Global News Digest: Top 20 Stories from December 3, 2025Today's news landscape presents a compelling mix of geopolitical developments, market movements, and critical domestic issues reshaping India and the world. From Vladimir Putin's strategic visit to New Delhi marking a quarter-century of India-Russia partnership, to the cryptocurrency market rebounding with Bitcoin crossing the $93,000 mark, to the dramatic Haldwani land encroachment case affecting 50,000 residents, the day's stories reflect both opportunities and challenges facing nations on the global stage. South Asia remains in crisis with Southeast Asian nations grappling with catastrophic floods and landslides claiming nearly 1,500 lives, while India's domestic agenda focuses on electoral reforms, defense readiness, and technological advancement. This digest curates the most significant developments across 14 news categories, offering readers essential context on events that will shape policy, markets, and communities in the coming weeks. Headline-1 (International): Putin Begins Historic India Visit Amid Deepening Russia-India Strategic AllianceSummary: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on December 3, 2025, for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, marking his first visit to India in four years and coinciding with the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership. The two-day state visit will feature bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to focus on defense cooperation, energy trade, and geopolitical coordination amid U.S. sanctions pressure on Russia. Putin visit to India: Can India keep on good terms with cnn More Details: Putin's delegation includes high-ranking officials such as Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, alongside chief executives of major Russian state enterprises including Sberbank, Rosoboronexport (state arms exporter), Rosneft, and GazpromNeft. The timing of the visit signals India's willingness to maintain strong ties with Russia despite Western pressure. Key discussion topics include the supply of Russian oil amid tightening Western sanctions, new fighter jet technologies, hypersonic missile systems, additional S-400 air defense units, and civilian nuclear energy cooperation. India is also expected to advocate for restoration of a 20% ONGC stake in the Sakhalin-1 project in eastern Russia. Bilateral trade reached a record $63.6 billion in 2024-25, with both nations targeting $100 billion by 2030. President Droupadi Murmu will receive Putin and host a state banquet, reinforcing the ceremonial significance of the visit. Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/world-exclusive-russian-president-putin-speaks-to-india-today-ahead-of-india-visit-2830342 Headline-2 (National): Supreme Court Defers Haldwani Verdict to December 10 as 50,000 Residents Await FateSummary: The Supreme Court of India deferred its decision on the highly contentious Haldwani land encroachment case to December 10, 2025, leaving over 50,000 residents in limbo. The case centers on railway land in Uttarakhand where three localities (Gafoor Basti, Dholak Basti, and Indira Nagar) face potential eviction following a High Court order to remove encroachments identified in a 2016-17 survey. India top court stays demolition of over 4,000 homes in aljazeera More Details: The Haldwani area was placed on high alert on December 2-3 with extensive police deployment: 23 people in preventive detention, 123 bound over, 3 superintendents of police, 4 assistant commissioners, 8 inspectors, 8 station house officers, 400 police personnel, two companies of Paramilitary Armed Constabulary (PAC), ITBP and CRPF units stationed, and anti-riot squads on standby. The land dispute involves 4,365 identified encroachments according to a joint railway-district administration survey. While residents claim multi-generational habitation on "nazool" (revenue) land and cite documentation including tax records and utility connections, the Railways maintain that 1959 notifications and 1971 revenue records establish their ownership. The area encompasses 2.2 km of land with 3 government schools, 11 private schools, 10 mosques, 12 madrassas, and vital public health facilities. In July 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the Uttarakhand government to submit a rehabilitation plan, which officials claim has not been completed despite the order. The court's previous stay orders in 2017, 2022, and 2023 emphasized the infeasibility of evicting 50,000 people overnight without rehabilitation. Source Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/haldwani-high-alert-supreme-court-order-50000-residents-10398448/ Headline-3 (Technology/National): India AI Mission Pushes for Indigenous AI Infrastructure to Reach Last Mile CitizensSummary: Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and CEO of India AI Mission, announced that India is urgently integrating artificial intelligence into its core digital public infrastructure. The move responds to growing concerns that foreign AI platforms are training on Indian data at massive scale, potentially shaping essential services millions depend upon. More Details: Singh emphasized at the Mint All About AI Tech4Good Awards that India's digital public infrastructure achievements in governance now require an AI layer to ensure services reach the last mile in Indian languages. The vision includes voice-driven public services: farmers receiving crop advice via toll-free lines in their mother tongue, rural parents obtaining medical information without clinic visits, and students accessing adaptive AI tutors to supplement qualified teacher shortages. Singh highlighted India's compute shortage as a critical constraint, with global companies developing multi-gigawatt GPU clusters while India has access to only a fraction of this computing power. Recent government initiatives have made tens of thousands of GPUs available to domestic researchers at subsidized rates, while India funds Indian foundation model builders and expands AI Kosh, a national repository of datasets and models. An AI Safety Institute is being established to test systems for bias, privacy issues, and reliability. Singh cautioned that India's software and IT services industry must upskill quickly and develop indigenous code generation tools to avoid relying entirely on foreign systems. The government plans to convene an AI Impact Summit in February expected to draw heads of state, global AI executives, and researchers to examine AI's impact on jobs, climate resilience, and productivity in emerging markets. Source Link: https://ianslive.in/india-must-catch-up-leapfrog-in-ai-abhishek-singh-of-meity-india-ai-mission--20251203114918 Headline-4 (Crypto/Finance): Bitcoin Rebounds to $93,000 as Market Cap Surges to $3.24 TrillionSummary: The cryptocurrency market experienced a significant upward surge on December 3, 2025, with Bitcoin climbing to a two-week high near $93,965, while the overall crypto market capitalization jumped 7.4% to reach $3.24 trillion. Out of the top 100 cryptocurrencies, 95 recorded gains, with total trading volume hitting $189 billion. Why $145,000 target is next for Bitcoin by December 2025 finbold More Details: Bitcoin's recovery represents a notable rebound from its December 1 decline of 7%, with traders attributing the rally to positive regulatory developments. Vanguard's removal of its long-standing Bitcoin ETF ban for its extensive client base and Bank of America's authorization for over 15,000 wealth advisers to recommend Bitcoin ETFs to clients signals major institutional confidence shifts. Ethereum gained more than 4%, currently trading at $3,055, benefiting from the Fusaka network upgrade aimed at making the blockchain faster and more efficient. Among the top 10 cryptocurrencies, Solana led gains with a 12.1% surge to $141, followed by Dogecoin at 11.3% increase to $0.1506. Smaller coins demonstrated stronger momentum, with Sui jumping 30.8% to $1.75 and Chainlink rising 19.1% to $14. Bitcoin spot ETFs attracted $58.5 million in inflows on Tuesday (fifth consecutive day of inflows), bringing cumulative net inflow to $57.77 billion. BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF attracted $120.14 million after two days of outflows. On Tuesday, Bitcoin spot ETFs accumulated a fifth consecutive day of inflows, with cumulative net inflows reaching $57.77 billion. Analysts note Bitcoin is currently testing resistance between $93,000 and $100,000, with the 50-week simple moving average at $102,000 representing another critical level. The Fear and Greed Index improved to 22 from 16 the previous day, reflecting sentiment shift from extreme fear to neutral territory. The UK's recent legal classification of cryptocurrencies as property via a newly passed Act of Parliament endorsed by King Charles provides additional regulatory clarity for the asset class. Source Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-crypto-today-december-3-123429570.html Headline-5 (Sports/National): India vs South Africa 2nd ODI: Markram Heroics Secure Draw Despite Kohli CenturySummary: South Africa defeated India by 4 wickets in the second ODI at Raipur on December 3, 2025, leveling the series 1-1. Aiden Markram's brilliant century led South Africa's chase of India's competitive 358/5, despite impressive centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad for the home team. More Details: India posted 358/5 in 50 overs, with Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring centuries while skipper KL Rahul contributed 66 runs. Marco Jansen claimed multiple wickets for South Africa but couldn't prevent India from posting a competitive total. In pursuit, South Africa's chase began shakily with the early dismissal of Quinton de Kock off Arshdeep Singh. However, Aiden Markram's aggressive batting and support from Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald Brevis (54) turned the match decisively. Markram's century proved instrumental in South Africa's successful run chase, demonstrating the team's batting depth. The match highlighted dew factor's influence, a consistent feature in the Raipur venue during December evening matches, which typically favors chasing teams. With the series now level at 1-1, the remaining ODI promises high-stakes cricket. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav bowled tight spells for India but couldn't contain South Africa's aggressive batting approach. KL Rahul's captaincy faced scrutiny over field placements and bowling changes, particularly in the death overs. Source Link: https://indianexpress.com/ Headline-6 (National): Government Clarifies Sanchar Saathi App Not Mandatory After Privacy BacklashSummary: The Indian government issued an official clarification on December 3, 2025, that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application is not compulsory for citizens, addressing widespread online concerns about data tracking and privacy violations. Users can delete the app at any time without facing consequences. More Details: The clarification followed intense backlash against the telecom ministry's directive asking phone manufacturers to pre-install the app on all smartphones. Critics and privacy advocates had raised concerns that the app could enable government surveillance of mobile device usage and tracking of citizens' communications. The government's statement emphasized that the directive to manufacturers has been revoked following consultation with technology companies including Apple and Samsung (though Apple didn't participate in discussions). Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that discussions with phone makers were merely consultative, not mandatory. The Sanchar Saathi app was originally conceived to help consumers track mobile connections in their names and identify fraudulent connections. However, its rollout triggered significant public concern regarding personal data collection, storage, and potential misuse by government agencies. The reversal reflects the government's responsiveness to public opinion and technical industry concerns while acknowledging privacy-first principles. Privacy experts noted that the incident demonstrates the importance of public scrutiny on digital governance initiatives. The episode reinforces debates around India's approach to digital governance, balancing citizen security with privacy rights. Source Link: https://www.ndtv.com/ Headline-7 (International/Environment): Southeast Asian Death Toll Nears 1,500 as Floods and Landslides Continue Ravaging Multiple NationsSummary: The death toll from catastrophic flooding and landslides across Southeast Asia has climbed to nearly 1,500 people, with Indonesia hardest hit at 753 confirmed deaths as of December 2, followed by Sri Lanka (410) and Thailand (181), with three additional fatalities in Malaysia and hundreds still missing. More Details: A combination of monsoon-related rainfall and tropical cyclone activity, particularly Cyclone Ditwah and related weather systems, unleashed record-breaking precipitation and storm surges across the region. Indonesia experienced the most severe devastation, particularly in North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra provinces where illegal logging and deforestation have significantly reduced forests' natural resilience to flooding. According to Global Forest Watch, since 2000 these flood-prone provinces have lost 19,600 square kilometers of forest, an area larger than New Jersey. Environmentalists have blamed deforestation and unchecked development for worsening impacts. The Batang Toru region, once heavily forested, was transformed into a wasteland of broken logs and destroyed homes. In Sri Lanka, Cyclone Ditwah triggered a devastating landslide in the Mawathura area of the central highlands, with 1.2 million people affected and 336 still missing. Thailand's southern regions faced similar destruction with entire communities cut off. The World Meteorological Organization warns that the region's vulnerability to flooding persists due to monsoon patterns and climate change intensifying rainfall by approximately 7% for every 1°C rise in atmospheric temperature. For every 1°C rise in air temperature, the atmosphere can hold around 7% more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall. Rescue teams continue operations in remote areas, with roads transformed into fast-flowing rivers of mud. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure remains damaged. Authorities are rushing to repair infrastructure and distribute emergency aid to cut-off communities. Many residents were found clinging to rooftops and trees to survive the initial surge. Source Link: https://www.euronews.com Headline-8 (Entertainment/National): Bollywood December Box Office War: Multiple Releases Compete in Festive Season RushSummary: December 2025 has emerged as the biggest box office battle of the year with multiple major film releases scheduled across four weeks, capitalizing on the festive season holiday period. December 5 sees simultaneous releases of "Dhurandar," "Lockdown," "Akhanda 2," and "Kalam Kaval," creating intense competition for audience share. More Details: Industry analysts and exhibitors note that December represents the strongest theatrical performance period due to vacation weeks between Christmas (December 24) and New Year (January 2), with consumers in celebratory mood and increased willingness to visit cinemas. Exhibitor Akkshay Rathie explained that December follows the less successful Diwali period, with people preferring outdoor activities, vacations, and family time. In 2024, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Singham Again together collected 80 crores on a single day immediately after Diwali. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh noted that last year, films like Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal" and Vicky Kaushal's "Sam Bahadur" both performed well when released in early December. This year's extended release schedule aims to capture maximum footfall across the entire month. The competitive landscape reflects Bollywood's need to deliver quality festive content, with exhibitors noting that recent Diwali releases have failed to meet audience expectations. The industry recognizes that festive seasons provide optimal theatrical windows, and 2025's December slate represents studios' aggressive strategy to recover box office revenues lost during underperforming festival periods. Source Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/december-rush-films-make-a-dash-for-the-final-month-of-the-year/articleshow/123897767.cms Headline-9 (National/Government): Electoral Reforms Debate Scheduled as Government and Opposition Reach Rare ConsensusSummary: In an unprecedented show of unity, the Indian government and opposition parties agreed on December 3, 2025, to hold structured parliamentary debate on electoral reforms next week. The discussion will address funding transparency and voter roll accuracy, marking a significant moment of bipartisan cooperation on governance improvements. More Details: The agreement represents a breakthrough in addressing longstanding concerns about India's electoral processes and democratic institutions. The planned debate will examine mechanisms for increasing transparency in political party funding, addressing controversies around anonymous donations and corporate contributions. Voter roll accuracy has emerged as a pressing concern, with discussions focusing on de-duplication processes and ensuring that enrollment lists reflect genuine constituencies. This consensus suggests growing recognition across political lines of the need for electoral system strengthening. The debate's structured format indicates both government and opposition are committed to substantive discussion rather than partisan positioning. Electoral reforms have been a contentious topic, with various stakeholders proposing measures to enhance democratic integrity. This breakthrough could pave the way for legislative action on identified reform priorities. The timing of this agreement amid broader political developments suggests both parties see electoral reform as essential for democratic health. Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/ Headline-10 (National): Supreme Court Grants Relief to Pregnant Woman and Child on Humanitarian GroundsSummary: The Supreme Court of India granted humanitarian relief on December 3, 2025, allowing a pregnant woman and her child to re-enter India after they had been restricted from doing so. The court mandated medical care and state oversight, emphasizing humanitarian considerations over procedural technicalities. More Details: The Supreme Court's intervention demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children, from unnecessary hardship. The bench directed that the woman receive appropriate medical care upon re-entry and that state authorities provide necessary oversight to ensure her welfare and that of the child. The case reflects broader judicial concerns about proportionality in immigration and travel restrictions, balancing national security considerations with fundamental human rights. The court's emphasis on humanitarian grounds suggests evolving jurisprudence recognizing special protections for expectant mothers and minor children. State authorities were directed to facilitate the re-entry process and coordinate medical support systems, reflecting the court's holistic approach to judicial relief. This decision aligns with international human rights standards and India's constitutional commitment to fundamental rights. Source Link: https://www.livelaw.in Headline-11 (Finance/Stock Market): Indian Stock Market Ends Flat as Rupee Hits Record Closing Low of 90Summary: The Indian stock market closed virtually unchanged on December 2-3, 2025, with the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 showing marginal movements while the Indian rupee touched a historic closing low of 90 against the US dollar, reflecting broader currency pressures amid external uncertainties. More Details: The BSE Midcap index declined 1% while the Smallcap index fell 0.4%, indicating broader weakness across market segments. On the sectoral front, Nifty IT emerged as the top gainer (0.2-0.6% gains), benefiting from a stronger dollar against rupee, followed by Nifty Private Banks with modest gains. Conversely, Nifty PSU Banks and Nifty India Defence emerged as top losers, reflecting sector-specific headwinds. Individual stock performance saw Wipro and Hindalco as top gainers, while Max Health and Tata Consumer emerged as top losers. The flat market performance reflects investor caution ahead of the RBI Monetary Policy Committee outcome expected during this period. The rupee's depreciation to historic lows signals concerns about capital outflows and external account pressures amid rising US dollar strength. The stock market's lack of directional momentum suggests consolidation phase amid broader macroeconomic uncertainties. Analysts note that caution builds as investors await clarity on monetary policy trajectory and external account developments. Source Link: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/stock-market-highlights-3-december-2025/article70350013.ece Headline-12 (Health/International): UK Approves Targeted Therapy for Cervical Cancer as Medical Advancement ContinuesSummary: The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved tisotumab vedotin on December 3, 2025, for treating adults with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. This approval provides cancer patients with new treatment options following earlier therapeutic failures. More Details: The approval of tisotumab vedotin represents a significant advancement in cervical cancer treatment, offering targeted therapy specifically designed for patients whose cancer has recurred or metastasized following standard treatments. The drug targets tissue factor pathway and represents a class of tissue factor-directed therapies showing promise in difficult-to-treat cancers. This regulatory approval means cervical cancer patients in the UK now have expanded treatment options beyond conventional chemotherapy approaches. The development reflects ongoing progress in personalized medicine and targeted oncology therapies. The approval follows rigorous clinical trials demonstrating efficacy in patient populations with limited prior treatment options. This advancement aligns with global efforts to improve outcomes for patients with advanced cervical cancer, particularly relevant to women in developing and developed nations where cervical cancer remains a significant health burden. Source Link: https://www.medscape.com Headline-13 (Technology/National): India Positioned to Lead Inclusive AI Development Globally, Says UNDP ReportSummary: A new UN Development Programme (UNDP) report released on December 2-3, 2025, highlighted India's potential to lead global efforts in developing inclusive artificial intelligence, particularly in digital health. The report warns that without deliberate policy action, AI could amplify existing inequalities between nations and communities. More Details: The UNDP report titled "The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries" positions India as uniquely capable of demonstrating how safe, inclusive, and people-first AI systems can scale. India's existing strengths include well-developed digital health systems, public digital platforms like the India Stack, and an expanding AI research ecosystem. Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative for India, emphasized that India's digital strengths provide a head start in building an AI future benefiting everyone. The report warns that AI's central fault line is capability, with countries investing in skills, computing power, and sound governance systems benefiting greatly, while others risk being left far behind. India's examples like AI-driven chest X-ray screening for tuberculosis demonstrate healthcare applications already benefiting populations. The UNDP calls for India to continue leading on people-first AI, focusing on transparency, equitable access, and participation of marginalized communities in designing AI systems. Asia and the Pacific, home to over half the world's population, sits at the center of this AI transition, with the region's AI-driven economic impact potentially significant across healthcare, finance, and public administration. The report emphasizes that with proper regulatory and policy frameworks, India can guide the broader region toward an AI future aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. Source Link: https://www.digitalhealthnews.com/india-can-drive-inclusive-ai-for-the-world-says-undp-highlighting-its-growing-digital-health-strength Headline-14 (Environment): EU Signs Landmark Convention to Combat Environmental Crime Through Criminal LawSummary: The European Union officially signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law on December 3, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening environmental protection across Europe and beyond. The convention clearly defines criminal offences harming the environment and establishes minimum penalties. © deepblue4you, Getty Images More Details: The landmark agreement complements the 2024 Directive on environmental protection through criminal law, creating a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection. The convention establishes minimum rules on penalties for both natural and legal persons engaged in environmental crimes, strengthening the enforcement chain across borders. The EU's signature reflects recognition that environmental protection requires coordinated international action through consistent legal standards. When neighboring countries apply similar criminal law standards, cooperation becomes smoother, investigations move faster, and accountability is more effective across borders. The convention reinforces the EU's commitment to robust environmental protection amid heightened geopolitical and environmental risks. Environmental crimes include illegal dumping, hazardous waste trafficking, unauthorized emissions, and species trafficking. The new legal framework aims to deter environmental violations through stronger penalties and enhanced cooperation mechanisms. EU officials emphasized that working under similar rules strengthens environmental governance effectiveness, particularly as climate change accelerates environmental pressures across the continent. Source Link: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-broadens-efforts-combat-environmental-crime-2025-12-03_en Headline-15 (National/Law): Supreme Court Ruled Against Bal Kumar Patel in Arms Act Case, Refusing to Quash ChargesSummary: The Supreme Court of India on December 3, 2025, refused to quash charges against former Lok Sabha MP Bal Kumar Patel in an Arms Act case, determining that his High Court's sanction was not obtained for withdrawing prosecution. The court upheld procedural requirements for continuing prosecution. More Details: The Supreme Court's decision emphasized that proper legal procedures must be followed even for high-profile individuals like former MPs. The refusal to quash charges reflects the judiciary's commitment to equal application of law regardless of political status. The case involved questions regarding withdrawal of prosecution and the authority required to do so. The court determined that the High Court had not obtained proper sanction before attempting to withdraw the case, making the withdrawal procedurally invalid. This decision reinforces precedent that former holding of high office does not exempt individuals from prosecution for criminal charges. The Arms Act cases carry serious implications for national security and public safety, making rigorous legal procedures essential. Source Link: https://www.livelaw.in Headline-16 (National/Culture): Sringeri Mutt Honors Scholar for Rare Vedic Achievement Not Recorded in 200 YearsSummary: Devavrat Rekhe received unprecedented honor from Sringeri Mutt on December 3, 2025, for achieving a rare Vedic feat not documented in two centuries. The felicitation marks a significant cultural milestone reinforcing India's traditional knowledge systems and scholarly accomplishments. More Details: The recognition of Rekhe's Vedic scholarship highlights ongoing commitment within India's traditional educational institutions to preserve and celebrate mastery of complex spiritual and scriptural knowledge. Devavrat Rekhe's achievement in Vedic studies represents exceptional dedication to India's classical knowledge traditions. The two-century absence of similar achievements underscores the rarity of such scholarly accomplishment in contemporary times. Sringeri Mutt's felicitation reflects institutional recognition of efforts to maintain continuity in India's Vedic knowledge traditions. Scholars praised Rekhe's mastery over complex scriptures, which form the foundation of Hindu philosophical and spiritual understanding. The event reinforces the importance of preserving traditional knowledge systems even as India modernizes and adopts contemporary technologies. The achievement demonstrates that classical education and contemporary relevance can coexist, providing models for integrating traditional knowledge into modern educational frameworks. Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/ Headline-17 (Sports/National): Virat Kohli Confirmed for Vijay Hazare Trophy Return to Domestic CricketSummary: Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed on December 3, 2025, that Virat Kohli will participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking a major return to domestic cricket. The move is viewed as key preparation for upcoming international fixtures and provides significant morale boost to Delhi's domestic cricket campaign. Virat Kohli (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil) More Details: Kohli's participation in India's premier domestic one-day tournament represents a significant development in Indian cricket's domestic structure. Selectors and team management view the Vijay Hazare Trophy participation as crucial preparation for international fixtures. Domestic cricket participation by elite players strengthens the overall quality of domestic tournaments and provides opportunities for younger players to gain experience alongside experienced cricketers. The DDCA's confirmation comes amid broader discussions about balancing player workload and domestic cricket commitments. Kohli's return to domestic cricket signals confidence in his fitness and readiness for upcoming international assignments. The move is expected to boost Delhi's competitive position in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with one of India's premier batsmen contributing significantly to the team's campaign. Fan engagement is anticipated to increase with Kohli's participation, elevating the profile of domestic cricket in India's sports consciousness. Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/ Headline-18 (National/Law): Afghan Public Execution Draws Global Shock as 80,000 Witness Death SentenceSummary: A deeply disturbing public execution in Afghanistan's Khost province drew approximately 80,000 spectators on December 2-3, 2025, where a 13-year-old boy carried out a death sentence on a man convicted of murdering his family. The Taliban-era spectacle has reignited global human rights concerns regarding Afghanistan's justice system collapse. More Details: The public execution, involving a child carrying out the sentence, represents a stark violation of international human rights conventions protecting children from involvement in violence and capital punishment proceedings. The massive attendance (80,000 spectators) indicates the Taliban's use of public spectacle for deterrent purposes and ideological messaging. The case involves complex victim-perpetrator dynamics, with the executed man having been convicted of murder, yet the execution method and child involvement raise profound ethical and legal concerns. International human rights organizations have condemned the incident, citing Afghanistan's collapse of judicial norms under Taliban rule. The Taliban's return to power following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal has brought concerns about reversion to harsh interpretations of Islamic law, including capital punishment and public executions. The involvement of a child in executing a death sentence violates multiple international conventions protecting children's rights and opposing capital punishment. The event has renewed calls from UN bodies and international human rights groups for pressure on the Taliban to respect fundamental human rights principles. Afghanistan's judicial system under Taliban governance has faced consistent criticism for lacking due process protections and fair trial standards. Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/ Headline-19 (International/Technology): Japan to Vote on World's Largest Nuclear Plant Restart by December 22Summary: Japan's national assembly is scheduled to vote by December 22, 2025, on restarting the world's largest nuclear power plant. The decision signals Japan's strategic shift toward nuclear energy amid rising electricity demands and renewable energy constraints. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant. (Reuters Photo) More Details: Japan's move toward nuclear plant reactivation reflects the nation's energy policy reassessment following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The restart decision indicates Japan's pragmatic approach balancing decarbonization goals with immediate energy security needs. The world's largest nuclear plant, when operational, provides substantial baseload power essential for Japan's industrial economy and residential electricity demand. Japan faces pressure to achieve carbon neutrality targets while meeting growing electricity needs, making nuclear power's role increasingly central to energy strategy. Post-Fukushima safety concerns remain significant, with rigorous safety standards applied to restart decisions. The upcoming vote will test Japanese public opinion's evolution toward nuclear energy following over a decade of skepticism post-Fukushima. Japan's restart decision influences broader Asian energy policy, as regional nations reassess nuclear's role in climate change mitigation. The timing reflects Japan's commitment to balancing economic competitiveness with environmental sustainability. Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/ Headline-20 (International/Hardship News): Pakistan Faces Criticism After Expired Relief Supplies Sent to Sri Lanka Cyclone VictimsSummary: Pakistan's humanitarian credibility faced significant damage after photographs revealed that expired medical and food supplies were sent as relief aid to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. Social media outrage and international scrutiny have prompted Pakistani officials to issue damage-control statements regarding the aid shipment quality. Outrage as Pakistan’s Sri Lanka flood aid shows past expiry date. More Details: The provision of expired relief supplies to cyclone-affected Sri Lanka represents a significant diplomatic misstep for Pakistan, undermining humanitarian aid's credibility and damaging bilateral relations. Photographs circulating on social media documented expired medications, contaminated food items, and other unsuitable supplies included in Pakistan's relief package. The incident suggests inadequate quality control and inspection procedures in Pakistan's humanitarian response mechanisms. Sri Lankan officials expressed disappointment with the aid quality, questioning Pakistan's commitment to genuine humanitarian assistance. The controversy adds to existing tensions between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, complicating regional cooperation on disaster management. Pakistani authorities have attempted damage control by issuing statements acknowledging supply errors and promising improved processes. The incident reflects broader concerns about aid effectiveness and the importance of rigorous quality assurance in humanitarian operations. Aid recipients deserve supplies meeting quality and safety standards, particularly in post-disaster situations where contaminated or expired goods create additional health risks. The scandal highlights the need for strengthened institutional mechanisms ensuring aid quality and appropriateness for recipient populations. Source Link: https://www.indiatoday.in/ ConclusionDecember 3, 2025, emerged as a pivotal day in global affairs, with developments spanning from India's diplomatic outreach to Russia through Putin's historic visit, to the cryptocurrency market's remarkable recovery and the nation's internal struggle with the Haldwani eviction crisis affecting tens of thousands. The day's news reflects the complex interplay of geopolitical strategy, economic dynamics, technological advancement, and humanitarian challenges shaping the contemporary world. Putin's visit reaffirmed India-Russia strategic ties amid global pressures, the crypto market surge demonstrated investor confidence despite volatility, and India's AI initiatives signaled the nation's commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive development. Simultaneously, the catastrophic Southeast Asian floods underscore climate change's accelerating impact, while domestic issues like the Haldwani case highlight tensions between property rights, governance fairness, and human welfare. As we move forward, the resolution of these interconnected challenges will significantly influence regional stability, economic growth, and social cohesion across Asia and beyond. The international community's response to humanitarian crises, combined with responsible technology governance and equitable development approaches, will determine whether these December 3 stories evolve into positive turning points or cautionary tales of missed opportunities.