Zohran Mamdani, 34, made history as New York City's youngest and first Muslim mayor, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. The Democratic-Socialist secured 1,035,646 votes (50%), with Cuomo receiving 41.6%. His mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, celebrated on social media, posting "Zohran, you beauty" alongside 'Empire State Of Mind.' During his victory speech, Mamdani directly addressed Donald Trump: "Turn the volume up! To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us." He emphasized NYC's immigrant identity, stating the city will remain "built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant." He assumes office January 1, 2026, bringing focus on inclusivity and social justice.

A United Parcel Service cargo jet plummeted shortly after take-off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on November 4 ; the aircraft erupted in a huge fireball near an industrial zone. At least seven people died, including all three crew members, and 11 on the ground were injured. The plane, an aging McDonnell Douglas MD‑11 loaded with fuel for a flight to Honolulu, appeared to suffer an engine failure with visible flames on one wing. Fueled by nearly 50 000 gallons of jet fuel, the crash ignited fires at a nearby recycling plant and triggered a shelter-in-place order for residents. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have opened investigations to determine how the aircraft failed to stay airborne on two remaining engines. (PC: AP)

Former Indian cricketer Reema Malhotra praised Jemimah Rodrigues for markedly improving her batting following her participation in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Malhotra noted that the high-level exposure, intense competition and rigorous training in the franchise setup sharpened Rodrigues’ intent and clarity at the crease. She credited WPL’s structure with boosting the World Cup-winning batter’s confidence and adaptability in international cricket. The change was evident in Rodrigues’ recent stellar performances—combining technique and aggression effectively. Malhotra believes the WPL is “raising the bar” for India’s women cricketers and helping talents like Rodrigues flourish. 

Zohran Mamdani, 34, made history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian descent mayor after winning with 50.4% votes. In his victory speech, Mamdani invoked Jawaharlal Nehru, calling for a “new dawn of equality and justice.” Emphasizing socialism and inclusivity, he pledged rent freezes, free public transport, and universal childcare. His grassroots campaign resonated with working-class and immigrant communities. Political analysts say Mamdani’s triumph marks a generational and ideological shift in New York politics, blending progressive ideals with multicultural representation. His win symbolizes a broader transformation in U.S. urban leadership.

Sunil Gavaskar said India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup victory is not the same as the men’s 1983 win, though both changed Indian cricket. He noted that the men’s team had never reached a knockout before 1983, while the women had already played two finals. Gavaskar praised Harmanpreet Kaur’s team for their “sporting intelligence” and credited Indian coaches for understanding players better. He said the win will motivate young girls across India to play cricket, just as 1983 inspired boys. “This victory will give new wings to women’s cricket,” Gavaskar wrote in his column. (PC: X)

Democrat Zohran Mamdani has been elected as New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest in more than a century. In his victory speech, Mamdani took direct aim at Donald Trump, saying, “Turn the volume up.” The 34-year-old called Trump and his allies “tax-evading billionaires” and vowed to make New York “a light in political darkness.” Trump, who had supported independent Andrew Cuomo, reacted on social media with the words, “...AND SO IT BEGINS!” Mamdani’s win marks a major moment for Democrats as he prepares to take office on New Year’s Day. (PC: X)

Football legend David Beckham has been officially knighted by King Charles III for his services to football and British society. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle in Berkshire on Tuesday. Beckham, the former England captain and Manchester United star, received the honour surrounded by family members. He called it “one of the proudest days” of his life. The knighthood recognises his achievements on the field and his charitable work off it. Beckham has long been a global ambassador for British sport and philanthropy, supporting children’s and health causes through his charity work. 

London mayor Sadiq Khan congratulated Zohran Mamdani on becoming New York City’s new mayor, calling his win a victory for “hope.” In a post on X, Khan wrote that New Yorkers had chosen “between hope and fear,” a remark seen as a subtle dig at US President Donald Trump. Both Khan and Mamdani, who are Muslim and immigrants, have faced criticism from Trump in the past. In his victory speech, Mamdani said New York would “remain a city built by immigrants.” He added that the cheers of his supporters should be “loud enough for Trump to hear.” (PC: X)

A 60-year-old man, identified as Akhtar Hussaini Qutubuddin Ahmed, has been arrested in Mumbai for impersonating a scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Investigators say he and his brother attempted to sell a purported lithium-6 reactor design to Iranian companies under the guise of “research collaboration”. Police recovered fake passports, Aadhaar/PAN cards and a fake BARC ID from Akhtar, who allegedly operated under multiple aliases. Over ten maps and nuclear-related documents were seized from him. The probe is ongoing to trace foreign funds and identify any espionage network links.

Rishabh Pant has returned to India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa, the BCCI announced on Wednesday. Pant, who was injured during the England tour, recently made a successful comeback in the India A vs South Africa A series, where he led the team to victory. He will serve as vice-captain under skipper Shubman Gill, with Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper. Axar Patel also returns to the squad, while Prasidh Krishna misses out. India’s squad includes Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj. The two-Test series will mark Pant’s first major comeback after his long injury break. (PC: India Today)