Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to address tensions in bilateral relations. Yunus raised concerns over former PM Sheikh Hasina’s statements from India, calling them a source of tension. Misri emphasised India’s commitment to protecting minorities in Bangladesh and urged cooperation to strengthen ties. Yunus assured that his government is committed to safeguarding all citizens. He also highlighted efforts to revive SAARC and improve flood management with India’s help. Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh and denied favouring any political party. Both leaders expressed optimism about building stronger ties for mutual prosperity.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, seeking asylum after rebels took control of Damascus. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali announced efforts to stabilise the nation and coordinate with rebel leaders. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, promised tolerance and fairness during this transitional phase. Celebrations erupted in Damascus as citizens marked the end of Assad’s rule. Government services have been disrupted, with most officials leaving their posts. The UN reported a halt in public services, including medical aid. Rebel leaders assured citizens of inclusive governance and vowed not to impose restrictions on women’s clothing or rights.

Sanjay Malhotra, a 1990-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. He will replace Shaktikanta Das, whose term ends on December 10. Malhotra, an IIT Kanpur graduate with a Master’s from Princeton, has over 33 years of experience in finance, taxation, and governance. Previously, he served as Revenue Secretary and held key positions in the Ministry of Finance. Das, who led the RBI since 2018, was praised for his steady leadership and earned global recognition. Malhotra will serve as the 26th RBI Governor for a term of three years.

A fire broke out at Jungle Jamboree restaurant near Rajouri Garden Metro Station in Delhi on Monday, prompting over 20 students to jump to a nearby terrace to escape. The blaze, reported at 2:01 PM, saw 10 fire tenders dispatched. No fatalities occurred, but one person sustained minor injuries. Thick smoke engulfed the area, causing panic among shopkeepers. Authorities confirmed the building housed a restaurant, shops, and an institute. Videos of the incident went viral, showing people leaping to safety. Police and fire officials are investigating the fire's cause while ensuring all individuals are accounted for.

South Africa's 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka has almost secured their spot in the 2024 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s. India, currently in third, faces mounting pressure from South Africa's surge and must avoid further losses in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy to stay in contention. To guarantee qualification, India needs a 2-1 series win over Australia or a 2-2 draw, while hoping for favorable results in Sri Lanka's series against Australia. With South Africa needing one more win, the final WTC spot hinges on upcoming matches.

The Indian Navy's new Russian-made guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, was commissioned on Monday in Kaliningrad, Russia. The 3,900-tonne warship, part of a $2.5-billion deal signed in 2016, is expected to enhance India's naval capabilities, especially in the Indian Ocean, amidst rising tensions with China's PLA Navy. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside senior officials, attended the ceremony. The ship features a mix of Russian and Indian technologies, with 26% indigenous content. Its design includes advanced stealth features and improved stability. INS Tushil marks a significant milestone in Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

The government is set to introduce the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in the ongoing or next Parliament session, sources said. The bill, aimed at synchronising Lok Sabha and state elections, has received cabinet approval based on recommendations from a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. To ensure a thorough review, the bill will be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which will seek inputs from political parties, state speakers, experts, and the general public. The proposal has sparked both support and opposition, with concerns over its feasibility and federal implications.

A massive fire erupted at Jungle Jamboree restaurant in Delhi's Rajouri Garden area on Monday afternoon. The Delhi Fire Service dispatched 10 fire engines to control the blaze, which started around 2:01 PM. Thick smoke filled the air, causing panic among nearby shopkeepers. More than 20 people were inside the restaurant when the fire broke out, with several jumping to a nearby building’s terrace to escape. The cause of the fire remains unclear. Authorities have cordoned off the area to aid firefighting efforts. No casualties have been reported yet.

Storm Darragh continues to disrupt the UK as over 50,000 homes and businesses remain without power. Gusts exceeding 90mph were recorded in multiple regions, including Wales and the South West, as the storm caused widespread damage. Engineers have been working tirelessly to restore power, with more than 1.5 million customers reconnected since the storm began. Tragically, two men were killed when trees fell on their vehicles in Birmingham and Lancashire. The National Grid is working to restore electricity, with engineers focused on affected areas in South Wales, the West Midlands, and beyond.

Mohammed Siraj has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point following his heated exchange with Travis Head during the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Adelaide. Head was also sanctioned with a demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. The altercation took place after Siraj dismissed Head with a yorker, having previously been hit for a six. Despite the verbal clash, both players avoided suspension, as it was their first offense in the last 24 months. The incident added drama to Australia’s 10-wicket win, and the matter was resolved amicably afterward.