ACKO Expands EV Insurance Portfolio With Tesla-Linked Products And Smart Coverage Plans

ACKO and Tesla are collaborating to create data-driven EV insurance in India, using telematics for personalized pricing. As India's EV market exceeds 1.67 million units, ACKO's insurance offers zero paperwork, digital claims, and coverage for battery and charger risks.

Iran discovers major gold deposit in South Khorasan province

Iran discovered a major gold deposit at the Shadan gold mine in South Khorasan. The new vein holds 7.95 million tonnes of oxide gold ore and 53.1 million tonnes of sulphide gold ore. Boosting gold reserves is seen as a strategy to bolster Iran's economy amid international sanctions.

CBI arrests man in Rubaiya Sayeed’s 1989 kidnapping case

The CBI arrested Shafat Ahmad Shungloo for the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then-Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. Led by JKLF chief Yasin Malik, the incident marked a pivotal moment in Kashmir's terrorism, showing significant militant support in the region.

Israeli president to consider 'only the best interest of state' on Netanyahu's corruption pardon

Israeli President Isaac Herzog will decide on Netanyahu's pardon request based on Israel's best interests. Netanyahu seeks a pardon to end his nearly six-year corruption trial, citing national interest and domestic rifts. Herzog's office confirmed receipt of the request and will consider it responsibly after gathering relevant opinions.

Indian govt confirms GPS spoofing at Delhi airport; flights forced into backup landing modes

GPS-spoofing incident near Indira Gandhi International Airport disrupted navigation systems. Multiple flights experienced GPS/GNSS interference, forcing pilots to use alternative landing methods. Incident raises serious concerns over flight safety and the security of Indian airspace.

Govt revenue falls 4.2% in November after GST cuts

India's gross GST collections in November were 1.70 trillion rupees, 0.7% higher than last year. However, including cess, revenue fell 4.2%. Despite tax cuts on consumer items to boost demand, net tax collections were 1.52 trillion rupees, only 1.3% higher than November 2024.

'Something irreversible being hidden': Imran Khan's family continues to raise alarm over communication blackout with jailed ex PM

Imran Khan's sons appeal for proof of life, fearing something irreversible may have happened to him in prison. Family claims lack of information on Khan's condition is a form of psychological torture and human rights abuse. PTI Senator asserts Khan is alive but facing political pressure to leave the country.

Industrial output growth slows to 0.4% in October, lowest in over a year

India's industrial production growth fell to 0.4% in October 2025, the lowest in over a year, due to declines in power, mining, and manufacturing. Factory output had grown by 3.7% in October 2024. Manufacturing growth slowed to 1.8%, while mining and power output decreased.

In China, you can't even be angry over a fire that killed 151?

A fire in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court housing estate claimed 151 lives, the deadliest since 1948. Authorities arrested student activist Miles Kwan for organizing a petition demanding an independent probe into the fire. The fire has sparked public outrage over potential regulatory failures and the use of flammable materials in renovations.

New HIV-prevention injection rolled out in Africa, studies show 99.9% risk reduction

South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia begin administering lenacapavir, a new HIV-prevention injection. Lenacapavir, taken twice a year, reduces HIV transmission risk by over 99.9%. Gilead Sciences to provide lenacapavir at no profit to two million people in high HIV burden countries over three years.

How India posted strong Q2 growth amid low-inflation tailwinds

India’s economy posted strong growth in Q2 FY26, with real GDP rising 8.2 percent, supported by robust manufacturing, construction, and services. Low inflation compressed the GDP deflator, boosting real growth but weakening nominal momentum. Consumption and investment improved, though government spending contracted and revenue growth remained subdued. External risks persist, including US tariff hikes, weak global demand, and geopolitical uncertainty. Despite these challenges, policy reforms in deregulation, GST rationalisation, and trade negotiations are expected to enhance productivity and stability. The key tasks ahead are sustaining consumption, broadening private investment, restoring fiscal space, and strengthening rural demand to complement urban growth.

Dmitry Medvedev: The West’s favourite who became Putin’s foremost champion

Dmitry Medvedev, a lawyer without ties to the KGB or military, rose to become Russia's President (2008-12) and Prime Minister (2012-20) due to his loyalty to Vladimir Putin. Initially seen as a democrat by the West, he ultimately acted as a placeholder for Putin and remains a staunch supporter.

How India is the first responder in crisis for the world

India has established itself as a key global crisis responder through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief diplomacy. Historical operations include rapid relief efforts during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Recent initiatives include the Vaccine Maitri program and significant humanitarian aid during the West Asia crisis.

What should world's colonisers be made to pay their former colonies?

African leaders are pushing for formal recognition and reparations for colonial-era crimes, including financial restitution and the return of looted artefacts. Algeria's history under French rule highlights the urgency of addressing colonial exploitation, with calls for a dedicated legal framework for reparations. The debate on reparations draws parallels with India's case against the UK, emphasizing economic exploitation, violence, and social division during colonial rule.

From Soviet collapse to superpower, Putin’s quest to restore Russia’s might

Vladimir Putin, once obscure, became Russia's Acting President in 1999. Over 25 years, he turned post-Soviet chaos into global power, centralizing authority, curbing oligarchs, and intervening in Ukraine and Georgia, reshaping European geopolitics.

Jaishankar warns misuse of biological weapons by non-state actors is no longer a 'distant possibility'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called for modernizing the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) to address bioterrorism threats and include compliance systems. Jaishankar highlighted India's National Implementation Framework for biosecurity and stressed the need for fast, practical, and humanitarian assistance during biological emergencies. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in biosecurity, particularly for the Global South, and reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting global biosecurity efforts.

Why are wild pigs in California turning smurf-blue?

Hunters in Monterey County found feral hogs with neon-blue tissue, caused by the rodenticide Diphacinone. Diphacinone, an anticoagulant, can cause serious internal bleeding and is dangerous even when the meat is cooked. CDFW warns against eating wild game with blue tissue and calls for stricter pest-control measures to protect ecosystems.

Pakistan minister hints at Governor’s Rule in PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid uncertainty over Imran Khan

Pakistan's junior law minister suggests imposing Governor's Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to security and governance issues. Imran Khan's whereabouts remain unknown; his family demands proof of life and files a contempt petition against jail officials. Khan criticizes Army Chief Asim Munir, accusing him of tyranny and targeting PTI members, and rules out negotiations with the government.

Georgia accused of using WWI-era chemical weapon to quell pro-EU protests in 2024

Georgian authorities are accused of using an obsolete chemical weapon, camite, to suppress 2024 anti-government protests. Protesters reported severe, long-lasting symptoms, including burning sensations, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing. Experts and evidence suggest the chemical used was bromobenzyl cyanide, inconsistent with typical riot control agents.

Pakistan’s nightmare: How Chabahar is becoming India’s strategic bridge to Afghanistan

Afghanistan is increasingly reducing its dependence on Pakistan and moving closer to India, with Iran’s Chabahar Port serving as the strategic bridge. India’s decades-long investment in Chabahar, including the Shahid Beheshti terminal and the Zaranj-Delaram highway, has enabled a secure trade corridor bypassing Pakistan. Recent visits by Afghan ministers to New Delhi signal Kabul’s intent to expand trade, offer incentives to Indian investors, and structurally shift its economic orientation. Bilateral trade has already surpassed $1 billion, covering pharmaceuticals, machinery, saffron, and carpets. While the realignment remains fragile due to sanctions and potential Pakistani interference, the Indo-Afghan partnership is emerging as a decisive geopolitical pivot.

Boris Yeltsin: The man on the tank who dared to dismantle the Soviet empire and handed power to Putin

Boris Yeltsin was Russia's first president, serving from 1991 to 1999. Yeltsin's tenure included economic turmoil, political confrontations, and the rise of oligarchs. He resigned on December 31, 1999, handing power to Vladimir Putin.

US Congress seeks probe after report claims defence chief ordered deadly follow-up strike on drug boat

Republican Senate and House committees are investigating the Pentagon after a report alleged US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of a suspected drug vessel's crew. Lawmakers question the legality, with some calling it a potential war crime. Hegseth and Trump deny the claims.

Bangladesh: Hasina and UK MP Tulip Siddiq found guilty, sentenced in corruption case

Sheikh Hasina sentenced to five years in prison for corruption linked to a land project. British Labour MP Tulip Siddiq sentenced to two years for improperly influencing Hasina. Concerns raised over trial process and Siddiq's legal representation.

Water-pocalyse in parts of Asia: Why are floods that claimed 1,000 lives so deadly?

Death toll from floods in Southeast Asia surpasses 1,000, with millions affected. Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia face severe flooding due to cyclones and extreme weather. Sri Lanka declares emergency; other nations deploy military for rescue and aid efforts.

Munir’s iron grip, Khan’s death rumours push Pakistan towards a dangerous juncture

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, has been jailed since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges linked to the Al-Qadir Trust case, which he claims are politically motivated. Relations between Khan and Army Chief General Asim Munir are highly strained, marked by mutual accusations and a deep power struggle. Rumours about Khan’s death have intensified political polarisation, sparking protests and raising concerns over his safety and lack of family access. Despite court orders for biweekly visits, jail authorities have restricted access. The UN has called for Khan’s human rights to be respected, highlighting the broader implications for Pakistan’s political stability.

Putin’s upcoming Delhi visit: A renewed push towards a multipolar world amid turbulent times

India and Russia share a 78-year-old strategic and multi-dimensional partnership aimed at fostering global peace, stability, and a multipolar world order based on sovereign equality. Their bilateral relations span defence, trade, and cultural cooperation, with key initiatives including BrahMos missiles, Ka-226T helicopters, SU-30 and T-90 production, and naval collaboration like INS Vikramaditya. Economic engagement targets $30 billion in trade by 2025 and $100 billion by 2030, supporting India’s USD 5 trillion economy goal. Cultural ties, supported by the Indian diaspora in Russia, strengthen soft power. Putin’s upcoming Delhi visit underscores the enduring India-Russia relationship and its global significance.

NIA raids 8 locations in Kashmir in ‘white collar’ terror module linked to Delhi blast

NIA raided eight locations in J&K linked to the 'white terror' module involved in Delhi's Red Fort blast. Moulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay and Jasir Bilal Wani arrested for their roles in radicalizing and providing technical support to the terror module. Wani accused of planning drone attacks and developing crude rockets for coordinated blasts.

Japan: Why Princess Aiko is the monarchy's best hope to avert extinction

Princess Aiko's popularity challenges Japan's male-only imperial succession. Public support grows for Princess Aiko to become a future monarch. Experts warn Japan's monarchy faces extinction without reform.

California investigators urge public’s help after Stockton birthday party shooting kills 4, including 3 children

Authorities in California seek witnesses after a deadly shooting at a child's birthday party in Stockton, killing four, including three children, and wounding eleven. Investigators believe it was a targeted attack. No arrests have been made, and the community is urged to provide information.

Seoul Mayor indicted over alleged illegal funding of 2021 election polls

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, a potential presidential candidate, was indicted for allegedly violating political funding laws. Prosecutors claim a businessman paid 33 million won for opinion polls before the 2021 by-election. A fine of one million won or more could bar him from running next year.

After Trump’s endorsement, conservative Asfura leads in Honduras election

Preliminary results show Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla leading in Honduras' presidential contest. US President Trump endorsed Asfura and announced a pardon for former President Juan Orlando Hernández. Concerns about election credibility arise as candidates trade accusations of election fixing.

Trump offers to release 'perfect' MRI results, says he has no idea what part of body was scanned

President Trump announced he is prepared to release MRI results from October. Trump admitted he was unaware of which part of his body the MRI focused on. The White House defended Trump's health, stating he remains in "exceptional physical health."

Chernobyl’s ruins, where no species dared to survive, are now home to strange radiation-powered fungi

Scientists discovered black fungi thriving in Chernobyl's reactor ruins, feeding on radiation. These fungi use melanin for "radiosynthesis," converting radiation into chemical energy. Potential applications include spacecraft shielding and bioremediation of radioactive sites.

China’s state defence giants see revenue slump as corruption probes stall procurement: SIPRI

Corruption investigations disrupted arms contracts at China's state-owned defence companies, causing a revenue decline in 2023. China's defence industry impacted by President Xi Jinping's anti-graft drive, with senior generals expelled over corruption charges. SIPRI data shows a 10% revenue drop for China's top defence firms, contrasting with global arms manufacturers' growth.

Musk says work could become ‘optional’ and more like a ‘hobby’ in next 20 years as AI era accelerates

Elon Musk predicts working may become optional in 10-20 years due to AI and robotics advancements. Musk suggests AI and robotics might eventually run out of tasks to make humans happy, leading to AI-driven activities. Musk envisions a future where money might become irrelevant in a society dominated by AI and robotics.

Indonesia floods leave 442 dead as rescuers race to reach cut-off Sumatra villages

The death toll from floods and landslides in Indonesia has reached 442, with 402 people missing. Thousands await aid in isolated areas of Sumatra. In Aceh, 54 have died and 50,000 families are displaced. West Sumatra reports 90 deaths. Authorities are using planes and warships to deliver aid.

Nifty, Sensex soar to record highs on stronger-than-expected Q2 GDP growth of 8.2%

Nifty hits all-time high supported by 8.2% GDP growth in Q2. Sensex rises 0.41% to a new peak of 86,159; Nifty Bank hits record high of 60,114. Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Adani Ports, Larsen & Toubro, and Sun Pharma lead gains; ITC, Titan, TCS, Asian Paints, and Hindustan Unilever lag.

H-1B visas, Indian connection, future of jobs… What Elon Musk revealed in podcast with Nikhil Kamath

Elon Musk discussed various topics on Nikhil Kamath's podcast, including immigration policies, family, and AI. Musk defended the H-1B visa program, acknowledging misuse but opposing its shutdown. Musk predicted that advances in AI and robotics will make working optional within 10-20 years.

Trump vows ‘reverse migration’ after National Guard killing, announces sweeping immigration halt

President Trump plans "reverse migration" following a National Guard shooting near the White House. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US under a Biden-era resettlement program for Afghans. The administration has suspended asylum decisions and paused visa issuance for Afghan passport holders.

Indian IT firms see sharp fall in H-1B approvals, down 70 per cent since 2015: Report

Top seven Indian IT companies secured only 4,573 approved H-1B petitions for initial employment in FY 2025, a 70% drop from 2015. TCS is the only Indian IT firm among the top five H-1B employers for new and continuing employment approvals, despite a rise in rejection rates for extensions. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google now lead in initial-employment H-1B approvals, reflecting a shift in the H-1B landscape.

Bangladesh commission claims Sheikh Hasina ordered 2009 BDR mutiny killings; accuses India of interference

A commission probing the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny alleges former PM Sheikh Hasina orchestrated the massacre of senior army officers. The report implicates her Awami League government and foreign interference, with India accused of destabilizing Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus welcomed the findings.

Trump says he has decided on next Fed chair as Hassett emerges as frontrunner

President Trump has finalized his choice for the next Federal Reserve chair, with an announcement expected soon. Kevin Hassett, Trump's top economic adviser, is seen as the leading contender, though he downplays speculation. Other finalists include Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, and former Fed governor Kevin Warsh.

Four foreign nationals hospitalised after being robbed, attacked by settlers in West Bank

Four foreigners, including three Italians and one Canadian, were attacked by settlers in Jericho. They were treated and discharged. The UN reported October as the worst month for settler violence since 2006. Italy, France, Germany, and the UK condemned the violence and urged stability.

US envoy Witkoff heads to Moscow as Washington pushes for breakthrough in Russia–Ukraine talks

US envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow to discuss halting Russia's war against Ukraine. Following US-Ukraine talks in Florida, Trump sees a "good chance" for a deal but notes Kyiv's corruption scandal complicates matters.

'Wouldn’t say it went well...': Trump confirms call with Maduro amid escalating US–Venezuela tensions

President Trump confirmed a call with Venezuelan leader Maduro amid rising tensions and a US military buildup in the Caribbean. Trump warned Venezuela's airspace is closed, prompting a sharp response. The US claims its military presence targets drug trafficking; Venezuela sees it as a regime change

Indian government makes SIM card link mandatory for WhatsApp, Telegram. Here's why

The government mandates messaging apps to link with active SIM cards. Web versions of apps must enforce automatic logout every six hours. New rule aims to prevent cyber-fraud and digital impersonation.

Finland recalibrates diplomatic footprint, to close embassies in Islamabad, Kabul and Yangon

Finland to close embassies in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar by 2026. Decision based on strategic review of Finland's foreign-policy and economic priorities. Finland to expand diplomatic presence in the US and open new commercial offices by 2026.

Stockton mass shooting: Were rappers MBNel, Fly Boy Doughy the real targets?

Mass shooting at a child's birthday party in Stockton leaves 4 dead and 10 wounded. Authorities describe the attack as "potentially targeted," with the motive still unclear. Investigators are examining surveillance footage and witness testimonies; no arrests have been made yet.

Ignored male infertility is driving couples into unnecessary IVF, experts say

Many couples are pushed into IVF due to undiagnosed male infertility. Male infertility affects 5-10% of men but often goes untreated due to lack of awareness and specialists. Experts call for early testing and better male-focused fertility care to avoid unnecessary IVF and reduce healthcare costs.

Hong Kong fire toll hits 146, residents demand independent inquiry into mishap

The death toll from the Hong Kong housing estate fire rose to 146, making it the deadliest residential blaze in over four decades. Thousands of residents mourned, paying respects at the fire site, with many expressing grief and calling for a thorough investigation. Authorities have launched a multi-agency investigation, arresting 11 individuals, with some facing manslaughter charges.