Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh will resume in December after several years, marking warming bilateral ties since Mohammad Yunus became chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government. Mahan Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi, while two Pakistani private airlines Fly Jinnah and AirSial received approval for direct flights. Bangladesh's High Commissioner confirmed simplified visa procedures, with approvals now issued within three to four days. Current bilateral trade stands at $700 million, potentially reaching $3 billion soon. Pakistan's military engagement has intensified, including visits by senior generals and the Navy chief seeking submarine berthing facilities at Pekua. This strategic realignment follows Sheikh Hasina's ouster, who maintained close India ties during her tenure. (PC: Shutterstock)

India strongly rejected China's explanation regarding the detention of Arunachal Pradesh native Pema Wangjom Thongdok at Shanghai airport, calling Beijing's actions "unhelpful" to ongoing efforts to normalize bilateral ties. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India lodged strong demarches with China in both Beijing and Delhi immediately after the incident. Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen from West Kameng district living abroad for 14 years, alleged Chinese immigration officials declared her passport "invalid" during a November 21 layover because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. She was detained, questioned, and prevented from boarding her connecting flight from London to Japan during what should have been a three-hour layover, turning it into a traumatic ordeal. (PC: X)

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, marking India's first major global sporting event since hosting the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010. Delegates from 74 Commonwealth nations approved India's bid during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow. The centenary edition will feature 15-17 sports disciplines, including archery, badminton, T20 cricket, hockey, shooting, and wrestling. The announcement was celebrated with a cultural performance by Garba dancers and dhol drummers from Glasgow's Indian community. Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare called it the start of a "new golden era" for Commonwealth Sport, praising India's youth, ambition, and sporting passion. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has left his future with the BCCI after India suffered a 2-0 Test series loss to South Africa, their worst in 25 years. Speaking after the 408-run defeat in Guwahati, Gambhir said, “It is for the BCCI to decide. Indian cricket is important, I am not.” He accepted partial blame, adding that responsibility lies with the entire team. Gambhir defended his team selection and approach, saying Test cricket requires “tough characters” rather than flashy players. He stressed that India must prioritise Test cricket and work collectively to improve results in the longest format. (PC: Video Grab)

At least 13 people have died after a massive fire spread across several high-rise buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. Officials said nine victims died at the scene, while four others died in hospital. A firefighter is among the dead. Many people are still trapped, and around 700 residents have been moved to temporary shelters. The fire began around 2:51pm and quickly spread through bamboo scaffolding used for renovation work. Several firefighters were injured while battling the flames. Thick smoke and strong flames continued into the night as rescue efforts carried on. (PC: Reuters)

The VIP number plate “HR88B8888” was sold for a record ₹1.17 crore at an online auction in Haryana, making it the most expensive car registration number in India. The auction began with a base price of ₹50,000, but intense bidding — among 45 applicants — pushed the final amount past ₹1 crore by Wednesday evening. The number plate’s appeal lies in its visual symmetry: the uppercase “B” resembles the digit “8,” making “HR‑88‑B‑8888” read as a continuous string of eights — a motif many consider auspicious. This sale highlights the growing demand in India for “fancy” or VIP registration plates, often traded at prices far exceeding those of the vehicles they’re assigned to. (PC: X & Gemini)

The government of India on November 26 strongly rejected remarks by Pakistan criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the flag‑hoisting at the Ram Mandir. In a stern response, External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan, with its “deeply stained record of bigotry, repression and systemic mistreatment of minorities,” lacked the moral authority to comment on India’s internal religious and cultural affairs. India dismissed Islamabad’s statement as hypocritical and urged it to focus on its own human‑rights issues instead of intervening in India’s domestic matters. 

India has strongly criticised China for detaining Prema Wangjom Thongdok from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Prema said Chinese officials mocked her nationality, calling her passport “invalid” because her birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident “does not help the process of normalising ties.” India lodged a strong protest and stated that “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India.” Prema demanded strict action and said she was held for hours during her transit to Japan. China denied the allegations and claimed the actions followed its regular procedures.

A massive fire broke out Wednesday afternoon at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in Tai Po District, northern Hong Kong. Flames, ignited on bamboo scaffolding during renovation work, spread rapidly across multiple high‑rise towers — reaching a No. 5 alarm, the city’s most severe fire alert. Authorities confirmed at least 13 people were killed, including a firefighter; others remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue into the night. Thick black smoke and high flames engulfed seven of the estate’s eight blocks, forcing evacuations and closure of nearby roads. Emergency shelters have been opened for evacuees while officials investigate the cause and assess the full scale of the damage. 

Ahmedabad has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games, following approval from the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly. The Games will feature 15–17 sports, including cricket (T20), rugby sevens, and para triathlon. Community and cultural pride were on display in Glasgow, where Indian dances marked the announcement. Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare said the decision ushers in a “new golden era” for the movement. India’s leadership hopes these Games will reinforce its global sporting ambitions, toward a possible 2036 Olympic bid. (PC: India Today)