India Today’s investigation reveals shocking accounts of Indians trapped in cyber slavery in the infamous "Golden Triangle" (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos). Victims, including engineering graduate Pradeep Kushawaha, electrician hopeful Nandan Sah, and tech professional Rohit Sharma, were lured by fake job offers. Kidnapped at gunpoint, they endured brutal torture, forced cyber scams, and ransom demands. Over 30,000 Indians remain unaccounted for in the region since 2022. Survivors recounted severe beatings, electric shocks, and inhumane conditions. While some escaped through diplomatic efforts, many remain trapped in syndicates run by Chinese operatives exploiting vulnerable workers globally.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, informed Parliament that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is closely monitoring alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Following public outcry, enhanced security measures, including Rapid Action Force deployment, have been implemented outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi. Gatherings have been restricted, and tear gas is on standby to manage protests. Jaishankar emphasized that while India has urged Bangladesh to protect minorities, ensuring their safety remains Dhaka's responsibility. Bangladesh's foreign ministry issued a statement condemning protests outside its Kolkata consulate. The situation remains tense amidst rising concerns.

Germany will re-deploy Patriot air defence systems to Poland starting January 2025, protecting a key logistical hub aiding Ukraine. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the six-month deployment aimed at securing Poland’s railway link to Ukraine. The move follows Poland’s acceptance of Germany’s offer, as announced by Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz on social media. Germany previously stationed 300 troops and three Patriot units in Poland from January to November 2022 after a stray Ukrainian missile struck Przewodow village. The redeployment reinforces NATO’s border defence amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Mumbai Police are investigating the suicide of Air India pilot Srishti Tuli (25), allegedly linked to harassment by Aditya Pandit (27), now in custody. Tuli was found unresponsive at her Andheri home after a video call with Pandit. Investigators are retrieving deleted WhatsApp chats for clues. Pandit reportedly ignored her threats of self-harm and accessed her locked home without police, raising suspicions. Police found multiple missed calls and calls from Tuli before her death. Pandit was arrested for concealing information, with forensic teams working to recover deleted data. His custody has been extended until Monday by the Andheri Court.

Vladimir Putin’s alleged daughter, 21-year-old Luiza Rozova, is reportedly living in Paris under a pseudonym. Born from a brief relationship between Putin and former cleaner Svetlana Krivonogikh, Luiza uses the surname "Rudnova," linked to Oleg Rudnov, a close Putin ally. Reports indicate she works as a DJ and has avoided public attention since Russia's Ukraine invasion, deleting her social media. Krivonogikh, now one of Russia’s wealthiest women, owns assets worth £83M. The connection to Putin stems from Russian naming conventions, with Rozova’s patronymic “Vladimirovna” suggesting she is Putin’s daughter, though this remains unofficial.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has urged Lebanese residents not to return to 60 villages in southern Lebanon, citing safety risks despite the ongoing ceasefire with Hezbollah. A map published by the IDF marked areas stretching from Mansouri to Shebaa as dangerous. The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, aims for Israeli withdrawal within 60 days as the Lebanese army takes over. However, both sides accuse each other of breaching the agreement. Since October 2023, the conflict has displaced over 1M Lebanese and killed thousands, with 3,961 deaths reported in Lebanon and 76 fatalities in Israel.

Extremist groups in Bangladesh targeted two Hindu temples, Radha Govinda and Shantaneswari Matri, in Chittagong, forcing local Hindus to flee to safer areas. Shops near the Kotwali Police Station were also vandalized after Friday prayers during a march demanding a ban on Iskcon. Eyewitnesses reported that police and army personnel did not intervene. This attack follows a series of anti-Hindu incidents in the country, with over 200 temples desecrated since August. India expressed concern, urging Bangladesh to protect minorities, as the government condemned the growing extremist violence against the Hindu community.

Australia’s Steve Smith praised Jasprit Bumrah as a “complete package” after the Indian pacer’s standout performance in the Perth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Smith, who faced Bumrah's unorthodox action, described it as "awkward," noting how Bumrah’s release point is closer to the batter, making it difficult to judge length. Bumrah's 8-wicket haul helped India win the match by 295 runs. Smith highlighted Bumrah’s skill set, including his ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl a variety of deliveries. Bumrah's performance propelled him to the top of the ICC Test Bowler rankings.

Harshita Brella, 24, sent distressing WhatsApp messages before her suspected murder by her husband, Pankaj Lamba. Found dead in the boot of a car in east London on 14 November, Ms Brella had confided in her family about financial abuse and threats from Lamba. Messages showed him threatening her and controlling her movements. The couple’s last contact was on 10 November, and Ms Brella’s family alerted authorities on 13 November. Lamba, the prime suspect, has fled the UK, and an international manhunt is underway. Ms Brella’s body is expected to be repatriated to India.

India’s GDP growth has slowed to 5.4% in Q2 2024-25, down from 8.1% in the same quarter last year. Key factors include declines in manufacturing, mining, and utility services, with manufacturing growth dropping from 14.3% to 2.2%. The mining sector posted a negative growth of -0.1%, while construction growth also fell significantly. The agriculture sector, however, showed improvement, growing 3.5%, compared to 1.7% last year. The Real GVA slowed to 5.6%, down from 7.7% in Q2 2023-24, indicating a general slowdown in economic activities.