Indian scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad have revealed a Martian depression in the Terra Sirenum region, which could indicate ancient conditions suitable for life. Their study, published in JGR Planet, highlights mineral-rich deposits and chloride-rich areas that show signs of multiple wet-dry cycles over thousands of years. These conditions may have created an environment for microbial life. The research provides new insights into Mars’ history and potential for past life, emphasizing the importance of these regions for future astrobiological investigations and the ongoing search for signs of life on Mars.

Farmers from Punjab, under the banners of Bharatiya Kisan Parishad and Samyukta Kisan Morcha, broke police barricades near Noida’s Dalit Prerna Sthal and began marching towards Delhi, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). Despite heavy barricading, drone surveillance, and Section 163 enforcement by Delhi Police, protesters continued their march. This comes after the Supreme Court urged farmers not to disrupt public life. Farmers also demand Swaminathan Commission recommendations, pensions, debt waivers, and compensation for deceased farmers. Protests at Punjab-Haryana borders have persisted since February, with accusations of inaction by the Centre.

Belgium has enacted the world’s first law providing sex workers with maternity leave, pensions, and official employment contracts. Effective December 1, the legislation offers social coverage, health insurance, and workplace protections. Each workspace must feature alarm systems for safety, and workers can refuse clients or services without risking dismissal. This follows Belgium's 2022 decriminalization of sex work. Victoria, president of UTSOPI, highlighted its impact on safety and dignity, while critics warn it may not prevent exploitation. Human Rights Watch called it a "radical step." The law emerged from protests demanding better support during the Covid pandemic.    

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on November 30 near Puducherry, has weakened into a low-pressure area, moving towards Kerala and Karnataka. Puducherry recorded 48.6 cm rainfall in 24 hours, the highest in 30 years, causing severe flooding. Schools and colleges remain closed, and rescue operations by the Army and NDRF continue. Tamil Nadu also faces disruptions, with four fatalities reported, mostly from electrocution. Chennai’s transport systems were severely impacted, while overflowing lakes in Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu raised flood risks. IMD issued an orange alert for Bengaluru as the weakened cyclone moves westward. Sri Lanka and India reported 19 combined fatalities.

  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for deploying UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety of religious minorities. This comes after Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on sedition charges, sparking outrage. Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly, Banerjee condemned atrocities on religious grounds, saying, “We stand with the Centre on this issue.” She added that her government supports India's stance and condemned attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs also urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and release the monk.

A report by Bangladesh's interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus reveals that $16 billion was illicitly siphoned annually during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year tenure. Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, heading the investigative committee, highlighted inflated project costs and crony capitalism fostering oligarchs. The findings were presented in a 400-page white paper detailing corruption in seven major projects, initially budgeted at 1.14 trillion taka but revised to 1.95 trillion. Yunus described the revelations as a "plunder of the economy," following Hasina's ousting in August by student protests against her authoritarian rule. Key party leaders remain jailed, in hiding, or exiled.

Acclaimed actor Vikrant Massey, known for 12th Fail, shocked fans by announcing his retirement on December 1, 2024. In an emotional social media post, he expressed gratitude for his career and revealed plans to focus on family. Vikrant shared that 2025 will mark his final projects, including two upcoming films. Celebrated for his versatility, his recent successes, like The Sabarmati Report, earned critical acclaim and awards, including IFFI’s Personality of the Year. Fans and colleagues reacted with disbelief, calling him a rare talent in Indian cinema.

Indian passengers traveling from Mumbai to Manchester faced a 13-hour delay in Kuwait after a Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing. Stranded passengers complained about lack of food, assistance, and lounge access. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait promptly intervened, assisting travelers and ensuring food and water availability. Embassy officials clarified that visa-on-arrival is unavailable for Indians in Kuwait, compounded by government office closures due to the GCC Summit. The flight finally departed at 4:30 am, with embassy representatives staying on-site to provide support. Videos of passenger protests against airport authorities surfaced on social media, highlighting their ordeal.

Ajinkya Rahane is poised to captain Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025, despite speculation favoring Venkatesh Iyer for the role. Rahane, acquired for INR 1.5 crore at the Jeddah auction, replaces Nitish Rana as skipper. Meanwhile, Iyer, re-signed by KKR for INR 23.75 crore, expressed readiness to lead, citing prior vice-captaincy experience. A KKR insider confirmed Rahane's 90% confirmation as captain, attributing the decision to his leadership credentials. Rahane previously led Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai's T20 team. His appointment surprised many, given Iyer's long-standing association with KKR and coach Chandrakant Pandit.

Harsh Bardhan, a 2023-batch IPS officer of the Karnataka cadre, tragically died in a road accident on Sunday while heading to his first posting in Hassan. The 26-year-old officer, who had completed his training at the Karnataka Police Academy, was traveling when a tyre burst caused the vehicle to crash near Kittane. Bardhan sustained severe head injuries and passed away despite efforts to transfer him to Bengaluru for further treatment. The driver, Manjegowda, suffered minor injuries. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former CM Sadananda Gowda expressed condolences, mourning the loss of the promising officer.