India’s IndiGo secured 103rd place in the 2024 AirHelp Score report, ranking among the “world’s worst airlines” based on punctuality, service quality, and claims handling. The EU-based survey assessed data from January to October across 109 airlines, placing Brussels Airlines at the top. IndiGo strongly refuted the findings, citing its high punctuality and low complaint ratio. It questioned the survey's methodology, particularly the undisclosed sample size from India, calling it “lacking credibility.” AirHelp aims to encourage better airline performance through feedback. Air India ranked 61st, while Tunisair placed last at 109th.

Devendra Fadnavis will take oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister today at 5 pm in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, marking his third term. The ceremony, attended by PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other dignitaries, follows the Mahayuti alliance’s massive victory in the November Assembly elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats. Fadnavis, 54, served as CM from 2014-2019 and briefly in 2019. Two Deputy Chief Ministers, including Ajit Pawar from NCP, will also take oath. Security is tight, with over 4,000 personnel deployed. Grand arrangements have been made for 42,000 attendees, including VVIPs and BJP supporters.

A Chinese hacking group, Salt Typhoon, targeted at least 8 major US telecom firms, including AT&T and Verizon, in one of the largest intelligence breaches in US history. Hackers accessed call records, live calls, and communication tracking systems, affecting numerous Americans, including high-profile figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. US officials urged encrypted apps to mitigate risks but confirmed no classified data was compromised. China's embassy denied the allegations, accusing the US of cyberattacks. The White House prioritizes addressing the breach, with cybersecurity experts warning of prolonged impacts.

French lawmakers ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government through a no-confidence vote, the first in 62 years. Supported by the far right and hard left, the motion stems from disputes over austerity budgets and France's political deadlock. President Emmanuel Macron, facing rising calls for his resignation, must swiftly appoint a new premier as protests grow over cost-cutting measures. Macron’s term runs until 2027, but the crisis raises doubts about his leadership. Public-sector strikes are planned, and Macron is set to address the nation. Opposition parties, including Marine Le Pen's, demand accountability as unrest spreads.

The India vs Australia pink-ball Test in Adelaide may face interruptions as thunderstorms are forecast on Day 1, Friday. Adelaide pitch curator Damian Hough assured the pitch played no role in India's infamous 36-run collapse in 2020, crediting Australia's exceptional bowling. Hough noted weather heavily influences the pink ball's movement and highlighted the twilight session as the most challenging for batters. "Under the right conditions, the ball moves regardless of the pitch," he explained. While preparations aim to ensure fair play, potential rain delays could test both teams’ adaptability in this crucial day-night match.

Bitcoin's value soared past $100,000 for the first time, fueled by optimism surrounding US President-elect Donald Trump's crypto-friendly stance. Trump pledged to make the US the "bitcoin and cryptocurrency capital of the world," nominating Paul Atkins, a pro-crypto figure, to lead the SEC. Bitcoin's value has surged 45% since Trump’s election victory and doubled this year. Prominent figures like Elon Musk praised the move, highlighting its impact on institutional adoption. Trump's plans include a crypto advisory council and a "strategic reserve" of bitcoin, signaling a paradigm shift towards mainstream financial acceptance of digital assets.

A tragic stampede occurred at the Pushpa 2 premiere in Hyderabad on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre. Overwhelmed by the presence of actor Allu Arjun, the massive crowd surged, resulting in the death of 39-year-old Revathi, a Dilsukhnagar resident. Her 9-year-old son, Sri Tej, remains in critical condition at KIMS Hospital. Chaos ensued as fans rushed to glimpse Arjun, who briefly addressed the crowd under heavy security. Police struggled to control the situation, leading to injuries. Revathi’s body was moved to Gandhi Mortuary, while authorities are investigating the incident.

Israeli settlers raided the Palestinian villages of Beit Furik and Huwara in the West Bank, injuring a Palestinian and setting buildings on fire. The attacks occurred after Israeli forces evicted a nearby settlement outpost. In Beit Furik, settlers burned vehicles and a grocery shop, while in Huwara, they torched homes and cars. One resident was injured in Huwara after his house was set alight. The Israeli army arrested eight suspects for the attacks. Tensions have risen in the region since the Gaza war, with ongoing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

A man trespassed onto Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s shooting set in Mumbai, claiming to be a fan wanting to watch the shoot. When security denied him access, the man allegedly uttered, “Bishnoi ko bolun kya?” (Should I inform Bishnoi?). Security quickly alerted police, and the man was taken to Shivaji Park Police Station for questioning. Authorities found no criminal background. The incident comes amid a string of threats to Salman Khan, mainly from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, related to a 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Salman is under heavy security after repeated threats in recent months.  

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has directed all embassies and consulates globally to simplify visa issuance for Pakistani nationals and those of Pakistani descent. The new policy aims to make it easier for Pakistanis to visit Bangladesh, eliminating visa-related obstacles. The directive, sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applies to all Bangladeshi diplomatic missions abroad. The move comes after Bangladesh's embassy in Agartala halted visa services following protests, while discussions between Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Pakistani leadership led to the new policy.