Politics & International Relations

• Major Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan: A powerful magnitude 7.5 (or 7.6) earthquake hit Northern Japan, causing dozens of injuries and triggering a tsunami.
• Gaza Peace Plan Nears Second Phase: Israel's Prime Minister indicated that the second phase of the Gaza peace plan is approaching.
• US Approves Nvidia AI Chip Sales to China: The US administration, under President Trump, has reportedly given Nvidia the go-ahead to sell advanced AI chips to China, a decision with significant implications for technology and trade relations.
• Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions: Thailand initiated air strikes against Cambodia amidst escalating border conflicts.
• China Reiterates Commitment to Market Opening: Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed that China would continue opening its vast market to the world, fostering dialogue to address economic and trade frictions and promote win-win outcomes. This statement was made during meetings with leaders from the World Bank, IMF, and UNCTAD.
• India Extends Humanitarian Aid to Sri Lanka: India dispatched four additional navy ships carrying nearly 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu', following Cyclone Ditwah.

Economy & Finance

• Federal Reserve Expected to Cut Rates: Economists widely anticipate another quarter-point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its December 10th meeting, marking the third consecutive reduction.
• India's UPI Recognized as World's Largest Real-Time Payment System: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has officially acknowledged India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as the globe's largest real-time retail payment system by transaction volume, accounting for 49% of all such global transactions.
• China's Trade Surplus Reaches New Highs: China's trade surplus is on track to hit $1.2 trillion in 2025, exceeding its 2024 record of $992 billion, driven by continued export momentum.

Science & Technology

• NASA Deploys New Sensor for Critical Mineral Mapping: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has deployed AVIRIS-5, an advanced imaging spectrometer, to map rocks containing critical minerals like lithium on Earth's surface.
• G7 Ministers Discuss AI and Digital Technology Cooperation: G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers met in Montréal, Canada, to discuss industrial competitiveness, quantum technologies, supply chain security, and Artificial Intelligence, endorsing an SME AI Adoption Blueprint.
• Early Alzheimer's Warning Sign Discovered: Scientists have identified clogged brain drainage spaces visible on MRI scans as potential early predictors of Alzheimer's disease.

Social Welfare

• Philippines Provides Aid to Typhoon Victims: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines has distributed PHP7.846 million in humanitarian aid to families affected by Tropical Depression Wilma, with thousands remaining in evacuation centers.
• West Virginia Initiates Child Welfare Reforms: Following a federal audit revealing non-compliance in a high percentage of child abuse and neglect reports, West Virginia's Department of Human Services is implementing an eight-pillar reform agenda for Child Protective Services.

Awards & Appointments

• Australian Academy of Science Elects New President: Sam Berkovic has been elected as the new president of the Australian Academy of Science.
• Key Charity Leadership Appointments in UK: Notable appointments include Gemma Sherrington as CEO of Refuge and James Fairclough as the new Chair of BBC Children in Need.

Sports (Non-Cricket)

• Lando Norris Crowned Formula One World Champion: Lando Norris has secured the Formula One world championship.
• India Advances in FIH Junior Women's World Cup: India defeated Wales 3-1 in a playoff match at the FIH Junior Women's World Cup.
• India to Host Squash World Cup: Chennai, India, will host the Squash World Cup for the third consecutive year.