Israel has approved a controversial plan to build 3,400 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank. Critics say the project would split the territory in two and block hopes for a Palestinian state. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the idea of a Palestinian state is “being erased.” The Palestinian Authority condemned the move as illegal and dangerous. The UK, Jordan, and Germany also voiced opposition, warning it violates international law. Settlement building has expanded under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with over 700,000 settlers now living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (PC: Reuters)

Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, creator of the “ugly-cute” Labubu dolls, has reported a nearly 400% jump in profits in the first half of 2025. Net profit rose to 4.6bn yuan (£474m) as global demand surged, with sales reaching 13.9bn yuan. Labubu, part of The Monsters series, is loved by stars like David Beckham, Rihanna, and Paris Hilton. Shares in Pop Mart have climbed over 230% this year, making it more valuable than Mattel, Sanrio, and Hasbro combined. The company now plans rapid global expansion, including more US stores, while warning buyers against unsafe fake Labubu dolls. (PC: Reuters)

Around 120 crew members of Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film Dhurandhar were hospitalised in Leh due to food poisoning. All have now been discharged. After reports suggested that poor-quality food was served due to cost-cutting, an insider denied the claims. The source said the illness was caused by a widespread chicken contamination issue in Leh, not budget cuts. “This is one of the biggest films in production. Health and safety are top priorities,” the insider said. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal, releases on December 5, 2025. (PC: Instagram)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Moscow at the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission, called for boosting bilateral trade while addressing a rising imbalance. He noted that trade between the two nations has grown five-fold in four years, from USD 13 billion in 2021 to USD 68 billion in 2024–25. However, India’s trade deficit with Russia has also widened sharply to nearly USD 59 billion. Jaishankar described India-Russia ties as “time-tested” but stressed the need for “contemporary cooperation” in energy, technology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. He said both nations must build on complementarities and adapt to global uncertainties. (PC: PTI)

OpenAI has introduced a new low-cost subscription called ChatGPT Go, priced at ₹399 per month, and available only in India for now. The plan offers 10 times more usage than the free version, along with double the memory for recalling past chats. However, it leaves out several premium features. Go users cannot access GPT-4o, Sora video tools, or app integrations like Gmail. Instead, the plan runs only on GPT-5. OpenAI said the India-first rollout will test affordability and demand before expanding globally. The plan is much cheaper than the ₹1,999 ChatGPT Plus subscription. (PC: Adobe Illustrator)

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is gender-neutral, and women can also be charged under it. The court refused to quash a case against a 52-year-old woman accused of forcing a 13-year-old boy into sex in 2020. The boy disclosed the incidents in 2024 to a therapist in Dubai, after which a complaint was filed. Justice M. Nagaprasanna said the law applies to “any person, male or female,” rejecting claims that women cannot be accused. The court added that stereotypes cannot influence legal interpretation. (PC: The Hindu)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the attack on her during a Jan Sunwai programme a “cowardly attempt” to weaken her resolve to serve people. In her first reaction, Gupta said she was “in shock” but feeling better. She assured citizens that public hearings would continue “with the same seriousness and commitment.” Gupta added, “Such attacks can never break my spirit.” The accused, identified as 41-year-old Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai from Rajkot, has been detained and is being questioned by Delhi Police and the Intelligence Bureau. Gupta thanked supporters for their wishes and promised to return with “more energy.” (PC: PTI)

A heated debate broke out in the Lok Sabha over new bills requiring ministers arrested for 30 days on serious charges to resign. Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the government of trying to “sabotage the Constitution” and asked Home Minister Amit Shah, “When you were arrested in 2010, did you uphold morality then?” Shah replied, “I had resigned before I was arrested. I upheld morality and ethics.” The bills, introduced by Shah, would apply to the Prime Minister, Union ministers, chief ministers, and state ministers. The opposition called them “unconstitutional” and a threat to federalism. (PC: NDTV)

India has rejected Nepal’s objection to the reopening of India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass. Nepal claims the Kalapani region, including Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, as its territory. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said these claims are “untenable” and “not based on historical facts.” It noted that border trade with China has taken place through Lipulekh since 1954, only stopping due to Covid. Nepal had warned India against activities in the area, including road building. India, however, said it is open to dialogue and resolving boundary issues through diplomacy while continuing trade with China. (PC: PTI)

India has rejected Bangladesh’s allegation that the banned Awami League has opened offices in New Delhi and Kolkata. The caretaker government in Dhaka, led by Muhammad Yunus, warned such activity could harm ties. It also accused ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and party leaders in India of planning events against Bangladesh’s interests. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was “not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities” and added, “The press statement by the interim government of Bangladesh is thus misplaced.” Ties remain tense as Bangladesh seeks Hasina’s extradition and India calls for free and fair elections. (PC: PTI)