Cyclone Ditwah, formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal near Sri Lanka, is moving north-northwest toward the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–south Andhra Pradesh coasts, expected to approach by November 30. The India Meteorological Department has issued a pre-cyclone watch, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and Karnataka are forecast to receive intense rainfall between November 27 and December 2, with red and orange alerts in place for several districts. Winds near the storm’s centre may reach 60–80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph. Authorities urged caution, advising fishermen to avoid the Bay of Bengal. The storm’s name, “Ditwah,” was proposed by Yemen.

UK net migration fell by over two-thirds to 204,000 in the year ending June 2025, down from 649,000 previously, according to Office for National Statistics data. The decline followed tougher policies including a January 2024 ban on most international students bringing dependents and April's increased salary thresholds for skilled worker visas. Non-EU work immigration dropped 61%, while study-related immigration fell 25%. Labour government further tightened policies, effectively ending care worker immigration and raising skilled worker visa thresholds to £41,700 from July. Despite drops, immigration remains voters' top concern. Revised data showed net migration peaked at 944,000 in March 2023.

UK net migration fell by over two-thirds to 204,000 in the year ending June 2025, down from 649,000 previously, according to Office for National Statistics data. The decline followed tougher policies including a January 2024 ban on most international students bringing dependents and April's increased salary thresholds for skilled worker visas. Non-EU work immigration dropped 61%, while study-related immigration fell 25%. Labour government further tightened policies, effectively ending care worker immigration and raising skilled worker visa thresholds to £41,700 from July. Despite drops, immigration remains voters' top concern. Revised data showed net migration peaked at 944,000 in March 2023.

India's Ministry of External Affairs denounced Nepal's new Rs-100 banknote featuring a map claiming three Indian territories—Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura—calling it a "unilateral act" that "does not change ground reality." Nepal Rastra Bank issued the note with the revised map, which first appeared in May 2020 under KP Sharma Oli's government and was endorsed by Parliament. India sharply reacted then, rejecting the "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims. The Rs-100 is the only denomination featuring Nepal's map among banknotes (Rs 10-1,000). The note also depicts Mount Everest, rhododendron watermark, and references Lumbini as Buddha's birthplace. (PC: X)

India plans to procure five additional S-400 missile defence system squadrons from Russia, likely to be discussed during PM Modi's December summit with President Putin. The S-400 proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor, successfully neutralizing Pakistani drones. India signed a $5.43 billion deal in 2018 for five squadrons; three have been delivered. Moscow is pushing New Delhi to join the fifth-generation Sukhoi-57 fighter jet program as a development partner, not just a buyer, positioning it as Russia's answer to the F-35. The summit will also cover oil, energy cooperation, and trade MoUs. Chief of Air Staff AP Singh acknowledged the S-400's effectiveness but didn't confirm additional purchases. (PC: Wikipedia & Times Now)

The UAE has halted most visa issuances for Pakistanis amid concerns over criminal activities, officials revealed during a Senate committee meeting. The decision affects tourist, visit, and work permits, though existing visas remain valid. Pakistani officials warned restrictions could escalate into a full ban. The move follows high-profile incidents including begging rings, murders, drug rackets, and overstaying. Over 800,000 Pakistanis apply annually for Middle East visas. Saudi Arabia arrested 4,000 Pakistani beggars near Mecca and Madina. The UAE now requires police verification and only grants visas to blue and diplomatic passport holders. Pakistan's passport ranks fourth-worst globally for the third consecutive year.

At least 65 people died and over 300 remain missing in Hong Kong's deadliest fire in 77 years at Wang Fuk Court, Taipo. The Grade 5 blaze started in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, spreading across seven of eight towers housing 4,600 residents. Authorities suggest substandard protective mesh and plastic, failing to meet fire standards, worsened the inferno. Police discovered sealed windows with foam material installed by maintenance contractors. The 1980s government-subsidized complex was undergoing lengthy renovation. Police arrested two directors and an engineering consultant on manslaughter suspicions for "gross negligence." Secretary Chris Tang noted non-compliant materials burned intensely and spread rapidly, causing uncontrollable fire.

Deepti Sharma made history at the Women's Premier League 2026 mega auction, becoming the costliest player after being sold to UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore. She became the first women's cricketer to fetch over Rs 2.5 crore in two separate WPL auctions. Shikha Pandey was the second-most expensive Indian buy at Rs 2.4 crore, also acquired by UPW. New Zealand all-rounders Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians, Rs 3 crore) and Sophie Devine (Gujarat Giants, Rs 2 crore) were the highest overseas buys. The auction's biggest shocks included experienced Australian wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy and India's Women's World Cup 2025 winner Uma Chetry going unsold. (PC: NDTV)

A catastrophic blaze tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po District, Hong Kong. The fire, which began on bamboo scaffolding around a 32‑storey tower undergoing renovation, spread rapidly across seven of eight towers, killing at least 65 people. Thick smoke and flames continued into a second day as firefighters searched charred apartments floor by floor. Over 900 residents were evacuated and about 70 people sustained injuries. Authorities arrested three men from the renovation company on suspicion of manslaughter and launched a wider investigation into building‑safety violations and possible use of substandard, flammable materials like Styrofoam. 

The court on Thursday refused to accept the Maharashtra government’s claim that ash from Hayli Gubbi — which erupted in Ethiopia on November 23 — caused Mumbai’s poor air quality. The bench noted that the city’s air quality index (AQI) had been “very poor” long before the eruption, with visibility “below 500 metres” even two days earlier. The court asked authorities to propose concrete pollution‑control measures, and directed the municipal body to act — particularly by enforcing construction‑site closures if AQI remains above 300. (PC: India Today)