Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced a major investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore (US$17.5 billion) to support India’s AI growth. This is Microsoft’s largest investment in Asia. Nadella said the company will help India build AI infrastructure, skills, and secure digital systems. The investment follows an earlier US$3 billion plan for cloud and AI centres in Bengaluru. PM Modi said the world is optimistic about India’s AI future. Microsoft’s move strengthens India’s position as a key global tech market, joining Google and Amazon, who have also announced large AI and data centre investments in the country. (PC: @narendramodi/X)

The European Union has opened an investigation into Google over its AI-generated summaries that appear above search results. The EU says Google may be using content from websites and YouTube videos without fair payment or clear permission. Publishers and creators fear losing traffic and income as Google’s AI gives answers directly, reducing clicks on their pages. Some creators say they cannot easily opt out of having their work used to train Google’s AI systems. Google says the investigation could slow innovation. The EU says AI should not grow at the cost of creators, media, or democratic values. (PC: Getty Images)

The BCCI has added nine new players to the IPL 2026 auction list, taking the total number of players to 359. Earlier, the board had released a list of 350 names from over 1300 registrations. The new additions include IPL winner Swastik Chikara and Malaysia’s Virandeep Singh, the only Associate-nation player in the pool. Other names are Manisankar Murasingh, Chama Milind, K.L. Shrijith, Ethan Bosch, Chris Green, Rahul Raj Namala and Virat Singh. Out of 359 players, only 77 will get contracts. BCCI also corrected an error after listing BBL-contracted Nikhil Chaudhury as an Indian instead of an overseas player. (PC: BCCI)

The IMF has approved a $1.2 billion tranche for Pakistan, completing reviews of its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility and $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility. With this, Pakistan has received $3.3 billion of the $8.4 billion package, crucial for stabilising its $370 billion economy battered by floods, inflation, and depleted reserves. The IMF praised progress primary surplus of 1.3% GDP, reserves up to $14.5 billion, and inflation down to 12–15% but urged discipline in monetary policy and energy reforms. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed reforms as a “global case study.” Yet, experts warn Pakistan’s 24th IMF bailout underscores chronic mismanagement and recurring dependency cycles.(PC: IOTA)

Hardik Pandya's unbeaten 59 off 28 balls and crucial wicket powered India to a dominant 101-run victory over South Africa in Cuttack's series opener. Returning after 74 days from quadricep injury, Pandya rescued India from 48/3, propelling them to 175/6 with late fireworks, 71 runs in the final six overs. South Africa collapsed to their lowest-ever T20I total of 74 in 12.3 overs, surpassing their previous low of 87 against India in 2022 Rajkot. Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel each claimed two wickets. Lungi Ngidi took 3/31 exploiting the challenging red-soil surface, but India's ruthless bowling secured the 1-0 series lead.(PC: X)

The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a member of the UK armed forces died in Ukraine on Tuesday morning in what has been described as a tragic accident. The incident occurred while the individual was observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability, away from the front lines. The MoD clarified that the death was not caused by hostile fire. Defence Secretary John Healey expressed devastation, extending condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The individual’s identity and service details have not been disclosed. The MoD stated it will not comment further as investigations continue.

India demolished South Africa by 101 runs in the opening T20I at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium. Chasing 176, South Africa collapsed to 74 all-out in just 12.3 overs against India's disciplined bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Varun Chakravarthy all claimed wickets. Player of the Match Hardik Pandya praised his fitness work over the last seven months, emphasizing team-first mentality. South Africa captain Aiden Markram acknowledged the sticky pitch with "tennis-ball bounce" but lamented batting collapse, stating they would've backed themselves chasing 175. Markram stressed the importance of building partnerships, vowing quick turnaround for the next match.

Assam's Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre released 35 critically endangered vultures, 30 White-rumped and 5 Slender-billed into Kaziranga National Park Monday under Bishwanath Wildlife Division. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called them "guardians of our health," comparing them to Ramayana's Jatayu, marking the 6th edition release. Both species are IUCN Red List Critically Endangered and Schedule I protected, having suffered 97% population crashes in two decades from diclofenac poisoning, the fastest bird decline recorded. Assam remains India's last slender-billed vulture stronghold. The VCBC-Rani, a joint Assam Forest Department-BNHS initiative, has bred 800+ vultures nationwide over 15 years. Additional releases planned for early 2026 in Kamrup and Biswanath districts.(PC: HT)

Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu ordered a 10% curtailment of IndiGo flights Tuesday amid nationwide disruptions caused by crew roster mismanagement and inadequate communication. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was summoned, confirming 100% refunds completed for flights affected until December 6. Over 400 flights were cancelled nationwide Tuesday, Delhi's IGI Airport reported 152 cancellations, Bengaluru 121, Chennai 41, Hyderabad 58, Mumbai 31, Ahmedabad 16, and Patna 9. The minister emphasized IndiGo must comply with all directives, including fare capping and passenger convenience measures. Elbers stated operations have stabilized, with lakhs receiving refunds daily and most delayed baggage delivered, promising continued customer support.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore ($17.5 billion) investment marking it's largest in Asia, during his meeting with PM Narendra Modi Wednesday evening, focused on developing India's AI infrastructure and capabilities. This follows Microsoft's earlier $3 billion commitment for Bengaluru's cloud and AI infrastructure, including upskilling and data centers. Modi responded: "When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India!" Microsoft's statement emphasized India's emergence as a "frontier AI nation" and catalyst for inclusive growth. The investment underscores India's value for global tech giants, joining Google's $15 billion five-year plan for its Visakhapatnam AI hub and Amazon's billions in data centers, positioning India as a crucial AI development market.