In a rare personal revelation on the podcast hosted by Nikhil Kamath, Musk disclosed that his partner, Shivon Zilis, is half-Indian. He further shared that one of their sons carries the middle name “Sekhar”, chosen in honour of Indian-American astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who won the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physics. Musk explained that Zilis grew up in Canada after being adopted as a baby while her Indian heritage comes via her biological father, reportedly an exchange student in Canada. 

The United States Senate’s Republican Markwayne Mullin has claimed that the US offered Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro the chance to flee to Russia or another country amid escalating tensions over alleged drug-trafficking and military threats. Mullin emphasised that Donald Trump is not planning a troop invasion of Venezuela, insisting the moves are aimed at protecting US shores. Caracas condemned Trump’s declaration that Venezuela’s airspace is “closed”, calling the act a colonial-type aggression violating sovereignty. (PC: AFP)

The death toll from the Hong Kong tower fire has risen to 146, with about 100 people still missing. The blaze tore through seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court complex on Wednesday and burned for two days. Search teams say the inside of the buildings is dark and unsafe, making the work slow. Many residents had earlier warned officials about the flammable materials used during renovation. Public anger is growing, and thousands have visited the site to lay flowers and demand answers. Authorities have suspended 28 projects by the contractor and made several arrests as investigations continue. (PC: Sky News)

A strong winter storm has disrupted Thanksgiving travel across the US Midwest and Great Lakes. Heavy snow has covered parts of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan, with more than 8 inches falling in some areas. Airports in Chicago and St. Louis reported long delays, and roads became slippery and dangerous. In Indiana, a crash involving 45 vehicles forced the closure of Interstate 70, though no major injuries were reported. Officials have urged people to stay home. Forecasters warn another winter storm could hit the Northeast early next week, bringing snow, freezing rain and travel problems.

Indonesia is searching for more than 400 people missing after massive floods and landslides hit Sumatra. The death toll has crossed 440. Many villages remain cut off and have received no aid. Some people have stolen food and water to survive. The disaster was caused by Cyclone Senyar, a rare tropical storm that swept away homes and flooded thousands of buildings. Aid is being sent by air and sea, but rescue teams say more help is needed. Other countries in the region, including Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, have also faced deadly floods this month, with over 900 deaths reported. (PC: BBC)

Peace talks between the US and Ukraine began in Florida, with US secretary of state Marco Rubio saying the goal is to keep Ukraine “sovereign, independent and prosperous”. Ukrainian delegates met Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss Donald Trump’s new peace plan. Rubio said the talks aim to end the war and help Ukraine rebuild and grow. Ukraine’s security chief Rustem Umerov thanked the US for its support and said the team was working for “real peace”. The meeting comes as Russia continued attacks near Kyiv, killing one person and injuring several others overnight. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian negotiators met US officials in Florida on Sunday to discuss Washington’s proposals to end Russia’s war. The talks involved Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Ukraine faces pressure as Russian attacks continue, killing at least six over the weekend. The US plan, revised after criticism, aims for a framework ensuring “just peace,” but details remain unclear. Ukraine insists territorial discussions must start from current frontlines, with no recognition of Russian-held areas. President Zelenskyy said the delegation will continue negotiations despite political and military pressures, while Europe urges strong security guarantees and support for Ukraine. (PC: AFP/Getty)

Assam has passed a law making polygamy a criminal offence. Men entering a second marriage while the first is valid face up to 10 years in jail and fines. The law provides compensation for women affected and bars offenders from state jobs or elections. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the law protects women and is a step toward a Uniform Civil Code. Critics argue it targets Muslims, as tribal areas and some communities are exempt. Opposition leaders say it conflicts with Muslim Personal Law. Sarma insists the law applies equally to Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. (PC: AFP via Getty)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said politics now often “trumps” economics in today’s uncertain world. Speaking at IIM-Calcutta after receiving an honorary doctorate, he urged India to diversify supply sources to secure national needs. He noted the US is setting new terms in global trade, while China continues to follow its own rules. Jaishankar highlighted risks from conflicts, climate events, and supply disruptions, stressing the need for resilient supply chains. He said India is improving infrastructure and forging new trade and connectivity initiatives. His remarks come amid US-India trade tensions and tariffs on Indian goods.

The death toll from the deadly fire in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex has risen to 146. More than 150 people are still missing, and 79 are injured. Seven of the eight tower blocks in Tai Po caught fire on Wednesday, spreading quickly due to flammable construction materials. Thousands of people have visited the site to lay flowers and offer prayers during a three-day mourning period. Police have arrested 11 people, including engineers and subcontractors, on corruption and manslaughter charges linked to the building’s renovation. Fire alarms in all eight blocks were not working. The investigation is ongoing. (PC: Reuters)