In a recent interview, former CIA counter-proliferation officer Richard Barlow alleged that India and Israel had planned a covert operation in the early 1980s to bomb Pakistan’s Kahuta Research Laboratories uranium-enrichment facility. According to Barlow, the operation was aimed at halting Pakistan’s nuclear weapons development. He criticized Indira Gandhi’s refusal to approve the plan, calling it “a shame”. Barlow said his information came from intelligence circles though he was not directly involved in the planning. 

Five Indian nationals working on an electrification project were abducted by armed men on Thursday near Kobri in western Mali, according to company and security sources. The country, governed by a military junta, has seen a surge in unrest led by jihadist groups linked to Jama'at Nusrat al‑Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State – Sahel Province (ISSP). No organisation has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings. Other Indian workers employed by the same company have been evacuated to the capital, Bamako. Government officials are monitoring the situation closely amid growing ransom concerns. (PC: AFP)

Nearly 700 flights were delayed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday due to a technical fault in the Air Traffic Control's Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS). The malfunction, which began Thursday evening, forced controllers to manually prepare flight plans, causing widespread disruptions. All airline operations were impacted, with 97% of flights delayed. The average departure delay reached 62 minutes. Major airlines including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air issued advisories. The disruption cascaded to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other airports. International flights to Rome and London faced delays exceeding two hours. IndiGo shares dropped 2% while SpiceJet fell 1%. Long queues formed at terminals as passengers awaited updates.

Democrat socialist Zohran Mamdani won New York City's mayoral election despite 26 billionaires spending over $22 million against him. His progressive platform includes city-run grocery outlets, free public transport, and universal childcare. Michael Bloomberg led opposition with $8.3 million supporting opponent Andrew Cuomo, while Bill Ackman donated $1.75 million and William Lauder contributed $2.6 million. Other notable donors included Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, casino magnate Steve Wynn, and oil baron John Hess. Sixteen billionaire donors are NYC residents. Following Mamdani's victory, critics like Ackman and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who called Mamdani "more Marxist than socialist," extended support offers. Mamdani takes office January 1, 2026. (PC: New York Times) 

India has fortified its eastern border by establishing three new military garrisons at Bamuni, Kishanganj, and Chopra along the Indo-Bangladesh frontier to secure the strategic Siliguri Corridor, known as "Chicken's Neck." This 22-kilometer-wide strip connects mainland India with its seven northeastern states. The move follows Bangladesh's interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus engaging with Pakistan's military establishment and China for investments, shifting from former PM Sheikh Hasina's policies. The Trishakti Corps oversees corridor defense, supported by Rafale jets at Hashimara Airbase, BrahMos missiles, and advanced air defense systems including S-400, MRSAM, and Aakash. India has also deployed Bhairav battalions and Ashni drone platoons, reflecting a strategic shift from deterrence to dominance. (PC: India Today)

India sharply criticized Pakistan's alleged nuclear weapons testing, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that "clandestine and illegal nuclear activities" align with Pakistan's history of smuggling, export control violations, and the AQ Khan network. Jaiswal responded to President Trump's recent claim that Pakistan has been secretly conducting underground nuclear tests. Trump stated in a CBS News interview that while the US hasn't tested for over 30 years, countries like Pakistan, North Korea, Russia, and China continue underground trials undetected. Pakistan denied the allegations, asserting it wasn't first to test and won't be first to resume. India emphasized it has consistently highlighted Pakistan's nuclear proliferation record to the international community.

Ajit Singh Chaudhary, a 22-year-old medical student from Rajasthan’s Alwar district studying at Bashkir State Medical University in Ufa, Russia, was found dead in a local dam nearly 19 days after he went missing. Singh had left his hostel on October 19 to buy milk and never returned. His clothes, phone, and shoes were earlier discovered near the White River. Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is coordinating with local officials to facilitate the repatriation of his body. (PC: X)

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo referenced India’s trade practices while defending former President Donald Trump’s use of emergency tariff powers in an ongoing Supreme Court case. Raimondo argued that India employs similar trade regulations to protect domestic industries, emphasizing that the US must retain comparable flexibility to safeguard its economy. The case challenges the extent of presidential authority in imposing tariffs, a key issue that could redefine US trade policy. Experts say the ruling may have far-reaching implications for future administrations’ global economic strategies. (PC: AP)

The body of 22-year-old Indian medical student Ajit Singh Chaudhary was recovered from a dam near the White River in Russia's Ufa city on Thursday, 19 days after he went missing. The resident of Kaphanwada village in Rajasthan's Alwar was pursuing MBBS at Bashkir State Medical University since 2023. He disappeared on October 19 after leaving his hostel around 11am, saying he was going to buy milk. His clothes, mobile phone, and shoes were discovered near the riverbank 19 days ago. Former Union Minister Jitendra Singh alleged suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident and urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate repatriation of the body and ensure thorough investigation. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim of preventing a full-scale India-Pakistan war in May 2025, adding fresh details about aircraft being shot down. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated eight planes were shot down during the conflict, updating his previous claim of seven. He asserted he ended the confrontation within 24 hours by threatening both nuclear-armed nations with tariffs. Trump claimed he resolved five or six out of eight wars using tariff threats. However, India's Ministry of External Affairs firmly rejected his version, maintaining the ceasefire was achieved through established military communication channels between the Director Generals of Military Operations, reaffirming all bilateral issues with Pakistan must be resolved without third-party involvement.