Oxford Street’s Christmas season began with a dazzling light switch-on led by actress and singer Vanessa Williams. The Devil Wears Prada star lit up the famous London street on November 3 in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity). The event marked the start of the city’s festive celebrations, featuring over 300,000 energy-efficient star lights. The campaign invites the public to donate and help bring joy to seriously ill children this Christmas. Oxford Street will also host the “Big Day of Joy” on December 7, filled with festive activities to support GOSH Charity. (PC: X)

New York City’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani and Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji first met on the dating app Hinge in 2021. What began as a simple match turned into a global love story. The couple got engaged in 2024 and held a nikah celebration in Dubai, where Duwaji spent much of her childhood. The rooftop event overlooked the Burj Khalifa and featured white floral décor. They later had a civil ceremony at New York City’s clerk’s office and a family celebration in Uganda. As Mamdani takes office, the couple continues to keep their life mostly private. (PC: X)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been served a legal notice by the Kota Consumer Court for endorsing a paan masala brand. The complaint, filed by BJP leader and advocate Inder Mohan Singh Honey, alleges that the ad falsely claims the ₹5 product is “saffron-infused.” He said such ads mislead the public and may influence youth to consume harmful products. “Salman Khan is a role model; he should act responsibly,” the petitioner told ANI. The court has sought responses from Salman and the company before the November 27 hearing. Salman is currently hosting Bigg Boss and filming Battle of Galwan. (PC: X)

Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin democratic socialist, became the new Mayor of New York City and quoted Jawaharlal Nehru in his victory speech. “Standing before you, I think of the words of Jawaharlal Nehru. Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new,” he said, echoing India’s first Prime Minister. Mamdani called his win “a new age for New York,” adding, “This will be an age where New Yorkers expect bold vision, not excuses.” He also promised to tackle the city’s rising costs, saying, “We will face the cost-of-living crisis with the most ambitious agenda this city has seen.” (PC: X)

At least seven people were killed when a UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, USA. Officials said the MD-11 aircraft was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, causing a massive fire that struck nearby businesses. Eleven people were injured, and more victims may be found. Governor Andy Beshear called it a “violent crash” and urged residents to stay away. The FAA and NTSB have begun investigations into the cause. UPS said it was “terribly saddened” by the tragedy and is supporting rescue operations. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and Election Commission of massive voter fraud in the 2024 Haryana elections. He claimed “25 lakh fake votes” — about 12% of the state’s voters — were cast. Gandhi showed slides alleging that a Brazilian model’s photo appeared 22 times on voter rolls under names like Seema and Sweety. He said the fraud was a “planned operation” that changed a Congress win into defeat. The Election Commission rejected his claim, saying no major complaints were filed. Gandhi said the issue raises questions about India’s democratic process. (PC: India Today)

Coach Amol Muzumdar was greeted by an exuberant crowd in his Ville Parle, Mumbai neighbourhood after India women's cricket team clinched their maiden ODI World Cup title by defeating South Africa women's cricket team by 52 runs in the final. Neighbours formed a guard of honour, with applause and cheers underscoring the magnitude of the moment. Muzumdar, formerly one of India’s most prolific domestic batsmen who never played for the national men’s side, called the win a “watershed moment” for Indian women’s cricket.

Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani has scripted history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and first South Asian-origin mayor. The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, born in Africa, will also be the youngest to hold the office in over a century when he takes charge on January 1, 2026. In a celebratory moment that blended politics and pop culture, Mamdani concluded his victory speech as the Bollywood hit “Dhoom Machale” played in the background. Standing alongside his wife Rama Duwaji, filmmaker mother Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani, the scene marked a proud cultural and historic milestone.

Six people lost their lives after being struck by the Kalka Mail train at Chunar Junction in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district on Wednesday morning. The victims had just alighted from the Gomo–Prayagraj Express and attempted to cross the railway tracks from the wrong side when the speeding train hit them. The tragic incident occurred amid the festival rush, as many devotees were heading for a holy dip. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences, ordered an inquiry, and deployed SDRF and NDRF teams for rescue and relief operations. 

In a historic political upset, Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the Mayor of New York City, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and ending what he termed a “political dynasty.” During his victory speech, Mamdani invoked India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, quoting his message of hope and democracy. He said, “In the midst of darkness, New York will be the light,” echoing Nehru’s famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech. Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, vowed to build an inclusive administration focused on housing, transport, and working-class empowerment.