Pakistan’s junior men’s hockey team has officially pulled out of the 2025 Men’s FIH Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai, India from 28 November to 10 December. The decision comes months after Pakistan skipped the Asia Cup, citing security and diplomatic concerns. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed Pakistan’s withdrawal and said a replacement team will be announced shortly. Pakistan’s federation has called for either a neutral venue or assurance of inclusive participation, highlighting the impact of bilateral tensions on sport. (PC: Instagram)  

Delhi Police’s Special Cell uncovered a terror module linked to ISIS, arresting two suspects named Adnan—one from Delhi’s Sadiq Nagar area and the other from Bhopal. Intelligence indicated the pair were training for ‘fidayeen’ (suicide) attacks and had conducted reconnaissance in high-footfall areas including a south Delhi mall and public park, with a major strike planned during Diwali. The operation, based on specific inputs and coordinated raids, led to seizure of electronic devices and explosives-related material, averting a potentially devastating attack. (PC: Mint)    

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that the UN’s decision-making no longer aligns with contemporary global needs, arguing that the institution remains rooted in a 1945 worldview. He pointed out increasing polarization in UN debates and obstacles in reforming the body, which hamper its credibility and effectiveness. While reaffirming India’s commitment to peace and security, Jaishankar insisted that meaningful reform is imperative for the UN to reflect a multipolar 21st-century reality instead of maintaining outdated power structures. (PC: PTI)  

A female doctor at a sub-district hospital in Satara, Maharashtra, died by suicide Thursday night after writing on her palm: “Gopal Badne raped me four times.” The note accused the sub-inspector of sustained mental and physical abuse over five months. The doctor had earlier filed a letter to the DSP in June naming two additional officers for harassment. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the suspension of Badne and a police investigation has begun amid political backlash and demands for accountability. (PC: NDTV)

A viral video showing a distressed man from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj claiming he's held against his will in Saudi Arabia has prompted response from the Indian Embassy. The man, speaking in Bhojpuri with a camel backdrop, alleges someone named Kapil holds his passport and threatens him. "I will die; I need to go to my mother," he pleads, urging viewers to share the video to reach the Prime Minister. The embassy is attempting to locate him but lacks crucial details like location, contact number, or employer information. Officials contacted UP authorities and Delhi lawyer Kalpana Shrivastav, who shared the video garnering 140,000 views, requesting more information at cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in to facilitate rescue efforts.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal firmly stated India won't sign a bilateral trade agreement with the US under pressure or artificial deadlines. Speaking at Berlin Global Dialogue, he emphasized national interest would guide the decision despite ongoing negotiations and existing US tariffs. "We don't do deals in a hurry or with a gun to our head," Goyal declared. Any agreement must protect farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs. The US has imposed 50% tariffs on certain Indian exports, partly penalizing India's Russian crude purchases & duties India calls "unfair and unjustified." Despite tensions, talks progress cordially. The proposed pact aims to boost bilateral trade from $131.84 billion to $500 billion by 2030, with first-tranche finalization targeted for fall 2025. (PC: Deccan Chronicle)

During the second ODI between India and Australia, former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh stirred speculation by asking aloud whether Ajit Agarkar — the current chairman of selectors for BCCI — had been replaced, and if Ravi Shastri was the new appointee. Shastri firmly denied the claim, labeling it “fake news” and refuting the unverified source of Waugh’s remark. Meanwhile, the Indian team’s struggle in Adelaide — notably Virat Kohli’s consecutive ducks and early fall of Shubman Gill — added to the pressure on selectors. (PC: PTI)  

Two houses in Edmonton caught fire Monday night due to fireworks from a Diwali celebration. Teena Andrews, whose house was affected, said, “I am Indian but today totally ashamed. This is not culture, this is carelessness.” She and her husband are still in shock. Police charged three men with arson and warned fireworks cannot be used without a permit. Community members also said Diwali does not require fireworks. Officials urged everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly. The names of those charged have not been released.

Peterborough City Council in the UK plans to sell the property of Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir, the city’s only Hindu temple, raising concern among local Hindus. Founded in 1986, the temple serves over 13,000 people across eastern England and hosts festivals, after-school clubs, cultural education, health programs, and soup kitchens. Temple trustees offered up to £1.3 million to buy the site, but the council plans to auction it. MP Bob Blackman urged the Mayor to protect the temple, calling it vital to the community. Residents say the sale would be a huge loss and seek an alternative solution. (PC: India Today)

Rohit Sharma scored 73 runs in India’s second ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Despite India losing, his innings showed he still has the drive to perform at the highest level. After the match, India head coach Gautam Gambhir jokingly told Rohit that fans thought it was his farewell match and suggested taking a photo. Fans were relieved by the light-hearted remark. Former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar praised Rohit’s resilience, saying his fighting innings under pressure showed determination and grit. Rohit continues to prove he remains a key player for India in tough conditions.