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.

Maharashtra caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde clarified that the state’s next CM will be decided on Monday, December 2. Speaking from his native Satara, where he rested after falling ill, Shinde dismissed speculations of discontent over the chief ministerial decision. He reaffirmed his "unconditional support" to the BJP leadership and praised his government's work over the past 2.5 years. Shinde assured that the government’s efforts would be remembered in "golden letters in history." The Mahayuti’s swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for December 5, with BJP's CM pick and Shiv Sena and NCP handling the deputy CM roles.

The UK will experience a dramatic temperature drop next week following a mild weekend with highs of 16°C in southern areas. By Monday night, temperatures could plummet to -7°C in rural Scotland, bringing frost and dense freezing fog. The Met Office warns of icy stretches and potential snow on northern hills as rain moves east on Tuesday. While the north faces lingering cold, milder weather is expected in the south midweek. Becky Mitchell of the Met Office emphasized the risk of heavy rain and breezy conditions across the UK. Frost and sub-zero temperatures could disrupt travel on higher routes.

A Canadian court granted bail to Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla, leader of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, despite India's extradition request. Dalla, a native of Punjab’s Moga district, faces over 50 charges, including murder, extortion, and terror financing. Arrested in October in Ontario, Dalla was previously injured in an accidental shooting. Authorities discovered weapons during searches. Delhi alleges Dalla’s links with Pakistan’s ISI and continues to push for his extradition. The next hearing is set for February 24, 2025, while India intensifies diplomatic efforts to bring him to justice.

Jay Shah, 35, has assumed the role of ICC chairman, succeeding Greg Barclay. As the youngest chair in ICC history, Shah's rise follows a transformative stint as BCCI secretary, during which he championed equal pay for women cricketers, hosted the first Women's Premier League, and strengthened India's global cricket dominance. His tenure also oversaw record-breaking media rights deals and pandemic-era IPL continuity. As ICC chief, Shah faces challenges such as resolving revenue-sharing concerns, fostering associate nations, and expanding women’s cricket. With a proven track record, Shah is expected to lead global cricket into a promising new era.

An IndiGo Airbus A320 neo flight from Mumbai had a close call at Chennai airport on Saturday during Cyclone Fengal. A viral video showed the plane aborting landing as extreme weather forced a "go-around," with its wheels inches from the ground. IndiGo confirmed the manoeuvre followed safety protocols to ensure passenger safety. Cyclone Fengal brought heavy rains, flooding coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Chennai airport suspended operations till 4 a.m. Sunday, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations. Relief efforts by the Indian Army and NDRF began post-landfall, as Cyclone Fengal weakened into a deep depression by Sunday morning.

Rohit Sharma, India's captain, batted at No. 5 as KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened in the pink-ball warm-up game against Australia's Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. Rahul and Jaiswal impressed with their consistent opening partnership, following their record-breaking 201-run stand in Perth. Sam Konstas starred for the PM's XI with a scintillating 107 off 97 balls, despite India restricting the hosts to 240, thanks to Harshit Rana's 4-wicket haul. As India prepares for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, discussions swirl around Rohit's batting position, given Rahul's form. This game marks a crucial step toward the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Cyclone Fengal caused havoc in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, leaving 3 dead in Chennai and causing severe flooding. Among the casualties was a migrant worker electrocuted near an ATM. The storm, with winds reaching 90 kmph, brought 44 cm of rain to Puducherry, the highest in 30 years, prompting the Indian Army and NDRF to launch rescue operations. Chennai’s airport operations resumed after 12 hours of chaos. Hospitals and homes in Chennai were inundated, and restoration efforts are ongoing. The India Meteorological Department predicts the cyclone will weaken into a deep depression.

Seven Maoists, including top commander Bhadru, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Mulugu district, Telangana, on Sunday. The Greyhounds forces spotted the Maoists in the Chalpaka forest early in the morning and ordered them to surrender, but they fired at the forces, triggering the exchange. The deceased included six others: Egolapu Mallaiah, Mussaki Deval, Mussaki Jamuna, Jai Singh, Kishore, and Kamesh. The Maoists were armed with AK-47s, G3, and INSAS rifles. This is the first significant encounter in years as Maoists try to revive activities in the region.

Kolkata Police arrested former Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Salim Matabbar from a hotel on November 29, 2024, for living in India on fake documents. Meanwhile, four Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Nadia for illegal entry. Amid rising tensions, J.N. Ray Hospital in Kolkata announced it would no longer treat Bangladeshi patients, citing historical grievances. The West Bengal Medical Council opposed this, emphasizing the need for non-discriminatory treatment. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to comment on the matter, saying it’s a national issue, while BJP leader Dilip Ghosh criticized her silence on Bangladesh-related issues.