The White House remains engaged in securing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal but has not reached an agreement, according to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Speaking to NBC, Sullivan emphasized ongoing discussions with regional leaders and hopes for progress. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar indicated potential flexibility from Hamas in releasing hostages. The conflict has devastated Gaza, leaving over 44,429 dead, with 97 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Sullivan highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging immediate access to life-saving aid. The UN paused aid delivery through the Kerem Shalom crossing, citing security concerns.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stressed the need for a balanced population growth rate, warning that societies perish if the rate falls below 2.1. Speaking at an event in Nagpur, he highlighted the importance of families as the foundation of society. Bhagwat called for a population growth rate above 2.1 to ensure survival, as per population science. He also reiterated the need for a fair population policy for all communities, cautioning against imbalances that could impact geographical boundaries. Additionally, Bhagwat advocated equal rights for women in decision-making and emphasized their unique strengths in contributing to society.

Krish Arora, a 10-year-old Indian-British boy from London, achieved an IQ of 162, surpassing Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking's estimated scores. He has joined Mensa, ranking among the top 1% of intelligent people globally. An exceptional student, Krish finds primary school unchallenging and prefers algebra to basic subjects. His talents extend beyond academics—he is a gifted pianist, holding a grade 7 certificate and awards from musical competitions. Krish also excels in chess, often beating his instructor. His parents, both engineers, noticed his abilities at age four, and he continues to amaze with his achievements in academics and music.

Sri Lanka reported a 2.1% deflation in November, the highest since 1961. The island nation, recovering from a severe financial crisis in 2022, has seen prices drop due to falling energy and food costs. Inflation had peaked at nearly 70% during the 2022 crisis, causing widespread shortages. Economic recovery is underway, aided by a $2.9 billion IMF bailout and austerity measures like tax hikes. The central bank predicts inflation will stabilise at 5% soon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to continue the bailout programme, prioritising economic stability despite the challenges of higher taxes and reduced government spending.

Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh drew against reigning champion Ding Liren in Game 6 of the World Chess Championship. The 46-move battle kept the score tied at 3-3 in the best-of-14 series. Playing black, Gukesh displayed strong defensive skills against Ding's London System opening. Despite a slight positional edge early on, Ding chose to simplify the game into a balanced endgame. Both players now need 4.5 points to win the title. Gukesh, 18, and Ding, 32, have one win each and four draws so far. The next game follows a rest day on Monday. Eight games remain in this tense contest.

On Sunday, Bangladesh immigration officials stopped 54 Iskcon members from crossing into India at the Benapole border. The group, holding valid passports and visas, intended to join religious rituals in India. Authorities cited "suspicious travel" as the reason for denial but did not provide clear explanations. Some members expressed frustration over being turned back despite following all procedures. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Reports suggest increasing violence and discrimination against Hindus, including attacks on temples and arrests of Iskcon affiliates, raising fears for the community's future.

Two Indian-origin Canadians were arrested after Illinois State Police found over $40 million worth of cocaine in a semi-trailer truck near the Iowa state line on Friday. The suspects, Vanshpreet Singh (27) and Manpreet Singh (36), both from Ontario, Canada, face felony charges, including cocaine possession, trafficking, and intent to deliver. Police discovered 1,146 pounds of cocaine during an inspection in Henry County. The drugs have an estimated street value of over $40 million. Both men are being held at Henry County Jail and await a court appearance.

At least 130 people have been killed in sectarian clashes in Kurram, Pakistan, between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The violence erupted after gunmen attacked a convoy of Shia Muslims last week, leaving 43 dead. Retaliatory clashes have since killed more. Despite a ceasefire deal mediated by authorities, tensions remain high. The Kurram district has long been a hotspot for sectarian violence. The government has pledged to punish those responsible for the killings. Local hospitals are overwhelmed with injured victims, and the main highway connecting Kurram to Peshawar remains blocked, delaying medical aid.

Devendra Fadnavis has been selected as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra, according to a senior BJP leader. The BJP legislature party will meet on December 2 or 3 to officially elect the new leader. This follows caretaker CM Eknath Shinde's statement of unconditional support for the decision. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won a majority in the recent Maharashtra elections, securing 230 out of 288 seats. The swearing-in ceremony for the new government will take place on December 5, with PM Modi in attendance. Fadnavis has been a key contender for the position.

Rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al Sham, launched a surprise attack and seized most of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. The offensive, which began on Wednesday, has caused widespread destruction, with at least 327 people killed. Syrian and Russian jets have carried out airstrikes on rebel positions, but civilians have been caught in the crossfire, with 12 killed at a hospital. President Bashar al Assad vowed to defeat the rebels, claiming Syria will protect its stability. Thousands have been displaced, and the situation remains tense, raising concerns over the war’s intensifying violence.