External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for a balanced approach to trade with China. Speaking at an Assocham event, he highlighted India’s need to avoid over-reliance on Chinese supply chains and safeguard domestic industries like MSMEs. While recent talks on border disputes have eased tensions slightly, Jaishankar stressed the importance of addressing unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control. He urged businesses to consider long-term impacts when trading with China. Jaishankar also discussed strengthening ties with Russia for better access to its economy and preparing for deeper collaboration with the incoming Trump administration in the US.

A 35-year-old woman, Revathi, died, and her 13-year-old son was critically injured in a stampede at Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad, during the Pushpa 2 premiere. The chaos began as fans rushed to see actor Allu Arjun, who made a surprise appearance. Police registered a case against Allu Arjun, the movie unit, the theatre owner, and the actor’s security team under charges of negligence. Authorities stated that inadequate crowd control and lack of planning by the theatre and event team worsened the situation. The incident left multiple injured, highlighting concerns about safety at public events.

Farmers are set to march to Delhi’s Parliament today, starting from the Shambhu border at 1 pm. They demand legal backing for Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm debt waivers, pensions, and justice for the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims. Prohibitory orders banning gatherings have been imposed in Ambala, and heavy security is in place at border points. The Supreme Court recently upheld the right to protest but warned against causing public inconvenience. Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu border since February. Earlier this week, another march caused massive traffic jams near Noida. Authorities are bracing for similar disruptions.

Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister for the third time on Thursday at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. He dismissed opposition claims of delay in forming the government, stating coalition talks take time. Fadnavis highlighted that similar delays occurred in 2004 and 2009. The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP won 235 of 288 seats in the recent elections. Fadnavis assured the public of a stable government and promised to fulfil manifesto commitments. The Cabinet will hold a special session on 7 and 8 December to elect the Assembly Speaker and discuss key plans for the state.

The world’s most expensive dinosaur fossil, a stegosaurus named “Apex,” will be showcased at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin purchased the fossil for $44.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in July, far exceeding its estimated price of $4-6 million due to intense bidding. The fossil is on a four-year loan to the museum from Griffin, founder of Citadel hedge fund. Visitors can view “Apex” starting Sunday, 8 December. The exhibit promises to draw crowds eager to see this rare and remarkable piece of history.

Australia Women defeated India Women by five wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series. India, batting first, managed only 100 runs in 34.2 overs, with Jemimah Rodrigues top-scoring with 23. Megan Schutt's brilliant bowling earned her a maiden five-wicket haul. Chasing 101, Australia reached 102/5 in 16.2 overs. Debutant Georgia Voll led the chase with an unbeaten 46 runs off 42 balls. Renuka Thakur was India’s standout bowler, taking three wickets. Despite some resistance, Australia cruised to victory, starting the series on a strong note.

Samaira Hullur from Vijayapura, Karnataka, has become India’s youngest commercial pilot at 18. She cleared six tough exams and completed over 200 hours of flying in just one-and-a-half years. Samaira trained at aviation academies in New Delhi and Maharashtra. Inspired by a helicopter ride as a child, she worked hard to achieve her dream. Her parents saved money and supported her journey. Samaira credits her mentors, Captain Tapesh Kumar and Vinod Yadav, for their guidance. Her success is a big inspiration for girls, especially in North Karnataka, where education for women is often limited.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan on Wednesday morning. The attack happened outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel around 6:45 a.m. Police call it a targeted attack. The suspect was seen riding an electric bike into Central Park and later leaving at West 85th Street. Investigators found bullets with words “depose,” “deny,” and “defend” inscribed. Surveillance footage and a water bottle left behind may help identify the killer. Police searched a hostel where the suspect might have stayed. A $10,000 reward is offered for tips. Thompson’s wife revealed he had received threats recently.

India’s playing XI for the 2nd Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia has been announced. Rohit Sharma confirmed KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers after their 201-run stand in Perth. Shubman Gill will bat at No. 3, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 4. Rishabh Pant and Rohit are set to bat at No. 5 and 6, respectively. The bowling unit includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. The pink-ball Test begins in Adelaide on December 6.

India and China held diplomatic talks on Thursday to review the border situation, following the recent disengagement in eastern Ladakh. The discussions were part of the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs. India’s delegation, led by Gourangalal Das, and China’s team, led by Hong Liang, highlighted the importance of maintaining peace through regular diplomatic and military exchanges. Both sides affirmed the implementation of the disengagement agreement and planned the next meeting of Special Representatives. They emphasised effective border management to prevent a repeat of the 2020 tensions.