India strongly rebuked Pakistan’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat hoisting the saffron flag atop Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Islamabad’s remarks as “contemptible,” stressing Pakistan’s “deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of minorities.” Pakistan had labeled the November 25 Dhwajarohan ceremony “Islamophobia” and “heritage desecration,” linking it to the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition and alleging discrimination against minorities. India rejected these claims outright, urging Pakistan to “turn its gaze inwards” and address its own human rights failings. The flag-hoisting marked the formal completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, consecrated in January 2024.

Paul Doyle, 54, a former Royal Marine, broke down in court as he admitted driving into crowds during Liverpool FC’s Premier League trophy parade on 26 May. In just seven minutes, Doyle’s Ford Galaxy Titanium struck more than 100 people, including children as young as six months. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempted GBH with intent, nine counts of GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent. Victims suffered life-changing injuries, with some thrown from prams. Prosecutors described his actions as “calculated violence.” Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded Doyle, warning a long prison sentence is inevitable. (PC: Reuters)

At least 13 people have been killed and 15 injured in a major fire engulfing apartment blocks in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. More than 700 firefighters are battling the blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which houses approximately 4,600 residents. The fire has been classified as level five, the most serious designation in Hong Kong. Dozens of fire trucks continue arriving at the scene. A 37-year-old firefighter died fighting the blaze, with the government paying tribute to him as "dedicated and gallant." Residents are desperately seeking help from local authorities after losing contact with relatives inside the buildings, according to a local councillor, as emergency response efforts continue.

South Africa created cricket history by whitewashing India 2-0 at home, inflicting a record 408-run defeat in Guwahati's second Test. This marks only the second time India has been whitewashed on home soil, the first occurring in 2000 under Hansie Cronje. South African coach Shukri Conrad's controversial "grovel" remark sparked debate, echoing Tony Greig's 1976 racially-charged comment against West Indies. India's decline began with New Zealand's 3-0 whitewash last year, followed by losses in Australia and England. Team management has rushed transitions, constantly changed squads, produced unpredictable pitches, and selected bits-and-pieces T20 players instead of genuine Test specialists, leading to systemic uncertainty and weakened team structure. (PC: Mint, India Today & TOI)

India confirmed receiving Bangladesh's extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and is examining it through ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India remains committed to Bangladesh's best interests, including peace, democracy, stability, and inclusion. Bangladesh initially requested extradition in December and again this month after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity related to July 2024 demonstrations. Hasina called the tribunal "rigged," claiming it lacks democratic mandate under the unelected interim government. She alleged the death penalty reveals extremist figures' intent to eliminate her and nullify the Awami League, calling the trials a scapegoat tactic distracting from Dr. Mohammad Yunus's government failures. (PC: Wikimedia Commons)

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh will resume in December after several years, marking warming bilateral ties since Mohammad Yunus became chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government. Mahan Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi, while two Pakistani private airlines Fly Jinnah and AirSial received approval for direct flights. Bangladesh's High Commissioner confirmed simplified visa procedures, with approvals now issued within three to four days. Current bilateral trade stands at $700 million, potentially reaching $3 billion soon. Pakistan's military engagement has intensified, including visits by senior generals and the Navy chief seeking submarine berthing facilities at Pekua. This strategic realignment follows Sheikh Hasina's ouster, who maintained close India ties during her tenure. (PC: Shutterstock)

India strongly rejected China's explanation regarding the detention of Arunachal Pradesh native Pema Wangjom Thongdok at Shanghai airport, calling Beijing's actions "unhelpful" to ongoing efforts to normalize bilateral ties. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India lodged strong demarches with China in both Beijing and Delhi immediately after the incident. Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen from West Kameng district living abroad for 14 years, alleged Chinese immigration officials declared her passport "invalid" during a November 21 layover because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She was detained, questioned, and prevented from boarding her connecting flight from London to Japan during what should have been a three-hour layover, turning it into a traumatic ordeal. (PC: X)

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, marking India's first major global sporting event since hosting the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010. Delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations approved India's bid during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow. The centenary edition will feature 15-17 sports disciplines, including archery, badminton, T20 cricket, hockey, shooting, and wrestling. The announcement was celebrated with a cultural performance by Garba dancers and dhol drummers from Glasgow's Indian community. Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare called it the start of a "new golden era" for Commonwealth Sport, praising India's youth, ambition, and sporting passion. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has left his future with the BCCI after India suffered a 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa, their worst in 25 years. Speaking after the 408-run defeat in Guwahati, Gambhir said, “It is for the BCCI to decide. Indian cricket is important, I am not.” He accepted partial blame, adding that responsibility lies with the entire team. Gambhir defended his team selection and approach, saying Test cricket requires “tough characters” rather than flashy players. He stressed that India must prioritise Test cricket and work collectively to improve results in the longest format. (PC: Video Grab)

At least 13 people have died after a massive fire spread across several high-rise buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. Officials said nine victims died at the scene, while four others died in hospital. A firefighter is among the dead. Many people are still trapped, and around 700 residents have been moved to temporary shelters. The fire began around 2:51pm and quickly spread through bamboo scaffolding used for renovation work. Several firefighters were injured while battling the flames. Thick smoke and strong flames continued into the night as rescue efforts carried on. (PC: Reuters)