Tulsi Gabbard, nominated as director of national intelligence by President-elect Donald Trump, is expected to face intense scrutiny during confirmation hearings. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who switched to the Republican Party, has been criticized for her 2017 meeting with Syria’s Bashar al-Assad and her remarks questioning U.S. intelligence on Assad’s use of chemical weapons. Critics have also highlighted her past statements regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Republican Senator James Lankford emphasized the need for thorough questioning. Despite opposition, some GOP lawmakers, including Senator Eric Schmitt, defended Gabbard, calling accusations of her being a "Russian sympathizer" baseless.

Hezbollah launched 250 rockets into Israel, causing injuries and damage in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and northern Israel. The assault followed Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, killing 29 people, including civilians, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Hezbollah claimed to target military sites in Tel Aviv in retaliation. Israel's military responded by striking 12 Hezbollah command centers in Dahieh. The conflict, which has displaced over 60,000 in Israel and 1M in Lebanon, has seen escalating violence. Meanwhile, reports suggest Israel and Lebanon are advancing toward a US-proposed ceasefire, though gaps remain. Over 3,670 deaths have been reported in Lebanon since October 2023.

Delhi's air quality has improved, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping below the 300 mark, entering the 'poor' category. Lodhi Road recorded the lowest AQI at 95, classified as 'satisfactory,' while Shadipur was the most polluted at 347 ('very poor'). PM2.5 remains the primary pollutant. The improvement follows severe pollution last week, with AQI hitting a season-high of 495, triggering Stage 4 GRAP restrictions. Hazy conditions and moderate fog persist, with temperatures forecast at 28°C (max) and 12°C (min). The IMD predicts further fog, while residents await sustained relief.

Four people died and 20 police officers were injured during violent protests in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, over a mosque survey ordered by a local court. Protesters opposing the survey clashed with police, pelting stones and setting vehicles ablaze. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders, shut schools, and suspended internet services for 24 hours. The mosque is alleged to have been built by demolishing a temple during the Mughal era. Opposition parties blamed the BJP for inciting violence, while the BJP accused the INDIA alliance of creating unrest post-election failures. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered, and 21 people, including two women, have been detained.

Storm Bert has caused widespread devastation across the UK, with severe flooding, high winds, and heavy rainfall. In Wales, the body of a 75-year-old man, Brian Perry, was found near the River Conway. South Wales saw over 100mm of rain, prompting severe flood warnings and a major incident declaration in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The River Taff burst its banks, submerging homes and washing away a bridge under construction. Over 100 flood warnings remain in place across the UK, with winds reaching 75mph in coastal areas. Travel disruption, submerged streets, and rising river levels have heightened concerns nationwide.

Russia launched a massive drone attack on Kyiv, with Ukrainian forces shooting down 50 of 73 drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s continued aggression, warning, "Ukraine is not a testing ground for weapons." He urged enhanced air defence systems amid nearly daily air alerts across Ukraine. The attack follows a week of intensified strikes, including 800 guided aerial bombs and 460 attack drones. Meanwhile, reports emerged of the dismissal of Colonel General Gennady Anashkin for allegedly misleading Russian troop progress. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia aims to "spread fear and panic" while Ukraine resists to safeguard its sovereignty.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Venkatesh Iyer for ₹23.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction after an intense bidding war with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This makes him the third-costliest player in this year’s auction. Venkatesh, who debuted in IPL 2021, expressed his emotional connection with KKR, calling it his "family." During IPL 2024, he scored 370 runs at an average of 46.25. KKR has also retained key players like Rinku Singh and Andre Russell. Venkatesh's return marks a reunion with the team he loves, further bolstering KKR’s squad for the upcoming season.

A major incident has been declared in South Wales following severe flooding caused by Storm Bert. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is coordinating with emergency services to address the crisis. MP Chris Bryant expressed shock at the unprecedented scale of devastation, promising full support for affected communities. Over 100 flood warnings have been issued across Wales, with rising waters reported in towns like Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale, and Aberdare. Bridges and roads have been closed, and landslides have struck northern areas. Shocking footage shows cars submerged and residents bailing out homes near the overflowing River Taff. Relief efforts are ongoing.

Virat Kohli made history on November 24, 2024, by scoring his 7th Test century in Australia, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 6 centuries. Kohli achieved the milestone during the third session of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy's first Test at Perth's Optus Stadium. He now holds the record for the most Test centuries by an Indian batter in Australia, achieved in just 14 matches. Kohli also matched Ricky Ponting’s record for the most Test centuries in India-Australia contests held in Australia. His latest knock cements his legacy as one of the greatest Test cricketers.

The IPL 2025 mega auction began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, featuring 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas cricketers. Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured Jofra Archer for ₹12.50 crore, while Ravichandran Ashwin rejoined Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Big Indian names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer are among the most anticipated picks. Overseas stars such as Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone are also drawing high bids. The youngest player is 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, while England’s James Anderson, at 42, is the oldest. The two-day auction promises significant reshuffles ahead of IPL's 18th season.