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)

The VIP number plate “HR88B8888” was sold for a record ₹1.17 crore at an online auction in Haryana, making it the most expensive car registration number in India. The auction began with a base price of ₹50,000, but intense bidding — among 45 applicants — pushed the final amount past ₹1 crore by Wednesday evening. The number plate’s appeal lies in its visual symmetry: the uppercase “B” resembles the digit “8,” making “HR‑88‑B‑8888” read as a continuous string of eights — a motif many consider auspicious. This sale highlights the growing demand in India for “fancy” or VIP registration plates, often traded at prices far exceeding those of the vehicles they’re assigned to. (PC: X & Gemini)

The government of India on November 26 strongly rejected remarks by Pakistan criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the flag‑hoisting at the Ram Mandir. In a stern response, External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan, with its “deeply stained record of bigotry, repression and systemic mistreatment of minorities,” lacked the moral authority to comment on India’s internal religious and cultural affairs. India dismissed Islamabad’s statement as hypocritical and urged it to focus on its own human‑rights issues instead of intervening in India’s domestic matters. 

India has strongly criticised China for detaining Prema Wangjom Thongdok from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Prema said Chinese officials mocked her nationality, calling her passport “invalid” because her birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident “does not help the process of normalising ties.” India lodged a strong protest and stated that “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India.” Prema demanded strict action and said she was held for hours during her transit to Japan. China denied the allegations and claimed the actions followed its regular procedures.

A massive fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Tai Po District, northern Hong Kong. Flames, ignited on bamboo scaffolding during renovation work, spread rapidly across multiple high‑rise towers — reaching a No. 5 alarm, the city’s most severe fire alert. Authorities confirmed at least 13 people were killed, including a firefighter; others remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue into the night. Thick black smoke and high flames engulfed seven of the estate’s eight blocks, forcing evacuations and closure of nearby roads. Emergency shelters have been opened for evacuees while officials investigate the cause and assess the full scale of the damage. 

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, following approval from the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly. The Games will feature 15–17 sports, including cricket (T20), rugby sevens, and para triathlon. Community and cultural pride were on display in Glasgow, where Indian dances marked the announcement. Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare said the decision ushers in a “new golden era” for the movement. India’s leadership hopes these Games will reinforce its global sporting ambitions, toward a possible 2036 Olympic bid. (PC: India Today)

Music composer Palash Muchhal has been discharged from a Mumbai hospital after three days of treatment for chest pain and breathing problems. He was first admitted in Sangli and later moved to Mumbai. The health scare happened soon after the wedding of Palash and cricketer Smriti Mandhana was postponed. Smriti’s father fell ill on the morning of the ceremony and was rushed to the hospital. The stress of the situation affected Palash as well. His family said all tests were normal, but he was very emotional. Smriti has removed pre-wedding posts from social media. A new wedding date has not been decided. (PC: NDTV)

India has strongly criticised Pakistan for its comments on the recent flag-hoisting at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan has “no moral standing” to speak on the issue. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan should look at its own poor human rights record instead of giving “hypocritical” lectures. India rejected Pakistan’s remarks and said the country has a long history of mistreating its minorities. Pakistan had earlier claimed that the flag-hoisting was part of rising pressure on religious minorities and an attempt to erase Muslim heritage. India dismissed these claims completely. (PC: HT)

Nearly 20 years after bodies of 19 children and women were found in Noida’s Nithari village, parents are demanding answers. Surinder Koli, last convicted in the case, was acquitted by the Supreme Court, ending the long judicial process. Families say the investigation was flawed and confessions were extracted under torture. Victims’ parents, like Sunita and Pappu Lal, remain anguished, asking, “If they are innocent, who killed our children?” Many victims’ families have left the area, while others struggle with grief and anger. Lawyers and officials say reinvestigation is unlikely due to the time elapsed. (PC: BBC)