India and Afghanistan are set to resume air freight operations on the Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar routes soon, along with boosting trade ties. Both nations will also appoint trade attachés and have reactivated a joint working group to enhance bilateral commerce, which currently stands at approximately $1 billion, with significant potential for growth.

Indian diplomatic missions globally have resumed accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese nationals, a significant step following the resolution of military tensions in eastern Ladakh. This move, which began earlier this week, follows the earlier resumption of tourist visas in July and is part of broader citizen-focused initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties.

A judicial commission investigating the Sept 24 Leh violence has warned against threatening eyewitnesses, assuring confidentiality for those who come forward. The commission, formed after demands from local political groups, is urging people to share information freely before hearings begin. Evidence submission is open until November 28.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has finalized his expanded cabinet, assigning portfolios after his tenth swearing-in. The BJP, as the largest party, received key ministries including Home, Land and Revenue, and Health. Smaller allies like LJP(R), HAM, and RLM have also been allocated significant departments, following a grand ceremony attended by national leaders.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district have thwarted a potential terror plot by recovering a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from a hideout near the Line of Control. The haul included M4 assault rifles, Chinese pistols, hand grenades, and numerous live rounds, discovered during a search operation in the Neeriyan Forest area.

Kamala Nehru College celebrated its annual College Day with Union Minister Harsh Malhotra as Chief Guest. The event highlighted academic achievements, institutional growth, and infrastructural developments. Distinguished faculty and staff were recognized for their long service, alongside students awarded for outstanding performance. A vibrant cultural showcase and the release of college publications marked the occasion.

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor pledged to donate 90% of his income for the next five years to fund his party's campaign after its debut Bihar assembly election failure. He also criticised the Nitish Kumar cabinet as corrupt and accused the ruling alliance of vote-buying through cash transfers, vowing to ensure women receive promised funds.

A new Lancet Series highlights that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are contributing to a global rise in obesity and diabetes, a trend rapidly unfolding in India. Experts urge immediate policy action, including clear definitions, warning labels, and taxes on UPFs, to address the growing health burden.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized PM Modi's G20 attendance, suggesting it was 'safe' due to US President Donald Trump's boycott. Ramesh questioned future 'huglomacy' with Trump, especially with the next summit in the US and ongoing trade talks. He also highlighted US opposition to South Africa's G20 themes.

A groundbreaking study reveals kissing predates humans by millions of years, originating with ape ancestors in prehistoric Africa. Researchers define it as non-aggressive mouth-to-mouth contact, observing it across diverse species, particularly primates. This ancient behavior, possibly practiced by Neanderthals, may have evolved for mate assessment or social bonding, offering a glimpse into our deep evolutionary past.

Nitish Kumar's rise was fueled by Kurmi and Kushwaha support, and their assembly representation has now reached a new high. This surge, particularly within Nitish's JDU, highlights the gains of these intermediary backward castes within the NDA's social coalition, while Muslim and Yadav representation has declined.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the 'gamcha' during his victory speech and at the swearing-in ceremony in Patna resonated with supporters, highlighting its significance as a cultural symbol.

Amidst opposition setbacks, Congress reaffirms its commitment to the INDIA bloc, vowing to strengthen the national alliance. Despite local electoral divergences, the party emphasizes its dedication to coordinating efforts against the BJP's politics at the national level.

The Supreme Court has prohibited new mining leases in the Aravali hills to protect them from desertification, while allowing existing operations to continue. The court mandated the preparation of a sustainable mining management plan for the entire range across four states, emphasizing ecological impact analysis and restoration measures.

Seven key secretary-rank appointments were made Thursday, including new leaders for oil, telecom, and agriculture ministries. Neeraj Mittal takes charge as Petroleum Secretary, while Amit Agrawal moves to the Department of Telecom. Manoj Joshi transitions to pharmaceuticals, and V Vidyarthi is replaced in tourism. Atish Chandra is set to become the next Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Robert Vadra in a money laundering case involving fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The ED alleges Vadra assisted Bhandari and benefited from a London property, claiming he possessed proceeds of crime. The court will decide on cognizance on December 6.

'2 Co-Accused Also Present, Pak Handler Facilitated Meeting'

The FSSAI has ordered states and Union territories to immediately remove fruit-based beverages and other drinks misusing the term «ORS» from shelves. This directive follows earlier orders to stop the illegal and misleading practice. Enforcement drives will identify and remove non-compliant products, with regulatory action against violators. Genuine WHO-recommended Oral Rehydration Salts, classified as drugs, are exempt from this crackdown.

Kashmiris are reportedly facing harassment and profiling in various parts of India after the Delhi car blast. Political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir are calling on the central government to intervene and guarantee the safety of all Indian citizens, including Kashmiris.

Authorities intensified searches across hospitals and media offices in Jammu and Kashmir, probing links between medical staff, extremist modules, and fugitive operatives following the Delhi blast. Recoveries of arms and explosives from a «white-collar» terror module have fueled the investigation, with a media house also raided for alleged anti-national content.