India Climbs to 9th in Global Forest Area Rankings, Reports UN Body
India has risen to the ninth position globally for total forest area, as per the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 released by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The country now accounts for 2% of the world's total forest cover. The report also highlights that India maintained its third-place ranking worldwide for annual net forest area gain between 2015 and 2025, underscoring the nation's significant progress in expanding its green cover through sustained conservation and afforestation efforts.
Bill Gates to Make Special Appearance on Indian TV Soap Opera
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates is set to feature in a special three-episode arc of the popular Indian daily soap "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2." Gates will appear virtually in a video call with actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani, who has reprised her iconic role. The storyline aims to raise awareness about maternal and newborn health, a key focus of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, marking a unique crossover between global philanthropy and Indian mass entertainment.
Sanae Takaichi Elected as Japan's First Female Prime Minister
Japan's parliament elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the nation's first female prime minister. A protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, Takaichi secured the position after her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) formed a new coalition with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party. Her premiership ends a three-month political vacuum. Takaichi is expected to pursue a hawkish agenda, including a stronger military and constitutional revision, but faces challenges with a fragile coalition and pressing economic issues like rising prices.
India Upgrades Diplomatic Mission in Kabul to Full Embassy
India has upgraded its 'Technical Mission' in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, signaling a significant step in deepening engagement with Afghanistan's Taliban administration. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the move would take effect immediately, following a recent visit by the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. The decision aims to augment India's contribution to Afghanistan's development and humanitarian aid. This move positions India among a handful of countries with a robust diplomatic presence in post-takeover Afghanistan.
OpenAI Launches 'Atlas' Web Browser to Challenge Google Chrome
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has launched its own web browser named 'Atlas', entering into direct competition with Google's dominant Chrome. The new browser, initially available for Apple laptops, aims to integrate advanced AI capabilities directly into the web-browsing experience. A key feature is an 'agent mode' that can perform tasks online on the user's behalf. This move could significantly disrupt the browser market and represents a major step in OpenAI's strategy to expand its ecosystem beyond chatbots.
Severe Smog Engulfs North India Following Diwali Celebrations
A thick layer of smog blanketed Delhi and other parts of North India a day after Diwali, plunging air quality into the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories. Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 350, with several areas crossing the 400 mark. In Haryana, cities like Bahadurgarh and Gurugram were among the worst-hit, while Punjab also recorded 'poor' air quality. The sharp deterioration, attributed to firecracker emissions and unfavourable weather, has triggered a major public health crisis across the region.
Delhi's Air Quality Plummets to 'Very Poor' After Diwali
Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply to the 'very poor' category the day after Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering over 350 in many areas. The spike in pollution is attributed to a combination of extensive firecracker use, calm winds, and stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab. This has led to a political dispute, with Delhi's government blaming Punjab's administration for failing to curb farm fires, which contributed significantly to the toxic haze enveloping the national capital.
Government Touts Success in Counter-Terrorism and Naxal Operations
In a Diwali letter to citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government's successes on the national security front, specifically mentioning 'Operation Sindoor' and progress in eradicating Naxalism. He stated that India had upheld righteousness and avenged injustice through the operation. The message also noted that Diwali lamps would be lit for the first time in many districts now free from Maoist terror, framing a narrative of significant gains in internal security and mainstreaming individuals from violence-affected areas.
Heavy Rains Trigger Red Alert in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts across Tamil Nadu and Kerala due to an intensified northeast monsoon. A well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a depression, bringing extremely heavy rainfall. In response, authorities in affected districts, including Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu and Idukki in Kerala, have declared holidays for schools and colleges as a precautionary measure, warning residents to avoid venturing near water bodies.
RJD Candidate Arrested in Bihar Immediately After Filing Nomination
In a dramatic turn of events during the Bihar assembly polls, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Satendra Sah was arrested just moments after filing his nomination papers for the Sasaram seat. He was apprehended by Jharkhand Police based on a non-bailable warrant pending in a 2004 bank robbery case. This is the third such incident involving a candidate from the opposition INDIA bloc being arrested post-nomination, prompting allegations from partner parties of political intimidation and misuse of state machinery.
Core Sector Growth Slows to Three-Month Low of 3% in September
India's eight core infrastructure sectors' output growth slowed to a three-month low of 3% in September 2025. The deceleration was primarily driven by contractions in the coal, crude oil, natural gas, and refinery products sectors. While steel and electricity output saw increases, the overall slowdown is a key indicator for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), as these sectors constitute over 40% of the index's weight. This points to potential headwinds for the broader industrial economy.
Cash and Liquor Worth Over ₹71 Crore Seized in Poll-Bound Bihar
Enforcement agencies have seized cash, liquor, drugs, and other illicit goods valued at over ₹71.5 crore in Bihar since the Model Code of Conduct for the state assembly elections was implemented. The seizures are part of a coordinated effort to prevent the use of illegal inducements to influence voters in the dry state. The Election Commission of India highlighted that the confiscations include ₹5.7 crore in cash and liquor worth over ₹27 crore, underscoring the scale of attempts to sway the election.
Renowned UK-Based Hindi Scholar Deported from Delhi Airport
Francesca Orsini, a celebrated professor of Hindi literature from SOAS, University of London, was denied entry into India and deported from Delhi airport despite holding a valid visa. Government sources stated she had been blacklisted in March 2025 for allegedly violating visa conditions during a previous visit by participating in academic activities on a tourist visa. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from prominent Indian academics and opposition figures, who condemned it as a blow to academic freedom and international scholarship.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Replaces Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan's ODI Captain
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new captain of the one-day international team, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. The decision has sparked controversy, with reports suggesting new white-ball coach Mike Hesson pushed for the change after working with Rizwan for just one series. The move comes ahead of Pakistan's three-match ODI series against South Africa and has raised questions within the country's cricketing circles regarding the reasons and timing of the leadership change.
Former Punjab Police Chief Booked for Son's Murder
Former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa and his wife, ex-minister Razia Sultana, have been booked by Haryana Police for the alleged murder of their 35-year-old son, Aqil Akhtar. The FIR was filed after a social media video made by Akhtar before his death surfaced, in which he accused his family of conspiring to kill him and expressed fears for his life. Akhtar was found dead at his Panchkula residence on October 16. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed.