Ahmedabad has been ranked the world’s least-prepared city to deal with climate disasters, placing below Lahore in a global assessment of 72 cities. The AlphaGeo index assessed cities based on their exposure to risks such as floods, extreme heat, drought, wildfires and hurricanes, as well as their ability to adapt. Chicago topped the ranking, benefiting from its temperate climate, freshwater access and infrastructure investments. South Asian cities dominated the least-resilient list, with Ahmedabad ranked last, followed by Hyderabad in Pakistan, Multan, Dhaka and Lahore. Kolkata also featured among the 10 least-resilient cities, ranking sixth, according to the assessment. (PC: X)

The Red Fort blast was a suicide bombing carried out by Umar Un Nabi, who allegedly detonated an IED inside his i20 car, killing 15 people, the NIA said in its chargesheet. DNA evidence confirmed Nabi was inside the vehicle when it exploded on November 10. The 7,500-page chargesheet describes a nearly two-year conspiracy to revive the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind module, with the Red Fort allegedly chosen as a “symbol of the Indian state”. The NIA said Nabi conducted reconnaissance of the site and accelerated the attack after arrests in Srinagar, fearing the conspiracy was being exposed. (PC: India Today)

Major Navya Shekhawat has made history by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. As an Army Service Corps officer, she assists the President during state functions, investiture ceremonies, diplomatic engagements and other official events. She joined the Army after clearing the Combined Defence Services examination and completing training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Her appointment follows Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki, who became the first woman ADC to the President from the Navy in 2025. The milestone highlights the growing role of women in India’s armed forces. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the Centre’s three-language policy, particularly the treatment of English as a “native” language in the framework. The court is examining whether such classification is constitutionally sustainable. The issue comes amid concerns about the burden placed on students, especially those transitioning to the three-language requirement in higher classes. The Centre has assured the court that it will take prompt action regarding a proposed reprieve for Class 6 students. The proceedings highlight continuing debates over language education, constitutional principles and the implementation of the National Education Policy. (PC: The Hindu)

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro accused China of coercion and bullying after a Chinese representative interrupted his remarks during a security forum in Seoul. While Teodoro was speaking, a man approached and handed him a note reportedly objecting to his comments about China. Teodoro publicly read the note before firmly rejecting its message, saying such actions reflected attempts at intimidation. He maintained that the Philippines would continue speaking openly about regional security concerns and defending its interests. The incident highlights growing tensions between Manila and Beijing, particularly over territorial disputes and China’s activities in the South China Sea.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that Colombo would never allow Sri Lankan territory to be used for activities threatening India’s security interests. The assurance came during Singh’s three-day official visit to Colombo, aimed at strengthening bilateral maritime and defence cooperation. India and Sri Lanka signed three agreements, including an MoU to upgrade six India-supplied L70 air-defence guns used by the Sri Lankan Air Force. The two sides also expanded cooperation through their defence institutions. Dissanayake thanked India for assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, while both countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, peace and stability. (PC: HT)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has clarified that its probe into alleged terror links involving US mercenary Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals remains ongoing. The clarification came after the NIA’s chargesheet filed before a Delhi court did not invoke UAPA provisions, instead citing offences under the Immigration and Foreigners Act. The accused were arrested in March over allegations of illegally entering Myanmar-linked areas and providing arms and drone-warfare training to ethnic armed groups. The NIA said further investigation and supplementary chargesheets remain legally possible. The development has triggered political criticism, with Congress alleging possible US pressure behind the decision. (PC: India Today)

Bharat Ratna awardee and renowned scientist Professor C.N.R. Rao has reportedly been flagged during Karnataka’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls because of a spelling discrepancy. His older 2002 electoral record lists his name as “Prof C N R Rao,” while the current roll reportedly contains “Proff C N R Rao,” with an additional “f.” The automated system classified this as a self-mismatch and sought identity verification. Rao was reportedly asked to appear for a hearing in Bengaluru. However, his representative said no physical notice had been received. (PC: IANS)

Fifty-four-year-old Manipuri guitarist Vikram Chongtham was killed in New Delhi after an argument outside his apartment reportedly escalated into a violent attack. He was chased upstairs by a group of men and later died from his injuries in hospital. Delhi Police have arrested eight people, including a minor, on murder charges, while the motive remains under investigation. Singh was a respected musician who had spent about two decades teaching music in Delhi and was regarded as a pioneer of Manipur’s rock scene. His death has renewed concerns about racial discrimination and marginalisation faced by people from India’s northeastern states. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening India-Russia economic ties, defence cooperation and civilian nuclear energy. Defence issues may include cooperation on advanced military technology, while both sides are also looking to expand trade beyond energy and address investment opportunities. Rare-earth minerals and payment mechanisms are among other areas of potential cooperation. The meeting comes amid changing global geopolitical conditions and pressure surrounding Russia’s oil trade. The talks are expected to reinforce the long-standing India-Russia strategic partnership. (PC: X)