Local Roundup: Sheetal Devi’s Historic Feat, Delhi’s Smog Crisis, and Gukesh’s World Cup Exit

From record-breaking sports performances to alarming air pollution in Delhi, the week has seen a mix of triumphs and troubles. Sheetal Devi continues to inspire millions, while air quality concerns push Delhi authorities into urgent action. Meanwhile, Gukesh’s early World Cup exit and new Vande Bharat trains dominate national headlines. Here is a local round-up of the biggest local news and stories from last week:

Sheetal Devi Becomes First Para-Archer to Earn Spot in India’s Able-Bodied

Para-archer Sheetal Devi has made history by becoming the first para-athlete selected for India’s able-bodied team for the upcoming Asia Cup. The 18-year-old, born without arms, competes using her legs and a custom bow mechanism. Her inclusion marks a groundbreaking moment for inclusivity in Indian sport, silencing sceptics and earning admiration for her resilience and exceptional skill on the international archery stages.

Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Breaks Record for Fastest Fifty in First-Class Cricket

Akash Kumar Choudhary from Meghalaya smashed a world record by scoring the fastest fifty in First-Class cricket during a Ranji Trophy match. The left-handed batter reached the milestone in just 11 balls, surpassing the previous record held by Yuvraj Singh in limited-overs cricket. His explosive innings drew widespread attention, marking a remarkable achievement for Meghalaya cricket and underlining the state’s emerging talent on India’s domestic circuit.

Delhi Chokes Under Thick Smog as Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Very Poor’ Category

Delhi woke up to a dense layer of smog this week, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400 in several areas — firmly in the ‘very poor’ range. Visibility dropped sharply, disrupting morning traffic and flights. Despite worsening conditions, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III measures were yet to be implemented, raising concerns over administrative delays as respiratory illnesses and public complaints surged.

Delhi Government, MCD Alter Office Hours Amid Rising Pollution Levels

As air quality worsens in the national capital, the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have revised official working hours to ease peak-hour congestion and emissions. Offices will now operate from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The move aims to reduce vehicular pollution and stagger commuter traffic. Authorities are also considering implementing remote work options for select departments to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smog.

World Chess Champion D Gukesh Eliminated Early from 2025 World Cup Tournament

Reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh suffered a surprise early exit from the 2025 Chess World Cup after losing in the third round. The 19-year-old prodigy faced defeat in a rapid tiebreaker, ending his campaign sooner than expected. His elimination marks one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the championship despite Gukesh’s strong season and dominant performances earlier in the year.

Abhishek Sharma Becomes Second-Fastest Indian to Reach 1,000 T20I Runs

Indian batter Abhishek Sharma reached a milestone by becoming the second-fastest Indian to score 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals, trailing only Virat Kohli. Sharma achieved the feat in 32 innings during the India–Australia series. His aggressive batting and consistent form have bolstered India’s top order, cementing his position as one of the most promising young players in the country’s limited-overs setup.

Parliament’s Winter Session to Run from December 1 to 19, Announces Rijiju

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that Parliament’s Winter Session will be held from 1 to 19 December 2025. The 15-day session is expected to address key bills, including those related to data protection and electoral reforms. Political analysts anticipate intense debates as the session comes ahead of multiple state elections, making it crucial for both government and opposition strategy.

Lord Buddha’s Sacred Relics Flown to Bhutan for Global Peace Prayer Festival

In a symbolic gesture of cultural diplomacy, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha were flown from Delhi’s Palam Airbase to Bhutan aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft. The relics will be displayed for public exposition from 8–18 November during Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival. The event aims to strengthen Indo-Bhutan spiritual ties and promote interfaith harmony through Buddhist teachings of compassion and coexistence.

PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains from Banaras

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express routes from Banaras Railway Station, enhancing high-speed connectivity across India. The new trains will operate on Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes. The launch aims to improve regional accessibility, reduce travel time, and advance the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in modern rail infrastructure and technology.

Technical Glitch at Delhi Airport Disrupts Over 800 Flights, Causes Major Delays

A malfunction in Delhi airport’s Air Traffic Control messaging system (AMSS) disrupted over 800 flights and caused at least 20 cancellations. The glitch, which affected pilot–controller communications, led to cascading delays throughout the day. Authorities temporarily switched to manual coordination before restoring systems. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry to determine the cause and prevent future operational breakdowns.