American tech enthusiast Tony Klor recently celebrated receiving a 5-year Indian B-1 visa, valid until 2030, calling it a sign that India is welcoming global talent in AI and blockchain. Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), he praised PM Narendra Modi for India’s openness, contrasting it with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration stance. Klor wrote, “Trump says foreigners go kick rocks. Modi says welcome home bhai.” His post went viral, drawing praise from many Indians and sparking discussions about India's emerging role as a tech hub. The visa allows stays of up to 180 days per visit.

At least 15 people lost their lives when a massive landslide buried a private bus in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday evening. The bus, en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin with 30–35 passengers, was struck in the Bhalughat area. Three people, including two children, have been rescued, while many are still feared trapped. Rescue operations are ongoing with NDRF teams and heavy machinery deployed. Chief Minister Sukhu and PM Modi expressed condolences, with the PM announcing ₹2 lakh compensation for the deceased’s families and ₹50,000 for the injured. (PC: PTI)

In Madhya Pradesh, 17 children have died over 43 days after consuming the cough syrup Coldrif, suspected to be contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent. Two more toddlers recently died in Chhindwara, showing symptoms of kidney failure and brain damage. Tests revealed DEG levels at 48.6%, nearly 500 times the permissible limit of 0.1%. Doctors say DEG severely affects the brain and is nearly impossible to remove once ingested. Authorities have banned the product and launched a door-to-door campaign to seize remaining bottles from affected areas. (PC: The Hindu)

A gunfight broke out between security forces and terrorists in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening. Around 7:20 pm, terrorists fired at a team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) in the Beeranthub area. The SOG team returned fire, leading to a fierce exchange of bullets. Four terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area. Additional forces, including the Army and CRPF, have been sent to assist as the region is covered in snow. So far, no casualties have been reported. The entire area has been cordoned off by security forces. (PC: India Today)

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 continues its strong run at the box office, earning ₹28.43 crore on its sixth day. The film’s total collection in India now stands at ₹285.18 crore and is expected to cross ₹300 crore by Wednesday. Directed and written by Rishab Shetty, the Kannada prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. Set a thousand years before the original, it tells the story of a tribal man’s fight for his people’s freedom. The film has received praise for its visuals, storytelling, and powerful performances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have vowed to strengthen India-Russia strategic ties, despite new US tariffs. Modi called Putin on his 73rd birthday and invited him to India for the 23rd Annual Summit in December. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation in defence, energy, and trade. This comes as US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, criticising India’s continued trade with Russia. Modi thanked Putin for his long-standing support and reaffirmed India’s independent foreign policy, saying both nations remain committed to a strong and trusted partnership. (PC: PTI)

At least 18 people died after a massive landslide hit Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday, burying a private bus under mud and rocks near Ballu Bridge. The bus, travelling on the Marotan–Kalaul route, was carrying over 30 passengers. Four people, including a young girl, were rescued alive as rescue teams used excavators to clear debris. Police, fire, and disaster response teams are working on the site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced ₹2 lakh for each victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured. Home Minister Amit Shah also offered condolences and said NDRF teams are on-site.

From January, Indian Railways will let passengers change the travel date of confirmed tickets online without any extra fee. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the new rule, calling it a passenger-friendly move. At present, travellers must cancel their tickets and book again, which often leads to deductions and higher costs. The new system aims to reduce inconvenience for passengers who need to reschedule their journeys. However, the change will depend on seat availability, and passengers must pay any fare difference if the new ticket costs more. The decision is expected to help millions of train travellers across India. (PC: NDTV)

On the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, US President Donald Trump said the US is in “very serious negotiations” with Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war. Talks are being held in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, with the US, Qatar, and Egypt acting as mediators. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to join soon. Both sides have shown cautious support for Trump’s peace plan, which focuses first on halting fighting and releasing hostages. Meanwhile, Israel continues airstrikes in Gaza. Trump met Canadian PM Mark Carney and will meet freed US hostage Edan Alexander later today. (PC: Reuters)

A major landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district killed at least 15 people on Tuesday evening. The bus, travelling from Marottan to Ghumarwin, was buried under huge rocks near Balughat. Around 30 passengers were on board when the incident happened around 6:30 pm. Locals, police, and rescue teams rushed to the spot. An excavator was used to tear open the bus roof to rescue people. Four passengers, including two children, were saved. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced compensation for the victims’ families. (PC: HT)