Today in History (November 25th, 1970)
On November 25, 1970, Japanese novelist Mishima Yukio and four members of his private army, the Tatenokai, seized a military headquarters in Tokyo, aiming to restore the emperor’s power and Japan’s martial spirit. After failing to rally support, Mishima returned to the headquarters and committed seppuku (ritual suicide). His death shocked Japan and the world, marking the end of a dramatic life filled with nationalist ideals, literary achievement, and a deep conflict between tradition and modernity.
Summary of Today’s News
Mahayuti yet to take a call on new Maharashtra CM
The Election Commission presented the list of elected candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly election to the Governor. Forming the government may take time, with decisions about the Chief Minister pending after BJP’s central observer intervention. NCP and Shiv Sena have elected Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde as their group leaders, respectively, while BJP hasn’t appointed theirs. Speculation continues over the Chief Minister, with various party leaders hoping for different candidates. The cabinet distribution is expected to include 21-22 BJP members, 12 from Shiv Sena, and 10 from NCP.
Several Indians still missing in Russia; families petition MEA, Russian Embassy.
Several Indian men, fraudulently enlisted in the Russian Army and sent to the war zone near the Russia-Ukraine border, remain missing months later, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the issue with Russian President Putin. Mohammad Amin Sheikh, from Jammu and Kashmir, hasn’t heard from his son Zahoor since December 31, 2023, after he went for training. Efforts to reach him have failed. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed at least 15 Indians are missing. Zahoor, deceived by a job offer, had joined the Russian Army. Jagdeep Kumar, from Punjab, is also seeking answers about his missing brother.
For construction workers, survival matters more than air pollution.
The construction ban in Delhi-NCR, part of GRAP-IV measures to combat air pollution, has severely affected blue-collar workers, many of whom are migrants relying on daily wages. Workers like Jagarnath Mandal and Mahavir struggle to find work. Some remain employed in essential projects like the RRTS, which is exempt from the ban. An NGO has requested ₹5,000 assistance from the Delhi government for affected workers. The Supreme Court will review the GRAP-IV measures, while anti-smog guns are being used to combat pollution.
Climate deal a mere illusion, says India.
COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded with 198 countries attending, adopting a “road map” instead of a strong agreement. The aim was to raise $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate finance, with developed nations contributing $300 billion yearly. India criticized the deal as an “optical illusion” and inadequate, while countries like Nigeria, Bolivia, and Cuba echoed dissatisfaction. An agreement on carbon markets was reached, and nations must submit stronger NDCs to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
