Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has publicly admitted that Islamabad's attempts to rebuild relations with Afghanistan's Taliban regime have completely failed. Speaking on Geo News, Asif revealed he personally welcomed the Taliban after their 2021 Kabul takeover and traveled to Afghanistan multiple times, but achieved no success. Pakistan expected the Taliban to remain dependent, but the situation reversed entirely. Asif stated Pakistan has "completely lost hope" and sees "no scope for positive change" from Kabul. He criticized the Taliban as a "ragtag group" lacking discipline, traditions, and proper conduct, contrasting them with Pakistan's military. Asif also questioned which Islamic law permits living in a neighbor's home for decades before violence. (PC: X)

Pema Wang Thongdok, an Arunachal Pradesh woman harassed at Shanghai airport, has responded to trolls emphasizing national unity. She was detained for 18 hours during a layover from London to Japan when Chinese officials refused to recognize her Indian passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh was "part of China." In her post, Thongdok thanked supporters and clarified she works full-time in financial services with no time for trolls. She stressed that any Indian government action benefits all Indians and Arunachalis, not just her personally. Chinese officials confiscated her passport, denied boarding, and mocked her, suggesting she apply for a Chinese passport. India's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.

Israel is coordinating with Indian authorities to reschedule Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's postponed India visit, originally planned for December. The visit was delayed following the Delhi Red Fort blast that claimed 15 lives. Israel's PMO emphasized strong bilateral ties, stating they have "full confidence in India's security under PM Modi" and are already working on new dates. Netanyahu's last official visit to India was in January 2018. Recently, Union Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a successful three-day Israel visit, meeting Netanyahu and signing Terms of Reference to launch Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The meeting focused on strengthening innovation ties, combining Israel's hi-tech expertise with India's scale and talent across agriculture, water, defense, and technology sectors.(PC: Dawn & India Today)

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine is ready to move ahead with a US-backed plan to end the war with Russia. He said Kyiv will discuss the most sensitive issues directly with US President Donald Trump and wants Europe involved in the talks. Ukraine supports the main idea of the plan but key points, including territorial demands, remain unresolved. US, Ukrainian and Russian officials met in Geneva and Abu Dhabi as talks gained pace. The push for peace comes as Russian missiles and drones hit Kyiv, killing seven people. Ukraine says any deal must protect its security and sovereignty. (PC: X)

India will face Pakistan in a major T20 World Cup 2026 match on February 15 in Colombo. Both teams are in Group A with USA, Namibia and Netherlands. India will open their campaign against USA on February 7 in Mumbai, followed by Namibia on February 12 in Delhi. After the Pakistan match, India will play the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad. The tournament starts on February 7 and the final is set for March 8 in Ahmedabad, but it will shift to Sri Lanka if Pakistan reach the title match. Matches will be hosted across India and Sri Lanka. (PC: NDTV)

India has firmly rejected China’s claim that an Arunachal Pradesh woman was not detained at Shanghai airport. Pema Wangjom Thongdok said officials told her that her passport was “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. China denied any detention or harassment. India hit back, calling Arunachal Pradesh an “integral and inalienable part of India” and an “indisputable reality.” The MEA said China’s actions violated international air travel rules and its own transit norms. Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu also condemned the treatment, calling it racial mockery. (PC: X)

Delhi will launch its first hot air balloon rides on November 29 after successful trials at DDA’s Baansera Park on the Yamuna riverfront. Lt Governor VK Saxena said the rides follow high safety standards and will add to the city’s recreation options. The service will soon expand to Asita, the Yamuna Sports Complex and the Commonwealth Games Village Sports Complex. Each ride will cost ₹3,000 for a 15–20 minute aerial experience, with morning and evening slots based on weather. The balloons are tethered for safe and controlled flights. A certified operator will manage all launch and safety operations. (PC: India Today)

Ukraine has called for President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet US President Donald Trump in the US this month. Ukraine’s security chief said both sides now share a “common understanding” on key parts of a possible peace deal discussed in Geneva. The White House has not confirmed any meeting. The US will also hold talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, heavy overnight strikes hit Kyiv and Russian regions, killing several people. Ukraine said Russia launched missiles and drones, while Russia claimed it shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones. Peace efforts continue, but major differences remain between Ukraine and Russia. (PC: X)

A Bengaluru resident said his grandmother was stuck at Doha’s Hamad International Airport for 27 hours after flight cancellations caused by the Ethiopia volcano eruption. The woman, in her 70s, was flying from Doha to Kolkata with a transit in Delhi. Her visa had expired, so she could not leave the airport. Air India cancelled several flights due to ash clouds drifting toward India. The airline said passengers were given hotels or lounge access, but the family said she received neither, as lounges were full. She waited on public seats with her relative. A new flight was finally confirmed early Wednesday. (PC: HT)

French police have arrested a fourth suspect in the jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The robbery took place on October 19 and lasted only minutes. Officials said four people were detained on November 25 as part of the ongoing investigation. The group includes two men, aged 38 and 39, and two women, aged 31 and 40, all from the Paris region. They are now being questioned by investigators from the Paris Specialized Interregional Jurisdiction. Police are working to confirm each person’s role in the planned theft and to trace the stolen items. (PC: X)