)
Health
Delhi’s Diwali Fireworks Trigger Cross-Border Air Pollution Spike With Pakistan Smog
The surge in fireworks across Delhi during Diwali has not only plunged the capital’s air quality into hazardous levels, but also affected neighbouring Pakistan’s Punjab region, where authorities reported increased smog and cited cross-border pollution links. This event highlights how festive emissions in northern India can exacerbate a regional air-quality crisis, straining bilateral environmental cooperation and public health systems.
Sports
IND vs AUS: Gavaskar Slams Rumour Of Rohit Deliberate Underperformance
Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has vehemently rejected social-media rumours that veteran batter Rohit Sharma is intentionally underperforming to undermine new ODI captain Shubman Gill. Gavaskar argued such theories are baseless, emphasising that senior players have no incentive to sabotage their own standing in the team.
World
Pakistan-Based JeM Launches Online Jihadi Course For Women Charging PKR 500
The banned group Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan has launched an online training programme titled “Tufat al-Muminat” exclusively for women, with a registration fee of PKR 500 (~INR 156). The move underscores the militant group’s efforts to expand recruitment and fundraising via digital platforms and gender-specific mobilisation.
India
Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail Photos Reveal Facility Set To House Fugitive Mehul Choksi
Exclusive images of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, undergoing preparation ahead of housing fugitive diamond-magnate Mehul Choksi, have surfaced, shedding light on high-security measures, cell renovations and legal implications of the extradition process. The facility’s readiness, legal constraints and media attention converge as India’s judicial and custodial systems gear up for the controversial inmate’s transfer.
Science & Tech
Earth Gains A New Quasi-Moon: Scientists Name It Arjuna 2025 PN7
Astronomers have identified a small near-Earth asteroid named 2025 PN7 (nick-named Arjuna) that is in a 1:1 orbital resonance with Earth, making it a quasi-satellite rather than a conventional moon. Estimated to be roughly 19–30 meters across, it appears to loop near Earth’s orbit and will remain in this configuration for decades, offering scientists insights into Earth’s close-space environment and asteroid dynamics.
World
Trump Claims He Spoke To PM Modi On Diwali Then Repeats Russian Oil Remarks
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a conversation with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Diwali and re-asserted a controversial claim about possessing low-price Russian oil. The remarks came during a public event and raised eyebrows among analysts for their diplomatic implications, given India’s strategic balancing between major powers, energy procurement challenges and U.S.–Russia tensions. (Maharashtra Times)
)
India
Medical College Seats Hit Record High Yet Competition Remains Intensely Fierce In India
India’s medical-education sector now boasts the highest number of seats ever offered in medical colleges, yet competition has not eased. Graduating students face steeper competition due to rising aspirants, limited high-quality institutions and intense entrance exam pressure; the paradox highlights systemic bottlenecks despite scaled capacity.
India
All Is Not Well: India's UN Critique Puts Spotlight on Gridlocked Global Terror Response
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar critiques the UN Security Council and Pakistan for obstructing anti-terror actions after the Pahalgam attack, saying the UN's mechanisms are “gridlocked” and urgent reforms are needed. He highlights the irony of victims and perpetrators being equated, slams members shielding terrorists, and warns that the slowdown of Sustainable Development Goals is a sign of distress for the Global South. Despite criticism, Jaishankar urges continued, if critical, support for the UN, emphasizing reform and resilience.
Sports
Kohli in Spotlight: Two Ducks Spark Debate on Star’s ODI Future
Virat Kohli has faced rare back-to-back ducks in ODIs against Australia, prompting ex-cricketer Mohammad Kaif to advise following Shreyas Iyer’s approach of playing practice matches for rhythm. Kaif explained that Kohli, now restricted to ODIs, must adapt to maintain form, sparking debate about his role in the Indian side for the next World Cup.
World
Hyderabadi Ghazala Hashmi Leads for Virginia’s Lt Governor, Mobilizes South Asians
Hyderabad-born Ghazala Hashmi, State Senator in Virginia, is making a powerful run for the Lieutenant Governor post backed by a message on education, healthcare, and inclusion. Her campaign, which resonates with both Indian and Pakistani-origin voters, currently leads against Republican John Reid. Her ascent marks a historic milestone for South Asian Americans in US politics.