Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, has made a second admission linking Masood Azhar to major terror attacks in India. In a new video, he said Azhar planned the 2001 Parliament attack and 2008 Mumbai attack from his base in Balakot, Pakistan. He described Azhar as “Amir-ul-Mujahideen” who spread fear in Delhi and Mumbai. Kashmiri also revealed that recent Indian strikes in Bahawalpur killed Azhar’s family members. His confession strengthens India’s stand that Pakistan shelters terror groups. The video leaves Islamabad with little space to deny terror safe havens. (PC: India Today)

Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Japan’s Consul General in Kolkata, is preparing to celebrate his first Durga Puja in the city. Dressed in a dhoti-kurta, he recently visited Kumartuli to watch artisans shaping idols and expressed his joy at experiencing the festival. “I have read about Durga Puja, but the pandals and the cheer in the air must be felt in person,” he said. He plans to participate in a Pujo parikrama and visit both large and small pandals. Ishikawa also praised Kolkata’s warmth and history, stressinthe need for g stronger Japan-Kolkata ties through business, student exchange, and cultural collaboration. (PC: TOI)

A group of 56 Indians alleged mistreatment by Georgian officials at the Sadakhlo border while entering from Armenia. Dhruvee Patel, one of the travellers, shared on Instagram that the group had valid e-visas but was made to wait over 5 hours in freezing cold without food or toilets. She said passports were taken away for 2 hours and travellers were forced to sit on the footpath “like cattle.” Patel also claimed officials filmed them “like criminals” but stopped them from recording. Calling the treatment “shameful & unacceptable,” she urged India to take a strong stand. MEA has not yet responded. (PC: NDTV)

Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali won the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025, sealing her place in the Candidates tournament. This was her second straight Grand Swiss victory after winning in 2023. Vaishali shared a touching moment by calling her mother on stage to hand her the trophy, a video that quickly went viral. Her brother, GM R Praggnanandhaa, was also present to celebrate the achievement. Vaishali secured the title with a crucial draw against China’s former world champion Zhongyi Tan. The win means both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa will compete in the Candidates, highlighting India’s growing strength in world chess.

The US government is denying visas to foreigners accused of celebrating the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy, linking visa refusals to online reactions praising Kirk’s death at a Utah university event on September 10. Rubio said, “Why would we want to give a visa to someone who thinks it’s good that someone was murdered?” Some visas may also be revoked. The policy follows tightened restrictions on Palestinians and protesters against the Gaza war. Officials are monitoring social media to identify individuals promoting or celebrating violence. (PC: X)

Football legend Lionel Messi has reportedly sent Prime Minister Narendra Modi a signed Argentina 2022 FIFA World Cup jersey for his 75th birthday. Sports promoter Satadru Dutta said Messi also wished well for Indian fans. The delivery has not yet been officially confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office or Messi. Messi will tour India from December 13-15, starting in Kolkata, followed by Mumbai and New Delhi. Events are planned at Salt Lake Stadium, Wankhede, and Feroz Shah Kotla. He may also lead a friendly match in Kerala in November, giving fans a rare chance to see him twice.  (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump began his historic second state visit to the UK on Wednesday, greeted with grandeur and unrest. At Windsor Castle, four people were arrested after projecting images of Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, sparking protests outside the royal residence. Trump and wife Melania were formally welcomed by King Charles and the Royal Family with a carriage procession, military fly-past, and state banquet planned. The Stop Trump Coalition predicted thousands would rally in London, calling him “not welcome.” Alongside the spectacle, Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a £30 billion tech deal with major US investors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, with greetings pouring in from leaders across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu praised his “extraordinary leadership” and culture of “achieving great goals.” Home Minister Amit Shah called him a “symbol of sacrifice.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed his vision for self-reliance and global respect. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said he put “India’s interest above all else.” Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi wished him good health. Sharad Pawar, Shashi Tharoor, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also sent wishes. The BJP marked the day with nationwide service campaigns. (PC: HT)

India joined the Zapad-2025 military drills in Russia and Belarus, sending 65 personnel. The exercises involved 100,000 troops, warships, nuclear-capable bombers, and artillery. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in military fatigues, personally supervised the drills at the Mulino Training Ground. Forces from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, and Mali also joined. For the first time, US military observers attended the drills, signaling a shift in ties with Belarus. India’s role drew attention because of rising trade tensions with Washington after 50% tariffs on Indian imports. New Delhi said its aim was to strengthen cooperation with Russia. (PC: India Today)

Police in the U.K. arrested 4 people after photos of President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle. The stunt happened Tuesday night while Trump was on a state visit to Britain. The images showed Trump with Epstein, Melania Trump with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and a birthday message Trump allegedly sent Epstein in 2003. Thames Valley Police said the act was “unauthorised” and all 4 remain in custody. The projection follows the release of Epstein case files by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Trump has denied close ties with Epstein, calling claims “false.” (PC: NBC News)