India’s fertility rate, projected to drop to 1.29 by 2050, could lead to a demographic crisis similar to South Korea’s alarming situation. Experts warn of an ageing population, economic strain, and workforce shrinkage if trends persist. Factors like rising living costs, delayed marriages, and gender inequality contribute to this decline. The RSS, DMK, and other leaders are urging policies to encourage larger families. Experts recommend economic reforms, gender-inclusive policies, and work-life balance initiatives to address the crisis. Without action, India’s demographic advantage may turn into a challenge, mirroring issues faced by ageing societies like South Korea and Japan.

Traffic resumed on the Noida-Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressways after protesting farmers paused their march toward Delhi following discussions with the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration. Heavy traffic jams were reported earlier as farmers from the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), supported by other farmer groups, protested for compensation under new agricultural laws. Protesters gathered at Noida's Dalit Prerna Sthal, temporarily blocking highways and breaking barricades. Police heightened security, deployed anti-riot gear, and used drones for surveillance. Farmers plan further protests on December 6 in Delhi, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu.

Lebanon reported two deaths from Israeli strikes on southern towns Marjayoun and Nabatieh, calling the attacks a "flagrant violation" of the truce brokered on November 27. The agreement required Israel to halt offensive operations and Lebanon to prevent armed groups from targeting Israel. Lebanese state security confirmed the deaths, including one of its members. Israel has not commented, but U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein reportedly warned Israel against breaching the ceasefire. The fragile truce follows over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides trading accusations of violations.

Travis Head praised Jasprit Bumrah, calling him "one of the greatest fast bowlers to play the game" following Australia's loss in the first Perth Test. Despite Australia's struggles against Bumrah's formidable bowling, Head expressed pride in facing the Indian pacer and looks forward to telling his grandkids about the challenge. Bumrah's stellar performance, including a match-haul of 8/72, was key to India's 295-run victory. As Australia prepares for the upcoming pink-ball Test in Adelaide, Head remains confident the team will bounce back, with no divide between the batsmen and bowlers.

Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, was granted bail in Canada on a $30,000 surety bond. Dalla, wanted in India for over 50 criminal cases, including murder and terrorism, was arrested for his alleged role in an October 2023 armed confrontation in Ontario. India has been actively seeking his extradition since his designation as an individual terrorist in 2023. The acting chief of the Khalistani Tiger Force has been accused of recruiting youth via social media to expand his terror network. His next court hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2025.

The Bangladesh government, led by Mohammad Yunus, has moved to revoke the court ruling declaring "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan. The slogan, coined by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, symbolized inspiration during Bangladesh's liberation war. The government filed an appeal in the High Court, aiming to invalidate the previous ruling. Critics believe the move may be linked to erasing memories of Mujib's legacy. This follows other controversial actions, including the cancellation of August 15th as a national mourning day. "Joy Bangla" had been widely used in official contexts since a 2008 High Court decision.

India's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs have reached an agreement to hold a debate on the Constitution next week, following a week of disruptions in Parliament. The debate is scheduled for December 13-14 in the Lok Sabha and December 16-17 in the Rajya Sabha, confirmed Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The decision came after an all-party meeting with Speaker Om Birla. Opposition parties had called for the debate to mark the 75th anniversary of the Constitution's adoption. The session, which began on November 25, is set to continue until December 20.

The Tripura government has demanded 135 crore rupees from Bangladesh to clear outstanding electricity dues. Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) supplies power to Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), but supply was halted when arrears exceeded 100 crore rupees. Tripura’s Power Minister, Ratan Nath, confirmed that while Bangladesh regularly pays, the dues have not been fully cleared. The state has written to Bangladesh and is working with the central government to recover the dues. The dispute has coincided with tensions surrounding the Adani Group’s power contracts in Bangladesh, drawing increased attention to the bilateral energy issues.

Over 63 Iskcon monks with valid visas were stopped at the Benapole land port in Bangladesh over the weekend, preventing them from entering India. Iskcon officials in Kolkata claim the monks were told by Bangladeshi authorities that India was unsafe for them. The incident follows the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh on November 25, accused of sedition. India has expressed concern over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and called for a fair trial for Das. Iskcon leaders continue to pray for the affected monks, who remain in a state of fear.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India, with the dates to be confirmed in early 2025, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. This will be Putin’s first visit to India since the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict in 2022. The two leaders, who maintain regular contact, have agreed to meet once annually, with this visit marking Russia's turn. India continues to advocate peace and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine crisis. Earlier this year, Modi visited Moscow, where he was awarded Russia’s highest national honor.