✈ INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump; Says, two countries will continue to work together for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
2. A major boost to India’s innovation ecosystem has arrived with the inauguration of the Google for Startups Hub at T-Hub in Hyderabad. The collaboration between Google and the Telangana government aims to strengthen AI-first entrepreneurship, expand market access, and provide world-class mentoring within one of India’s most dynamic startup regions.
3. India-Israel Defence Ties Shift to Co-Development: Israel is exploring direct investment in India’s Make in India ecosystem, including plans to shift production of advanced weapon platforms to India.
4. The Indian Embassy in Thailand advises Indian travellers to check official updates before visiting areas near the Thailand-Cambodia border.
5. Mexico has introduced sweeping tariffs of up to 50% on imports from India, China and several other Asian economies, marking one of its most significant trade policy overhauls in recent years.
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🌎 WORLD NEWS 🌍
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1. Hanoi has emerged as the world’s second most polluted city, after more than a week of dense smog and hazardous air conditions. The Vietnamese capital has drawn global concern as residents struggle with deteriorating air quality and associated health risks.
2. The United States government has launched a new investor-linked residency scheme, branded the Gold Card, offering wealthy individuals and corporations a fast-tracked route to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
3. The Trump administration in US has approved a massive $686 million upgrade package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, effectively confirming Pakistan is replacing at least six F-16 fighter jets that were destroyed on ground at Shahbaz Air Base and Bholari Air Base.
4. US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker: US forces intercepted and seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, with President Trump declaring that the captured oil would be kept by the United States.
5. A military court sentenced the former head of Pakistan’s powerful Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency to 14 years in prison on charges including violation of state secrets and misuse of authority.
6. Bangladesh will hold the 13th parliamentary election on 12 February next year.
