After India’s recent Test loss to South Africa, the BCCI reportedly took issue with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s public praise of the turning pitch at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Gambhir insisted the black-soil track was exactly what the team wanted, calling it a test of technique and temperament — comments that irked board members. Although no immediate action is planned, insiders warn that another poor showing, especially at the upcoming T20 World Cup, could put his future under serious threat. (PC: PTI)

In a striking move, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have begun detaining individuals—many of them spouses of U.S. citizens—during routine green-card interviews at the USCIS San Diego office, even though they reportedly have no criminal history. Attorneys say the arrests target those who entered legally but overstayed their visas. ICE stated it is enforcing immigration laws at federal sites including USCIS offices. Legal counsel warn interviewees to attend as scheduled yet be prepared in case of detention, since skipping could lead to case abandonment. (PC: India Today)

Palash Muchhal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana’s wedding was postponed indefinitely after Smriti’s father suffered heart-attack-like symptoms just hours before their planned ceremony. The emotional turmoil also affected Palash, who was hospitalized due to stress. Palash’s mother, Amita, expressed her hope and faith in the union, recalling that her son “dreamt of coming home with his bride” and that she had even planned a special welcome for Smriti. Despite the delay, she remains confident that the wedding will happen soon. (PC: NDTV)

In Delhi’s Chhawla area, 35-year-old Virender Singh allegedly strangled his 44-year-old live-in partner, Radha, following a drunken argument. He then placed her body in the backseat of his Maruti Swift, reportedly deciding to dispose of it, but was too intoxicated to drive far. Instead, he returned home, resumed drinking, and fell asleep. The following morning, a neighbour spotted the body in the car and alerted the police, leading to Virender’s arrest. A murder case has been registered. (PC: X)

A catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong has claimed at least 94 lives, marking the worst blaze in the city in nearly eight decades. The eight-tower estate, housing over 4,600 residents and under renovation, was encased in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh when the fire erupted. Authorities have arrested three construction-company officials on suspicion of manslaughter over unsafe materials used during refurbishment. The rescue mission is approaching completion as firefighters work to reach remaining units and account for unresolved emergency calls. (PC: AP)

A simmering leadership tussle within Karnataka’s Congress party flared as Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar shared a cryptic post on X: “Word power is world power … everyone has to walk the talk.” Shivakumar later denied writing the message, calling it “fake.” In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah fired back: “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people,” highlighting his government’s delivery on key welfare schemes. The exchange underscores deepening factional tensions, especially amid speculation about a previous power-sharing deal. (PC: X)

Imran Khan’s younger son, Kasim Khan, has publicly demanded proof that his father is still alive amid growing rumours of his death. Kasim alleges that the former Pakistani prime minister has been held in a “death cell” in solitary confinement at Adiala Jail for six weeks, denied all contact with family despite court orders. He warns that this “absolute blackout” is a deliberate effort to hide his condition and calls on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene. Adiala Jail authorities deny the claims, stating Imran is in “completely good health” and has not been transferred. (PC: X)

Following the deadly attack on national guardsmen in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has directed the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct a sweeping review of green-cards and asylum approvals granted to nationals from 19 countries. Under the new guidance, an applicant’s country of origin may now be treated as a significant negative factor in immigration screening, especially if it is judged unable to reliably issue secure identity documents or support background checks. The policy takes immediate effect and covers cases pending or filed from November 27, 2025. (PC: India Today)

Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old National Guard specialist from West Virginia, has died from wounds suffered in a targeted shooting near the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump announced. Trump praised her as a “highly respected, young, magnificent person.” The second victim, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is also seriously wounded. 

Brisbane Heat confirmed Jemimah Rodrigues will not return for the remainder of the WBBL season after requesting to stay in India following the postponement of teammate Smriti Mandhana’s wedding. Rodrigues had flown home after a match against Hobart Hurricanes to join the celebrations, but the event was called off when Mandhana’s father fell ill. The 24-year-old chose to remain in India to support the family, with the franchise fully respecting her decision. CEO Terry Svenson acknowledged fans’ disappointment but emphasized Rodrigues’ wellbeing as the priority. Despite her absence, she remains in touch with teammates. Brisbane Heat, still winless, now prepare to face Sydney Sixers with Grace Harris returning.