Russian President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner in Moscow for talks on the Ukraine war. Before the meeting, Putin said Europe’s peace demands were “not acceptable,” adding that Russia does not want war with Europe but is “ready to fight” if needed. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said parts of the draft peace plan still need work but believes there is now a real chance to end the war. Fighting continues on the ground, especially near Pokrovsk. Ukrainian soldiers and civilians remain divided on whether peace talks can bring a solution soon. (PC: BBC)

Schools in Chennai will stay closed on December 3 as the IMD warns of very heavy rain in Tamil Nadu. The rain comes from the weakened Cyclone Ditwah, now a depression near the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast. Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram also shut schools on Tuesday due to nonstop rain and flooding. Several parts of Chennai, Chengelpet and Kanchipuram saw waterlogging. The state said four people died in rain-related incidents and over 1,600 houses were damaged. Chennai received 15 cm of rain in 24 hours. More rain is likely in Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram and Thanjavur. (PC: HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Europe on Tuesday that Russia is "ready right now" for war if European nations choose that path. Speaking at a Moscow investment forum, Putin accused European leaders of abandoning peace efforts and supporting continued hostilities in Ukraine, stating "they are on the side of war." He claimed European governments are making unacceptable demands that obstruct U.S. President Trump's negotiated settlement efforts. Putin's comments came as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held high-stakes talks in Moscow regarding a 28-point peace draft. Putin also threatened expanded strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels, describing recent attacks on Russian tankers as "piracy" and suggesting cutting Ukraine off from sea access. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Pakistan faces diplomatic embarrassment after sending expired relief supplies to cyclone-devastated Sri Lanka, with images showing food and medical items marked with October 2024 expiry dates going viral online. Sri Lankan officials flagged the unusable consignment and raised concerns with Islamabad through formal and informal channels. This isn't Pakistan's first aid controversy in 2021, relief material routed through Pakistan to Afghanistan arrived contaminated and damaged. The incident occurred as Cyclone Ditwah's death toll reached 334 in Sri Lanka, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declaring a state of emergency. Meanwhile, India deployed Operation Sagar Bandhu, delivering 53 tons of relief materials, NDRF teams, and naval vessels to assist the devastated nation.

Jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan fears for his life in Adiala Jail, alleging Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is "mentally unstable" and warning "they might kill me." PTI released a statement after Khan's sister Uzma visited him in Rawalpindi's high-security prison, where he's serving a 14-year sentence for the Al-Qadir Trust graft case. Khan claims he's confined in cage-like conditions without electricity, sunlight, clean water, or medical assistance for days. He described treatment as worse than death row inmates and accused military leadership of political persecution. Despite allegations of mental torture, sources say Khan appeared "fine, fit, and in high spirits" during the 25-35 minute meeting with his sister.(PC: The Hindu)

Pakistan came under fire after photos showed its flood relief to Sri Lanka carried an expiry date of October 2024. The Pakistan High Commission had posted images celebrating the aid, but social media users criticized the shipment as expired and disrespectful. Islamabad has not commented yet. Meanwhile, India stepped up relief efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Since November 28, India has delivered over 53 tonnes of supplies and evacuated more than 2,000 stranded Indians. Indian Navy ships and IAF aircraft carried food, medicine, tents, and rescue teams, saving civilians from Sri Lanka and several other countries affected by Cyclone Ditwah. (PC: India Today)

Fighting continues in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, despite Russian claims of control. Ukraine’s military says its forces are still defending the city. Meanwhile, US President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Moscow for talks with President Putin on ending the war. The visit follows two days of US-Ukraine discussions in Florida over a peace plan seen as favorable to Russia. President Zelensky, speaking in Paris with French President Macron, stressed Ukraine’s focus on sovereignty and strong security guarantees. Russia shows little interest in compromise, believing it is winning on the battlefield. (PC: BBC)

More than 150 rescue dogs in bright Christmas jumpers walked through central London to Buckingham Palace. The event was organised by Rescue Dogs of London to support animal charities and bring adopted dogs together. Organiser May Wong said her rescue dogs, George and Lulu, came from Hungary and China. She added that many dogs had a difficult start in life but now enjoy loving homes and “second chances”. The parade drew crowds of visitors who enjoyed the festive sight. More themed walks are planned, including a corgi Christmas parade on 6 December and a dachshund walk in Hyde Park on 14 December. (PC: BBC)

A new airport video has added fresh fuel to rumours of tension in the Indian cricket camp. Virat Kohli was seen in a serious discussion with BCCI selector Pragyan Ojha. Another clip showed Ojha talking with Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, while Kohli was not present. Reports claim a communication gap between Gambhir and senior players Kohli and Rohit, with recent viral moments raising more questions. Fans have linked these clips to concerns over India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup and the team’s recent poor Test results. The team meets South Africa next in Raipur.

Pakistan faces diplomatic embarrassment after sending expired humanitarian aid to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. The relief shipment, dispatched as emergency support following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation, contained medical supplies, food packets, and essential items past their expiry dates. Sri Lankan authorities expressed "serious concern" after inspecting cartons upon arrival, conveying displeasure to Islamabad through diplomatic channels. The incident has sparked anger among Sri Lankan civil society and social media users, with commentators calling it "an insult" and "a joke of aid diplomacy." This marks Pakistan's second relief diplomacy controversy, following the 2015 Nepal earthquake when beef-based meals were sent to the Hindu-majority nation. Colombo plans tightening inspection protocols for incoming relief consignments.