Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure faces critical scrutiny following India's humiliating 0-2 home Test whitewash against South Africa. The BCCI is reportedly displeased with his press conference remarks, particularly comments about Kolkata pitch conditions deemed unnecessarily inflammatory. While Gambhir currently retains board backing, his future hinges on India's T20 World Cup 2026 home performance. Critics highlight his tactical missteps, including over-reliance on all-rounders over specialists, compromising team stability in five-day cricket. India's home Test record has deteriorated under Gambhir compared to predecessors Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri. With no home Tests until August 2026, the BCCI delays dismissal decisions, but mounting public sentiment and multiple home series defeats place Gambhir's position precariously close to termination. (PC: NDTV Sports) 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences as Cyclone Ditwah claimed 56 lives in Sri Lanka, announcing India's humanitarian response through Operation Sagar Bandhu. Naval vessels INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered emergency relief materials to Colombo, with India's aircraft carrier being formally deployed for flood rescue operations. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar confirmed further assistance is underway. The cyclone triggered devastating landslides after 300mm rainfall within 24 hours, killing 46 with 23 missing. Over 43,991 people were evacuated to shelters, including rooftop rescues. Schools closed, trains suspended, and stock exchange halted trading. Modi stated India remains ready to scale up aid, guided by the Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, standing firmly with its closest maritime neighbor.

President Donald Trump announced a permanent pause on migration from all "Third World Countries" to allow the US system to recover, following a deadly shooting near the White House. The policy will terminate Biden-era admissions, remove non-assets, end federal benefits for non-citizens, and pursue "reverse migration." Trump's declaration came after Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly shot two National Guard troopers, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who died, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains critical. The administration immediately suspended all Afghan immigration processing. Trump claimed 53 million foreigners currently reside in the US, asserting migrants receive excessive benefits while causing social dysfunction. The sweeping policy will significantly impact millions seeking education, employment, or asylum in America.

India's economy surged ahead with 8.2% GDP growth in Q2 FY2025-26, the highest in six quarters, significantly outpacing last year's 5.6% and Q1's 7.8%. The National Statistics Office data reveals manufacturing expanded 9.1%, construction grew 7.2%, while services led with 9.2% growth, particularly financial and professional services at 10.2%. Private consumption strengthened to 7.9% from 6.4% year-on-year, indicating robust demand despite US tariff pressures. However, agriculture lagged at 3.5% growth. GDP at constant prices reached Rs 48.63 lakh crore, with nominal GDP rising 8.7%. The first half delivered 8% overall growth versus 6.1% previously, reinforcing India's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy heading into FY26's second half. (PC: India Today) 

The Bureau of Indian Standards has dramatically upgraded India's seismic zonation map, placing the entire Himalayan arc in the newly created highest-risk Zone VI. This radical reclassification means 61% of India now falls within moderate to high earthquake hazard zones. The Himalayas, previously split between Zones IV and V, face elevated danger due to the ongoing collision between Indian and Eurasian plates moving at 5cm annually. Experts highlight that earlier maps underestimated risks from long-unruptured fault segments, particularly in Central Himalayas which haven't experienced major surface rupture in 2,000 years. The update requires stricter building codes and infrastructure planning across affected regions, reflecting accumulated tectonic stress in these geologically young, unstable mountains. (PC: Reuters)

Cyclone Ditwah has devastated Sri Lanka, claiming at least 46 lives with 23 people still missing. The storm triggered deadly landslides after torrential rainfall exceeded 300mm in 24 hours, with Badulla district's tea-growing region severely impacted where 21 died in a single landslide. Over 43,991 people have been evacuated to emergency shelters, including families rescued from rooftops. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, dispatching relief materials via INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri. India's IMD issued alerts for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as the cyclone moves north-northwest, expected to make landfall by November 30. Schools closed, train services suspended, and authorities warned residents to avoid coastal areas and stay indoors.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a state visit to India on December 4–5, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. During his trip, he is expected to meet both PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, and a banquet will be hosted in his honour. The visit is aimed at reviewing progress in the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia, and strengthening cooperation across political, economic, defence, and humanitarian sectors. (PC: AP)

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan suspect in the ambush shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House, previously served in a CIA-backed strike unit in Afghanistan. He drove over 2,500 miles from Washington State before opening fire using a .357 revolver. One of the soldiers, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, has died; the other remains in critical condition. Lakanwal entered the U.S. under “Operation Allies Welcome” in 2021 and was granted asylum earlier this year. (PC: India Today)

During his second visit to India, Beckham said he was deeply moved by the country’s vibrant energy — from its lively streets to warm people and rich culture. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he met young fans and engaged in events focusing on children’s rights, mixing star appeal with purpose. Recently knighted by King Charles III for his contributions to sport and charity, Beckham called the honour “amazing” and expressed gratitude for being recognised for both his football career and philanthropic work. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message of national strength and resilience, declaring that “Naya Bharat will not bow down before any force.” Speaking at a public event, he invoked the symbolism of the Sudarshan Chakra, stating that India’s resolve, like the divine weapon, is firm and unshakeable when confronting enemies and threats to national security. He emphasized that modern India is prepared to defend its sovereignty with determination, unity, and technological capability. Modi added that citizens’ trust and the nation’s growing global stature reflect a new era where India stands confident, self-reliant, and fearless on the world stage.