Apple is finally stepping into the foldable smartphone market with its first-ever foldable iPhone, expected to debut in September 2026. The new device aims to combine Apple’s signature design with the versatility of a foldable screen, offering users a larger display without compromising portability. It is likely to feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen, designed to be nearly crease-free when folded. The thickness is tipped to be around 9–9.5 mm, giving it a sleek profile despite the foldable form factor.

On the camera front, the foldable iPhone is expected to come with an under-display selfie camera on the inner screen and a rear camera setup featuring main and ultra-wide sensors. Leaks also suggest that Apple may use Touch ID instead of Face ID for authentication, offering users more flexibility.

The device is expected to be powered by the A20 Pro chipset, the same processor class as the iPhone 18 Pro, ensuring smooth performance and efficient battery usage. It is also rumored to include a 5,400 mAh battery, the largest ever in an iPhone, providing longer usage time compared to current models.

The foldable iPhone is likely to carry a premium price of around $2,399 (₹2.15 lakh), making it the priciest iPhone to date. Standard iPhone 18 models are expected to follow in early 2027.

With this release, Apple will directly compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, offering a new form factor for iPhone users. The foldable iPhone combines a larger display, advanced features, and powerful performance, representing Apple’s bold step into the foldable segment while targeting premium consumers who want cutting-edge technology.

Also Read: PM Modi hoists saffron flag on Ayodhya Ram Temple

An Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, was held for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport on November 21. Chinese immigration officials reportedly refused to recognise her Indian passport, saying it was “invalid” because she was born in Arunachal Pradesh.

Thongdok says she was mocked by airport staff and airline employees, who told her things like “you are Chinese, not Indian” and suggested she apply for a Chinese passport. She was denied food and normal airport facilities and missed her flight to Japan, despite having a valid visa.

She finally managed to continue her journey after buying a new ticket on China Eastern Airlines. She contacted the Indian Consulate in Shanghai and the embassy in Beijing, which helped her with food and negotiating her release.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a strong protest with China, calling her detention “unacceptable” and reaffirming that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. Indian officials said China’s actions may violate international aviation rules and create unnecessary obstacles to normalising India-China relations.

Thongdok has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian leaders to ensure that citizens from Arunachal Pradesh are not treated unfairly in the future while travelling abroad.

Also Read: PM Modi hoists saffron flag on Ayodhya Ram Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hoisted a saffron flag atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, in a grand ceremony called the Dhwajarohan Utsav. The event coincided with Vivah Panchami, the traditional celebration of Lord Ram and Sita’s wedding, adding spiritual significance to the occasion.

The flag, known as the Dharma Dhwaj, is triangular and carries three symbols: a radiant sun representing Lord Ram’s Suryavanshi lineage, the sacred syllable “Om,” and the Kovidara tree. Modi hoisted the flag during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat, calling the moment the fulfilment of a centuries-old dream for millions of devotees. He described it as the beginning of a new chapter for the temple and its followers.

The ceremony was attended by senior leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Devotees and visitors gathered in large numbers to witness the historic moment, while security arrangements were tight with thousands of personnel deployed, barricades in place, and digital surveillance to manage the crowd.

Ayodhya city was illuminated for the occasion, with vibrant decorations, floral arrangements, rangoli designs, and laser shows transforming the temple complex into a spectacular scene of devotion and celebration.

The Ram Temple’s construction began with the Bhoomi Pujan in 2020, and the inner sanctum of the temple was inaugurated in January 2024. Today’s flag-hoisting marks the formal completion of the major construction phase.

Prime Minister Modi also urged devotees to visit the Sapt Mandir within the temple complex, which houses shrines dedicated to seven ancient sages including Vashishtha and Vishwamitra, offering a complete spiritual experience for visitors.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the state Assembly that popular singer Zubeen Garg’s death was a murder, not an accident. He said it was plain and simple where  one person killed Zubeen while several others helped.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Assam CID has already arrested seven people. Sarma said four to five of them will be formally charged with murder. The detailed chargesheet is expected by December, which will also examine negligence and criminal breach of trust.

The Chief Minister added that the motive behind the killing will “shock the people of the state.” From the start, authorities treated the case as serious, registering it under sections covering culpable homicide, criminal conspiracy, and negligent death, before elevating it to murder.

Assam has also sought help from Singapore through a legal agreement, and the Singapore government has shared relevant documents with investigators.

Also Read: Arunachal woman detained in Shanghai

India’s premier scientific and medical research organisations, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), have agreed to strengthen collaboration on health research. Leaders from both bodies held a high-level meeting to outline joint initiatives under the country’s One Health Mission.

The discussions focused on reviewing ongoing projects, including CSIR-developed molecules progressing to clinical trials and ICMR-supported research centres within CSIR laboratories. Expanding pathogen surveillance in hospitals, communities, and cities was highlighted as a priority, helping India respond better to public health challenges.

Both organisations clarified their respective roles in developing new drugs, testing them in clinical trials, and using ICMR’s large-animal toxicity testing facilities. This clear division of responsibilities is expected to accelerate research and reduce duplication of efforts.

The meeting also addressed supporting young researchers. CSIR and ICMR plan to expand opportunities through their joint AcSIR–ICMR PhD programme and by combining fellowships. This initiative is aimed at fostering new talent in biomedical research and health sciences.

Technology development was another key topic. Officials discussed faster, coordinated creation of critical tools, including a digital medical-emergency drone service to improve healthcare delivery. Collaboration will also extend to emerging fields like diagnostics, digital health, environmental health surveillance, and biomedical innovation.

Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, and Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, emphasised that combining CSIR’s scientific and technological expertise with ICMR’s public health mandate could produce significant national outcomes. They believe the partnership will strengthen India’s capacity to address health challenges, improve healthcare solutions, and boost the country’s research ecosystem.

Also Read: Arunachal woman detained in Shanghai

India is expected to be officially confirmed as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games at a meeting in Glasgow today. The Games are planned to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

This will be the 100th anniversary edition of the Commonwealth Games, making it a special event. India last hosted the Games in New Delhi in 2010.

The Indian government and the Indian Olympic Association have already approved the bid. Ahmedabad is preparing with new sports facilities, including stadiums, an aquatics centre and an athletes’ village under the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave project.

India also wants to add back sports like wrestling, shooting and cricket, which were not part of recent editions.

The final announcement is expected by 6:30 PM IST today. Hosting the 2030 Games is also seen as a stepping stone for India’s future dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics.

Also Read: West Bengal CM Mamata flags concerns over poll plans

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asking him to step in and review two decisions taken by the state’s election office. She says these changes could affect how fair and transparent the upcoming elections will be.

Her first worry is about a new plan to hire 1,000 data entry operators and 50 software developers for election work. Mamata feels this is unnecessary because district election offices already have trained staff who do this job well. She has questioned why outside staff are suddenly needed and even hinted that this move may be influenced by a political party.

The second issue she raised is a proposal to set up polling booths inside private housing complexes. Normally, polling stations are placed in public buildings like schools so everyone can access them easily. Mamata argues that putting booths in private complexes may give an unfair advantage to residents there and create a divide between “privileged” and other voters.

She has urged the Chief Election Commissioner to look into both matters without delay, warning that these decisions, if left unchecked, could undermine the trust people have in the election process.

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A new visa program, called the “Gold Card,” could let wealthy foreigners get a US green card by paying a large sum of money. Donald Trump’s team is preparing the draft, expected by December 18, 2025.

To apply, a person must first pay a $15,000 application fee. Once approved, they make a $1 million donation to the US Treasury. Companies can also use this program for employees, but it costs $2 million per employee.

The Gold Card offers a faster route to permanent residency, but applicants will face strict checks. Officials will review criminal records, taxes, and the source of the funds. People outside the US will likely go through consular processing, while those already in the country may have a chance to adjust their status.

For very wealthy individuals, a Platinum Card is planned. For $5 million, holders can stay in the US for up to 270 days a year and get tax benefits on foreign income.

Supporters say the program could bring money into the US economy. Critics argue it lets the super-rich “buy” residency, leaving ordinary immigrants at a disadvantage.

The Gold Card is still being finalized, and more details will be announced once the plan is officially approved.

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After nearly 12,000 years of silence, Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on November 23, sending a towering ash plume up to 14 km into the sky. The eruption occurred in the remote Afar region, a geologically active area along the East African Rift, startling local communities and tourists in the desert.

Villagers near Afdera described a deep rumbling sound, followed by ashfall covering grazing lands, homes, and roads. Herders are concerned about their livestock as vegetation is blanketed in ash, while tourists had to be evacuated from affected areas.

The ash cloud has drifted over the Red Sea, reaching Yemen and Oman, and moved toward northern India, even New Delhi and Pakistan. The plume carries sulfur dioxide and fine volcanic particles that can be hazardous to aircraft engines, prompting international flight adjustments.

In India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is closely monitoring the ash plume. Officials said there is no current cause for concern for flight operations. Flight safety agencies, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Airports Authority of India (AAI), are coordinating with international partners, issuing advisories and NOTAMs. Most operations remain normal, with only limited precautionary rerouting or altitude adjustments. The ash plume, moving above 10 km, is expected to drift toward China, reducing impact on India’s surface weather and air quality. A few flights have been delayed or cancelled, but disruptions remain limited.

Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, and KLM, confirmed monitoring and safety adjustments. Experts say the eruption, while rare, aligns with the region’s tectonic activity. Signs such as ground uplift and unusual summit clouds had been observed days before the eruption. Scientists are now analyzing ash samples to better understand why this long-dormant volcano became active.

For communities in Ethiopia, the eruption has been a sudden reminder of nature’s power. Globally, the ash plume has highlighted how volcanic events, even in remote areas, can ripple across continents, affecting air travel and safety.

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The US has announced it will end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Myanmar nationals, a program that allowed them to live and work in the US legally due to dangers in their home country. The decision affects nearly 4,000 people.

TPS was first granted because Myanmar was facing widespread violence and instability, making it unsafe for its citizens to return. But the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now says Myanmar has made progress, pointing to improved governance, ceasefire agreements, and plans for fair elections.

The TPS protections will officially end on 26 January 2026, giving affected individuals a 60‑day transition period. During this time, they can continue working legally in the US. After that, they may face the risk of deportation unless they find another legal way to stay.

While the US cites improvements in Myanmar, human rights groups warn that the situation in the country is still difficult, with ongoing conflict and human rights concerns. Many fear returning home could put people at risk.

The move is part of a broader effort under the Trump-led administration to roll back TPS protections for several countries. For those affected, it’s a moment of uncertainty, as they now need to plan for life after TPS and explore other immigration options.

Also Read: PM Modi hoists saffron flag on Ayodhya Ram Temple