World
India Upgrades Its Kabul Technical Mission To Full Embassy Status
India has officially upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, signaling a renewed diplomatic presence in Afghanistan for the first time since 2021. The move follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, reflecting India’s aim to deepen engagement despite not formally recognizing the Taliban regime. The embassy will now oversee humanitarian, development, and trade initiatives.
Sports
South Africa Beats Pakistan To Knock Them Out Of Women’s World Cup
South Africa defeated Pakistan via the DLS method to advance to the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup 2025, ending Pakistan’s campaign. Rain interruptions during the second innings gave South Africa a narrow lead when play was halted. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt anchored the win with a gritty 61, while Pakistan’s inconsistent batting failed under pressure amid a must-win group stage clash.
India
AAP Attacks BJP Over Rising Toxic Air After Diwali, Seeks Urgent Action
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the BJP-led Centre for inaction on Delhi’s post-Diwali air pollution, calling it a national emergency. AAP claimed that the air quality index reached ‘severe’ levels across NCR, accusing authorities of failing to enforce cracker and construction bans. The party urged the Centre to implement coordinated relief measures and air quality monitoring across states.
Finance
Muhurat Trading Ends On Positive Note With Cipla, Bajaj Finserv Among Top Gainers
The stock market closed higher during the Diwali Muhurat trading session, reflecting optimism for the new Samvat year. Benchmark indices recorded small but steady gains, led by healthcare and financial stocks such as Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, and Kotak Bank. Market experts noted strong investor sentiment despite global uncertainty, expecting momentum to continue post-festive season.
India
Tamil Nadu Braces For Cyclone After Heavy Rain, Shelters Readied
Tamil Nadu is on high alert as heavy rains continue to lash coastal districts amid warnings of a possible cyclone formation over the Bay of Bengal. Authorities have evacuated thousands to relief centers, while schools remain closed in multiple regions. The IMD forecasts more rainfall, advising fishermen to avoid venturing into rough seas.
India
Foreign Terror Cells Emerge As Jammu Grapples With 120 Anti-Terror Ops Daily
Security forces in Jammu are executing nearly 120 anti-terror operations a day amid rising infiltration attempts by foreign militants. Officials described the situation as the region’s toughest in years, with Pakistani groups increasing cross-border movement. Forces have strengthened coordination under Operation Sarp Vinash to counter sleeper cells across Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Lifestyle
Creative Twist: Turn Leftover Diwali Sweets Into Festive Cocktails
Got too many Diwali sweets? Mixologists are turning leftover laddoos and barfis into creative festive cocktails. From rum-laced rasgulla shakes to rose-gulab martinis, these fusion experiments are trending across Indian bars and homes. Experts say it’s the perfect way to reduce food waste while celebrating with playful innovation.
Sports
Rain Washes Out India’s Practice Ahead Of Key New Zealand Clash
India’s Women’s World Cup preparations suffered a setback as heavy rain in Wellington washed out their full nets session ahead of the crucial match against New Zealand. Team management confirmed indoor warm-ups replaced training, with the weather forecast indicating further showers likely during match day.
India
Punjab Reports Over Three-Fold Jump In Stubble Burning Incidents In 10 Days
Punjab has seen a dramatic rise in stubble burning cases, reporting 353 incidents so far this season, with a three-fold increase in the last 10 days. Tarn Taran and Amritsar accounted for most fires, worsening pollution levels in Delhi-NCR during the Diwali season. Authorities have taken action including fines and FIRs, but crop residue burning remains a persistent environmental challenge.
World
Trump-Putin Summit Paused As Ukraine Peace Talks Stall Over Territorial Demands
The planned US-Russia summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin experienced a pause as critical peace talks regarding Ukraine stalled over territorial disputes. Diplomatic efforts face challenges with Ukraine rejecting Russia’s demands, while international stakeholders push for renewed negotiations. The delay raises concerns over escalation risks in Eastern Europe.