Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles will visit India on Monday for the India-Australia '2+2' ministerial dialogue with Indian counterparts S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh. The strategic talks aim to further strengthen defence and security cooperation between the two nations, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Marles, also Australia's Deputy PM, or Wong may attend the India-Australia Cricket World Cup final match in Ahmedabad on Sunday ahead of the dialogue. The ministers are expected to hold a joint press meet on Tuesday. This second edition of the 2+2 dialogue comes soon after India held similar talks with the US in November. Both India and Australia are part of the Quad alliance focused on the Indo-Pacific.

The Indian Navy achieved a major milestone on Diwali as the country's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, attained full operational capability. This puts India in an elite group of nations that can design and deploy homemade aircraft carriers. Earlier India had only one carrier, the INS Vikramaditya purchased from Russia. The development comes as China asserts its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean region. Experts say China will take note that India can now deploy two fully operational carrier battle groups, greatly enhancing its naval power projection and dominance in the region. INS Vikrant was built over 10 years and had recently demonstrated successful flight operations. Its induction bolsters India's defense capabilities and strategy. (Image Courtesy: Eurasian Times)

UN aid deliveries to Gaza were suspended again due to fuel shortages and communication blackouts, exacerbating hunger and homelessness amidst Israel's ongoing offensive. The UN warned of imminent starvation without supplies. Israel continues strikes in northern Gaza, taking control of an Islamic Jihad commander's base and killing Hamas fighters at a school housing weapons. Israel also found a Hamas tunnel under Al Shifa hospital, a hub overflowing with patients that Israel accuses Hamas of using as a shield and base. At least 18 Palestinians were reportedly killed by an Israeli strike on a refugee camp. Israel has not commented on the incidents. The war is nearing 7 weeks with no ceasefire in sight despite international calls.

An IIM Rohtak survey done in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting found that PM Modi's monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program has reached 100 crore listeners across India. 96% of the population is aware of the show and 23 crore tune in regularly, while 41 crore are occasional listeners. The study gauged the impact of the 99 editions so far and found increased awareness of government workings, optimism about progress, and trust in governance. IIM Rohtak also advises organizations like the Armed Forces, Agriculture Ministry and others. The institute fuses modern management with ancient knowledge.

  In a widely shared video, Secretary of US tate Antony Blinken visibly winces and shakes his head after President Joe Biden referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "dictator" following their four-hour meeting on November 15. Blinken's discomfort is evident as Biden reaffirms his stance, calling Xi a "dictator" due to his role in leading a communist country. The incident occurred as the US and China aim to address their differences. The meeting covered various issues, fostering open communication despite underlying tensions between the two nations. The encounter reflects the ongoing challenges in US-China relations.

17-year-old British Sikh Simarjeet Singh Nangpal was stabbed to death in a street fight in Hounslow, London on Wednesday. Four men aged 21, 27, 31 and 71 have been arrested on suspicion of his murder. Police are investigating the events leading up to Nangpal's death as his family struggles to cope with the loss. Detectives are appealing for any witnesses or footage that could aid their investigation. The victim's family is being supported by specialist officers during this difficult time. Extra police patrols aim to reassure the concerned community. (Image Courtesy: Met Police)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be reciting the Bhagavad Gita with over 1.2 lakh people in Kolkata this Christmas Eve. Modi confirmed his attendance at the 'Lokho Konthe Geeta Path' event organized by Bengal BJP and Hindu groups. The plan is to have the crowd recite the scripture together in unison. BJP's Sukanta Majumdar boasted of Bengal's roots in 'sanatan dharma' but said music by Kazi Nazrul Islam will also be played to fit Bengal's traditions. Sources say the event aims to be apolitical.

The Delhi government has declared November 19th (Sunday) as a dry day on account of Chhath Puja celebrations. In an order, the Excise Commissioner stated that all liquor shops and opium vends in Delhi will remain closed as per the Delhi Excise Rules. The 4-day Chhath Puja festival is being celebrated from November 17th to 20th this year. The order said business premises of all liquor license holders will remain shut. Notably, the final match of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup between India and Australia will also take place in Ahmedabad on the same dry day.

King Charles III marked his 75th birthday with a special reception at Buckingham Palace, honoring Indian nurses and international medics contributing to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Approximately 400 nurses from India, the Philippines, and other nations attended, emphasizing their significant role in the UK's healthcare sector. The monarch, working through his birthday, expressed appreciation for their contributions, receiving a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' and a birthday card. The event showcased the deep links between the UK and India, with newly appointed Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressing gratitude and anticipating closer ties during her prospective visit to India. (Picture courtesy: @RoyalFamily/X)

Republican Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy addressed criticism of Donald Trump's "vermin" comment, slamming CNN's Abby Phillip for emphasizing language over substance. Ramaswamy, while discussing the term, also labeled San Francisco's homeless and drug addicts as "vermin." He expressed frustration with mainstream media's focus on specific words rather than policy debates, stating, "Let's have an actual policy debate." The GOP hopeful emphasized the need for discussions on substantive issues facing the country.