In Karnataka, political temperatures rose after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a closed-door “power breakfast” meeting amid growing speculation of an imminent leadership transition. Shivakumar’s cryptic post invoking JRD Tata, emphasising the importance of “keeping one’s word,” has intensified talk that the Congress high command may soon implement a pre-poll promise to rotate the chief ministership. Party insiders suggest a possible transition timeline before mid-2026, with both leaders publicly maintaining unity. The meeting is seen as a key step in negotiating roles, responsibilities, and a smooth shift in power within the Karnataka government. (PC: AP)  

India has released a drastically updated seismic zonation map under its revised Earthquake Design Code, placing the whole Himalayan arc in a newly introduced Zone VI, the highest risk level. The revision shows that 61% of India now falls under moderate to high earthquake hazard zones. Developed using probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, the new map factors in active faults, rupture potential, and ground-shaking behavior. The update could reshape building norms and infrastructure planning, especially around tectonically sensitive regions. 

Airbus has called for a global software update on its A320 family—around 6,000 aircraft may be affected—following concerns that intense solar radiation can corrupt flight-control data. In some cases (~900 jets), hardware fixes are required, causing temporary groundings and flight disruptions. Regulators, including EASA, have issued an emergency airworthiness directive. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and EasyJet warn of delays or cancellations as the fixes are implemented. (PC: Reuters)

India Braces for Heavy RainCyclone Ditwah, having caused severe floods and landslides in Sri Lanka that killed over 50 people, is now heading north-northwest toward coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh, with likely landfall by November 30. India has issued red alerts for several delta districts and orange alerts for Chennai and Chennai-adjacent zones anticipating extremely heavy rainfall. In preparation, authorities have deployed NDRF teams, mobilised sniffer-dog units, and activated disaster-response control rooms. Schools in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are shut, while fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea. Meanwhile, Cyclone Senyar, though weaker, is also contributing to heavy rain warnings across the same regions, compounding flood risk. (PC: India Today)

India bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed confidence that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can feature in the 2027 World Cup, contingent on maintaining fitness and dedication. The former South African pacer emphasized experience's irreplaceable value in high-pressure tournaments, recalling sleepless nights bowling against them. Rohit returned with Player of the Series against Australia, while Kohli rebounded from back-to-back ducks with an unbeaten 74. Both retired from Tests and T20Is, now exclusively playing ODIs. Reports suggest they may participate in Vijay Hazare Trophy before New Zealand series. Rohit openly desires redemption after India's 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia, while Kohli reportedly shares similar ambitions for the South Africa-Namibia-Zimbabwe tournament.(PC: HT)

North London's Brent Council faces a costly public health crisis as paan and gutka spitting stains streets, particularly around Wembley's South Asian community areas. The council spends over £30,000 (Rs 35 lakhs) annually cleaning dark-red tobacco residue from pavements, telephone boxes, and buildings, with even high-powered jets unable to remove stubborn stains. Authorities adopted a "zero-tolerance approach," deploying enforcement officers and warning banners across three hotspot areas. Offenders face fines up to £100 (Rs 12,000). Cabinet Member Krupa Sheth warned perpetrators: "Don't mess with Brent, because we will catch you and fine you." The distinctly South Asian habit, normalized across the subcontinent, now causes serious health, environmental, and financial damage in UK streets.(PC: NDTV)

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales officially launched their joint bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup, the UK's first football World Cup since 1966. The proposal features 22 stadiums across 15 cities,16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland with Wembley hosting the July 2035 final. Organizers project 4.5 million ticket sales, a 3.5 billion global TV audience, and accessibility for 63 million people within two hours of venues. The tournament will expand from 32 to 48 teams, featuring 104 matches over 39 days. FIFA Congress will ratify plans in April. The only valid bid submitted promises the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK.(PC: Sky News)

India achieved 'major power' status on the Asia Power Index 2025, ranking third globally with a score of 40 behind the US (80.4) and China (73.5). The Lowy Institute attributed India's rise to economic growth and enhanced military capability demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when strikes on nine Pakistani terror bases showcased combat prowess. India overtook China as the second-largest investment destination after the US, driven by supply-chain diversification. The nation also recorded improvements in diplomatic influence, cultural presence, and economic relationships marking its first-ever rise since 2018. India stands on the cusp of military superpower status, needing to cross the 40-point threshold, while steadily widening its lead over fourth-ranked Japan.

Former Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry claims death rumors about jailed Imran Khan are Taliban's "tit-for-tat" response to earlier Pakistani media reports alleging Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Haibatullah's assassination. Afghan social media handles, including Afghan Times, alleged Khan was murdered in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail by army chief Asim Munir. Chaudhry insists Khan remains "hale and hearty," with jail authorities confirming he's eating meals and exercising regularly. The controversy intensifies as Pakistani authorities haven't allowed Khan's sisters to meet him for three months despite court orders, sparking PTI worker sit-ins demanding "proof of life." Chaudhry blames the Shehbaz Sharif government's ban on meetings and photo releases on their fear of Khan's overwhelming political popularity.

The Election Commission of India issued a stern rebuttal to Trinamool Congress over West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, warning the party against influencing or threatening Booth Level Officers. The ECI emphasized waiting until December 9 draft publication before filing objections, citing Article 326 that foreigners cannot vote. The Commission appointed a special roll observer and ordered security for election officers amid TMC allegations of bias and BLO deaths. Separately, TMC's Abhishek Banerjee launched internal overhaul, deploying nine senior leaders for nine-day district monitoring after Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with uneven progress. The confrontation deepens ahead of 2026 elections, with both sides trading accusations over the contentious revision process affecting millions of voters.(PC: The Hindu & The Statesman)