Category: WORLD

Dubai, November 21, 2025

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, sending shockwaves across the venue as emergency teams rushed to the site. The aircraft reportedly developed a technical snag mid-air, forcing the pilot to eject safely before the jet hit the ground.

Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Despite the crash, officials confirmed that no casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure occurred. The Tejas had been showcased as part of India’s growing defence aviation capabilities, making the incident a significant setback at the high-profile international event.

Washington, November 21, 2025

The US Treasury has announced stricter sanctions targeting Iran’s shadow oil network, intensifying efforts to curb Tehran’s revenue streams that allegedly fund destabilizing activities in the region. The latest measures expand restrictions on shipping companies, intermediaries, and financial channels that help move Iranian crude through covert routes.

Officials in Washington also noted that several Indian-linked entities were flagged for their involvement in facilitating these transactions. While clarification is awaited from New Delhi, the move is expected to influence energy trade dynamics and heighten scrutiny on firms operating in the Gulf and South Asian region.

Washington/Manila, November 21, 2025

The US Navy has launched an urgent deep-sea recovery mission after a fighter jet and a military helicopter crashed during separate operations over the South China Sea. Defense officials confirmed that specialized salvage ships and remotely operated underwater vehicles have been deployed to prevent sensitive technology from falling into rival hands, especially amid rising regional tensions.

The incidents, which occurred during routine training, have heightened strategic concerns in one of the world’s most contested maritime zones. While investigations are underway, the Navy emphasized that securing the wreckage is a priority to safeguard classified systems and maintain operational security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Geneva, November 21, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong call for urgent and collective action as World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025 begins. Speaking from Geneva on Friday, the agency warned that unchecked AMR is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most serious health threats, undermining decades of medical progress.

WHO officials stressed that governments, healthcare systems, farmers, pharmaceutical companies, and the public must work together to curb the misuse of antibiotics and strengthen surveillance systems. The organization emphasized that without coordinated global efforts, routine infections, minor injuries, and common medical procedures could become life-threatening in the near future.

Islamabad, November 21, 2025

Pakistan’s famed Chilgoza (pine nut) industry is slipping into a severe crisis as farmers report escalating official extortion, mismanagement, and government neglect. Producers from remote northern regions say corrupt practices at various checkpoints and excessive levies have made it nearly impossible to transport their harvest profitably.

Stakeholders warn that without immediate reforms, the Chilgoza sector—one of Pakistan’s major high-value exports—may face long-term damage. Farmers are urging the government to curb illegal extortion, improve infrastructure, and provide meaningful support to revive an industry that sustains thousands of livelihoods across the country’s mountainous belt.

Kabul, November 21, 2025

A mild earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale struck parts of Afghanistan on Friday, causing brief tremors across the region. The quake, recorded near Kabul, prompted residents to step out of their homes as precautionary measures, though no major damage or casualties were immediately reported.

Local authorities and disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation while urging citizens to remain alert. Afghanistan, located in a seismically active zone, frequently experiences such tremors, highlighting the ongoing need for preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

New Delhi | November 21, 2025

Reliance Industries has halted the import of Russian crude oil to safeguard its export-oriented refinery operations following intensified EU sanctions. The move comes as European regulators tightened restrictions on Russian-origin crude, creating compliance risks for global refiners selling products to the EU.

Industry experts say the shift may temporarily impact Reliance’s refining margins but ensures uninterrupted access to European markets, which remain a key destination for its fuel exports. The company is now expected to diversify its crude sourcing to maintain supply stability.