Two Special Police Officers (SPOs), who went missing from the higher reaches of Dachhan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Wednesday, were found dead. Their bullet-riddled bodies were recovered on Thursday, according to a PTI report. The officers’ weapons were reportedly missing from the scene, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The two personnel had disappeared from the remote mountainous area before their bodies were discovered. Further details about the identities of the officers, the suspected attackers and the sequence of events were not immediately available. The incident has renewed security concerns in Kishtwar, a district in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the plenary address at the India Today Group’s Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026 on Thursday night. Scheduled for 8 pm, his address will be part of the two-day summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The conference will bring together more than 2,000 farmers, policymakers, industry leaders and global experts to discuss the future of agriculture. Modi’s speech will be simulcast across the India Today Group’s three leading broadcast channels, 22 YouTube channels, seven news websites and social media platforms. The summit aims to connect farmers with policymakers, industry representatives and experts shaping India’s agricultural future. (PC: X)

Germany’s armed forces have stopped using Chinese-made drones for military training and target practice over concerns that they could transmit sensitive information to foreign intelligence agencies. The Defence Ministry confirmed that existing models will be replaced with German or other European alternatives to strengthen technological independence and protect military data. Restrictions have also been introduced on vehicles entering sensitive military facilities, amid concerns that cameras, radar, microphones and other sensors could enable surveillance. Germany is increasing investment in domestic drone technology, with plans announced in 2025 to spend €10 billion. The move reflects wider European security concerns and growing espionage threats linked to China and Russia. (PC: Reuters)

India’s renewable electricity expansion helped avoid more than $100 billion (Rs 9.4 lakh crore) in coal and natural gas import costs between 2011 and 2025, according to an International Energy Agency report. Between March 2014 and September 2026, the country added 168 GW of solar and 38 GW of wind capacity, while bioenergy reached nearly 12 GW. Renewable capacity crossed 300 GW in 2026, making India the world’s second-fastest-growing renewable energy market. India achieved 50 per cent non-fossil installed electricity capacity in 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 target. Annual fuel-import savings could reach Rs 3.3 lakh crore by 2030. (PC: iStock)

West Bengal plans to relocate two more tigers from Bihar and Assam to Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar district by the end of November to strengthen its big cat population. Forest Minister Manoj Oraon confirmed the development, adding that the recently relocated tigress remains within the reserve's core area and is being tracked through a radio collar. The tigress, brought from Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve on October 2, had strayed into Assam before being recaptured on November 4. It escaped again from a 2.2-hectare enclosure by digging beneath the fencing. The minister said necessary measures were being taken under NTCA supervision. (PC: PTI)

Russia's ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, died suddenly on November 11 at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced. However, the ministry did not disclose the cause of his death. Darchiev had served as Moscow's envoy in Washington since March 2025, handling one of the most sensitive areas of Russian foreign policy. In its statement, the ministry described him as an outstanding diplomat, experienced leader, exceptional professional and distinguished expert on the United States. It also expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to his family and loved ones. His sudden death comes amid strained relations between Moscow and Washington. (PC: Times Now)

Around 10 Pakistani police personnel are feared killed after militants ambushed a police convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Kohat district on Wednesday. The attack occurred in the Gumbat area as officers travelled towards an illegal gold mining site during an operation against unlawful mining. Initial casualty estimates ranged from eight to 11 deaths, with at least 12 injured personnel taken to hospital. Pakistani authorities suspect members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to officially as 'Fitna al Khawarij', were behind the assault. An exchange of fire continued as reinforcements arrived. No independent claim of responsibility had emerged, while Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack. (PC: AFP)

Two heavily armed terrorists attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post near Mir Bazar in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday, injuring three personnel, one critically. The attack occurred around 2.15 pm when the assailants approached the checkpost on foot from a densely forested area, with one firing while the other provided cover. They escaped towards Naupur through the same tree line. Joint search operations by the Army and security agencies ruled out initial reports of a motorcycle being used. A Motorola phone and SIM card were recovered. Security agencies suspect Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammed Lateef Bhat's involvement, pending official confirmation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a national unity government remained possible, a day after accusing Arab lawmakers of supporting terrorism and seeking Israel's destruction. Speaking to reporters at the Knesset, he reiterated his call for political unity amid the ongoing government-formation process. Netanyahu argued that Israel had demonstrated its ability to unite during critical moments, citing the Knesset's swearing-in ceremony and three years of war. Describing national unity as the country's immediate priority, he said he would continue reaching out to potential coalition partners. His latest remarks marked a shift in tone from his previous day's speech, which criticised efforts involving Arab lawmakers.

India has overhauled its visa system, reducing main visa categories from 13 to nine and sub-categories from 49 to 23 to simplify foreign nationals' travel. Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the changes also cut application form fields by approximately 65–70 per cent. The Tourist Visa has been renamed the Visitor Visa, covering tourism, business meetings, medical consultations and short courses. Medical, student and business visa provisions have also been streamlined, including new arrangements for foreign technical specialists. The revised framework aims to reduce paperwork, eliminate overlapping categories and improve processing efficiency. The government expects the new system to become operational by December 2026. (PC: ANI)