The United States has stated it will veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns over the lack of hostages’ release in the draft. A senior US official said the Council's 10 non-permanent members rejected compromise efforts, especially proposals made by Britain. The draft resolution demands an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza but omits a clause on hostage release, which the US insists is essential. The Israeli military campaign, which began in October 2023, has resulted in nearly 44,000 deaths and massive displacement in Gaza.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into a massive bitcoin scam in Maharashtra, involving an alleged fraud of Rs 6,600 crore. The agency filed a case against two key suspects—Amit Bharadwaj, who recently died of a heart attack, and Ajay Bharadwaj, who remains at large. The CBI summoned Gaurav Mehta, another accused, for questioning. The investigation follows a Supreme Court order, and it comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already registered FIRs against the Bharadwaj brothers. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi has claimed that members of the NCP and Congress were involved in using bitcoin to influence election results, but Supriya Sule denies these allegations.

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has accused Russia of launching a “massive informational and psychological attack” on Ukraine by spreading false messages about an impending rocket-bomb attack on Kyiv and other cities. The agency, part of the Ministry of Defence, urged citizens to only trust official sources and avoid panic. It emphasized that while the messages are meant to intimidate, Ukrainians should still heed air raid alerts. Russia’s tactics aim to exert psychological pressure on society amid ongoing tensions.

Exit polls predict the BJP-Sena-NCP alliance will retain power in Maharashtra, with projections ranging between 150-170 seats for the Mahayuti alliance. The MVA coalition, including Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena UBT, and NCP factions, is expected to secure 110-130 seats. In Jharkhand, exit polls favor the BJP-led NDA to win 42-47 seats, surpassing the 40-seat halfway mark. The JMM-Congress alliance is forecasted to win 25-30 seats. However, experts caution that exit polls may not always be accurate, urging caution in interpreting the predictions.

Russia's territorial gains in eastern Ukraine have surged, with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reporting almost six times more territory gained in 2024 compared to 2023. Russian forces have advanced towards key Ukrainian hubs, including Kupiansk and Kurakhove, while Ukraine's efforts in the Kursk region are faltering. Experts fear the collapse of Ukraine’s eastern front and attribute the failure of Kyiv’s offensive to manpower shortages. With the potential change in U.S. leadership, fears grow that military aid to Ukraine could be reduced, further weakening its position.

Ukraine launched six US-made ATACMS missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Russia claims five missiles were intercepted, with fragments from one causing a fire at a military site but no casualties. This strike follows President Biden's approval for Ukraine to use long-range missiles. In response, President Vladimir Putin lowered Russia’s nuclear threshold, warning of potential retaliation for attacks threatening sovereignty. Kyiv confirmed targeting a military facility without specifying weapons used. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, addressing parliament, announced plans to ramp up domestic missile and drone production. Western nations continue supporting Ukraine despite Russian threats.

A 47-foot female fin whale, the world's second-largest whale species, was found dead near a coastal trail in Anchorage, Alaska. Hundreds gathered to view the massive carcass, which NOAA experts say was likely 1-3 years old. Biologists collected tissue samples, including heart, urine, and blood, to investigate the cause of death. Challenges like decomposition and lack of visible injuries make determining the cause difficult. Fin whales, reaching up to 85 feet, face threats like ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and climate change. These endangered whales migrate between Arctic feeding grounds and tropical breeding areas.

On the 1,000th day since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called for Europe to intensify efforts against Moscow, warning that the longer the war continues, the more dire the situation becomes. Speaking at a European Parliament session, Zelensky emphasized the need for a "just peace" and condemned Russia's escalating actions, including the deployment of North Korean troops. Ukraine's military chief marked the milestone by highlighting the ongoing "fierce battle" for survival. Meanwhile, the Kremlin’s updated nuclear doctrine now views attacks on Russia or Belarus as grounds for a nuclear response.

The UK Met Office has issued a Yellow warning for snow and ice, predicting temperatures to drop below freezing this week. Sub-zero temperatures, including -11.2°C in Aberdeenshire, have already caused significant disruption. The cold Arctic air is expected to bring further snow showers, particularly affecting East and West Midlands, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Train services were canceled, and more than 200 schools closed. Panic buying of essentials like milk, bread, and eggs has been reported. Travel disruptions are expected, particularly on national highways and train routes due to heavy snow accumulation.

The US Embassy in Kyiv has temporarily closed after receiving information about a possible significant air attack on November 20. The US Department of State advised embassy staff to shelter in place as a precaution. In a post on X, the embassy urged US citizens in Ukraine to be ready to shelter immediately if an air alert is announced. This comes days after the Biden administration approved the provision of anti-personnel mines and allowed US-made ATACMS missiles to be used against Russian targets, escalating tensions between the US, Ukraine, and Russia.