The crew of the privately-funded Polaris Dawn mission is set to attempt the first spacewalk by non-professional astronauts today. Commander Jared Isaacman and a crewmate will exit the SpaceX Dragon capsule, more than 400 miles above Earth, for several minutes in space. Unlike professional astronauts, the crew lacks traditional training and will be using an experimental spacesuit. Notably, the spacewalk will be conducted without the safety of an airlock, a first since the early days of space exploration. Despite the risks, Isaacman, who is also funding the mission, stated the mission's challenges are "worth it."

India is bracing for an unusually harsh winter due to the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to bring lower temperatures and increased rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather alert, warning of potentially record-low temperatures in northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The impending winter is likely to impact agriculture, particularly winter crops. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions, including securing heating and essential supplies. The government is also expected to implement measures to minimize the effects, particularly in vulnerable regions. Preparations are underway to mitigate the impact of the severe winter.

Clashes erupted in Nagamangala, Karnataka, during a Ganpati procession when stones were thrown at participants from near a mosque. The situation escalated into violence between two groups, with shops and businesses set ablaze and vehicles vandalized. The police imposed restrictive orders to control the situation. The incident occurred when a procession from Badarikoppalu village was passing through the main road in Nagamangala. Tensions are high in the area, with authorities working to restore peace. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the clashes and identify those responsible. The situation remains volatile.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is in Moscow with a peace proposal from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the ongoing Ukraine conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Berlin, emphasized that India is prepared to offer advice to both Russia and Ukraine, highlighting that a resolution must come through negotiations, not battlefield victories. Jaishankar also noted India's support for the Quad strategic dialogue and reiterated India's willingness to assist in ending the conflict. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged India's efforts in facilitating dialogue, alongside China and Brazil.

HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series has announced a casting call for young actors. The network confirmed the authenticity of the call, seeking children aged 9 to 11 in April 2025 from the UK or Ireland to audition for roles such as Harry, Ron, or Hermione. The casting is committed to inclusivity and diversity, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds. Auditions require two self-tapes: one featuring a short poem or story and the other an introduction including personal details. The series, set to film in 2025-26, will adapt all seven Harry Potter books. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod are set to write and direct.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress are intensifying their response to ongoing protests, targeting demonstrators and doctors. Protests over the rape-murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College have persisted for over a month. Banerjee, initially supporting protests, now accuses them of causing public inconvenience and blames striking doctors for patient deaths at government hospitals. The Trinamool Congress has shared videos alleging neglect by doctors. Amid mounting public anger and internal party dissent, including Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar's resignation, Banerjee is facing significant political pressure.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating multiple properties owned by Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, and his wife Sangeeta. The probe focuses on three flats, two houses, and a farmhouse in Kolkata, plus another flat in Murshidabad. The ED suspects these assets were acquired with proceeds from crime, following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in August. Documents indicate Sangeeta Ghosh purchased properties without proper approval, which was later granted by Sandip Ghosh. The investigation is part of a broader corruption inquiry linked to the hospital's response to the incident.

Russia's Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday that its troops had captured the town of Krasnogorivka and three villages—Grygorivka, Galytsynivka, and Vodiane—in Ukraine's Donetsk region. These areas had served as strongholds for Ukrainian forces, but Russian advances have steadily increased in recent weeks. Krasnogorivka, with a pre-war population of 16,000, lies 20 km west of Russian-held Donetsk and became more vulnerable following the fall of nearby Marinka and Avdiivka. Meanwhile, Ukraine has attempted to halt Russian advances by launching its own offensive into Russia’s Kursk region.

Bangladesh interim government chief Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need for "fairness and equality" in relations with India, following his oath of office. In a televised address, Yunus highlighted his goal of restoring democracy and praised international support from leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He announced plans to form six reform commissions, overhaul electoral systems, and address corruption. Yunus also condemned the previous regime's "tyranny" and promised to rehabilitate victims of recent protests. He urged citizens to support the reforms, stating, "A nation’s reform cannot be done with the reform of the government alone."

Junior doctors in Kolkata are demanding a 30-member delegation and live telecast for a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the rape and murder case of a junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College. The doctors rejected the government's previous offer of a 10-member delegation, insisting on transparency and formal communication. Despite a Supreme Court order to resume work, they remain on strike, demanding justice for the victim and the resignation of the state health secretary. The West Bengal government has invited the doctors for further discussions to resolve the impasse.