India reaffirmed on Thursday that its energy choices are guided by consumer interest, focusing on stable prices, secure supplies, and diversification. The statement came after former US President Donald Trump claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs said India’s import policies are shaped by national interest and market stability. It did not confirm or deny Trump’s remarks. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticised Modi for not rejecting the claim, alleging that India’s foreign policy was being influenced by Washington’s pressure. (PC: India Today)

A 10-year-old girl from Mid-Wales has been highly commended in the BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 awards. Her photo, taken on a cold, frosty morning, shows an orb-weaver spider curled up inside its silken hideaway. The image won praise in the 10 Years and Under category of the international competition. She captured the picture near her home in Mid-Wales, UK. The young photographer said she loves exploring nature and spotting small creatures. The annual competition, run by the Natural History Museum in London, highlights the wonder and beauty of wildlife photography worldwide. (PC: BBC)

Migrants coming to the UK will soon need stronger English skills under new government rules. From 8 January 2026, applicants for skilled worker, scale-up, and high potential individual visas must reach B2 level English — equal to A-level standard. The current requirement is B1, or GCSE level. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said migrants must “learn our language and play their part.” The new rule aims to cut immigration and ensure better integration. Critics say the standard is too high and may stop skilled workers from coming. The government says the changes could reduce migration by 100,000 people each year. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great man” who “loves Trump.” He quickly joked that he didn’t want to “ruin” Modi’s political career by saying that. Trump claimed Modi assured him that India would stop buying oil from Russia, calling it a major step in isolating Moscow over the Ukraine war. The comment came after US envoy-designate Sergio Gor met Modi in New Delhi on October 11. Tensions between the US and India had risen after Trump imposed high tariffs over Russian oil imports. The Indian government has not responded to Trump’s claims. (PC: India Today)

Ismael Ayala-Uribe, 39, died after falling ill in a US immigration detention centre in California. He had lived in the US since he was four. His mother said he suffered from fever and cough but did not receive proper care. He was later taken to hospital for surgery but died before the operation. His family learned of his death only after police informed them. Ayala-Uribe had been detained for five weeks after an immigration raid. His death has raised concerns over poor medical care in detention centres. At least 15 people have died in US immigration custody this year. (PC: Sky News)

Virat Kohli posted a mysterious message on social media ahead of India’s ODI series against Australia. “The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up,” he wrote on X. Kohli, who retired from Tests and T20Is, last played for India in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025. Reports suggest he will return for the first ODI on Sunday. Former cricketer Dinesh Karthik said Kohli has been training in London and aims to play in the 2027 World Cup. Kohli is India’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs with 14,181 runs, including 51 centuries. (PC: AFP)

A 29-year-old woman has been arrested in Canada for spraying hate messages against Indians in Mississauga last month. The graffiti, found near a children’s park, included the words “Indian Rats.” Peel Regional Police said Freda Looker-Rilloraza has been charged with Mischief Over $5,000. She has been released on conditions and will appear in court later. Mississauga councillor Dipika Damerla said the arrest sends a strong message that hate will not be tolerated. Hate crimes against Indians have been rising in Canada, fueled by growing anti-immigrant feelings and economic struggles in the country. (PC: Reuters)

Three thousand UK claimants are suing Johnson & Johnson, alleging the pharmaceutical giant knowingly sold baby powder contaminated with asbestos-linked minerals since the 1960s. Internal documents reveal J&J identified tremolite and actinolite fibers both asbestos forms causing deadly cancers in its talc-based powder. A 1973 memo allegedly discussed keeping findings "confidential." The lawsuit claims J&J pushed US regulators to accept lower sensitivity standards tolerating up to one percent asbestos contamination while marketing the powder as pure. Many claimants suffer ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after prolonged use. J&J denies wrongdoing, stating its powder "was compliant with regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer." UK damages could reach hundreds of millions. (PC: Bloomberg)

US President Donald Trump warned his envoy to India, "You better represent us, not them," while claiming credit for stopping eight wars in eight months using tariffs as leverage. Trump asserted he brokered India-Pakistan peace by threatening 200% tariffs unless hostilities ceased after seven aircraft were shot down. He claimed he spoke with PM Modi and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif, receiving a de-escalation call the next day. Trump defended himself as deserving the Nobel Peace Prize for "saving hundreds and millions of lives," calling tariffs his tool for stopping wars and making America a "kind nation." Sharif praised Trump's role, though India maintains peace came through direct DGMO-level military talks between the two nations. (PC: X)

India responded Thursday to US President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Modi assured him of halting Russian oil purchases. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized safeguarding Indian consumer interests in volatile energy markets remains the priority, with import policies "guided entirely by this objective." Trump claimed Wednesday that Modi assured no more Russian oil purchases, though acknowledging the transition requires time. He praised Modi as "a friend" with remarkable political longevity. Trump's statement follows months after imposing up to 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian military and energy purchases. India maintains its energy decisions are guided by national interests and market conditions, not external pressure, while pursuing expanded US energy procurement.