A 32-year-old Japanese woman, Yurina Noguchi, married an AI-generated persona named Lune Klaus Verdure at a ceremony in western Japan. The call center operator created her virtual partner using ChatGPT, modeling him after a video game character. Wearing AR glasses, she exchanged vows with Klaus displayed on her smartphone. While not legally recognized, such unions are increasingly common in Japan, where a Dentsu survey found chatbots more popular than best friends for sharing feelings. Noguchi credits Klaus with helping manage her borderline personality disorder, though she's implemented safeguards against over-dependence, limiting ChatGPT use to under two hours daily and programming Klaus to discourage irresponsible behavior. (PC: X)

Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir faces a critical test as President Donald Trump pushes Islamabad to contribute troops to Gaza's stabilisation force. Munir, now Pakistan's most powerful military chief with unprecedented constitutional powers extending until 2030, is expected to meet Trump in Washington soon. Trump's 20-point Gaza plan envisions Muslim nations overseeing reconstruction in the war-torn territory. While Munir has cultivated close ties with Trump, including a rare solo White House lunch in June, deploying troops could trigger domestic backlash from Islamist parties and Imran Khan supporters. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated Pakistan might consider peacekeeping but ruled out disarming Hamas, calling it "not our job." (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Jerusalem on Tuesday, condemning the recent Bondi Beach terror attack on Jews during Hanukkah celebrations in Australia. India conveyed deepest condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all forms. The ministers held productive discussions on advancing the India-Israel Strategic Partnership across multiple domains, exchanging views on regional developments, the Gaza peace plan, and efforts toward lasting regional peace. Saar condemned the Red Fort blast, emphasizing terror as a mutual threat. Both nations will adopt a comprehensive bilateral relations working plan for 2026. The visit aims to strengthen ties amid heightened global security concerns following recent terror incidents. (PC: X)

Warner Bros Discovery's board is expected to reject Paramount's $108.4 billion takeover bid and recommend shareholders vote against the offer, potentially announcing the decision Wednesday. The company appears poised to recommit to Netflix's $72 billion cash-and-stock bid for Warner Bros' non-cable assets. Paramount CEO David Ellison countered with a $30-per-share all-cash offer for the entire company, financed by $41 billion in equity from the Ellison family and RedBird Capital, plus $54 billion in debt commitments. The winner will secure Warner Bros' extensive film and television library, including classics like Casablanca and contemporary hits like Harry Potter and Friends, along with HBO and HBO Max streaming service, a significant advantage in streaming wars. (PC: Pinterest) 

Sri Lankan authorities plan to arrest 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga on corruption charges related to his tenure as petroleum minister. He and his brother Dhammika are accused of altering oil procurement procedures in 2017, making spot purchases at inflated costs instead of following standard long-term contract protocols. The corruption watchdog reports a state loss of 800 million Lankan rupees (approximately Rs 23.5 crore) from 27 purchases. Dhammika, former Ceylon Petroleum Corporation chairman, was arrested Monday and released on bail with a travel ban. Arjuna, currently abroad, faces arrest upon return. The case is part of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's anti-corruption crackdown, with another Ranatunga brother also facing fraud charges. (PC: NDTV Sports) 

A Pakistani viewer from Karachi has garnered attention for his candid review of Ranveer Singh's spy thriller Dhurandhar. Despite the film's portrayal of Pakistan as the adversary and its depiction of cross-border tensions, the reviewer praised the cinematography, music, screenplay, and performances. He acknowledged the film took him to "uncomfortable places" but appreciated its bold narrative as an art form. Emphasizing humanity over nationalism, he urged viewers to look beyond country labels and recognize wrongdoing as human-to-human harm. His review sparked positive responses online, with many praising his open-mindedness. Dhurandhar, featuring Singh as an Indian spy infiltrating Pakistan's Lyari, has grossed over Rs 350 crore domestically in ten days. (PC: News18)

Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stayed in the “very poor” category at around 329, keeping residents under smoggy, polluted air conditions on Wednesday. Shallow to moderate fog is forecast by the India Meteorological Department, reducing visibility and worsening pollution effects across the city. Persistent cold and trapped pollutants have kept AQI high, prompting health concerns and advisory warnings, especially for sensitive groups. The poor air persists despite slight improvements from earlier “severe” levels. Meteorologists predict continued low visibility and pollution through the coming days, affecting travel and outdoor activities in the national capital. (PC: PTI)

FIFA has responded to global criticism of steep ticket pricing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by creating a new **“Supporter Entry Tier” with tickets priced at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. The limited low-cost tickets will make up about 10% of each national team’s allocation and will be distributed through participating member associations to loyal fans. Fans and groups had condemned earlier prices as “extortionate,” with some games and stages costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. Despite the concession, critics say it may not sufficiently address affordability concerns ahead of the tournament hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico. (PC: Reuters)

Warner Bros Discovery is expected to advise shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance’s $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid and instead support Netflix’s earlier acquisition deal for its assets, according to sources. Paramount’s all-cash offer of $30 per share, launched directly to shareholders, tops Netflix’s approximately $82.7 billion cash-and-stock proposal and aims to buy the entire company, including cable networks. Warner’s board favors Netflix’s bid, which focuses on studios and streaming assets, citing better strategic fit. The high-stakes battle over Hollywood’s prized content library marks a major clash in the global media landscape. (PC: Reuters)

The Trump administration announced a major expansion of its travel ban, adding 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority to US entry restrictions, significantly widening earlier measures introduced in June. The expanded list now includes full bans on citizens of several nations and new limits on 15 others, effectively doubling the number of affected countries. The policy targets visitors and potential immigrants, though exemptions apply to existing visa holders, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, and certain travellers. Officials cited national security, vetting issues, and immigration concerns as reasons for the expansion, which takes effect January 1, 2026. Critics argue it unfairly targets nations based on nationality rather than credible threats. (PC: NDTV)