England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales officially launched their joint bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup, the UK's first football World Cup since 1966. The proposal features 22 stadiums across 15 cities,16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland with Wembley hosting the July 2035 final. Organizers project 4.5 million ticket sales, a 3.5 billion global TV audience, and accessibility for 63 million people within two hours of venues. The tournament will expand from 32 to 48 teams, featuring 104 matches over 39 days. FIFA Congress will ratify plans in April. The only valid bid submitted promises the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK.(PC: Sky News)

India achieved 'major power' status on the Asia Power Index 2025, ranking third globally with a score of 40 behind the US (80.4) and China (73.5). The Lowy Institute attributed India's rise to economic growth and enhanced military capability demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when strikes on nine Pakistani terror bases showcased combat prowess. India overtook China as the second-largest investment destination after the US, driven by supply-chain diversification. The nation also recorded improvements in diplomatic influence, cultural presence, and economic relationships marking its first-ever rise since 2018. India stands on the cusp of military superpower status, needing to cross the 40-point threshold, while steadily widening its lead over fourth-ranked Japan.

Former Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry claims death rumors about jailed Imran Khan are Taliban's "tit-for-tat" response to earlier Pakistani media reports alleging Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Haibatullah's assassination. Afghan social media handles, including Afghan Times, alleged Khan was murdered in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail by army chief Asim Munir. Chaudhry insists Khan remains "hale and hearty," with jail authorities confirming he's eating meals and exercising regularly. The controversy intensifies as Pakistani authorities haven't allowed Khan's sisters to meet him for three months despite court orders, sparking PTI worker sit-ins demanding "proof of life." Chaudhry blames the Shehbaz Sharif government's ban on meetings and photo releases on their fear of Khan's overwhelming political popularity.

The Election Commission of India issued a stern rebuttal to Trinamool Congress over West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, warning the party against influencing or threatening Booth Level Officers. The ECI emphasized waiting until December 9 draft publication before filing objections, citing Article 326 that foreigners cannot vote. The Commission appointed a special roll observer and ordered security for election officers amid TMC allegations of bias and BLO deaths. Separately, TMC's Abhishek Banerjee launched internal overhaul, deploying nine senior leaders for nine-day district monitoring after Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with uneven progress. The confrontation deepens ahead of 2026 elections, with both sides trading accusations over the contentious revision process affecting millions of voters.(PC: The Hindu & The Statesman)

Maj. Gen. Dan Tolkowsky, Israel's fifth Air Force commander and high-tech pioneer, died at 104 in Tel Aviv. Born in 1921 to a prominent Zionist family, he served as an RAF Spitfire pilot during WWII before helping the Haganah acquire Israel's first aircraft. Leading the IAF from 1953-1958 at age 32, he introduced jet aircraft and commanded during the 1956 Sinai Campaign. Post-military, Tolkowsky revolutionized Israeli technology as Discount Investments CEO, co-founding Elron Ventures, which established Elbit and Elscint. In 1985, he launched Athena, Israel's first venture capital fund. President Herzog awarded him the Presidential Medal of Honor in 2023. Survived by three children, nine grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he'll be buried Monday in Tel Aviv.(PC: Wikipedia)

A breathtaking world record was set over Lake Wales, Florida, as 104 elite skydivers created the largest canopy relative work formation, shattering the 18-year-old 100-way record. Thirty-six pilots using Valkyrie parachutes formed a stable base while remaining jumpers docked precisely into an intricate starburst pattern. Participants from 19 countries demonstrated split-second precision, navigating 20-30 mph descent speeds and challenging foggy conditions before achieving success on their final attempt. The physics-defying feat, dubbed Operation VK, required years of training in wind mastery and synchronized maneuvers. Safety equipment like CYPRES auto-activation devices ensured reliability. The stunning viral footage showcases skydiving's evolution from simple freefall to complex aerial artistry, cementing Florida's skydiving hub status.

Indian citizens emerged as the largest non-European Union migrant group both entering and leaving the UK in the year ending June 2025, according to official data from the UK Office of National Statistics released November 27. Of the Indians arriving during this period, 90,000 came for study-related purposes, 46,000 for work-related reasons, and 9,000 for other purposes. Following Indians in long-term non-EU migration statistics were Chinese, Pakistani, Nigerian, and Nepalese citizens. The data highlights India's dominant position in UK migration flows, particularly driven by educational opportunities and employment prospects. This trend underscores the continued strong bilateral movement between the two nations despite evolving global immigration policies and economic conditions. (PC: iStock)

A devastating fire at 12 Banas Way in Brampton, Ontario, on November 20 at 2:15 AM claimed the lives of multiple Indian nationals, including three women and a young child. A pregnant woman who escaped by jumping from a window survived with serious injuries, but her unborn baby died following emergency surgery. The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed condolences and is providing assistance to affected families. Four additional victims remain hospitalized, some in critical condition, though a five-year-old boy is recovering well. Mayor Patrick Brown alleged the property belonged to an "absentee landlord" with prior compliance violations. Investigators haven't determined the fire's cause yet, focusing on managing victims and witnesses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the world's tallest statue of Lord Rama, a 77-foot bronze sculpture at Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in South Goa during the institution's 550th-anniversary celebration. Crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, the statue was inaugurated during the 'Sardha Panchashatamanotsava' ceremony attended by Goa Governor, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Union minister Shripad Naik. Modi released a special postal stamp and commemorative coin, praising the mutt for preserving tradition while embracing modernization through museums and technology. The Vaishnava Math, following the 13th-century Dvaita order, has been completely refurbished. Modi emphasized how institutions built on truth and service strengthen society, noting he attended Ram Temple's consecration just three days prior.

Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure faces critical scrutiny following India's humiliating 0-2 home Test whitewash against South Africa. The BCCI is reportedly displeased with his press conference remarks, particularly comments about Kolkata pitch conditions deemed unnecessarily inflammatory. While Gambhir currently retains board backing, his future hinges on India's T20 World Cup 2026 home performance. Critics highlight his tactical missteps, including over-reliance on all-rounders over specialists, compromising team stability in five-day cricket. India's home Test record has deteriorated under Gambhir compared to predecessors Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri. With no home Tests until August 2026, the BCCI delays dismissal decisions, but mounting public sentiment and multiple home series defeats place Gambhir's position precariously close to termination. (PC: NDTV Sports)