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Will US attack Venezuela and why Donald Trump wants Nicolas Maduro to step down? This explainer looks at Trumps warning, US military activity, the airspace closure claim, Venezuelas response, Maduros support, criminal group links, oil reserves and fears of a conflict as tensions rise.

Xbox cloud gaming really down? Many Xbox Network users reported cloud gaming problems on November 29. The outage reports showed server connection issues, 403 Forbidden errors and 502 Bad Gateway errors. This explainer covers user complaints, error details, possible fixes and the current status of the Xbox cloud gaming outage.

Renowned Czech-born British playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, celebrated for his wit and linguistic brilliance, has died at 88. His career spanned six decades across various media, earning him an Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love. Stoppard's dislocation as a child of Jewish parentage fleeing the Nazis profoundly influenced his work.

Cyber Monday 2025 arrives on December 1, extending into Cyber Week. Shoppers can find significant discounts on tech, toys, fashion, and home goods. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Macy's are participating. Deals begin early and offer opportunities to complete holiday shopping lists. This event marks a peak in online retail activity.

Cyber Monday 2025 spending forecast: Black Friday saw record online spending of $11.8 billion. Shoppers preferred digital platforms over physical stores. Electronics and home appliances were top sellers. This trend indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior. Cyber Monday is also expected to break records. Rising prices influenced purchasing decisions, with fewer items bought overall.

Plans to cut over 1,000 trees in Nashik for a 'Sadhu Gram' ahead of the 2026-2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela face widespread opposition. Actor Sayaji Shinde and MNS chief Raj Thackeray have criticized the move, with Thackeray alleging the land will be given to developers. Both suggest using compensatory afforestation land for the Sadhu Gram instead.

A devastating fire ripped through a footwear shop in South Delhi's Tigri Extension on Saturday evening. The blaze tragically claimed the lives of three individuals. Two women sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Firefighters battled the intense flames that engulfed the ground floor shop and spread upwards. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Venezuela: US-Venezuela tensions escalate as Washington considers closing Venezuelan airspace. Maduro's military faces significant challenges due to low pay and old equipment. Venezuela plans a prolonged resistance using sabotage and guerrilla tactics. Civilian militias and armed groups may also participate in defensive actions. The nation's strategy aims to disrupt governance if attacked.

The Trump administration has seized on the shooting to vow to intensify efforts to rein in legal immigration, promising to pause entry from some poor countries and review Afghans and other legal migrants already in the country. That is in addition to other measures, some of which were previously set in motion.

Assam's Legislative Assembly has passed a historic bill granting land rights to tea garden workers. This landmark legislation provides land pattas to lakhs of families residing in labour lines for generations. The bill aims to correct a long-standing injustice, offering dignity and security to tea garden communities. The government will roll out a dedicated housing scheme soon.

Health coach Vivek Thiruvengadam offers four sustainable tips to lose weight before the New Year. He advises cutting down on dietary fat, reducing liquid calories, taking a ten-minute walk after each meal, and maintaining a consistent, high-protein, high-fiber breakfast to manage cravings and calorie intake.

Amid rising anticipation within the global gaming community, new rumours hinting at a possible shift of the GTA 6 release date to 2027 have sparked widespread concern among fans.

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has announced the 2026 Intermediate and Matriculation exam dates, with Intermediate exams scheduled from February 2-13 and Matriculation from February 17-25. For the first time, an AI chatbot will be introduced to assist students with exam-related information. Over 28 lakh applications have been received, and results are expected between May and June 2026.

Skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere are in for a captivating celestial show this weekend, with the Moon appearing alongside Saturn in the night sky. Here are all the details on how to catch the celestial display.

India has swiftly provided urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. A significant consignment of dry and fresh rations, along with essential relief items, has been dispatched via naval ships and aircraft. Indian authorities are also assisting stranded passengers at Colombo airport.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar publicly displayed unity after a breakfast meeting, pledging to work together and ending confusion. The AICC leadership brokered the truce, with both leaders agreeing to follow the high command's guidance and focus on strengthening the party for future elections.

Financial planning tips: As the year concludes, experts urge a financial check-up to slash taxes and boost savings for 2026. Tackle high-interest debt, review your budget, and cancel unused subscriptions to free up cash. Consider refinancing loans for lower payments and ensure your emergency fund is robust. These steps pave the way for a more secure financial future.

At least ten St Xavier's College students have complained about a guest speaker. Allegations include taking photos without consent and inappropriate touching. The speaker was asked to leave campus immediately. The college's Internal Complaints Committee is investigating. Police have been informed. The institution is strengthening its screening process for future speakers.

Maulana Mahmood Madani voices deep concern over India's current judicial and social climate. He alleges constitutional rights are being eroded and minority communities face targeting. Madani questions judicial independence, citing specific cases and highlighting issues like bulldozer actions and mob lynching. He also criticizes anti-conversion laws and the misuse of the term 'jihad', stating Muslims feel unsafe in the country.

One Piece episode 1151 release date, time and how to watch details confirm the next Egghead Arc episode arrives on Crunchyroll on November 30, 2025. Netflix streams it on December 6. This explainer covers the full release schedule, streaming options, Egghead Arc timeline and what viewers can expect next.

Students from Bodoland University protested and vandalized the BTC secretariat in Kokrajhar, Assam, opposing the proposed Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six major communities. They fear dilution of their rights and opportunities, demanding the government address their concerns within 24 hours. The Assam cabinet recently approved the proposal, which will now be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Gen Z seasonal jobs 2025: Gen Z job seekers are finding opportunities this holiday season. Tax accounting is in high demand due to a shrinking workforce. Seasonal roles can lead to permanent positions. Many companies use holiday hiring to assess candidates. Trades and hospitality jobs also offer good wages. This offers a pathway for young people into the workforce.

Maxton Hall Season 3 renewal and release date update is now a key query for viewers. Seasons 1 and 2 arrived in 2024 and 2025. Early expectations point to a 2026 release window. The new season may continue the story of Ruby and James as they face new issues in school and family life.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated politics now outweighs economics globally. He emphasized diversifying supply sources to secure national needs in an uncertain world. India is actively pursuing self-reliance and becoming a manufacturing hub. The nation is making significant advancements in infrastructure and scientific development. India aims to expand its global footprint and forge new trade arrangements.

December full moon: Sky watchers around the world are gearing up for one of the years most striking lunar events the Full Moon of December 2025, widely referred to as the Cold Moon. Here are the details of time and place to see the full moon.

A devastating fire engulfed seven buildings in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court complex, burning for over 40 hours and claiming at least 128 lives. The blaze, fueled by scaffolding and polystyrene panels, spread rapidly, trapping residents like William Li who narrowly escaped. Investigations are underway into potential fire-safety violations, with several arrests made.

With Operation Sindoor, only a trailer was shown, India's Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said in New Delhi on November 17 and asserted that if Pakistan gives us any chance, India would like to teach a befitting lesson as to how a responsible nation should behave with its neighbours.

The Border Security Force is committed to eliminating Maoists from Odisha by March 2026. Operations are underway in collaboration with state police. Significant progress has been made in neutralizing and apprehending Maoists. The force is also focusing on community trust and prosperity. Challenges persist in certain forest areas. The BSF celebrates its 61st Raising Day on December 1.

The NYT Mini Crossword offers a compact take on the classic New York Times Crossword, featuring a smaller grid and brief clues that deliver a quick mental challenge while preserving the publications signature blend of wit, subtle misdirection and crisp wordplay.

Mortgage rate predictions: Homebuyers seeking clarity on long-term borrowing costs can look to the 10-year Treasury yield for clues. Experts predict this yield will hover around 4.5% this year before gradually declining to about 4.1% by 2027, remaining there through 2029. This trend, coupled with a projected spread, suggests a potential easing of mortgage rates over the next five years.

Residents of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir face a severe sanitation crisis. Uncollected garbage fills streets, blocking roads and creating unbearable stench. Citizens accuse the Pakistani-backed administration of negligence and failure to address the issue. This neglect impacts daily life, business, and the environment. Despite complaints, no action has been taken, highlighting administrative decay.

However, all the passengers and crew members are safe, according to airport sources.

Adnan Sami Weight Loss Journey: Legendary singer Adnan Sami revealed his 120 kg weight loss journey on Aap Ki Adalat, achieved through strict discipline and a 'no bread, no rice, no sugar, no oil, no alcohol' diet. He emphasized that his transformation, from 230 kg to 110 kg, was entirely natural, without bariatric surgery or liposuction, highlighting perseverance over shortcuts.

Amazon employees have penned an open letter expressing grave concerns that the company's accelerated AI development is jeopardizing its climate commitments, worker well-being, and democratic principles. The signatories, including those working directly on AI, accuse Amazon of prioritizing AI investments over its workforce and environmental pledges, citing increased emissions and plans for new data centers.

Connections is a free daily puzzle that can be played on both desktop and mobile. The challenge requires players to sort 16 words into four themed groups, with only four mistakes allowed.

Delhi's revenue department proposes a significant administrative overhaul, creating nine new districts and reorganizing the current 11 into 13. This plan aims to align revenue district boundaries with Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) zones, reducing jurisdictional overlap and improving governance efficiency for quicker public service delivery.

SSI payments: Social Security recipients will receive their December payments on schedule, with the final checks before a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment takes effect in January 2026. This COLA will increase average monthly benefits by approximately $56. SSI payments follow a separate schedule, with the January 2026 payment issued early on December 31, 2025, due to the New Year's Day holiday.