Live Updates: Feel at home in Ethiopia, land of lions, says PM Modi

Breaking News Live Updates: Omani business leaders expect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Muscat to significantly boost bilateral trade, employment and economic diversification with the signing of the India-Oman CEPA. Currently pegged at USD 12 billion, trade is expected to grow multifold. Leaders say the pact will cut trade barriers, deepen investment ties and align with Oman’s Vision 2040 goals.

Apache helicopter delivery marks next step in US–India major defence partnership

The arrival of the latest Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army marks another milestone in the US–India Major Defense Partnership, fulfilling commitments made by the leaders of both countries. The delivery underscores the growing reliability of the US-India defence relationship. Equipped with advanced capabilities, the Apaches will strengthen India’s military preparedness, enhance regional security, and deepen bilateral cooperation in defence co-production, training, and technology exchange.

Indian teachers shaped Ethiopian minds, students return as nation-builders: PM Modi

PM Modi said, "Many Ethiopian parents speak warmly about Indian teachers who shape the future of their children. Just as Indian teachers came here, Ethiopian students also come to India to seek knowledge and friendship. They return home as modern builders of Ethiopia. Many of them are present in this Parliament, including the Speaker."

When state and people move together, progress follows: PM Modi

PM Modi said, "When the wheel of the state moves in harmony with the people, the wheel of progress moves forward with hope and purpose. Through you, I am also speaking to farmers in the fields, to entrepreneurs building new ideas, to proud women leading communities and institutions, and to the young people of Ethiopia who are shaping the future."

‘Feel at home in Ethiopia, land of lions,’ says PM Modi

PM Modi said, " "It is a moment of great privilege to stand before you today. It is wonderful to be here in Ethiopia, the land of lions. I feel very much at home because my home state, Gujarat in India, is also home to lions."

SC transfers RG Kar doctor rape-murder case to Calcutta HC

The Supreme Court on Wednesday transferred the RG Kar Medical College trainee doctor rape and murder case to the Calcutta High Court. The apex court, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the case, directed that case papers be sent to the high court and a copy of the status report be provided to the victim’s parents. The crime, committed in August last year, had triggered nationwide protests and led to the formation of a National Task Force on doctors’ safety.

Mobile phones, ganja seized in special drive across Karnataka prisons: DGP

A special 36-hour drive across Karnataka prisons led to the seizure of prohibited items, including mobile phones, SIM cards, knives and ganja, DGP (Prisons) Alok Kumar said. Multiple phones were recovered from prisons in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi, Mangaluru and Vijayapura. Kumar said such drives will continue to curb illegal activities inside jails.

Vajpayee rejected BJP’s proposal to become President, backed Kalam instead: Book

Before nominating APJ Abdul Kalam as India’s 11th President, the BJP had suggested Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the post and proposed handing the prime ministership to LK Advani, a new book reveals. Vajpayee rejected the idea, saying it would set a wrong precedent for parliamentary democracy. His media adviser Ashok Tandon writes that Vajpayee instead built consensus for Kalam, who was elected President in 2002 with NDA and Opposition support.

Dehradun to register FIR against owners if pet dogs bite people

The Dehradun municipal corporation has framed new rules under the Dog Licensing Bylaws-2025 to curb dog attack incidents. If a pet dog bites someone, an FIR can be registered against the owner and the dog may be taken into custody. Licensing will be mandatory for dogs above three months, along with proof of anti-rabies vaccination.

Telangana orders probe into alleged government land encroachments in Hyderabad

The Telangana government has ordered a vigilance inquiry into alleged encroachments on certain government lands in Hyderabad. Suspended BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi president K Kavitha welcomed the move, claiming she raised the issue earlier. She demanded an early probe, saying it would reveal the truth and ensure illegally occupied lands are restored to the public.

Jaishankar meets Netanyahu, discusses deepening India-Israel strategic ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss strengthening cooperation in technology, economy, connectivity and security. Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s wishes and said he was confident the India-Israel strategic partnership would grow stronger. The visit comes ahead of Netanyahu’s proposed trip to India.

Trump orders naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers to Venezuela

US President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, sharply escalating pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. The move follows the seizure of a tanker and an expanded US military buildup in the region. Washington claims the campaign targets drug trafficking, while Caracas has accused the US of violating international law and said it will raise the issue at the United Nations.

Trump expands US travel ban to 20 more countries, Palestinians affected

The Trump administration has expanded US travel restrictions to 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority, doubling the scope of its travel ban. The move includes a full ban on five more nations and Palestinians holding PA-issued documents, with partial limits on 15 others. Officials cited security, vetting concerns and visa overstays, while critics called it discriminatory. The new rules take effect on January 1.

Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers taken to Goa after arrest at IGI Airport

PM Modi’s Oman visit likely to boost trade, jobs as India-Oman CEPA nears signing

Omani business leaders expect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Muscat to significantly boost bilateral trade, employment and economic diversification with the signing of the India-Oman CEPA. Currently pegged at USD 12 billion, trade is expected to grow multifold. Leaders say the pact will cut trade barriers, deepen investment ties and align with Oman’s Vision 2040 goals.

Trump orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers to Venezuela, ramps up pressure on Maduro

US President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering Venezuela, escalating pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. The move follows the seizure of a tanker and a broader US military buildup in the region. Trump accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund crimes, while officials say the campaign targets drug trafficking, amid growing bipartisan scrutiny.

Rapper Kay Flock sentenced to 30 years in prison over Bronx shootings

New York drill rapper Kay Flock, whose real name is Kevin Perez, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for leading a gang-linked shooting spree in the Bronx between 2020 and 2021. A US judge said Perez glorified violence and showed no remorse. His rising music career collapsed after his 2021 arrest, despite recent industry recognition.

Israel blocks Canadian MPs’ delegation from entering occupied West Bank

Israel barred a private Canadian delegation, including six Members of Parliament, from entering the occupied West Bank, citing alleged links to Islamic Relief Worldwide, which it designates a terror group. Canadian lawmakers said their travel authorisations were revoked on arrival, with one MP alleging mistreatment by border officials. Ottawa has raised objections, calling the move troubling amid growing scrutiny of Israel’s actions in the region.

Muslim shop owner hailed as hero after stopping gunman in Bondi massacre

Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-Australian Muslim shop owner, has been hailed as a national hero after tackling and disarming one of the gunmen during a deadly attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah near Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed in the massacre. Shot multiple times, al Ahmed faces months of recovery, as Australians raise millions in support and leaders praise his courage and humanity.