US President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa policy aims to bring skilled foreign workers to America for short stays to train US workers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the plan is about “knowledge transfer,” not long-term jobs for foreign workers. He explained that the goal is to rebuild industries like semiconductors and shipbuilding that were lost to outsourcing. “Workers will train Americans for three to seven years, then return home,” Bessent told Fox News. He added that this approach supports Trump’s push to reduce import dependence and boost manufacturing jobs in the US. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that his country is “ready for war on two fronts,” claiming Pakistan can face both India and Afghanistan. His statement came after a suicide blast in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 36. Linking the attack to Kabul, Asif said, “This is a message from the Afghan Taliban, and Pakistan is fully prepared to respond.” The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing. Asif also dismissed the Delhi Red Fort blast as a “gas cylinder explosion,” which Indian officials called a “desperate attempt to deflect attention.” (PC: India Today)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized India's crucial role in preventing Bangladesh from becoming a "Pakistan-style hybrid regime" under Muhammad Yunus's leadership. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Hasina called India Bangladesh's "steadfast friend" essential for preserving regional democratic stability. She urged India to support Bangladeshis' right to choose their government, warning against political instability. Hasina distinguished her India relationship from Yunus's, attributing his Delhi difficulties to "sponsorship of extremists, failure to protect religious minorities, and anti-India rhetoric." She accused Yunus of being a "cardboard-cutout leader" controlled by Hizb-ut Tahrir extremists. Hasina praised India's diplomatic backing, including calls for inclusive elections and highlighting minority persecution, stressing free elections are essential for restoring Bangladesh's democratic health.(PC: Wikimedia Commons)

Investigators probing the Red Fort blast have traced a foreign handler operating from Ankara, Turkey, who coordinated the terror module. The handler, codenamed "Ukasa" (meaning "spider" in Arabic), maintained direct contact with main accused Dr Umar Un Nabi and associates through Session app, an encrypted messaging platform ensuring high anonymity. Officials believe Ukasa coordinated the group's movements, finances, and radicalization efforts. Several individuals linked to the Faridabad terror module traveled to Ankara in March 2022, where they allegedly met their handler and were recruited. "The group was operating under foreign direction," a senior official confirmed. Agencies are examining chat histories and digital devices to establish the network's full scope and possible Pakistan-based terror links. (PC: India Today & BBC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised India's handling of the Delhi Red Fort blast investigation, stating, "The Indians need to be commended. They've been very measured, cautious and very professional." While offering American assistance, Rubio acknowledged India doesn't need help, calling their capabilities strong. He confirmed the explosion was a "terrorist attack" involving a car loaded with highly explosive materials that killed 12 people. Rubio discussed the incident with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during G7 meetings in Canada. Forensic teams collected over 40 samples, with preliminary analysis suggesting ammonium nitrate was used. Investigators revealed prime accused Dr Umar contacted a Turkey-based handler, possibly planning an attack similar to Mumbai's 26/11. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump said he has an “obligation” to sue the BBC over an edited clip of his January 6, 2021 speech shown in a Panorama documentary. Speaking to Fox News, Trump claimed the BBC “butchered” his words and “defrauded” viewers. His lawyers have demanded a retraction, apology, and $1 billion in damages by Friday. The BBC earlier apologised for an “error of judgement” in the edit, which suggested Trump urged violence. The controversy has led to the resignations of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness. The BBC says it will respond soon. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a two-day state visit to Bhutan, marking participation in the 70th birthday celebrations of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. A major highlight is the launch of the 1,020 MW India-funded Punatsangchhu‑II Hydroelectric Project, strengthening hydro-power collaboration between the two nations. India also extended a ₹4,000 crore (~$455 million) line of credit to support Bhutan’s energy infrastructure and bolster their strategic partnership amid regional geopolitical shifts. (PC: PTI)

A suicide bomber struck the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad on 11 November, killing at least 12 people and wounding over 30. Shehbaz Sharif accused Afghanistan-based militants acting on behalf of India for orchestrating the attack via its proxies, amid heightened tensions following a car-bombing in Delhi. Authorities noted the blast took place amid an ongoing operation to rescue cadets in South Waziristan, amplifying concerns of widening cross-border violence. 

Billionaire investor Barry Sternlicht warned NYC will "turn into Mumbai" under Mayor Zohran Mamdani's rent freeze plan, calling the socialist agenda economically destructive. The Starwood Capital Group CEO told CNBC that freezing rents amid stagnant tenant incomes will trigger nonpayment chains, eroding property ownership confidence. Sternlicht blamed NYC's construction challenges on trade unions and high regulatory costs, noting projects exceeding $100 million must use expensive union labor. He warned Mamdani's policies are combined with tight margins which will discourage developers from building new housing. The Democratic Socialist defeated Andrew Cuomo promising rent caps for millions of units with expanded tenant protections. Real estate industry fears frozen rents will hinder building maintenance, renovation, and sector investment. (PC: India Today)

India categorically rejected Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's allegations that New Delhi orchestrated the Islamabad suicide bombing killing twelve people. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed claims as "baseless and unfounded," calling Pakistani leadership "obviously delirious" and employing "predictable tactics." Despite Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claiming responsibility for Tuesday's attack, Sharif accused "Indian-sponsored terrorist proxies" of executing the strike from Afghanistan with Indian backing. Without presenting evidence, Pakistan's premier linked the bombing to Monday's Cadet College attack in Wana, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed three. Sharif made these assertions at Islamabad's Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference, claiming both incidents originated from Afghan territory under Indian patronage.