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A Bangladesh court has sentenced Sheikh Rehana, sister of former premier Sheikh Hasina, to seven years in prison for corruption. Her daughter, British lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, received a two-year sentence in the same case involving plot grabbing. Hasina herself was previously sentenced to death and is in India.

What is government borrowing and how does it impact fiscal deficit? A key question ahead of the big day. As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, government borrowing and its impact on the fiscal deficit are under scrutiny. The Centre raises funds through securities to finance public expenditure, especially when revenues are low. Higher borrowing increases interest burdens, impacting future spending flexibility.

Medicare Advantage plans remain to attract seniors with popular extras such as dental care, vision coverage, gym memberships, and even reimbursements for recreation equipment. Yet, several older adults rarely use these benefits. A Commonwealth Fund study discovered that although most beneficiaries consider supplemental perks important, almost 30% didnt use any in the past year, partly because several dont understand what their plans provide.

Social Security check today: Millions receive their SSI payment today, December 1, 2025, with deposits of up to $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples as scheduled. December also brings a second SSI payment on December 31 because January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday. This early release is not extra money. Dual-benefit recipients may receive three payments this month, making budgeting essential.

Social Security at 62 is trending online as some finfluencers say people should take the money early and invest it. Experts warn that waiting gives a higher, safer monthly check. The stock market can go up and down, but Social Security grows steadily. Many people still claim at 62 because they need money or worry about the programs future.

The All India Mahila Congress will protest alleged vote theft and electoral roll manipulation at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 14. President Alka Lamba stated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a conspiracy to remove non-BJP voters, particularly Dalits, tribals, and minorities. The party aims to hold the government accountable for its actions towards the Constitution and democracy.

Unilever is selling its British snack brand Graze to Katjes International as part of a strategy to exit parts of its food business and focus on beauty and wellbeing. This move follows reports of Unilever considering the sale of other historic British food brands. The deal is anticipated to conclude in the first half of 2026.

Turkey's Bayraktar Kizilelma uncrewed fighter jet achieved a historic first by successfully downing a jet-powered aircraft with a beyond-visual-range missile during test trials. This demonstration, utilizing domestic radar and targeting systems, establishes the drone as the world's first verified UAV with proven air-to-air combat capability.

NYT Connections arranges 16 seemingly unrelated words on a 4x4 grid, challenging players to organise them into four themed categories. Each category is colour-coded from the easiest (yellow) to the most difficult (purple), and solvers are given only four chances to complete the puzzle

Mortgage rates today: Mortgage rates are experiencing a gradual decline, with the average 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgage falling to 6.144%. This offers some relief to homebuyers and homeowners after months of elevated borrowing costs. While rates remain significantly higher than pandemic-era lows, recent easing is attributed to anticipated Fed rate cuts and moderating economic pressures.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended Chancellor Rachel Reeves against opposition claims that she misled the public and markets before unveiling a tax-raising budget. Critics allege Reeves warned of major tax hikes despite already knowing public finances were improving. Reeves denies wrongdoing, saying the OBRs downgraded productivity forecast still created a significant budget gap.

India is actively assisting Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. The National Disaster Response Force is providing critical aid and recovering landslide casualties. Indian Air Force helicopters are conducting rescue missions, bringing stranded people to safety. Relief materials have reached Trincomalee, supporting ongoing efforts. Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister for Tourism expressed gratitude for India's support.

The United Kingdom is set to finalize a significant pharmaceuticals agreement with the United States. This deal will eliminate import tariffs on medicines entering the US. Consequently, the National Health Service in the UK will see an increase in its spending on drugs. Industry sources indicate the UK government will adjust rebate rates and enhance cost-effectiveness measures for medicines.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury criticised PM Modi's drama remark against the Opposition, saying the Prime Minister is himself a dramatist and that o one can compete with him in drama, responding sharply during the Parliament Winter Session.

Maharashtra's Mahayuti government marks one year in power. The coalition focused on infrastructure development and attracting investors. Challenges included internal coalition dynamics and opposition scrutiny. Key projects like metro rail and coastal road progressed. The government navigated controversies and community demands. Future plans include completing infrastructure and enhancing business ease. The opposition promises increased oversight.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that a panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet on December 10 to select candidates for the Chief Information Commissioner and information commissioners. This comes amid a plea highlighting the severe backlog of cases due to vacant posts in the Central and State Information Commissions.

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to re-examine its air pollution action plan for Delhi and the National Capital Region. The court wants to assess if the implemented measures have yielded effective results. It also emphasized the need to consider factors beyond stubble burning contributing to the pollution crisis.

Silver price today: Silver hit a record $57.86 and traded near $58 after a six-day, 15% rally, now up over 100% in 2025. Futures touched $58.60. Traders price an 88% chance of a December Fed rate cut as the dollar weakens. RSI above 80 signals overbought conditions, but targets stand at $58$60 with support at $56.45, $54.45, and $52.75.

India Budget 2026: Work on Budget 2026 has commenced, following a meticulous five-step process initiated by the Department of Economic Affairs. This involves pre-budget estimates, inter-ministerial consultations, Cabinet approval, and parliamentary presentation. The final approved budget then guides the implementation of national financial plans and schemes for the upcoming fiscal year.

Karnataka leaders condemn the National Herald case FIR. They label it vendetta politics and weaponisation of institutions. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi face alleged harassment. This action is seen as an attack on democratic values.

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and director Raj Nidimoru have reportedly tied the knot in a private ceremony on December 1, 2025, at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. The couple, who have collaborated on several projects, shared glimpses of their wedding on social media. This marks Samantha's second marriage and Raj's second marriage.

Eknath Shinde admitted to a recent exchange of allegations with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis but said that local body elections should remain focused on grassroots issues and the work of party workers.

Manufacturing activity contracted in Europe's largest economies and China during November, impacted by weak domestic demand and tariff uncertainties. While Germany and France saw significant downturns, Britain and Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia and Vietnam experienced manufacturing growth. Japan's factory activity also declined, struggling with sluggish demand and trade uncertainties.

Airbus faces a production snag. A quality issue has been found with fuselage panels on several A320-family aircraft. This is causing some deliveries to be delayed. The problem has not yet affected planes already in service. Airbus is working hard to meet its yearly delivery goals. The company delivered 72 aircraft in November.

Clay County, Missouri, reports $3 million lost by 156 residents over two years to scams directing victims to crypto ATMs for untraceable Bitcoin purchases, often via fake jury duty or arrest threats. U.S. crypto kiosk fraud hit over $107 million in 2024, up 31%, with seniors and students increasingly targeted. Officials note transactions are hard to reverse. Cities like St. Paul plan bans on these machines due to poor compliance with anti-money laundering rules.

During the period, about 260 kg of gold valued at over Rs 254 crore was also seized in 461 cases. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary shared details of gold and narcotics seizure cases at airports and seaports by Customs field formations and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) from 2022-23 to 2025-26 (up to October 2025).

Rosa Parks bus arrest, the 381day Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Supreme Court decision in Browder v. Gayle, Parks own words and fate, and why this moment remains monumental in civil rights history.

A Vaishali PhD scholar lost Rs 49 lakh in a forex trading scam. He met a woman on a matrimonial site who lured him into a fake investment scheme. The fraudsters used changing links and fabricated profits. The scam was revealed when he tried to withdraw his money. Police are investigating the case and tracing the accounts.

Security forces have successfully prevented all terrorist infiltration attempts into Kashmir this year. Eight infiltrators were neutralized, and five were pushed back across the Line of Control. The Border Security Force, in coordination with the Army, maintained effective domination of the LoC.

Raksha Summit 2025 brought together leaders from insurance, hospitals, digital health and policy to address Indias most pressing health-benefits challenges. The conversations spotlighted medical inflation, fraud, data fragmentation and the urgent need for interoperability. The event also unveiled the BCGMedi Assist report, outlining a roadmap for transparency, AI-led controls and standardised processes. The Summit set the tone for a more accountable, member-first healthcare future.

Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari urged the defence industry to focus on niche areas of strength rather than spreading too thin. He emphasized the need for big companies to act as integration houses and highlighted opportunities in next-generation weapons, AI, and man-unmanned teaming for future defence capabilities.

Nepal's central bank has awarded a contract to China Bank Note Printing and Minting Corporation to design and print several denominations of its currency, including the NRs 1,000 note. The redesigned NRs 1,000 note will feature seven rhododendrons and the signature of the current governor.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Lok Sabha that the government does not direct LICs investment decisions, stressing that LICs investments in Adani Group companies were made independently following strict due diligence and regulatory norms.

Kazakhstan and the EU mark 10 years of their Enhanced Partnership, emphasizing cooperation on stable, resilient supply chains for green and digital transitions. Kazakhstan, a key supplier of critical raw materials like copper, graphite, and rare earths, aims to diversify Europes supply base. Bilateral trade reached $48.8 billion in 2024, with over 80% of Kazakh oil exports going to Europe.

Anand Mahindra shared a breathtaking image of Rishi Parashar Mandir in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, calling its beauty 'almost unreal.' The industrialist revealed a personal connection, regretting not visiting the region his late aunt praised. This blend of family memory and natural splendor resonated deeply with followers, highlighting Mahindra's appreciation for authentic, unhurried places.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has processed almost all applications for higher pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995. This follows a Supreme Court directive. Over 17 lakh applications were submitted, with a significant portion now resolved. Many pensioners have deposited the required amounts, with pension payment orders being issued. The scheme operates on a defined contribution-defined benefit model.

Orthopaedic surgeon David Abbasi advises that weakness, not movement, causes chronic injuries. He emphasizes preparing the body through strength training, mobility work, attention to daily habits, and consistency to protect bones, joints, and muscles long-term. These practices, starting in younger years, are crucial for maintaining movement and preventing injury as one ages.

Dubai's real estate sector experienced a robust week, with transactions totalling AED 23.8 billion (USD 6 billion) from November 24 to 28. Sales transactions dominated the figures, reaching AED 19.49 billion, alongside significant mortgage and gift agreements. Notable high-value sales included apartments in Aman Residences and Solaya 2.

A former Rockstar Games employee has leaked footage of Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for a November 19, 2026 release. The gameplay reveals an ambitious Vice City with enhanced combat, interactive environments, and two protagonists, Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval. While some leaks are questioned, many details suggest a redefined open-world experience.

The Supreme Court has ordered a nationwide CBI investigation into digital arrest scams. It also questioned the RBI on why Artificial Intelligence is not being used to freeze accounts of cyber criminals. The court noted that senior citizens are often targeted. Information Technology intermediaries must cooperate with the CBI.

Cyber Monday 2025 has kicked off on a strong note, with leading global brands such as Hoka, Apple and Dyson unveiling significant discounts across a wide range of products.

India's Gross GST collections for the month of November stood at Rs 1,70,276 crore, up 0.7% year on year, according to government data released on Monday.

Police have filed a chargesheet against ex-assistant sub-inspector Sushil Kumar. He allegedly demanded money from individuals with disputes or complaints. Digital evidence, including call records, supports the allegations. The case gained attention after a liquor trader filed a complaint. The former IGP, Y Puran Kumar, died by suicide during the investigation.

A Central Industrial Security Force head constable was arrested after shooting a 17-year-old boy during a wedding procession in Shahdara, Delhi. The incident occurred when a dispute arose over children gatecrashing the event. The accused officer allegedly fired at the teen and fled. The boy, a migrant labourer's son, was collecting money thrown during the celebrations.

Anand Mahindra recently shared in his X account a clip featuring Satara Newar, a village near Tadobo National Park. Driven by local leader Gajanan's vision, the village implemented radical reforms, including solar-heated water, purified drinking water, and metered taps, demonstrating that transformative change hinges on unity and disciplined execution, not just capital.

A four-year-old nursery student in Hyderabad was allegedly attacked by a female attendant, with a disturbing video confirming the assault. Parents filed a complaint, leading to the attendant's detention and an investigation into potential motives, including internal friction with the child's mother who also works at the school.