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)

A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has strengthened into Cyclone Ditwah, moving north-northwest at around 15 km/h. The India Meteorological Department warns the storm is likely to make landfall along the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh coast by 30 November, bringing heavy rainfall and high winds to the region. Evacuation preparations and alerts have been activated in coastal districts, with residents advised to stay tuned to updates and follow official guidance. Authorities urge fishermen to remain ashore and coastal settlements to brace for possible flooding and disruptions. (PC: X)

Investigators probing Hong Kong’s tragic high-rise fire at Wang Fuk Court suspect highly flammable Styrofoam board used during renovation played a key role in how rapidly the blaze spread. The foam was found on windows, reportedly part of construction materials installed to protect glass during works. Experts also warn that the bamboo scaffolding wrapped in plastic sheeting acted like a “chimney,” enabling flames to travel swiftly across the exterior of the densely packed towers. Authorities have arrested three construction executives amid gross-negligence manslaughter probes. 

The Supreme Court of India has directed comedian Samay Raina and three other comedians to use their platforms to host shows featuring successful stories of people with disabilities, to raise funds for their treatment. The court emphasized that this is a “social burden” rather than a punishment, urging well-known influencers to channel their popularity for a constructive public cause. The move follows criticism over previous insensitive content, underscoring that freedom of speech must respect human dignity. (PC: X)

Following a shooting near the White House that critically injured two National Guard soldiers, the United States has indefinitely suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the halt will remain until a full review of security and vetting protocols is completed. President Donald Trump condemned the attack as “an act of terror” and demanded a re-examination of all Afghan immigrants admitted under the 2021 Operation Allies Welcome. (PC: X)

India’s disappointing 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa has reignited criticism of coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, as their “stubborn insistence” on all-rounders and omission of domestic stars like Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran draws ire. Analyst suggest that Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, is “tied down” despite mounting pressure and public blame, because Gambhir and Gill hold decision-making power. With India underperforming, names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh are now being floated for a comeback. A former BCCI selector warns that only Gambhir truly controls the future of the squad. (PC: AFP)

A woman in her 20s was killed and a man critically injured in a shark attack at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay, New South Wales. The man was airlifted to Newcastle hospital after a bystander applied a makeshift tourniquet, likely saving his life. Authorities said a large bull shark, one of the few dangerous shark species, was involved. The beach is closed, and “smart” drumlines and drone patrols have been deployed. Surf Life Saving NSW urged locals to stay out of the water. This marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. (PC: BBC)

India’s long home dominance in Test cricket has crashed in the past year. Once unbeatable under Virat Kohli, the team has now lost two home series in a single year for the first time in four decades. New Zealand beat India 0–3 last year, and South Africa have now won 2–0. Many key players retired or left Tests, and Gautam Gambhir’s new team has struggled with unstable plans and frequent changes. Senior players say there is no clear path for transition. India have lost five of their last seven home Tests, raising major concerns about direction and leadership. (PC: India Today)