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 Winter Session of Parliament began on December 1, 2025, with opposition parties protesting over electoral reforms. Opposition MPs raised slogans alleging vote fraud and demanded a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls. The Lok Sabha was adjourned several times, and protests continued in front of the Makar Dwar. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury sparked controversy by bringing her dog to Parliament and comparing it to MPs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged members to focus on constructive debate. Key issues this session include electoral reforms, the Red Fort blast, Delhi air pollution, and 13 legislative bills. (PC: X)

Chennai and Thiruvallur are under a red alert as the remnant of Cyclone Ditwah brings extremely heavy rain. The India Meteorological Department said the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is about 35 km from the north Tamil Nadu coast and will weaken in 12 hours. Maximum temperatures in Chennai are around 27°C and minimum near 23°C. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram remain closed on December 2 to ensure student safety. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow government safety instructions. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the coming days.

In Nanded, Maharashtra, 21-year-old Saksham Tatte was shot dead by his girlfriend Aachal Mamilwar’s family. Aachal said her brother took a police taunt as a challenge and killed Saksham because he belonged to a Scheduled Caste. The couple had been in a relationship for three years, which her family opposed. On the day of the murder, Aachal’s father and brothers allegedly attacked Saksham with guns and stones, leading to his death. Aachal applied vermilion on his body, “marrying” him posthumously, and demanded the death penalty for her parents and brothers. Police arrested eight people. (PC: India Today)

A total of 262 young cadets from Jammu and Kashmir were formally inducted into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment in Udhampur on Monday. The recruits came from districts including Kupwara, Baramulla, Budgam and Srinagar. They took oath to serve the nation at the passing-out parade held at the JAKLI Regimental Training Centre in Dhansal. Lieutenant General P. K. Mishra reviewed the parade and praised the recruits for their discipline and commitment. Families were honoured with the ‘Gaurav Padak’ for their support. The event marked the beginning of the soldiers’ service to the country. (PC: Instagram)

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)