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.  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent amid Delhi’s crippling air pollution, calling it a “health emergency.” He urged an urgent parliamentary debate and demanded a strict, enforceable action plan to clean the capital’s toxic air. Sharing a video of conversations with worried mothers, Rahul said, “India’s children are choking … How can you stay silent? Why no accountability, no plan?” Delhi has endured “very poor” to “severe” air quality for over two weeks, heightening concerns over long-term health risks for children and vulnerable groups. 

Following the shooting of two United States National Guard members in Washington D.C., Trump declared he will “permanently pause migration from all third‐world countries”. In a late-night social media post, he pledged to end federal benefits for non-citizens, deport those not deemed “net assets”, and denaturalise migrants viewed as threats to “domestic tranquility”. His administration also initiated a review of asylum approvals and suspended immigration processing for Afghan nationals. Legal experts warn the sweeping policy faces major constitutional and practical hurdles.

Israeli security forces shot dead two Palestinian men, Montasir Abdullah (26) and Yusuf Asasa (37), during a raid in Jenin, West Bank, despite video footage showing them appearing to surrender. The men exited a building, raised their shirts to show they were unarmed, and lay on the ground before being directed inside again — and then were fired upon at close range. The Israeli military says it has launched a “surrender procedure” and is reviewing the incident. Palestinians call it a “cold-blooded execution” and warn of potential impunity. 

Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested Bandhu Man Singh, a close associate of gangster Goldy Dhillon, in connection with the shootings outside comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada. Investigators say he coordinated with Dhillon’s network, arranging weapons and logistics for the attacks. During the arrest, police recovered a Chinese-made PX-3 pistol along with live cartridges. This arrest marks a significant step in probing cross-border gang activities targeting high-profile individuals. (PC: The Hindu & Times Now)