The Trump administration has opened direct talks with Myanmar’s military-installed government, US officials said, marking a shift from Washington’s post-coup isolation policy. Talks led by Assistant Secretary Michael Vance initially focused on shutting scam centres targeting Americans and securing an American’s release, but could expand to Myanmar’s rare-earth resources.

China has officially nominated Dr. Song Li, a senior health official, for the WHO Director-General position. This nomination could draw international attention to China's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Song has extensive experience in public health, including maternal and child health coordination during health emergencies. The election results will be revealed after the current Director-General’s term concludes in August 2027.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss drought issues, highlighting the significant impact of the El Nino effect on Andhra Pradesh's agriculture sector. Naidu proposed the creation of a national water grid through river interlinking across southern states.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss drought issues, highlighting the significant impact of the El Nino effect on Andhra Pradesh's agriculture sector. Naidu proposed the creation of a national water grid through river interlinking across southern states.

Russia's exports of yellow peas and sunflower oil to India have been disrupted by ongoing conflicts. As a result, prices for yellow peas have risen from ₹40 to ₹46 per kg in the last two months. Importers report that shipments from Russia have not occurred recently, affecting the availability of yellow peas. Meanwhile, sunflower oil shipments are also hindered, causing expectations of higher prices in the near future.

In an engaging Instagram video, Thejaswini Reddy shared her transformative journey across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Dubai. She recounted how Bengaluru broadened her horizons with its rich cultural mosaic, while in Hyderabad she embraced independence through her management of groceries and chores. Her transition to Dubai revealed the critical role of professional networking, teaching her valuable lessons through job application hurdles. Each city uniquely shaped her personal and professional identity.

On Thursday, various groups protested in Bengaluru against the special intensive revision of voter rolls. The protesters included activists, student organizations, and digital influencers voicing their concerns about transparency. They raised concerns about the process potentially excluding genuine voters and demanded a return to paper ballots. Key participants included YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and actor-activist Prakash Raj. The movement highlights issues surrounding voter registration and electoral integrity ahead of future elections.

The Supreme Court has ordered new elections in 50 municipal wards across Punjab. This decision follows a report detailing significant obstruction during the nomination process. The report highlighted incidents of candidates experiencing threats, assaults, and destruction of nomination papers. Fresh elections will take place in 28 wards in Patiala district and 22 in Moga. The local body elections originally occurred on December 21, 2024.

Five people, including two children, were injured after gas leaked from a cylinder pipe and triggered a flare-up at a hostel on the IIT Bombay campus in Mumbai’s Powai on Thursday night. The injured were taken to Rajawadi Hospital, with four later shifted to Kasturba Hospital for treatment.