India
Six from Vadodara killed as wrong-side trailer rams car in Madhya Pradesh
Six men from Vadodara, Gujarat, lost their lives and one was critically injured in a road accident in Madhya Pradesh. A trailer traveling on the wrong side of the road lost control and collided head-on with their car. The impact was so severe that the car was completely mangled, killing six occupants on the spot. Local residents helped rescue the seventh survivor from the wreckage. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances behind the fatal collision.
Turkey: Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact Not Targeting Iran, Aims for Hormuz Peace
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed concerns about a defence agreement involving Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in an interview on Saturday. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Fidan clarified that Saudi Arabia has no intention of attacking or eliminating Iran. He stated that the pact's underlying goal is to bring an end to ongoing tensions and violence around the Strait of Hormuz. Fidan's remarks appear aimed at reassuring regional actors that the agreement is defensive rather than offensive in nature.

Nagarjuna calls Ramayana Part 1 trailer brilliant, praises Ranbir and Yash
Veteran actor Nagarjuna has praised the trailer of Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film Ramayana: Part 1, describing it as brilliant. He specifically highlighted the performances of lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in the mythological epic. Nagarjuna also remarked on how audience expectations have grown significantly in response to trailers. The film features an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, and Ravi Dubey. Ramayana: Part 1 is set to release in Indian theatres on November 8, 2026, two days ahead of its international premiere.
India may triple FDI approval threshold to attract larger overseas investments
The Indian government is weighing a proposal to raise the foreign direct investment approval threshold by 200%, potentially tripling the current limit. The existing cap of Rs 5,000 crore has remained unchanged since 2015. Alongside this, authorities are also exploring revisions to downstream investment rules to ease capital flows. These measures are intended to simplify the investment approval process and draw larger overseas commitments. The initiative forms part of a broader government push to accelerate economic growth.
Nihang Sikhs Shift From Protectors of Poor to Vigilante Controversy
The Nihang Sikhs, a historically revered Sikh warrior order, have faced growing scrutiny over the conduct of certain individuals and fringe groups acting in their name. In recent years, incidents of vigilantism attributed to those claiming Nihang identity have sparked public concern. The actions of these fringe elements have cast a shadow over the broader Nihang community and its traditional values. This has prompted a wider debate about accountability, religious identity, and the boundaries of self-appointed moral policing in India.

Pakistan's Ruling Party Softens Stance on PoK Protesters After Crackdown Backlash
Pakistan's ruling party, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has shifted its position on protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The party had previously alleged that members of the banned terrorist outfit Tehrik-e-Taliban were present among the demonstrators, using this claim to justify a government crackdown. However, the party has now reversed course, describing the protesters as 'patriots'. The sudden change in tone suggests the administration is facing significant political pressure over its handling of the unrest in PoK.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan Crosses Rs 312 Crore Worldwide on Day 18
Thalapathy Vijay's political action drama Jana Nayagan is approaching the Rs 320 crore worldwide gross mark as it enters its third weekend in theatres. The film has collected Rs 188.50 crore net at the India box office so far. Its worldwide gross currently stands at Rs 312.86 crore, reflecting strong performance across domestic and overseas markets. However, the film is experiencing a gradual slowdown in collections typical of the third week of a theatrical run.
AI Model Distillation Emerges as New Flashpoint in US-China Tech Rivalry
AI model distillation is a technique that allows smaller AI systems to replicate the capabilities of larger, more powerful models. The practice has drawn growing attention amid the intensifying technology competition between the United States and China. Security concerns have escalated following reports that Chinese military researchers are leveraging outputs from American AI models for defense-related applications. The development signals a shift in the US-China AI rivalry, moving beyond who builds the most advanced models to how their capabilities can be extracted and repurposed.
Laser strike blinds Malaysia Airlines pilot, forces circling before Kolkata landing
A Malaysia Airlines flight was delayed in its approach to Kolkata airport after a laser beam temporarily blinded the pilot. The disorientation caused the crew to miss their landing window, forcing the aircraft to circle before touching down safely later that night. Airport authorities have since filed a police complaint to investigate the source of the laser. Directing laser beams at aircraft near airports is prohibited due to the serious safety hazards it poses to flight crews and passengers.
Rahane urges selectors to give Rohit Sharma clear 2027 World Cup role
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has called for selectors to commit firmly to Rohit Sharma's place ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Rahane argued that evaluating a senior player on a series-by-series basis creates unnecessary uncertainty that can harm both mindset and performance. He emphasized that Rohit's extensive experience makes him a crucial asset for India's prospects in the tournament. Rahane urged team management to provide clearer direction to help Rohit plan and prepare effectively.
Four of India's top 10 firms add Rs 1.43 lakh crore in market value last week
Indian equity markets ended last week on a positive note, with four of the country's top ten companies collectively adding Rs 1.43 lakh crore in market capitalisation. State Bank of India recorded the largest gains among the group, emerging as the biggest value creator of the week. Reliance Industries and TCS also posted strong growth in their market valuations during the period. However, several other top-tier companies saw their market values decline over the same stretch. Overall, benchmark indices managed steady gains despite intermittent volatility throughout the week.
Houthis Claim Drone Strike on Saudi Aramco Refinery in Jazan
Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco oil refinery located in Jazan on the Red Sea coast. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced the strike, describing it as precise and successful. The attack targeted the Aramco refinery facility in the southwestern Saudi city of Jazan. This incident marks another escalation in the Houthis' ongoing campaign of strikes against Saudi Arabian infrastructure.

Rahul Gandhi slams Modi, Shah over police action against protesting students
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police brutality against students during protests. Gandhi expressed solidarity with students, calling them the backbone of the nation and pledging his support. He highlighted the dual burden faced by youth — rising education costs and a shrinking job market. Gandhi also cautioned young people against social media distractions amid growing unemployment. Additionally, he alleged that appointments driven by RSS ideology have undermined key institutional systems in the country.
Delhi Police Deploys AI-Powered Surveillance for Red Fort Independence Day Event
Delhi Police has outlined a comprehensive security plan for the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort. The plan incorporates advanced CCTV cameras enhanced with video analytics technology. Facial Recognition System has also been integrated into the surveillance setup to strengthen security measures. These technological tools are aimed at ensuring the safety of attendees at one of India's most prominent national events.

Ukrainian model tries Japan's 'rent-a-dad' service, moved by emotional farewell
A Ukrainian model turned to Japan's 'rent-a-dad' service seeking a father figure experience, sparking widespread attention online. The service, which reflects Japan's unconventional approach to addressing human loneliness, allowed her to experience a paternal bond for the first time. She described the encounter as emotionally profound, saying it gave her a sense of daughterly love she had not felt before. When the time came to part ways with her rental father, she found the goodbye far more difficult than she had anticipated. The experience has drawn global attention to Japan's growing industry of paid companionship services designed to fill emotional voids in people's lives.
Raipur student assaulted at school, victim transfers out after authorities fail to act
A video showing a student being assaulted at Swami Atmanand School in Raipur has gone viral on social media. The victim's family claimed that school authorities failed to take any action following the incident. Police have registered bailable offences against both students who were involved in the altercation. The mother of the accused student reportedly caused a disturbance at the police station during the process. Fearing further harassment, the victim ultimately obtained a transfer certificate and left the school.
