A heartwarming video from Adelaide shows an Uber driver’s stunned yet polite reaction when Indian cricketers Prasidh Krishna, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel entered his cab. The driver, caught off guard, quietly greeted them and respected their privacy during the ride. The dashcam video quickly went viral, with fans calling his reaction “pure and genuine.” The three players, teammates in Rajasthan Royals, are part of India’s ODI squad in Australia but haven’t played in the first two matches. As India trails 0-2 in the series, the trio may get a chance in the final ODI in Sydney.

Satellite images reveal China is building a new air-defence complex near Pangong Lake in Tibet, close to the India border. The site includes command buildings, barracks, radar stations, and covered missile launch pads with sliding roofs. Experts say these shelters may hide HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missiles that can fire through retractable hatches. The design is similar to China’s protected launch sites in the South China Sea. Analysts believe the complex is meant to strengthen China’s defence network facing Ladakh. Construction is still underway, with data cables linking the system to command and control centers. (PC: India Today)

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and world leaders in London on Friday. The meeting aims to push allies to supply Ukraine with more long-range missiles to target Russian positions. Starmer said President Putin is the only one refusing peace and condemned recent Russian strikes that killed children in Kharkiv. The UK will send 100 more air defence missiles to Ukraine ahead of schedule. Leaders will also discuss sanctions on Russian oil and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defence and recovery efforts. (PC: BBC)

The Trump administration is set to defend its $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants in U.S. courts, citing the need to protect American workers and curb fraud in the visa program. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the H-1B system has been exploited, affecting wages for U.S. citizens. The policy faces multiple lawsuits from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, unions, and industry groups, who argue the fee is unlawful and could harm U.S. industries reliant on skilled foreign workers. Legal proceedings are expected to test the administration’s immigration strategy.  

Afghanistan's Taliban-led government has announced plans to construct a dam on the Kunar River, aiming to restrict Pakistan's water access. This move follows India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty earlier this year. The Kunar River, known as the Chitral River in Pakistan, is a vital water source for Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The decision comes after recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, highlighting escalating tensions in the region. Afghanistan's Supreme Leader, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, has ordered the swift commencement of the dam's construction, emphasizing the nation's "right to water". (PC: AFP)  

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met world leaders in London on Friday for a “coalition of the willing” summit. The meeting aims to increase support for Ukraine after the EU failed to unlock new funding from frozen Russian assets. Leaders discussed supplying more long-range missiles, protecting energy infrastructure, and hitting Russia’s economy. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Putin is the only one resisting peace and highlighted attacks on civilians. Around 20 leaders joined virtually, with Denmark, Netherlands, and NATO leaders attending in person. The UK also announced 140 extra air defence missiles for Ukraine this winter. (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin brushed off U.S. sanctions targeting major oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, calling them “serious but unlikely to destabilize” Russia’s economy. He described the measures as an unfriendly act that does not help improve U.S.-Russia relations. Responding to the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine by the U.S., Putin warned that any attacks on Russian territory would trigger a “very strong, if not overwhelming” retaliation. While emphasizing Russia’s readiness to defend itself, he expressed a preference for dialogue over escalation. The sanctions are part of Trump’s push to pressure Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. (PC: NDTV)    

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the latest US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, calling them serious but not damaging to Russia’s economy. The sanctions, announced by President Donald Trump, aim to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Putin said the move was “unfriendly” and would not improve Russia-US ties. He added that Russia remains open to dialogue but warned that any attack using US Tomahawk missiles would face a “very strong” response. The sanctions are the first imposed by the Trump administration since his return to office, following the collapse of planned peace talks in Budapest.

Hours after the $100 million jewel theft at the Louvre, thieves struck again at France’s Maison des Lumières in Landres. Around 2,000 gold and silver coins, some over 200 years old, were stolen from the museum dedicated to philosopher Denis Diderot. Staff discovered the smashed display on Tuesday but realized the burglary occurred Sunday, the same day as the Louvre heist. Officials said the theft was done with “great expertise.” Police continue to investigate. The recent string of robberies highlights security gaps at French museums and raises concerns that stolen items may be melted and sold as precious metals. (PC: nypost)

King Charles and Pope Leo made history by praying side by side in the Sistine Chapel — a first for leaders of the Church of England and the Catholic Church. The service focused on unity and nature, bridging centuries-old divisions since the Reformation. Queen Camilla also joined the royal visit to the Vatican. The moment symbolized friendship and reconciliation between the two churches. Later, the King and Queen offered prayers at St Paul’s tomb, reflecting on faith and peace. Despite media attention over Prince Andrew, the visit carried a strong message of harmony and shared belief. (PC: X)