Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 21 to 23 to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit. He is scheduled to engage in all three summit sessions, emphasizing inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, responsible AI, and critical minerals. Modi will also attend the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) meeting and hold bilateral talks with global leaders to strengthen trade, technology, and strategic partnerships. His participation highlights India’s push for Global South priorities and sustainable development, aiming to bolster cooperation among emerging economies and influence key G20 policy outcomes.

Air India is lobbying the Indian government to request access to restricted military airspace in Xinjiang — including routes via Hotan, Kashgar, and Urumqi — to shorten long-haul flights and cut ballooning fuel costs. The push comes after Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers, fueling a projected annual loss of US$455 million, exceeding its ₹ 439 million fiscal loss. The covert appeal coincides with the airline pleading for a temporary subsidy and relief on legacy tax liabilities totaling US$ 725 million. (PC: Reuters)

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai praised immigrants for their “phenomenal” contribution to the US technology sector. Speaking to the BBC, he said the government understands the importance of bringing talented individuals despite H-1B visa system challenges. Pichai, who arrived in the US as an international student and later moved on an H-1B visa, highlighted immigrants’ role in making America a global tech leader. The H-1B debate has intensified after proposals to increase fees or limit visas. Critics say some want to end the program entirely, while Pichai urges reforms that continue allowing skilled professionals to contribute.

Afghanistan’s Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi has begun a five-day official visit to India aimed at strengthening trade and bilateral cooperation. Welcomed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Azizi is scheduled to meet officials handling commerce and investment. Talks are expected to focus on expanding agricultural exports to India, boosting Indian exports of pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles, and improving transport corridors via air cargo and Iran’s Chabahar port. Restoring disrupted payment channels and reviving the India–Afghanistan Air Freight Corridor are also on the agenda. The visit follows last month’s meeting between S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi, underscoring enduring India–Afghanistan friendship.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Islamabad must remain on “full alert” against the possibility of an “all-out war” with India. Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said India cannot be trusted and accused New Delhi of using Afghanistan as a proxy to destabilise Pakistan. His remarks follow repeated claims of a “two-front war” on both eastern and western borders. Hours earlier, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi described May’s Operation Sindoor, a four-day confrontation as merely an “88-hour trailer,” warning of overwhelming retaliation if Pakistan provokes again. Asif reiterated that India seeks to block peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, alleging Indian-backed proxies behind recent attacks.

Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman met India’s NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi to discuss bilateral issues and the Colombo Security Conclave. Bangladesh has urged India to extradite ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since August 2024. Hasina was sentenced to death by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for her alleged role in the 2024 student crackdown, charges she calls politically motivated. India has not responded to the extradition request but expressed commitment to Bangladesh’s peace and stability. Doval was invited to visit Bangladesh. The country may approach Interpol for Hasina’s extradition. (PC: HT)

Pakistan politician Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has sparked outrage after openly admitting that terror groups linked to Islamabad carried out attacks in India “from the Red Fort to Kashmir’s forests.” His viral video referenced the November 10 Red Fort car bombing, which killed 14, and the April Pahalgam attack that left 26 tourists dead. India strongly rejected the claims, accusing Pakistan of using Balochistan unrest as a diversion while fueling cross-border terrorism. Investigations tied the Red Fort blast to a Jaish-e-Mohammed “white-collar” module in Faridabad, involving doctors and academics. Authorities revealed plans for “Operation D-6,” a Babri Masjid anniversary suicide attack, with JeM’s female wing Jamaat-ul-Momineen linked to recruitment.

A US congressional panel revealed China exploited the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict to conduct its first real-world combat tests of advanced weapons supplied to Islamabad. The four-day clash, the worst in 25 years, saw missile strikes, drone attacks, and artillery exchanges before a US-brokered ceasefire. Pakistan claimed to down six Indian aircraft, including Rafales, using Chinese HQ-9 missiles, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and J-10C fighters. India acknowledged losses but reported shooting down Chinese jets and F-16s. The report accused China of disinformation campaigns undermining Rafale sales, while French intelligence confirmed fake imagery was circulated. China, Pakistan’s main arms supplier, hailed successes but urged restraint publicly. (PC: Subkuz News & Bloomberg)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of potential "all-out war" with India, stating Islamabad remains on "full alert" amid escalating tensions. His Samaa TV remarks followed Army Chief General Dwivedi's description of Operation Sindoor as an "88-hour trailer," asserting readiness to "teach Pakistan responsible behavior." Asif claimed Pakistan faces simultaneous eastern (India) and western (Afghanistan) border threats, alleging India sponsors attacks from Afghan territory. He stated "Delhi sponsors Taliban decisions" and Kabul fights India's "proxy war." The warning follows November 10's Delhi car explosion killing 15 and April's Pahalgam attack. Heavy October clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban resulted in significant casualties before Turkey-Qatar brokered ceasefire on October 19.

Wanted gangster Anmol Bishnoi received 11-day NIA custody after deportation from the US, arriving in India and appearing at Patiala House Court under heavy RAF security. Lawrence Bishnoi's younger brother faces 22 Rajasthan cases and was key accused in NCP leader Baba Siddique's murder. The NIA sought 15-day custody but received 11 days. Investigators revealed Anmol "executed" terror acts from the US, working closely with brother Lawrence and designated terrorist Goldy Brar. Chargesheeted in March 2023, the Fazilka native fled India via Nepal in 2022, traveling through multiple countries before US arrival. He operated terror syndicates using ground operatives, marking the 19th Bishnoi gang-linked arrest.