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.

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)