Kyiv experienced a massive Russian airstrike on Friday morning, with explosions hitting nearly every district across the Ukrainian capital. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported fires and damage in eight of ten districts, with residential buildings and critical infrastructure targeted. At least 11 people were wounded, including five hospitalized among them a pregnant woman and one man in extremely serious condition. A fire erupted on a five-story residential building's roof in Solomyansky district near Kyiv's international airport. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city's military administration, confirmed many high-rises were damaged throughout the capital. Heating infrastructure was destroyed, leaving parts of Desnyansky district without heat, while water and electricity disruptions were anticipated citywide. (PC: The Guardian & France 24 English)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the Delhi blast but warned against branding all Kashmiris as terrorists following the Red Fort car explosion that killed 13 people on November 10. He demanded the harshest punishment for perpetrators while emphasizing "every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is not a terrorist." The blast, triggered by Dr Umar Nabi from Pulwama, exposed a terror network across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Police recovered 360 kg ammonium nitrate from Faridabad before the explosion, arresting Dr Muzammil Ganaie and seven others. Abdullah criticized past administrative failures, questioning why Dr Arif Nisar Dar, dismissed in 2023 for alleged terror links, wasn't prosecuted properly.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally oversaw security arrangements at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday. Following the Islamabad suicide blast that killed 12 people, eight of 16 Sri Lankan players wanted to return home. Naqvi revealed that Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir directly intervened, speaking with Sri Lanka's defence minister and secretary to convince the team to stay. Naqvi, accompanied by Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Siriweera, inspected security measures and met the squad, assuring them "Your security is our responsibility." He praised their decision as "a victory for peace and defeat for terrorism," with the tri-nation T20I series also proceeding as planned. (PC: NDTV Sports & HT)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced plans to establish a defence corridor in Bihar, declaring the era of "katta" (country-made guns) and "laltane" (lanterns) is over. Addressing rallies in Ramgarh and Karakat Assembly seats, he stated Bihar will now produce missiles and cannons instead. Singh described the NDA manifesto as "Atal Pratigya," promising job opportunities through MSME and defence corridors rather than government jobs for every household. He accused Congress of divisive politics, citing Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's statement equating Congress with Muslims. Singh criticized Rahul Gandhi for alleging Election Commission vote theft, emphasizing NDA's commitment to deliverable promises and nation-building over vote-bank politics.

India Today's Special Investigation Team uncovered disturbing details at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where Delhi blast suicide bomber Dr Umar Mohammad once taught. Students revealed he enforced "Taliban-style" classroom segregation, forcing boys and girls to sit separately during lectures. Dr Umar lived in the university hostel and was described as reserved by staff. His associate Dr Muzammil Saeed Ganai rented two rooms nearby, deceiving landlords to store explosives. Students praised arrested terror suspect Dr Shaheen Saeed as an excellent teacher. Following the Red Fort blast that killed 13, patient numbers at the university hospital dropped sharply. The investigation reveals how the "doctors' terror module" operated within an educational institution, blending academic life with terror activities. (PC: India Today & The Indian Express)

Two foreign handlers have emerged in the Delhi blast investigation that killed 13 people on November 10, sources revealed. The handlers, code-named Dr Okasa and Dr Hashim alias Arif Nisar, were in contact with terrorist Dr Umar Mohammad, who drove the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 near Red Fort, and his associates Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed. Agencies believe Nisar was the Pakistani handler while Okasa was the Turkish handler, though sources suggest they could be the same person. The suspects communicated using Session, Telegram, Signal, and other encrypted apps. The National Investigation Agency is leading the probe, while security forces demolished Dr Umar's Pulwama house in an overnight operation. (PC: NDTV)

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin successfully launched its giant New Glenn rocket from Florida on Friday, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The debut mission sent NASA's twin EscaPADE satellites on a 22-month journey to Mars while achieving the first successful return landing of its reusable booster at sea. This represents the first science payload Blue Origin has delivered for NASA or any customer. The powerful two-stage rocket's launch, following its inaugural flight in January, positions Blue Origin to compete more effectively with Elon Musk's SpaceX. The rocket's seven BE-4 liquid-fueled engines propelled it through clear afternoon skies after several days of delays caused by cloudy weather and a geomagnetic storm.

Security forces demolished the Pulwama residence of Dr Umar Nabi on Friday, the man linked to the Delhi blast near Red Fort. The structure in Koil village was razed as part of the ongoing investigation. The car explosion on Monday evening killed at least 10 people and injured several others. Umar was identified as the driver of the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 after DNA samples from the blast site matched his mother's. He worked as an assistant professor at Al Falah University in Faridabad. Delhi Police linked him to Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie and Dr Adeel Rather, arrested last week for allegedly storing over 2,900 kgs of ammonium nitrate, detonators, timers, and assault rifles.

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues has broken her silence on last year's religious conversion controversy involving her family. The incident occurred on October 24, when her Bombay Gymkhana membership was cancelled after her father was accused of misusing facilities to book a hall for religious meetings. Rodrigues firmly denied all accusations, stating her family acted within regulations and had proof. The controversy emerged after India's disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup exit, deeply affecting her emotionally. She described receiving hurtful messages about her family and church. Remarkably, exactly one year later, Rodrigues played crucial innings against New Zealand (74) and Australia (127*), helping India win their first Women's Cricket World Cup. (PC: Instagram)

Counting for the 243-seat Bihar assembly begins today at 8am after two phases of voting. The NDA hopes to retain power under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, backed by PM Modi’s campaigning. The Mahagathbandhan’s Tejashwi Yadav says he will win with a “thumping majority” and has pitched major job promises. Exit polls give the NDA an edge, though past polls in Bihar have been wrong. The Election Commission has placed strong security at all counting centres. Bihar recorded its highest-ever turnout, raising chances of a surprise result. Both alliances accuse each other of pressure tactics as tension builds before the final numbers. (PC: HT)