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Pakistan and Egypt are set to boost their relationship. Ministers met in Islamabad to strengthen economic, commercial, cultural, and defense cooperation. Discussions covered regional conflicts and trade. Both nations will establish business councils and forums to promote private sector engagement. Political consultations are planned for early 2026. Egypt will also increase scholarships for Pakistani students.

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar hit back at Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for his remarks on religious mutt heads' involvement in Karnataka's power tussle. Shivakumar defended the seers, stating he never sought their support but couldn't refuse it if offered out of affection. He questioned Kumaraswamy's family's past use of mutts for political gain.

Over 400 Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka following cyclone Ditwah returned home on Sunday. Flights C130 and IL 76 carried them to Delhi and Trivandrum respectively. These aircraft had previously delivered aid to Sri Lanka. The Indian High Commission facilitated their return, providing food and water. Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency due to the cyclone's devastation.

Virat Kohli achieved his 52nd ODI century against South Africa. This milestone surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record. Kohli's performance marked his return to competitive cricket. Actor Ranveer Singh praised Kohli's innings. The match took place at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Kohli's century anchored India's start in the series.

Leaders from 36 political parties met to prepare for the Winter Session of Parliament. The session begins December 1st and concludes December 19th, 2025. It will feature 15 sittings and consider 14 legislative items. Key bills include amendments to insolvency, highways, and insurance laws. Financial business involves supplementary demands for grants. All parties committed to cooperation for a productive session.

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NYT Strands is a daily word puzzle in The New York Times games lineup, where players connect adjacent letters on a six-by-eight grid to uncover several theme-based words, along with a distinctive long entry known as the Spangram that stretches across much of the board.

Mumbai Congress has launched a 10-point plan to fight rising air pollution. The mission includes emergency measures, health protections, and large-scale tree planting. The party promises to make clean air a fundamental right for all Mumbaikars. Strict restrictions will be imposed during high pollution episodes. The plan aims to improve air quality significantly within five years.

A tragic head-on collision between two buses near Tirupattur in Tamil Nadus Sivaganga district has claimed seven lives. The incident occurred on Saturday. Emergency services responded to the scene. Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway. This event has deeply impacted the local community. Further details are expected as the situation develops.

Indian Army has been encouraging women to join the force by adopting policies that support their inclusion. Permanent Commission is now granted to Women Officers in 11 Arms and Services, in addition to the Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps and Military Nursing Service.

The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to maintain its repo rate at the upcoming December Monetary Policy Committee meeting. This decision follows a robust 8.2% GDP growth reported for the July-September quarter. Expectations for a rate cut have diminished. The RBI previously kept the repo rate steady at 5.5% in October, citing moderated inflation.

A 42-year-old booth-level officer, Anuj Garg, collapsed and died at his home in Jaipur. He was uploading voter data late Saturday night. His family alleges he was working under extreme pressure due to a heavy workload. Doctors declared him dead on arrival at the district hospital. Police are investigating the incident.

NYT Connections is a daily four-by-four word grid puzzle from The New York Times, tasking players with sorting 16 seemingly unrelated words into four themed categories, each marked by a colour scale from yellow (easiest) to purple (most challenging).

Governments often present populist budgets to gain public favour. These budgets offer immediate benefits like tax cuts and subsidies. However, economists warn of strained public finances and increased debt. Such plans can also impact investor confidence and currency value. Inflationary pressures may rise due to increased spending. Critics note potential widening of inequalities and institutional weakening.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked President Isaac Herzog for a pardon. This comes as Netanyahu faces a lengthy corruption trial. He denies all charges and has pleaded not guilty. The President's office acknowledged the extraordinary nature of the request. It stated that all relevant opinions will be considered responsibly.

Chandel district in Manipur is detecting illegal immigrants, prompting the District Administration to organize training for police on operating biometric machines for mandatory online registration before deportation. Challenges with internet connectivity in border areas are being addressed with assistance from the Assam Rifles to ensure timely completion of the process.

Opposition parties are demanding discussions on electoral roll revisions and national security. The government has convened an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session. Leaders from 36 parties attended. The government stated it will engage with all parties for smooth functioning. The session begins December 1 and concludes December 19. Several issues were raised by various parties.

Pakistan dismissed on Sunday a warning by the UN rights chief of potential far-reaching consequences for the rule of law in granting the head of the all-powerful military legal immunity. He warned of a risk of far-reaching consequences for the principles of democracy and rule of law which the Pakistani people hold dear.

Thirty-seven Naxalites surrendered in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. Twenty-seven carried a reward of Rs 65 lakh. Twelve women were among the surrendered cadres. This surrender is part of the 'Poona Margem' initiative. The government offers rehabilitation and skill development. Over 508 Maoists have joined the mainstream in Dantewada in 20 months. More than 2,200 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh in 23 months.

Bengaluru-based Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) has partnered with CSIR-NAL to develop a next-generation 150 kg class Loitering Munition - UAV. This indigenous drone will feature a Wankel engine, advanced payloads, and AI-enabled EO-IR capabilities for long-range missions and enhanced survivability, bolstering India's self-reliance in defence technology.

Cardiologists endorse green tea for daily consumption. Its antioxidants combat inflammation and improve blood flow, benefiting heart health. This beverage also boosts metabolism and aids weight management. Beyond physical well-being, green tea enhances memory and mood. It supports bone strength too. Enjoying one to two cups daily offers these advantages. Consult a doctor for personalized advice.

Wordle is a logic-driven word puzzle that challenges players to identify a five-letter word in six tries, with each attempt generating colour-coded feedback.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized India's quarterly GDP data, calling it ironic following an IMF report that gave India's national accounts statistics a 'C' grade. Ramesh argued that high GDP growth is unsustainable without renewed private investment and that the government is understating inflation to inflate growth figures.

The upcoming Powerball draw is scheduled for Monday at 10:59 p.m. ET, continuing the lotterys three-day-a-week format. The Monday drawing, added in 2021, was introduced to meet growing player participation and support larger jackpots.

The Indian Army is boosting its UN peacekeeping operations. Troops now have better protection and mobility. Indigenous vehicles like KalyM4 and Sherp ATVs are being deployed. Logistical support is also improved with swift delivery of essential supplies. These upgrades align with India's self-reliance goals. Over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers serve in nine active missions globally.

Switzerland is voting on making national service compulsory for women. Supporters believe it will strengthen the nation and improve social unity. Opponents worry about the high costs and potential impact on the economy. This decision reflects broader European views on national duty amid global uncertainties.

A devastating fire in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court apartment complex has claimed 146 lives. Seven of eight buildings were engulfed in flames. Hundreds of residents are paying tribute to the victims. Investigations are underway into potential fire code violations and the contractor's safety management. Authorities have arrested several individuals in connection with the tragedy.

Tips to lose visceral fat: A gastroenterologist highlights seven nutrient-rich foods to combat dangerous visceral fat, which accumulates around organs and disrupts metabolism. Dr. Saurabh Sethi recommends incorporating blueberries, Greek yogurt, fatty fish, olive oil, leafy greens, avocados, and green tea into your diet. These foods, packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, can naturally aid in reducing this harmful belly fat and improving overall health.

Amazon warns its 300+ million users of escalating Black Friday impersonation scams using fake alerts, malicious browser notifications, and phony sites mimicking delivery issues to steal credentials and financial data. FortiGuard Labs reports 700+ harmful holiday domains; Darktrace notes 620% phishing surge, with Amazon hit in 80% of cases. Vigilance is key.

Bihar's opposition Mahagathbandhan is embroiled in a blame game following a significant defeat in the recent assembly polls. Congress leaders publicly expressed a sentiment among candidates that an alliance with the RJD hindered their performance, a view strongly refuted by the RJD, which accused the Congress of being a spent force.

The Department of Telecom is taking extensive measures to ensure communication networks remain resilient. A 24x7 control room is operational. Intra Circle Roaming and Cell Broadcast testing are complete. Telecom operators must ensure uninterrupted operations, fuel reserves, and emergency power backups. Field teams are deployed in vulnerable districts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged participation in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. The event promotes learning Tamil and strengthens the spirit of Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat.

The Indian and British armies have successfully concluded their joint military exercise, Ajeya Warrior. This eighth edition focused on complex peace-enforcement operations in a counterterrorism setting. Soldiers from both nations trained together, sharing tactics and procedures. The exercise strengthened interoperability and camaraderie between the forces. Both armies look forward to future collaborations.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has once again denied any internal differences with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He stated he never took any MLAs to Delhi amid speculation over leadership changes. Shivakumar emphasized his role as a father figure to all party members, aiming to take everyone along.

Uttar Pradesh has drastically reduced rent agreement charges, slashing stamp and registration fees by nearly 90%. The new rates, effective immediately, are now tied to annual rent and lease duration, offering significant relief to tenants and landlords. This overhaul aims to simplify and reduce the financial burden of rental contracts statewide.

India achieved a historic milestone in 2025, producing 357 million tonnes of foodgrains. This marks a significant increase of 100 million tonnes over the past decade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this achievement during his Mann Ki Baat address.

Amy Redford, the daughter of actor Robert Redford, has addressed false funeral arrangements circulating online. She stated that AI-generated tributes and funeral depictions are fabrications. The family is grieving and planning a future memorial. Amy thanked fans for their support and love for her father. Robert Redford passed away at his Utah home.

The central government's recent integration of 29 laws into 4 streamlined Labour Codes, enabling an environment that promotes industrial efficiency while safeguarding workers' interests, is expected to catalyse growth in India's export sector.

December brings a global mix of events. India celebrates weddings and national days like Vijay Diwas and Kisan Diwas. Worldwide, observances highlight health, human rights, and environmental issues. From World AIDS Day to Human Rights Day, these days foster reflection and action. December's observances shape the year's end, offering chances to celebrate and address important matters.

Norway's massive wealth fund will vote for a shareholder proposal at Microsoft's upcoming meeting. This proposal demands a report on human rights risks.

Global trade is cooling, according to the World Trade Organization. India's exports are also falling, with major markets showing declines. This slowdown is linked to trade policy changes and rising domestic costs. The situation threatens to impact India's economy as global demand weakens. Experts warn of further erosion of trade volumes in the coming year.

December 2025 Dry Days: Alcohol sales will be restricted across several Indian states this December. Delhi will observe dry days for MCD by-elections from November 28 to December 3. Mumbai will have dry days on December 6 for Mahaparinirvan Diwas and December 25 for Christmas. Kerala has announced multiple dry days for local body elections and counting day on December 13.

Veteran Kannada actor 'Mysore' Srikantayya Umesh passed away at 80 after a battle with stage-four liver cancer. Known for his comedic roles and a career spanning over five decades and 350 films, Umesh's unwavering optimism even in his final days touched many. He received the Karnataka State Film Award and the Karnataka Nataka Akademy Award.