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)

  Australian and Indian police have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the two suspects in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, was originally from Hyderabad, Telangana. Akram, 50, who died at the scene, had limited contact with India after migrating to Australia in 1998 and had no criminal record there. Authorities said his family was unaware of any radical beliefs. Sajid and his son Naveed are accused of killing 15 people at a Hanukkah event. Investigators are probing their recent travel to the Philippines, amid unverified reports of militant training. (PC: X)

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa’s Arpora village where a blaze killed 25 people, have been deported from Thailand and brought back to India after a 10-day international search. Arrested at Delhi airport, the duo was granted a two-day transit remand by a Delhi court to facilitate their transfer to Goa for legal proceedings. They will be produced before the Mapusa court as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged safety violations and culpable homicide in the tragic fire. (PC: X)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, co-produced by Karan Johar under Dharma Productions, has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, India’s official Oscar entry, was selected from a competitive international field and will advance to the next voting round. Homebound stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, and has Oscar winner Martin Scorsese as executive producer. Inspired by a true story, it charts two friends’ life-changing journey. Karan Johar celebrated the achievement on social media, expressing pride in the team’s global recognition. (PC: HT)

Global football legend Lionel Messi visited Vantara, participating in traditional Sanatana Dharma prayers and ceremonies. Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi received a grand welcome featuring folk music, flower showers, and an aarti ceremony. The Argentine icon took part in a Maha Aarti, performing multiple Hindu pujas including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, and Shiv Abhishek. The prayers focused on world peace and unity. Vantara, where the visit occurred, traditionally begins its programs with prayers rooted in Sanatana Dharma traditions. The special visit showcased cultural exchange as the football superstar engaged respectfully with Indian spiritual practices alongside his South American teammates during their India tour.

A political battle erupted over the proposed Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (G RAM G) Bill, 2025, replacing the two-decade-old MGNREGA. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre, calling it an attempt to erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, alleging PM Modi harbors hatred for Gandhi's ideas and poor people's rights. Two major contentions emerged: the 60:40 Centre-state funding split versus MGNREGA's full central funding, and a 60-day work pause during agricultural seasons. BJP defended the changes as necessary modernization, increasing guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days, incorporating AI fraud detection and GPS monitoring. Congress promised nationwide protests with Gandhi's portraits, while BJP called allegations "misleading," positioning the bill as aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa apologized for the capital's persistent air pollution, admitting it's "impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in nine to 10 months." He blamed the previous AAP government for inheriting a "disease of pollution." Delhi's AQI stood at 354 on Tuesday, improving from Monday's severe 427. Sirsa announced stricter enforcement: vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates won't be allowed to refuel from Thursday. He claimed air quality remained better for eight months this year compared to last year. The government has reduced garbage mountain heights by 15 meters, reclaimed 45 acres, installed 2,000 pollution-monitoring plants, identified 13 hotspots, and plans deploying 7,500 electric buses to reduce vehicular emissions.

Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Dhaka could shelter anti-India forces and threatened to "sever the seven sisters," referring to India's northeastern states. Four states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share land borders with Bangladesh, making the region strategically sensitive. Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would offer sanctuary to separatist groups if India shelters forces against Bangladesh's sovereignty. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks "irresponsible and dangerous," warning India won't remain silent. India previously accused militant groups like NLFT and ATTF of using Bangladeshi territory as safe havens during the late 1990s-early 2000s. The security situation improved after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2009 return, launching crackdowns on insurgent groups and strengthening India-Bangladesh security cooperation.