years". He also pointed out that people who had earlier left the region due to the security situation now wish to return and work there. General Dwivedi highlighted the transformative role of Army Goodwill Schools in the Valley, saying their influence is such that "a large number of children want to join these educational institutions, which are currently being run by doctors, engineers and six of our own commissioned Army Officers". (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from IANS)

Sinner caps eventful year with ATP Finals triumph over great rival Alcaraz
Rule Breakers review – rousingly feelgood real life story of Afghan girls’ robotics team
World

Rule Breakers review – rousingly feelgood real life story of Afghan girls’ robotics team

Based on a true story, Bill Guttentag’s rousing drama attests to the resilience of women who dare to dream despite draconian social strictures. The film follows Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri), a trailblazing coach and businesswoman in Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) who assembles a robotics team of Afghan girls for international competitions. The young dreamers hail from different walks of life but they all share the same zest for engineering. They face the same dangers too; in a country where women are not encouraged or even allowed to pursue higher levels of education, their quest for medals sees opposition from their own families as well as public scorn from conservatives. Rule Breakers is at its most thrilling during the competition sequences, which splice together real-life documentary footage of the events with fictional re-enactments. (There’s even an appearance from Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a host.) A breathless enthusiasm thrums through the film, as the camera swirls around the young competitors, all energised by their love for science. These spaces are portrayed as a haven that encourages camaraderie rather than competitiveness, and in a world divided by military conflicts and war, they offer a utopiian vision of international collaboration and solidarity. When it comes to the darker aspects of the story, though, Rule Breakers is less assured. Except for minor scenes depicting the girls’ rejection for American visas, the film rarely grapples with the war in Afghanistan and its effects on women. From external funding to newspaper coverage, the film sets up a dichotomy between western support and domestic oppression, but this is a distinction that requires more political nuance considering the legacy of American interventionism in the region. While spirited in parts, the journey taken by this extraordinary robotics team deserves a more layered storytelling approach than that of a feelgood movie.

Minister to outline Ireland’s CAP position at EU council
Politics

Minister to outline Ireland’s CAP position at EU council

Ireland's priorities for the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027 will be highlighted in Brussels today (Monday, November 17). Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne will be representing Ireland at a meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC). Along with EU member states preparing for the December meeting of the European Council, the meeting will discuss EU-UK relations and continue negotiations on the long-term EU budget or Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The EU multi-annual budget (2028-34) will fund the next CAP and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Byrne outlined his position on the negotiations. "A ring-fenced and robust CAP and Common Fisheries Policy, with adequate funding, will be the foundation of European food security, competitiveness, and the EU’s climate and environmental commitments," he said. Earlier this year, the European Commission proposed a significant change in how the future CAP will operate. The traditional two pillar structure would be replaced by a single framework under a National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP), with CAP measures to be delivered as part of that. Concerns have also been raised about a potential cut of around 20% in the CAP funding for Ireland. Minister Byrne also highlighted EU-UK relations, which will feature on today's agenda. "The EU-UK Summit in May gave us renewed cooperation and ambition from both sides, now we need to keep up this momentum in other areas. "While we must remain clear regarding the need for progress on implementing all commitments under the Windsor Framework agreement for Northern Ireland, a close, mutually-beneficial partnership with the UK is in the interest of the union and all of our citizens," he said. Minister Byrne will remain in Brussels tomorrow for a series of engagements including a speech at the Centre for European Reform, a panel discussion at the EU Enlargement Forum and consultations with Irish stakeholders on Ireland’s upcoming 2026 Presidency of the Council of the EU. Meanwhile, Minister Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon will be in Brussels today to attend the November meeting of the European Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH). The council is set to debate the European Commission's post 2027 CAP proposal with a focus on food security and targeting supports. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Heydon said: "It must remain a distinct, fully funded policy with clear governance, capable of sustaining farm incomes, food security, and rural resilience".

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Atlassian: Jet-setting, job growth push Australian tech company 135 per cent over travel emissions goal
Technology

Atlassian: Jet-setting, job growth push Australian tech company 135 per cent over travel emissions goal

Business travel related carbon emissions have soared 135 per cent above target at Atlassian, the homegrown tech company co-founded by Sydneysider and climate warrior Mike Cannon-Brookes. In its 2025 Sustainability Report released on Monday, the $61 billion software giant blamed the emissions target failure on soaring staff numbers and rejected the idea it was linked to Mr Cannon-Brookes using a private jet to travel the world. The report declared the “open company, no bullshit” truth is that a larger staff count equals a larger carbon footprint, with emissions per staff member falling 38 per cent since 2019. Total emissions grew 13 per cent year-over-year between 2019 and 2025. “In other words, company growth has outpaced emissions growth. Updates to our business travel policy and travel guidance for Atlassians were a move in the right direction,” the report said. “But as travel emissions continue to rise . . . we must do more.” The report does not detail any increase in travel emissions as a result of Mr Cannon-Brookes using a private jet from its purchase believed to be at an unknown time in 2025. Mr Cannon-Brookes has previously said he needs a private jet to help run his business and be present as a dad to his Australia-based children. The tech company is also a major sponsor of British Formula 1 motor racing team Atlassian Williams, with Mr Cannon-Brookes previously suggesting the motorsport popular with jet-setters is also working towards net zero targets. Atlassian has run its office on 100 per cent renewable electricity since the 2020 financial year and said it would set new targets for business travel emissions in fiscal 2026. It’s set to move into a new Atlassian Central headquarters near Sydney’s central business district it says will run on 100 per cent renewable energy and be constructed with half the usual required carbon outputs. It says it incorporates the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040 into all of its policies and actively prefers business partners or suppliers who it rates as climate friendly. It has also been a strong supporter of work from home policies under its “Team Anywhere” rules, which give employees significant flexibility in choosing where they want to work from almost anywhere in the world. Strong growth Over the 12 months to June 30, 2025, the software company posted an adjusted net profit up 30 per cent to $US975.9 million on sales up around 20 per cent to $US5.2 billion. It expects sales to grow another 20 per cent over the 12 months to June 30 as it invests heavily in delivering new products based on developments in artificial intelligence. Shares in the Nasdaq-listed tech business have tumbled 38 per cent over the past year as investors worry it may be a net loser from advances in AI that could reduce demand for its existing software and workflow platforms. However, Mr Cannon-Brookes has dismissed this idea as nonsense and has repeatedly argued his company can use AI to improve its products and grow profits.

Public Holiday: All Schools, colleges and offices will remain closed on November 23 and 24 due to public holiday, know the reason
Technology

Public Holiday: All Schools, colleges and offices will remain closed on November 23 and 24 due to public holiday, know the reason

Public Holiday: In view of Martyrs’ Day, government and private schools in many states have declared a holiday. The Uttar Pradesh and Delhi governments have issued orders to keep all schools closed on November 24. Learn about the situation in other states. Public Holiday: After the long Dussehra-Diwali holidays, schools, colleges, and offices reopened in November. People are now eagerly awaiting the next holiday. So, let us inform you that a holiday is coming soon. Yes, on November 24, 2025, Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day will be celebrated with reverence and respect across the country. Several states have declared a public holiday for this occasion. The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand have also issued holiday notifications. Schools, banks, and government offices will be closed on Martyrdom Day. Special religious programs will be held in Gurudwaras on this day. All government and private schools, colleges, and educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh will also be closed on this day. Two Days Off Educational institutions will have no classes or other work on Martyrdom Day. Since Monday is a holiday, students will receive two days off, adding to this Sunday’s holiday. Since November 23rd is a Sunday, schools will be closed for two consecutive days. November 24th will be a public holiday. On this day, there will be no work in the ministries, all government departments, courts, corporation offices and local bodies. Banks will also be closed This holiday is also mentioned in the RBI’s 2025 holiday calendar. According to it, banks will be closed in many states on Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day. Cash transactions, check clearance, and most offline services will not be available on November 24th in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Customers are advised to complete essential banking tasks by November 22nd. However, online banking will continue. ATM withdrawals will also be available. Bank operations will resume on November 25th. Read More: IT Payment Rules: Good news! Now make your income tax payment in minutes using UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe.

IT Payment Rules: Good news! Now make your income tax payment in minutes using UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe.
Technology

IT Payment Rules: Good news! Now make your income tax payment in minutes using UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe.

Income Tax Payment: You can use your favorite UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay to pay your income tax. The money is deducted from your linked bank account via UPI, and the invoice is instantly generated on the portal, making the process extremely easy and fast. Income Tax Payment: The process of filing income tax has completely changed. You no longer need to visit a bank or set up net-banking. You can easily pay your advance tax, self-assessment tax, and other direct taxes on the Income Tax e-filing portal. You can use your favorite UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay to make payments. The money is deducted from your linked bank account via UPI, and the invoice is instantly generated on the portal, making the process extremely easy and fast. Let’s walk you through the step-by-step process of making tax payments using UPI. How to make a tax payment using UPI 1. Login and open ‘e-Pay Tax’: Go to incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN (user ID) and password. Click on the ‘e-Pay Tax’ option on your dashboard. If you don’t want to login, there is also an option to ‘e-pay tax’ (without login) on the homepage, but logging in makes it easier to track the receipt. 2. Create your invoice correctly: Select ‘New payment’ and select the correct tax type; most individual taxpayers select ‘Advance tax’ or ‘Self-assessment tax’. Select the correct assessment year. Enter the amount you need to pay. Double-check your name and PAN before proceeding. Upon confirmation, the portal generates an invoice and shows you the amount payable and available payment modes. 3. Select UPI and pay in your app: Select UPI as the payment mode. The portal will show you a QR code (and often a UPI ID). Open Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay on your phone, tap ‘Scan & Pay,’ scan the QR code. Confirm the amount, and approve the payment with your UPI PIN. Keep the app open until you see a ‘payment successful’ message. Paying income tax through Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay is incredibly easy. Create a challan on the portal, select the UPI app, make the payment in your app, and then download the receipt. 4. Confirm the credit and download the receipt: Return to the e-filing tab. The payment status will usually change to ‘Paid’ within a minute or two. Download your challan receipt from ‘Payment history.’ This receipt contains the CIN (Challan Identification Number) and UTR number—these are legal proof of your payment. Save this PDF for your records and email it to yourself. What if a payment fails or is in processing? If the UPI status shows ‘Success’ but the portal still shows ‘Pending’, do not make another payment immediately. Wait 30-60 minutes and refresh your ‘Payment history’. If the status remains pending, check your bank statement to see if the amount has been deducted. If the amount has been deducted but the challan has not been generated, raise a ticket on the portal or contact your bank/UPI app support with the UTR. Most failed UPI tax payments are automatically refunded to your account within a short time. Read More: Post Office Special Scheme: This Post Office scheme will earn you ₹2 lakh from interest alone, Know all the details of the scheme