A US House committee has backed the lab leak theory as the likely origin of COVID-19 in a report released on December 3, 2024. The Republican-controlled panel, after two years of investigation, concluded that the virus probably emerged due to a laboratory or research-related accident. The report highlighted that US-funded research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology may have played a role. The committee also criticized lockdowns and mask mandates, claiming they caused more harm than good, but praised Operation Warp Speed for vaccine development. The origins of the virus remain a contentious global issue.

The UK government has issued a travel advisory for Bangladesh, warning that terrorist attacks are likely, particularly in places visited by foreigners. The advisory cites risks in crowded areas, religious buildings, and political rallies, and highlights the recent violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. The advisory also notes threats such as armed robbery, violent crime, and IED attacks in major cities. The UK government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the protection of religious freedom in Bangladesh. The advisory follows ongoing unrest after the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges.

Devendra Fadnavis has been finalized as Maharashtra’s next chief minister, following a meeting of the BJP core committee. Sources confirmed the decision, stating that Fadnavis will be sworn in on December 5. The BJP secured 132 seats in the state elections, joining forces with Shiv Sena and NCP to form the Mahayuti alliance with a majority of 230 seats. Fadnavis met with caretaker CM Eknath Shinde, who has agreed not to block the formation of the new government. The BJP legislature party meeting, overseen by central observers Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani, finalized Fadnavis's appointment.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were stopped at the Ghazipur border while en route to violence-hit Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leaders left Delhi at 10:15 AM, but their convoy faced heavy traffic and police barricades at the border, leading to a massive jam. Sambhal authorities had requested nearby districts to halt their journey, citing restrictions due to ongoing violence. The Gandhis were aiming to meet victims’ families, but the authorities invoked Section 163 to prevent their entry. Congress leaders criticized the move, calling it an infringement on their democratic rights.

Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, expresses growing fear for her daughter’s life after over 400 days in captivity. Emily, 28, was taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Mandy described her daughter’s suffering, citing gunshot wounds and inadequate care. She criticized the British government for not ensuring more humanitarian aid for the hostages and urged for stronger action to secure their release. Mandy also welcomed US President-elect Trump’s statement threatening consequences for hostage takers. The Damari family hopes for a sign of life, as negotiations for release remain stalled.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces mounting calls to resign after briefly imposing martial law, citing threats to democracy. Troops surrounded Parliament as the declaration unfolded, sparking widespread protests. The National Assembly swiftly overruled Yoon’s move in a 190-0 vote, prompting him to lift martial law after six hours. The opposition Democratic Party accused Yoon of a "grave constitutional violation" and vowed to pursue impeachment. If impeached, Yoon’s powers would transfer to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo until the Constitutional Court rules. This marks South Korea's first martial law since 1987, intensifying the country’s political turmoil.

India's badminton star and two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will marry Hyderabad-based executive Venkata Datta Sai on December 22 in Udaipur. The wedding festivities will commence on December 20, with a reception planned in Hyderabad on December 24. Sindhu's father, PV Ramana, stated that the date was chosen due to her packed schedule starting January. The former world champion, who ended a title drought with a Syed Modi International victory recently, is set to resume training after the celebrations for the upcoming season. Sindhu's illustrious career includes five world championship medals and back-to-back Olympic triumphs in Rio and Tokyo.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal leader, narrowly escaped an attack at the Golden Temple, Amritsar. Narain Singh Chaura, an ex-Babbar Khalsa International terrorist, opened fire while Badal, fulfilling a religious punishment, served as a guard outside the temple. Videos showed Badal, in a wheelchair and dressed in a blue 'sewadar' uniform, taking cover as nearby officials overpowered Chaura. The attacker, known for smuggling arms and writing guerrilla warfare literature in Pakistan, was handed over to police. Officials stated Chaura had previously served jail time in Punjab for his involvement in the Burail jailbreak case.

British MPs, including Bob Blackman, voiced alarm in Parliament over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Blackman stated, “At the moment we have a position whereby Hindus are suffering with their houses burnt, businesses ransacked, and priests arrested,” describing it as an "attempt at ethnic cleansing." Indian-origin MP Priti Patel called the violence "deeply concerning" and urged action. Labour MP Barry Gardiner noted the crisis is “clearly on a knife edge,” as over 20 places of worship faced vandalism. Foreign Office Minister Catherine West pledged to address the persecution with Bangladesh’s interim leadership.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night, citing North Korea's threats and accusing opposition lawmakers of undermining governance. This marked the first martial law declaration since 1980. However, Yoon reversed the decision within six hours after lawmakers defied security forces to vote against it, and thousands protested nationwide. The opposition Democratic Party demanded Yoon’s resignation, labeling the declaration an "insurrection" and calling for impeachment. Major unions pledged indefinite strikes until he stepped down. Global reactions ranged from U.S. "grave concern" to cautious advisories from China and Russia. Yoon faces plummeting approval ratings over economic mismanagement.