In a poignant moment, Indian Air Force's MiG-21 Bison fighter jets flew for the last time over Barmer town in Rajasthan. The historic flight marked the retirement of the MiG-21 squadrons, with plans to replace them with indigenous LCA Mark-1A fighter jets. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari confirmed that MiG-21 operations will cease by 2025, with the new LCA Mark-1A filling the void. The MiG-21, in service since 1963, played a vital role in India's fighter fleet until the mid-2000s, contributing significantly, including during the Balakot operations in 2019. [ photo courtesy: ANI ]

In a thrilling Cricket World Cup encounter in Kolkata, Pakistan displayed a stellar all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh by seven wickets. Pakistan's pace duo, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr, dismantled the Bangladesh batting lineup, restricting them to 204 runs. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique's strong opening partnership set the tone for Pakistan's chase. Despite losing a couple of quick wickets, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed steadied the innings, guiding Pakistan to victory in 32.3 overs. This crucial win keeps Pakistan's hopes alive for a spot in the semifinals.In the points table, India leads at the top, while Pakistan's recent victory moves them up to the 5th position, with Bangladesh currently positioned at 9th.

Actress Kangana Ranaut criticized controversial singer Shubh for allegedly glorifying the killers of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Kangana condemned Shubh's actions, describing them as a "shameful act of cowardice." She expressed her disapproval of celebrating the killing of an elderly woman who was the chosen leader of a democracy. Interestingly, this incident coincides with Kangana's work on her upcoming movie "Emergency," where she portrays the role of Indira Gandhi and also directs the film. Shubh, known for his controversial acts, faced cancellation of his tour in India due to alleged support for separatist Khalistani elements.

In a tragic incident, terrorists targeted Jammu and Kashmir Police's Head Constable Ghulam Mohammad Dar at his residence in Baramulla's Kralpora, leaving him critically injured. Despite immediate medical attention at the Sub-District Hospital in Tangmarg, he succumbed to his injuries. This marks the third targeted attack in as many days in the region with the shooting of a police inspector and the killing of a migrant laborer. Security forces have cordoned off the area and initiated a large-scale search operation to apprehend the perpetrators. Kashmir Police Zone expressed condolences, pledging support to the bereaved family. [ Representative Image ]

India is set to deploy its own long-range air defence system, the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM), by 2028-29. Developed under Project Kusha by DRDO, the LR-SAM boasts interception capabilities comparable to the Russian S-400 Triumf. The system, costing Rs 21,700 crore, will provide comprehensive air defence cover, targeting incoming stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, and missiles at ranges up to 350 km. Firing units will integrate with the IAF’s air defence network, enhancing India's airspace security. The LR-SAM project represents a significant leap in India's indigenous defence capabilities. [ Representative Image]      

The Israeli military successfully intercepted a surface-to-surface missile fired from the Red Sea region towards Israeli territory. The missile was neutralized using the 'Arrow' aerial defense system, with Israeli jets scrambled as a precaution. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East due to Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels had earlier fired drones towards Israel in retaliation. While the Huthis claimed involvement in the "resistance" against Israel, all aerial threats were intercepted outside Israeli territory, preventing any infiltrations. [photo courtesy: @htTimes/x ]

The US government has issued an 'landmark' executive order to regulate artificial intelligence and manage associated risks. The order establishes guidelines to protect citizens' privacy while attracting global AI talent. It aims to modernize and streamline visa processes for highly-skilled immigrants with AI expertise. This is expected to benefit Indian IT professionals in America through faster approvals for H1B, O-1, F1 visas and green cards in AI fields. Criteria for EB1-B and EB2 are also likely to change to prioritize AI workers. But it may not lead to additional green cards or country-specific benefits.

The Centre hit out at opposition MPs who shared Apple warnings of hacking attempts on their phones. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw termed them "compulsive critics" of PM Modi trying to distract people from progress. He referred to Apple's statement that such notifications have been issued in 150 countries and can be false alarms. The minister said the government has ordered an investigation and asked those who received the messages, including Priyanka Chaturvedi and Mahua Moitra, to cooperate. He said this comes ahead of state polls and 2024 general elections. Earlier, Apple responded that it doesn't attribute such warnings to any specific attacker.

A Hindu temple in California was burglarized by six suspects who broke in early Monday morning around 2:15 am. The incident occurred at the Hari Om Radha Krishna Mandir in Sacramento. The burglars stole a donation collection box from the premises. No arrests have been made yet, but police are investigating the incident through surveillance footage. Advocacy group Coalition of Hindus of North America condemned the burglary and urged police to probe it as a potential hate crime. The temple's Guru Maharaj and his wife were at home during the break-in and shocked by the incident.

Gold prices eased on Tuesday but were on track for the biggest monthly rise since November 2022. The Israel-Hamas conflict had spurred safe-haven demand, pushing gold from $1,809 on October 6 to $2,009 last week. However, Israel adopting a more measured approach in Gaza has eased Middle East crisis fears. This led to profit booking in gold. But bullion was still set for an 8% monthly gain, its largest since November. In India, rising prices may dampen demand during festive season, said the World Gold Council. Lower purchases could halt global gold's rally.