YouTube has announced that its live TV service will move away from the traditional all-in-one bundle. Beginning in early 2026, the platform plans to offer over 10 genre-based channel packs, allowing subscribers to pay only for the categories they actually watch. This marks the first time YouTube TV will break its cable-style bundle, signaling a shift toward a more a-la-carte streaming model. Currently, the service is not available in India.
A YouTube press release revealed that one of the primary packs will focus on sports, featuring content from major broadcasters and networks such as FS1, NBC Sports, the full ESPN lineup, and the upcoming ESPN Unlimited service. Subscribers will still have the option to add premium extras like NFL Sunday Ticket or RedZone, similar to current add-ons. Key features such as unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy tracking will remain available across all packs.
While the complete list of packs has not been disclosed, TechCrunch reports that bundles focused on news, family, and entertainment are also in development. Overall, YouTube TV appears to be moving toward a flexible streaming model where users can mix and match content bundles rather than subscribing to a full cable-style package.
YouTube is also enhancing its A/B testing tool, allowing creators to test up to three different titles, thumbnails, or a combination of both on long-form videos—an improvement from earlier tests that were limited to thumbnails. Each variant is shown to different viewers for up to two weeks, after which YouTube automatically selects the version with the highest watch time, though creators can override the choice.
Test outcomes are labeled as “Winner,” “Performed Same,” or may default to the first version if no clear result emerges. YouTube notes that tests can fail if the variations are too similar or the video receives insufficient impressions. The platform advises using distinct designs to achieve meaningful results and emphasizes watch time over click-through rate to ensure that titles and thumbnails accurately reflect the content and promote genuine engagement.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from YouTube TV.
Goa Police presented Ajay Gupta, the sixth accused in the tragic Goa nightclub fire, in a local court on Thursday. Gupta, one of the four owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, was arrested in Delhi and brought to Goa following a 36-hour transit remand granted by Delhi's Saket Court. The devastating blaze, which broke out late on December 6 at ‘Birch by Romeo Lane,’ claimed 25 lives, including five tourists and 20 staff members.
In a related development, the Luthra brothers, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, also linked to the nightclub, were apprehended in Thailand and are expected to be deported to India shortly. India and Thailand have had an Extradition Treaty since 2013, allowing for the extradition of fugitive offenders, including those accused of financial crimes. An agreement for the transfer of sentenced persons has also been in place since 2012.
According to Goa Police, the brothers were booked on December 7 for fleeing the country while authorities were managing the fire and rescuing trapped guests. Interpol had issued a Blue Corner Notice against them, which led to their arrest in Thailand. The Luthras, who also own the restaurant associated with the nightclub, had previously been subject to Non-Bailable Warrants issued by a Goa court. Delhi Police informed the Rohini Court that the brothers left India soon after the tragedy.
While opposing their plea for protection, the State argued that the brothers were deliberately evading investigation. The accused claimed, through their lawyers, that they traveled to Thailand for work purposes and now wish to return but feared custodial action. Their lawyers requested temporary transit protection to approach the competent court in Goa. The Rohini Court questioned the maintainability of the anticipatory bail application, as the applicants were not within its territorial jurisdiction.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the inquiry report will be ready within eight days. Meanwhile, the state has begun compensating victims’ families and intensified safety audits and enforcement at entertainment venues. Authorities have also demolished part of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Vagator, Goa.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, on Wednesday, commending the progress in implementing the Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. Tajani, on a three-day visit to India with a large business delegation, engaged with PM Modi to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, reflecting Italy’s growing interest in expanding economic ties with India.
PM Modi shared on X that he was “delighted” to meet Tajani and expressed appreciation for the proactive steps being taken by both countries to implement the Strategic Action Plan across key areas including trade, investment, research, innovation, defence, space, connectivity, counter-terrorism, education, and people-to-people relations. He noted that the India-Italy friendship continues to grow, benefiting both nations and the global community.
During his visit, Tajani also met with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, deepening strategic dialogue between the two countries. Jaishankar stated on X that they reviewed progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan across politics, defence, technology, innovation, maritime issues, mobility, space, trade, and investment. He also appreciated joint efforts to counter terror financing and discussed cooperation with the EU and other regional and global developments.
Jaishankar emphasized that India-Italy relations are rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to global peace and stability, and expressed gratitude for Italy’s solidarity following a recent terror incident in New Delhi. The discussions built on previous initiatives, including counter-terror financing measures announced during PM Modi’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Summit. He reaffirmed Italy as a close partner in counterterrorism, including within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The talks also covered regional and global issues, such as developments in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the growing geopolitical dimension of the partnership. Tajani is scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai on Thursday, with economic cooperation remaining a key focus. Jaishankar acknowledged Italy’s leadership in advancing the 2025–2029 economic roadmap.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@narendramodi.
Speaking at the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee hearing on “The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America, highlighted India’s growing role in maritime security. He said the Indian Navy has stepped up patrols and contributed to maritime burden sharing in the Indian Ocean and Pacific, particularly in response to China’s recent military expansions.
Jaishankar noted that China has modernized its nuclear arsenal, expanded its navy, and developed new unmanned and cyber capabilities. He also recalled the 2020 border clashes, which left 20 Indian military personnel dead, and pointed to China’s network of dual-use ports across the Indo-Pacific as a strategic concern. He added that India and the US share strategic interests, including trade imbalances with China, rare earth export restrictions, and stabilizing the Middle East.
Sameer Lalwani, Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund, cautioned that the India-China relationship remains adversarial due to ongoing border disputes and China’s coercive economic policies. He also noted India’s declining dependence on Russia for defense and energy and stressed the need to close the “say-do gap” in US-India initiatives to fully realize strategic and deterrence benefits.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
A U.S. Marine steps onto the shore in Arroyo, Puerto Rico, carrying a shoulder-launched weapon system while taking part in large-scale amphibious training operations designed to enhance readiness, coordination, and rapid-response capabilities across challenging coastal terrain during a complex, multi-unit military exercise focused on improving joint force mission success overall.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Malaysia’s ringgit has made an unexpected recovery, while Thailand’s baht continues to lag behind. So where does the Singapore dollar stand amid this regional currency reshuffle? Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo explore the forces behind Asia’s currency winners and losers in 2024, and what households and businesses should monitor going into the new year, with insights from Saktiandi Supaat, Chief FX Strategist and Head of FX Research & Strategy at Maybank.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
During the daily market analysis segment on Open For Business, hosts Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo engage in a detailed discussion with Mel Siew, who serves as the Portfolio Manager for Asia Public Credit at Muzinich & Co., covering insights, trends, and key developments impacting financial markets across the region.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
After three days of discussions between Ukrainian and US officials in Miami, Florida, no clear progress was achieved by Saturday. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will now shift his focus to Europe, heading to London on Monday for direct talks with the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany. Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo speak with Dr. Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics at ESSEC Business School Asia Pacific, for the latest insights.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
