Vijay Kumar Sheoran, a 30-year-old Indian student from Haryana, was fatally stabbed on Barbourne Road, Worcester, on November 25. He was enrolled at the University of the West of England in Bristol after leaving his government job earlier this year to pursue higher studies. Five men were arrested on suspicion of murder but released on bail, while a sixth was released without action. Sheoran’s family has asked India’s External Affairs Ministry for help to repatriate his body and ensure a proper investigation. Haryana MLA Sunil Satpal Sangwan called for justice and support for the grieving family. (PC: X)

Fighting continues in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, despite Russian claims of control. Ukraine’s military says its forces are still defending the city. Meanwhile, US President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Moscow for talks with President Putin on ending the war. The visit follows two days of US-Ukraine discussions in Florida over a peace plan seen as favorable to Russia. President Zelensky, speaking in Paris with French President Macron, stressed Ukraine’s focus on sovereignty and strong security guarantees. Russia shows little interest in compromise, believing it is winning on the battlefield. (PC: BBC)

The Centre and Opposition have reached a truce over discussions in Parliament. The government said it will not discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) now but is ready for a broader talk on electoral reforms on December 10. The Centre wants the debate on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram first. The Opposition wants electoral reforms discussed before Vande Mataram. Protests over SIR disrupted the first two days of the Winter Session. Opposition MPs raised slogans and demanded immediate discussion on the deaths of 28 block-level officers due to heavy workloads. (PC: X)

The BCCI has changed its plan to ease tensions between Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir after reports of a strained relationship. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar was set to meet Kohli before the second ODI in Raipur, but the board sent selector Pragyan Ojha instead because the “situation was not good”. Videos from the airport showed Kohli in a serious talk with Ojha, while another clip showed Ojha speaking with Rohit Sharma and Gambhir without Kohli. The communication gap and questions over the ODI future of Kohli and Rohit have increased concern as India builds toward the 2027 World Cup. (PC: NDTV)

More than 150 rescue dogs in bright Christmas jumpers walked through central London to Buckingham Palace. The event was organised by Rescue Dogs of London to support animal charities and bring adopted dogs together. Organiser May Wong said her rescue dogs, George and Lulu, came from Hungary and China. She added that many dogs had a difficult start in life but now enjoy loving homes and “second chances”. The parade drew crowds of visitors who enjoyed the festive sight. More themed walks are planned, including a corgi Christmas parade on 6 December and a dachshund walk in Hyde Park on 14 December. (PC: BBC)

India’s Khardung La Challenge is one of the world’s highest and toughest ultra-marathons. The 72 km race takes runners to an elevation of 17,618 feet, where oxygen levels drop to nearly half of what they are at sea level. The event has grown from 11 runners in 2012 to about 250 in 2023. National Geographic shared a video showing the harsh terrain and the demanding conditions. In 2025, Shabbir Hussain won the men’s race, while Namgyal Lhamo won in the women’s category. The marathon is open only to very fit and experienced runners due to its extreme altitude.

Hong Kong leader John Lee has ordered an independent inquiry into the deadly fire that killed at least 151 people at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. Seven of eight towers were under renovation when flames spread quickly through unsafe protective netting. The blaze took more than 2,000 firefighters 40 hours to control. Thirteen people, including construction company directors, have been arrested for suspected manslaughter. Fire alarms in all blocks failed to work. Residents are still missing, and the toll may rise. Rights groups have criticised police for detaining people who called for an independent probe into the tragedy. (PC: BBC)

A new airport video has added fresh fuel to rumours of tension in the Indian cricket camp. Virat Kohli was seen in a serious discussion with BCCI selector Pragyan Ojha. Another clip showed Ojha talking with Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, while Kohli was not present. Reports claim a communication gap between Gambhir and senior players Kohli and Rohit, with recent viral moments raising more questions. Fans have linked these clips to concerns over India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup and the team’s recent poor Test results. The team meets South Africa next in Raipur.

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the Sanchar Saathi app is optional and users can delete it anytime. His comment came after strong criticism of the Centre’s order asking phone makers to pre-install the app. Scindia said the app does not spy on users and works only after activation. The DoT had told companies to keep all features active and send the app to existing phones through updates. Opposition parties called the move a threat to privacy, with some leaders comparing it to Pegasus. The app helps users block stolen phones, check connections, and report fraud. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India on Thursday, seeking to boost sales of Russian oil, missile systems, and fighter jets amid strained ties from U.S. pressure. Putin, accompanied by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and business leaders, aims to restore energy and defence partnerships with New Delhi. India's Russian crude imports are hitting a three-year low following tightened sanctions, though defence ties remain strong as India operates numerous Russian military systems. Putin's delegation includes CEOs from Sberbank, Rosoboronexport, Rosneft, and GazpromNeft. Discussions will cover advanced Su-57 fighters, additional S-400 systems, and civilian nuclear energy partnerships, despite concerns about potential reactions from U.S. President Donald Trump. (PC: Reuters)