Meghalaya Cricketer Sets First-Class Record with 11-Ball Fifty
Meghalaya cricketer Akash Kumar Choudhary has set a new world record in a Ranji Trophy match by scoring the fastest-ever fifty in first-class cricket. The 25-year-old reached the half-century mark in just 11 deliveries against Arunachal Pradesh in Surat. His explosive, unbeaten innings of 50 off 14 balls also included another record-breaking feat: smashing eight consecutive sixes. This remarkable display of power-hitting is one of the most extraordinary in the history of domestic cricket.
US to Restrict Visas for Applicants with Common Chronic Health Conditions
The US government has directed its consular offices worldwide to deny visas to applicants with certain chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The new guidance, issued via a State Department cable, argues such individuals could become a "public charge," relying on government resources for expensive, long-term care. Visa officers are now instructed to assess an applicant's financial ability to cover potential medical costs, a move that could significantly impact many aspiring immigrants from India and other nations.
UK Intelligence Linked India to Nijjar Killing, New Report Claims
A Bloomberg documentary alleges that Canadian authorities were able to link India to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar using intelligence provided by the UK. Britain's GCHQ reportedly intercepted conversations discussing Nijjar and two other Sikh separatists, which were then shared with Canada under the 'Five Eyes' agreement. This development adds a new layer to the diplomatic fallout between India and Canada. New Delhi has consistently rejected the allegations as "absurd and motivated."
US to Boycott G20 Summit in South Africa, Trump Announces
US President Donald Trump has announced that no American government official will attend the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, calling the host nation's inclusion a "total disgrace." Citing alleged "human rights abuses" against the Afrikaner minority, including land confiscation, Trump stated the boycott will continue as long as these issues persist. The move marks a significant disruption to the global diplomatic forum and signals escalating tensions between the US and South Africa.
US to Boycott G20 Summit in South Africa Over Farmer Treatment Claims
The United States will boycott this year's Group of 20 summit in South Africa, President Donald Trump announced Friday, calling the host nation's inclusion a "total disgrace." Citing alleged violence and land confiscation targeting white Afrikaner farmers, Trump confirmed that no US officials, including Vice President JD Vance who was scheduled to attend, will be present. The move marks a significant diplomatic rift, with the US withdrawing from a key global economic forum over domestic policies of the host country.
India and New Zealand Conclude Fourth Round of FTA Negotiations
India and New Zealand have completed the fourth round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Auckland. Officials reported constructive discussions on trade in goods, services, and economic cooperation, reaffirming commitment towards a modern and comprehensive deal. The proposed FTA is expected to significantly boost the current $1.3 billion bilateral trade, opening new opportunities in sectors like agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals for both countries.
Election Official Suspended After VVPAT Slips Found Dumped in Bihar
An assistant returning officer in Bihar's Samastipur district has been suspended and an FIR registered after a large number of VVPAT slips were found scattered on a roadside. The incident, which occurred during the state's assembly elections, prompted an immediate inquiry. The Election Commission clarified that the slips were from a pre-election mock poll and that the integrity of the actual voting process remains uncompromised, but the official faces action for severe negligence in handling election material.
Security Forces Foil Infiltration Bid in Kashmir, Kill Two Terrorists
Security forces neutralized two unidentified terrorists along the Line of Control in the Keran sector of north Kashmir's Kupwara district. The joint operation was launched based on specific intelligence about an infiltration attempt from across the border. Alert troops challenged the infiltrators, leading to an exchange of fire in which the two were killed. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, particularly as infiltration attempts often increase before heavy winter snowfall closes the passes.
Five Indian Nationals Kidnapped by Gunmen in Mali
Five Indian nationals have been kidnapped by armed assailants in western Mali, their employer confirmed Friday. The workers, employed by a company involved in electrification projects, were abducted near Kobri on Thursday. The kidnapping occurs amid escalating violence and instability in the West African nation, where jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are increasingly active. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the other Indian employees of the company have been evacuated to the capital, Bamako.
ED Attaches Rs 21 Crore in Assets of Karnataka Congress MLA Satish Sail
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 21 crore belonging to Karnataka Congress MLA Satish Krishna Sail in connection with a money laundering case. The investigation is linked to the alleged illegal export of iron ore. The attached properties include land and commercial buildings in Goa, held through Sail's company. The legislator from Karwar was previously arrested by the ED in September as part of the ongoing probe that originated from a 2010 Karnataka Lokayukta report.
Army Kills Two Terrorists, Foils Infiltration Bid in Kashmir's Kupwara
The Indian Army neutralized two terrorists in the Keran sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, successfully thwarting an infiltration attempt across the Line of Control (LoC) late on Friday. Acting on intelligence inputs, troops intercepted the heavily armed militants, leading to a firefight. Security forces recovered two AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and food packets with Pakistani markings from the slain terrorists. The operation comes amid heightened vigilance as security forces anticipate increased infiltration attempts before heavy snowfall closes mountain passes.
Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains Launched, Enhancing Connectivity
Four new Vande Bharat Express trains were launched, expanding India's semi-high-speed rail network and improving connectivity to key heritage, religious, and economic hubs. The new services include routes such as Ferozepur-Delhi, Varanasi-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru. The expansion is expected to significantly reduce travel times, promote tourism, and support regional economic activity as part of the government's broader mission to modernize the country's railway infrastructure.
UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Cargo Fleets After Deadly Crash
Global logistics giants UPS and FedEx have grounded their entire fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft following a deadly crash involving a UPS plane in Kentucky. The decision to ground the aging cargo planes was made "out of an abundance of caution" at the recommendation of the aircraft's manufacturer, Boeing. The move affects a significant portion of their air freight capacity and will prompt thorough safety reviews, potentially impacting global supply chains.
Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha Arrive in Bhutan from India for Peace Festival
Sacred relics of Lord Buddha have arrived in Thimphu from India as a goodwill gesture for Bhutan's Global Peace Prayer Festival. The Piprahwa-Kapilavastu relics, validated as being directly associated with the Buddha, will be enshrined and displayed for public veneration. This act of cultural and spiritual diplomacy commemorates the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan's fourth king and strengthens the historical ties between the two nations, highlighting a collaboration that extends beyond political and economic cooperation.
Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs from Public Premises
Citing an "alarming rise" in dog bite incidents, the Supreme Court has ordered the removal of stray dogs from public premises like schools, hospitals, and railway stations. The court directed local authorities to place the dogs in designated shelters after vaccination and sterilization, and not release them back into the same areas. The bench also mandated the fencing of government premises and the appointment of nodal officers to ensure compliance, aiming to enhance public safety across the country.