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.

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.