Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined Microsoft Corp. and Anthropic AI as a senior adviser while remaining MP for Richmond and Northallerton. Sunak will guide both firms on global strategy, macroeconomics, and geopolitical trends, avoiding UK-specific policy per ACOBA rules. He cannot lobby UK officials or use privileged government information for two years. Sunak stated the roles align with his belief in technology’s transformative power and pledged all earnings to The Richmond Project, a charity he co-founded with wife Akshata Murty. This follows his July advisory return to Goldman Sachs, marking a shift from public office to strategic roles in global tech and finance. (PC: Biography)

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, dashing Donald Trump’s vocal campaign for the honor. Trump had claimed credit for resolving eight global conflicts, including the disputed India-Pakistan ceasefire, but the Nobel Committee chose Machado for her decades-long fight for peace and human rights in Venezuela. Supported by institutions and U.S. lawmakers, Machado endured death threats and lived in hiding while advocating democratic ideals. Nobel Committee president Jorgen Watne Frydnes emphasized that laureates are chosen for courage and integrity, not campaigns. Trump’s remarks that the prize would go to “some guy who didn’t do a damn thing” were ironically upended by Machado’s win. (PC: X)

Israel has approved a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan involving hostage release, military withdrawal, and Palestinian prisoner exchange. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to order a halt to fighting. The US will deploy 200 troops to monitor implementation, alongside forces from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, none will enter Gaza. Hamas demands a formal declaration ending the war before releasing hostages. The Red Cross is prepared to assist with prisoner transfers and recovery of remains. Over 67,000 Palestinians have died, with the true toll likely higher. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa condemned the suffering as “morally unjustifiable,” stressing the need to rebuild Gaza and address long-term trauma, especially among children.

India’s brewing excellence shone at the Asia Beer Challenge 2025, with Devans Modern Breweries Ltd. and Kimaya Himalayan Beverages LLP winning six awards. Kimaya’s BeeYoung Beyond clinched Gold in the International Style Pilsner category, while BeeYoung Crafted Strong earned Silver in Strong Lager. Devans’ Godfather Super Strong 8% won Gold in Strong Lager, with Six Fields Blanche and Six Fields Cult securing Silvers in Witbier and Dubbel Wit categories. Godfather Luxury Lager took Bronze in Tropical-Style Light Lager. The competition, judged via blind tasting by Asia-based beer buyers, underscores India’s growing presence in premium and craft beer segments across Asia’s booming market. (PC: Brewer World)

Two personal security officers of late singer Zubeen Garg, named Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya were arrested by Assam Police’s CID SIT over ₹1 crore in unexplained financial transactions. Bora’s account showed ₹70 lakh, while Baishya’s had over ₹40 lakh, both beyond known income sources. The arrests follow Zubeen’s death in a swimming incident in Singapore last month. Investigators are probing possible links between the transactions and his death. Family members claim the funds were for charitable purposes. Zubeen’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, confirmed he entrusted the PSOs with money for social work. With these arrests, seven individuals have been held, including Zubeen’s cousin and his Singapore event organiser. (PC: X)

India has officially restored full diplomatic relations with Afghanistan by upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed the decision to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasizing the historical ties and India’s consistent support during crises. The embassy had been downgraded four years ago due to escalating violence, prompting evacuation of personnel via military aircraft. A technical team was later deployed after the Taliban assured security. Muttaqi praised India’s swift humanitarian aid following the August 31 earthquake that killed over 2,000 people and destroyed 5,000 homes. He also affirmed that Afghan soil will not be used for terror against India, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations.

Hours before the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize announcement, President Donald Trump criticized Barack Obama for winning the 2009 award "for doing nothing" and "destroying our country." Trump emphasized his own achievements in brokering Gaza peace and ending "eight wars," though insisted he wasn't motivated by awards. Obama received the prize eight months into his presidency for "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy." Peace Research Institute Oslo Director Nina Graeger acknowledged Trump's Gaza truce role but cautioned it's "too early to tell" if proposals lead to lasting peace. Trump has openly campaigned to influence the Oslo institute, which advises the Nobel selection process since returning to office in January.

Union Minister Shantanu Thakur claimed 1.2 crore "illegal voters" could be removed from West Bengal's electoral rolls through the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR). The BJP MP asserted the process would eliminate "Rohingyas, infiltrators and ghost voters," enabling BJP's victory. Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Bala Thakur, his aunt and fellow Matua leader, warned the SIR would primarily hurt Matua refugees who vote BJP, increasing TMC seats instead. She accused BJP leadership of creating confusion over citizenship and voter registration. The SIR has become politically contentious, with TMC alleging EC bias favoring BJP before 2026 assembly polls, while BJP insists it cleanses bogus entries. The Matua community holds significant electoral influence. (PC: Newsonair)

The US Treasury Department sanctioned over 50 entities, including two Indian nationals Varun Pula and Soniya Shrestha for facilitating Iranian energy sales worth billions. Pula owns Marshall Islands-based Bertha Shipping Inc., operating vessel PAMIR, which transported nearly four million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since July 2024. Shrestha owns Vega Star Ship Management, operating vessel NEPTA, transporting Iranian LPG to Pakistan since January 2025. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the sanctions aim to degrade Iran's cash flow by dismantling its energy export machine. The blacklist also includes China's Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal, processing 9% of China's crude imports, targeting outlets for Iran's sanctioned crude reaching Chinese refineries. (PC: Free Beacon & The Federal)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused his security cabinet meeting on Gaza's ceasefire deal to take a congratulatory phone call from PM Narendra Modi. Modi welcomed the hostage release agreement and enhanced humanitarian assistance under President Trump's 20-point Gaza Peace Plan, reaffirming that terrorism is unacceptable anywhere. The Israeli government subsequently approved "phase one" of the ceasefire, with officials stating it takes effect immediately. Trump announced hostages would be released Monday or Tuesday, planning an Egypt trip for official signing. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner attended Jerusalem's government meeting where the US-brokered deal was approved, marking what Trump called a "momentous breakthrough." (PC: The Hindu)