Tech billionaire Elon Musk has warned that a major war, potentially nuclear, is inevitable within five to ten years. Responding to an X thread discussing nuclear deterrence's impact on global governance, Musk bluntly stated, "War is inevitable. 5 years, 10 at most." He didn't elaborate on specifics or which nations might be involved. When users consulted Grok, Musk's AI chatbot, it referenced his previous warnings about potential civil wars in Europe due to mass migration, US-China tensions over Taiwan, and Ukraine conflict escalation. The comment has drawn significant attention given Musk's influence and his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency under President Trump, though he provided no further context about his ominous prediction. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner also expected to attend. The summit follows two days of Florida negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials to refine a US-backed peace plan. The White House expressed optimism about ending the Ukraine war, though Ukrainian President Zelensky noted "tough issues" remain. Territorial concessions remain the most difficult element, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede eastern territories. The talks occur as Russia claims to have captured Pokrovsk and Vovchansk, though Ukrainian officials haven't confirmed these losses. French President Macron emphasized any peace plan requires Ukrainian and European input, particularly regarding frozen Russian assets and security guarantees. (PC: BBC)

The 79th Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has arrived in London. The 20-metre Norwegian spruce, named Ever Oslo, was felled in Oslo by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo. Norway has gifted a Christmas tree to the UK every year since 1947 to thank Britain for its support during World War Two. This year, the tree also symbolizes friendship, peace, and unity. It was transported using electric vehicles and a ship. Once in London, it will be decorated in Norwegian style with energy-efficient lights. The lights will be switched on Thursday, December 4.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine. Jared Kushner, US President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, is also expected. The talks follow meetings in Florida with Ukrainian officials, which Ukrainian President Zelensky called “constructive” but said tough issues remain. Key points include Ukraine’s sovereignty, security guarantees, and territorial disputes in the east. European leaders, including French President Macron, emphasized Ukraine’s input is essential. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is “very optimistic” about a possible agreement to end the war. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine. Jared Kushner, US President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, is also expected. The talks follow meetings in Florida with Ukrainian officials, which Ukrainian President Zelensky called “constructive” but said tough issues remain. Key points include Ukraine’s sovereignty, security guarantees, and territorial disputes in the east. European leaders, including French President Macron, emphasized Ukraine’s input is essential. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is “very optimistic” about a possible agreement to end the war. (PC: BBC)

The Indian Army successfully test-fired a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a test range in the Bay of Bengal. The launch was carried out by a BrahMos unit of the Southern Command with support from the Tri-Services Andaman and Nicobar Command. The missile hit its target with high accuracy, proving its guidance, speed and stability under simulated battle conditions. Officials said the test showed strong operational readiness and the ability to carry out real-time precision strikes. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth praised the launch as a major step in improving long-range strike power and boosting India’s self-reliant defence efforts. (PC: X)

Brent Council says it spends more than £30,000 a year cleaning reddish-brown stains caused by people spitting out paan on Wembley streets. The stains are found on pavements, walls, phone boxes and even flower-beds, and the council says some marks cannot be removed even with strong cleaning machines. Chewing paan, which contains betel nut, leaf, herbs and sometimes tobacco, is common in parts of north-west London. The council has begun a “zero-tolerance” drive with banners and patrols in hotspot areas. Offenders may face a £100 fine. Opposition leaders say the action is too slow and want stronger enforcement. (PC: BBC)

Rawalpindi has imposed Section 144 for three days amid rumours about Imran Khan’s health and planned protests by his supporters. The order bans all gatherings of five or more people, rallies, sit-ins, loudspeakers and the carrying of weapons. Officials say there is a serious threat to public safety and fear attempts to disturb law and order. Imran Khan has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023 after several convictions he says are political. His family claims they have not been allowed to meet him for over a month and fear that his condition is being hidden from them. (PC: NDTV)

A Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro killed four people and injured 40 on Monday. Local reports said a ballistic missile may have been used, and videos showed a major blast near a motorway. Several shops, cars and an office building were damaged. The attack came as global efforts to end the Ukraine war continued. US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, after holding talks with Ukrainian officials in Florida. Both sides still disagree on key issues, including control of the Donbas region and Ukraine’s future security. Peace talks remain difficult.

The Indian Army has successfully test-fired a BrahMos missile, highlighting its long-range strike power. The test was carried out by a Southern Command BrahMos unit with support from the Andaman and Nicobar Command. Officials said the trial proved the missile’s high accuracy and strong guidance and control systems. The BrahMos is one of India’s key precision-strike weapons and can hit targets at long distances with great speed. The Army said the test adds to India’s readiness and strengthens its combat abilities. A video released by the Army shows the missile launching smoothly and hitting its target.