Elon Musk’s Starlink is set to revolutionize internet connectivity in India, with Maharashtra becoming the first state to roll out the service. The announcement, made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on X, marks a significant step in India’s digital transformation. Starlink, which utilizes low-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet to remote areas, has already sparked intense discussions around predatory pricing and spectrum allocation. India, projected to surpass 900 million internet users by the end of the year, granted Starlink a license in June. Major telecom providers Jio Platforms and Bharti Airtel have also partnered with SpaceX to integrate Starlink into their offerings. Lauren Dreyer, Starlink’s VP of Business Operations, expressed enthusiasm for advancing India’s digital vision, particularly in connecting schools and medical facilities in underserved regions. This move aligns with a broader trend of global tech giants expanding their footprint in India, including Google’s $15 billion investment in AI infrastructure and Anthropic and OpenAI’s plans to establish offices in the country.
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South Korean officials question feasibility of building nuclear submarine in US shipyard
South Korean officials have raised doubts about the feasibility of constructing a nuclear-powered submarine in a US shipyard, following US President Donald Trump’s recent social media announcement. Trump stated last week that he had approved South Korea’s request to build such a submarine, specifying it would be constructed at the Philadelphia shipyard. However, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok clarified during a parliamentary hearing on Thursday that the South Korean-owned Philly Shipyard currently lacks the capability to undertake such a project. This statement comes after Trump’s post on Truth Social, where he responded to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s request for nuclear fuel to power submarines equipped with conventional weapons. Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back further emphasized that it would be more logical to build the submarines in South Korea, given the nation’s advanced shipbuilding expertise. South Korea is home to leading shipbuilders like Hanwha Ocean, which owns the Philly Shipyard but has declined to comment on the matter. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth assured that the Trump administration would collaborate with relevant departments to fulfill the commitment, emphasizing the president’s desire for strong alliances.
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Russian soldier sentenced to life in jail in unprecedented Ukrainian trial
In a landmark ruling, a Ukrainian court has sentenced 27-year-old Russian soldier Dmitry Kurashov to life imprisonment for the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war, marking the first such sentence handed down since the conflict began. Kurashov was found guilty of fatally shooting 41-year-old Ukrainian veteran Vitalii Hodniuk, who had surrendered after being captured in the Zaporizhzhia region on January 6, 2024. The court determined that Kurashov acted on orders from his commanders, who had instructed troops not to take Ukrainian soldiers captive. Evidence, including expert reports, witness testimonies, and video footage, confirmed the deliberate nature of the killing. During the trial, it was revealed that Hodniuk had emerged unarmed from a dugout with his hands raised, only to be shot point-blank by Kurashov. Kurashov initially pleaded guilty but later retracted his confession, claiming he had done so to expedite a potential prisoner swap. He alleged that a Russian medic, who later died, was responsible for the shooting. However, testimonies from other members of his unit contradicted his account, stating that Kurashov was the only person present when the gunshots were heard. Kurashov’s lawyer argued that he was following orders, while the prosecutor emphasized his lack of remorse. The case highlights the broader issue of Russian prisoners being recruited to fight in Ukraine, often in poorly trained penal units like Storm V, which are deployed in high-casualty assaults. Ukrainian intelligence has documented over 150 cases of battlefield executions of POWs by Russian forces since the invasion began in 2022, with Ukrainian officials describing these acts as part of a systematic policy. While Ukrainian forces have also faced accusations of executing Russian POWs, such reports are significantly fewer in number.
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Engine fell off US cargo plane before deadly crash; death toll rises to 12
A catastrophic cargo plane crash in Kentucky has claimed the lives of 12 individuals, with investigators attributing the disaster to an engine fire and detachment during takeoff. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, operated by UPS and en route to Hawaii, crashed shortly after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening. The aircraft exploded into flames upon impact, devastating nearby businesses and leaving a fiery debris field nearly half a mile long. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed profound sorrow over the rising death toll, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘unimaginable.’
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a comprehensive investigation, with preliminary findings from airport footage revealing the left engine detaching during the takeoff roll. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as black boxes, have been identified and will be sent to Washington for detailed analysis. The crash, reportedly the deadliest in UPS’s history, has prompted the company to suspend package sorting operations at its Louisville facility, which serves as its primary hub.
The aircraft, carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel, narrowly avoided a major Ford assembly plant, averting an even greater catastrophe. Aerial footage of the crash site depicted a trail of debris and firefighters battling intense flames. The NTSB confirmed the plane was built in 1991 and later converted into a cargo aircraft. Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1996, has offered technical assistance to the NTSB. The incident has reignited concerns about the US air traffic control system, already strained by staffing shortages and aging equipment, following a series of fatal aviation accidents in recent years.
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Dubai: 44,000 new homes to be ready in 2025; highest in 5 years
Dubai’s real estate market is poised for a significant milestone in 2025, with 44,000 new residential units expected to be completed—the highest number in five years. This surge in supply is a result of projects initiated during the post-pandemic period reaching their final stages, according to a recent analysis by Cushman & Wakefield Core. The consultancy highlighted that Dubai’s residential market is currently experiencing a robust supply cycle, with a substantial pipeline of projects nearing completion. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, over 7,800 units were delivered, with an additional 14,900 units anticipated in the fourth quarter. Prathyusha Gurrapu, Head of Research and Consultancy at Cushman & Wakefield Core, noted that the market is transitioning into a more balanced phase, where factors such as location and quality will increasingly influence performance. Prime areas are expected to remain stable, while secondary locations may adjust to the influx of new supply. Looking ahead, completions are projected to rise further in 2026, with over 69,000 units anticipated. This near-term supply reflects the volume of projects launched in recent years, coupled with strong demand driven by record population growth. However, the increased stock is likely to moderate price and rental growth, contributing to a more tempered market. According to property portal Bayut, established areas with strong infrastructure and sustained luxury demand will continue to thrive, while mid-market apartment areas may face saturation. Haider Ali Khan of Bayut emphasized that Dubai’s real estate market is maturing, with overall price growth moderating due to increased supply and measured investor sentiment. Data from Cushman & Wakefield Core revealed that city-wide residential sales prices reached Dh1,871 per sqft in Q3 2025, marking a 13% year-on-year increase. However, growth is slowing, particularly in the apartment segment. Villa communities such as Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills continue to outperform, supported by limited supply and resilient demand. As the market evolves, pricing will increasingly be driven by fundamentals such as location, quality, and developer profile.
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Japan to arm riot police with rifles in fight against bear attacks
In response to a surge in fatal bear attacks, Japan has revised its stringent gun laws to arm riot police with rifles. The decision, announced on Thursday, comes as the country grapples with a record number of bear-related fatalities, with 13 deaths reported since April 1—more than double the previous annual record. The National Police Agency (NPA) has identified northern regions such as Iwate and Akita as hotspots for these incidents and will deploy rifle-equipped riot police to these areas starting November 13. These officers will receive specialized training from local hunters’ associations to better understand bear behavior. The move follows criticism that standard police handguns are ineffective against bears. Meanwhile, Japan has also deployed soldiers to assist in bear management, though they will not carry firearms. Instead, troops will focus on transporting traps and using anti-bear sprays, protective gear, and net launchers. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration is urgently drafting a policy package to address the crisis. Scientists attribute the rise in bear populations to climate change, which has increased food sources like acorns, deer, and boars. Additionally, rural depopulation has blurred the boundaries between human settlements and bear habitats, prompting bears to venture closer to residential areas.
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US to cancel flights as longest government shutdown drags on
The United States is bracing for significant disruptions in air travel as the longest government shutdown in history continues to cripple federal operations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 high-traffic air traffic areas, effective Friday. Major airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York City are expected to bear the brunt of these cuts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the reductions, citing staffing shortages due to the ongoing shutdown. Over 60,000 air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are currently working without pay, raising concerns about increased absenteeism and potential chaos at check-in lines. The shutdown, which began after Congress failed to approve funding past September 30, has left 1.4 million federal workers either furloughed or working without compensation. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that flight delays, initially at 5%, have now surged to over 50%, jeopardizing public safety. The impasse between Democrats and Republicans centers on healthcare spending, with Democrats demanding an extension of expiring insurance subsidies and Republicans insisting on immediate funding approval. Former President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Democrats by threatening mass layoffs and targeting progressive priorities. Amid the crisis, the White House clarified its commitment to partial payments under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), despite earlier threats to cut off aid.
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US teacher shot by six-year-old student awarded $10m by jury
A former Virginia schoolteacher, Abigail Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student two years ago, has been awarded $10 million in damages by a jury. The incident, which occurred in January 2023 at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, left Zwerner seriously wounded, requiring multiple surgeries. During her trial, Zwerner testified, ‘I thought I had died,’ highlighting the traumatic experience she endured. Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school’s former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, alleging that Parker failed to act despite being warned that the child might have brought a gun to school. The jury found Parker’s inaction to be gross negligence. The court heard that Parker had been informed about the gun approximately 45 minutes before the shooting. Additionally, Zwerner had reportedly warned Parker about the child’s violent mood and threats against another student, to which Parker allegedly responded indifferently. Parker’s defense argued that she could not have foreseen the incident and that Zwerner exaggerated her injuries. Following the civil trial, Parker faces eight counts of felony child neglect, each punishable by up to five years in prison. The student’s mother was sentenced to nearly four years for child neglect and federal weapons charges. The student, who was not charged, is now in the care of a relative and attending a different school. This case underscores the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States and the critical need for effective school safety measures.
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Veteran South Indian actor Harish Rai, star of ‘KGF’ and ‘Om’, dies
The South Indian film industry is in mourning following the passing of veteran actor Harish Rai, celebrated for his iconic roles in the ‘KGF’ series and the film ‘Om’. Rai, who had been battling cancer, breathed his last on November 6, 2025. Known for his portrayal of Khasim chacha in the blockbuster ‘KGF’ franchise, Rai was a stalwart of Kannada cinema, with a career spanning decades and contributions to Tamil and Telugu films as well. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the news on his X account, expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to the actor’s legacy. Shivakumar described Rai’s death as a significant loss to the industry, highlighting his memorable performances in films like ‘Hello Yama’, ‘KGF’, and ‘KGF 2’. Rai’s versatility and talent earned him widespread acclaim, making him a beloved figure in South Indian cinema. Beyond his iconic roles, he appeared in numerous popular Kannada films, including ‘Samara’, ‘Bangalore Underworld’, ‘Jodihakki’, and ‘Sanju Weds Geetha’. The film fraternity and fans alike have expressed their condolences, remembering Rai for his remarkable contributions to the art of storytelling. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
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Weekly quiz: Which supermodel turned her husband to stone for Halloween?
This week witnessed a series of notable events across the globe. In Georgia, Bella Culley, a pregnant British teenager, was released from prison, marking a significant moment in her life. Meanwhile, in Thailand, the Miss Universe competition experienced an unexpected walkout, adding drama to the prestigious event. On a more celebratory note, David Beckham was knighted by King Charles, a recognition of his contributions to sports and philanthropy. These events, though diverse, highlight the dynamic nature of global news. As we reflect on the past seven days, it’s essential to stay informed about the broader happenings that shape our world. For those keen on testing their knowledge, quizzes curated by Ben Fell offer an engaging way to recall and learn about recent events.