A US commission has said that China used the India-Pakistan conflict in May to test its modern weapons in real combat. The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission reported that China deployed systems like the HQ-9 air defence, PL-15 missiles, and J-10 fighter jets during the four-day clash. The report said China used the moment to promote its defence technology and later offered advanced jets and missile systems to Pakistan. It also accused China of running a disinformation campaign to harm Rafale jet sales. China denied all claims, calling the report biased. The conflict ended with a ceasefire on May 10. (PC: AFP)

Al-Falah University has told NAAC that the false accreditation claims on its website were due to an “oversight” and old webpages. The university said it was sorry and has removed the wrong information. NAAC had issued a notice on November 12 after finding that the university displayed expired grades as active. The notice came soon after investigators linked doctors from Al-Falah Medical College to the Red Fort blast. NAAC officials said no further action is planned for now, but similar notices have gone to 25 other institutions. The case has also led to action by the ED and the National Medical Commission. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani held a warm and “very productive” meeting at the White House on Friday. The tone marked a surprise shift after months of sharp attacks during the campaign. Trump praised Mamdani’s win and said both leaders want New York to do well. He added that Mamdani may adjust some views, and that he too has changed since taking office. Mamdani agreed the meeting was positive and said they discussed the high cost of rent, food and utilities. He said he hopes to work with the Trump administration to help city residents.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine could lose US support if it rejects the White House peace plan. In an address in Kyiv, he said the country now faces a hard choice. The leaked plan asks Ukraine to give up eastern areas, cut its army, and stay out of Nato. Zelensky said these terms threaten Ukraine’s dignity. He added that the country is under pressure but will seek changes with the US and other allies. President Trump said Ukraine must accept the plan or risk more losses. Russia welcomed the proposal as a possible basis for talks. (PC: BBC)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) shares fell nearly 3% to ₹4,593 following the fatal Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. Analysts warn of continued selling pressure, with Monday expected to open lower amid negative sentiment. The incident marked as the second Tejas crash under two years raises questions about reliability and export readiness on a global stage. Despite HAL's strongest-ever order book, including a recent 97 Tejas units mega order and 1,100% stock growth over five years, experts say the stock was "priced for perfection." Recovery depends on the court of inquiry's findings; if no major technical flaw emerges and deliveries continue, sentiment may stabilize.

India women's cricket star Smriti Mandhana's wedding festivities began on Friday with a vibrant Haldi ceremony. The highlight was Mandhana dancing to dhol beats alongside her World Cup-winning teammates, including Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh, Shivali Shinde, and Radha Yadav all dressed in bright yellow. Mandhana will marry composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal on November 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent congratulations, poetically noting that "the grace of Smriti's cover drive meets the lilting musical symphony of Palaash in a wonderful partnership." He blessed the couple, wishing their "hearts, minds and souls be in harmony" as they begin their new life together.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, an IAF pilot from Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district, was killed when his Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. The 34-year-old pilot was due for promotion and leaves behind a wife and daughter. Black smoke billowed over Al Maktoum International Airport as shocked spectators witnessed the tragedy. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the crash's cause. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called him "brave and courageous," while Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu mourned the loss of the state's "brave son." This marks only the second crash involving a Tejas jet.

India has implemented its most significant labour reform since Independence, with all four Labour Codes becoming effective from November 21, 2025. These codes consolidate 29 outdated Central labour laws into a modern framework. Key changes include mandatory written appointment letters for all workers, inclusion of gig and platform workers under social security, universal minimum wage rights, and expanded opportunities for women in all occupations including night shifts. The reforms introduce single-registration compliance, annual health check-ups for workers aged 40+, and gratuity eligibility after one year for fixed-term employees. Social security coverage has risen from 19% (2015) to 64% (2025), supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Miss Universe 2025 judge Omar Harfouch abruptly quit three days before the pageant, alleging the 30 finalists were pre-selected by an "impromptu jury" without official judges' knowledge. Harfouch claimed individuals with conflicts of interest, including someone romantically involved with a contestant, participated in the secret selection. Following a "disrespectful conversation" with MUO president Raul Rocha, Harfouch resigned and threatened legal action for fraud, corruption, and breach of contract. The MUO denied allegations, stating the selection committee was for an independent social impact initiative, not competition judging. A second judge, Claude Makélélé, also resigned citing "personal reasons." This follows earlier controversy when executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Miss Mexico publicly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese in Johannesburg ahead of the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit. Albanese expressed condolences over the Red Fort terrorist attack and Saudi Arabia bus crash that killed Indian Umrah pilgrims, emphasizing strengthening economic, defence, and security ties. This marks Africa's first G20 Summit after the African Union joined during India's 2023 presidency. The theme is 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.' Modi received a warm welcome from Johannesburg's Indian community, with children reciting Vedic mantras and traditional cultural performances. He will participate in the 6th IBSA Summit alongside G20, presenting India's perspective aligned with 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' vision.