A planned debate at Oxford Union on “India’s Policy Towards Pakistan is a Populist Strategy Sold as Security Policy” collapsed as each side blamed the other. J Sai Deepak — who was to represent India — produced email and call‑log evidence confirming his participation and that Indian replacements were offered when original speakers withdrew. The Pakistan High Commission in the UK countered that the Indian team pulled out last minute, giving Pakistan a “walkover.” The cancellation triggered accusations of poor coordination by the Oxford Union and spurred sharp social‑media reactions debating which side withdrew. (PC: X)

A heartwarming video from a high-altitude border post shows Indian Army soldiers improvising a game of cricket in extreme winter conditions. With heavy snowfall covering the landscape, troops used a snowball as the cricket ball and a shovel as the makeshift bat. The light-hearted moment captured the soldiers’ resilience and ability to stay upbeat despite harsh weather and demanding terrain. The clip has quickly gone viral, drawing admiration for their spirit, camaraderie and creativity while guarding the nation’s frontiers.

India has dispatched approximately 12 tonnes of humanitarian relief to Sri Lanka under “Operation Sagar Bandhu” following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. A C-130J aircraft landed in Colombo carrying tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits and ready-to-eat food items. Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 80 rescuers and four search dogs to assist in relief and rescue operations. 

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal, whose November 23 wedding was postponed due to separate health emergencies in both families, have drawn renewed attention after updating their Instagram bios with identical nazar (evil-eye) emojis. The symbolic update appeared shortly after news of the delay, leading fans to interpret it as a coordinated message. Both families continue to maintain that the postponement is purely due to ongoing health-related circumstances on both sides. Despite the speculation, no new wedding date has been announced, and the couple has remained private while focusing on recovery and family well-being. (NDTV)

The BCCI has advised veteran cricketer Rohit Sharma to focus squarely on his fitness and on-field performance, cautioning him against reacting to mounting speculation about his future in the team. This comes ahead of a planned closed-door review after India’s ODI series vs South Africa, where board officials, coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are expected to chart a roadmap for both Rohit and Virat Kohli with a view to the 2027 World Cup. (PC: Reuters)

Hundreds of coastal-village families in Munambam, Kerala, who have been on a relay hunger strike for over 410 days, plan to end their protest on November 30. The move follows a Kerala High Court order that allows residents to pay land tax again — restoring their interim revenue rights. However, not all members agree: a faction insists the strike must continue until full ownership is legally secured. (PC: The Hindu)

A powerful storm that battered Sri Lanka — killing at least 123 and triggering major floods and landslides there — is now moving north-north-west into the Bay of Bengal, heading towards the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and southern Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm in isolated places) on 29–30 Nov along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, and heavy to very heavy rain over south Andhra in the same period. Authorities have issued red and orange alerts across districts, activated disaster-response teams and set up emergency helplines; coastal communities are being encouraged to stay alert and move to safe shelters if needed. 

A video going viral has triggered uproar in the UK after showing pavements, dustbins and roads in Harrow, London stained red with spit from paan or chewing tobacco. The staining is reportedly widespread across areas such as Rayners Lane and North Harrow — especially outside shops and takeaways selling gutka/paan products. Locals and social‑media users have reacted with anger and disgust, with many calling the act unhygienic and demanding stricter enforcement of public‑spitting bans. Meanwhile, authorities in Harrow are under pressure: the stain‑cleanups are costly, and existing rules (like the Public Spaces Protection Order that fines spitting) are being questioned for their effectiveness. 

Airbus has issued a global alert after finding that intense solar radiation may corrupt critical flight‑control data in its A320‑family aircraft. As a result, more than 200–250 A320 jets operated by IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express in India are being temporarily grounded for urgent software or hardware updates. Airlines have warned passengers of potential delays, cancellations and longer turnaround times while maintenance is performed. This precautionary move affects a major portion of India’s domestic flight network — potentially disrupting thousands of travellers’ journeys over the coming days. 

Government of India has delivered a large consignment — 73 tonnes of essential medicines, vaccines and nutritional supplements — to Kabul, aiming to support urgent healthcare needs in Afghanistan. The shipment, dispatched under the humanitarian outreach of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is part of India’s ongoing aid efforts including earlier deliveries of food and anti‑disease medicine kits this year. India calls this move a reaffirmation of its commitment to the Afghan people’s welfare during challenging times. (PC: X)