Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested Bandhu Man Singh, a close associate of gangster Goldy Dhillon, in connection with the shootings outside comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada. Investigators say he coordinated with Dhillon’s network, arranging weapons and logistics for the attacks. During the arrest, police recovered a Chinese-made PX-3 pistol along with live cartridges. This arrest marks a significant step in probing cross-border gang activities targeting high-profile individuals. (PC: The Hindu & Times Now)

After India’s recent Test loss to South Africa, the BCCI reportedly took issue with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s public praise of the turning pitch at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Gambhir insisted the black-soil track was exactly what the team wanted, calling it a test of technique and temperament — comments that irked board members. Although no immediate action is planned, insiders warn that another poor showing, especially at the upcoming T20 World Cup, could put his future under serious threat. (PC: PTI)

In Delhi’s Chhawla area, 35-year-old Virender Singh allegedly strangled his 44-year-old live-in partner, Radha, following a drunken argument. He then placed her body in the backseat of his Maruti Swift, reportedly deciding to dispose of it, but was too intoxicated to drive far. Instead, he returned home, resumed drinking, and fell asleep. The following morning, a neighbour spotted the body in the car and alerted the police, leading to Virender’s arrest. A murder case has been registered. (PC: X)

A simmering leadership tussle within Karnataka’s Congress party flared as Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar shared a cryptic post on X: “Word power is world power … everyone has to walk the talk.” Shivakumar later denied writing the message, calling it “fake.” In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah fired back: “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people,” highlighting his government’s delivery on key welfare schemes. The exchange underscores deepening factional tensions, especially amid speculation about a previous power-sharing deal. (PC: X)

A catastrophic blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po District, Hong Kong. The fire, which began on bamboo scaffolding around a 32‑storey tower undergoing renovation, spread rapidly across seven of eight towers, killing at least 65 people. Thick smoke and flames continued into a second day as firefighters searched charred apartments floor by floor. Over 900 residents were evacuated and about 70 people sustained injuries. Authorities arrested three men from the renovation company on suspicion of manslaughter and launched a wider investigation into building‑safety violations and possible use of substandard, flammable materials like Styrofoam. 

The court on Thursday refused to accept the Maharashtra government’s claim that ash from Hayli Gubbi — which erupted in Ethiopia on November 23 — caused Mumbai’s poor air quality. The bench noted that the city’s air quality index (AQI) had been “very poor” long before the eruption, with visibility “below 500 metres” even two days earlier. The court asked authorities to propose concrete pollution‑control measures, and directed the municipal body to act — particularly by enforcing construction‑site closures if AQI remains above 300. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court of India has directed comedian Samay Raina and three other comedians to use their platforms to host shows featuring successful stories of people with disabilities, to raise funds for their treatment. The court emphasized that this is a “social burden” rather than a punishment, urging well-known influencers to channel their popularity for a constructive public cause. The move follows criticism over previous insensitive content, underscoring that freedom of speech must respect human dignity. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government will soon allow private companies to enter India’s nuclear energy sector. This marks a major change, as the sector has always been controlled by the government. Modi said the move will help develop small modular reactors, advanced reactors, and new nuclear technology. He spoke while virtually opening Skyroot’s new Infinity Campus in Hyderabad. The Prime Minister praised private players for boosting India’s space progress in recent years. He said Skyroot’s growth shows the strength of India’s young talent and added that India can become a global leader in satellite launches. 

The Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed that the Election Commission of India is constitutionally and legally empowered to carry out the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, refusing to halt the process. It noted that the court may intervene later—extending deadlines or ordering corrections—if a “fit case” arises. Petitions from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala challenging the SIR were segregated for separate hearings, with the Court seeking responses from the EC and the respective state governments. The ruling underscores that electoral roll revision remains primarily the EC’s domain while judicial scrutiny remains open. (PC: PTI)

India has approved a Rs 7,280-crore plan to build its own rare earth permanent magnet (REPM) industry and cut its heavy reliance on China. China controls about 90% of global rare earth magnet production, which is key for EVs, wind turbines, electronics and defence systems. The new scheme will create India’s first full rare earth supply chain, from oxides to metals and finished magnets. The plan will run for seven to ten years with subsidies and incentives to set up 6,000 MTPA capacity. India has large rare earth reserves but makes only 1% of global output today. (PC: India Today)