Putin Likely to Visit India
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India on December 5-6 for a key bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi — his first since the Ukraine war began in 2022. The visit comes amid rising US-India tensions over New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Moscow, prompting Washington to impose retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods. India defends its energy purchases as legal and essential. The summit may strengthen cooperation in energy, defence and technology, reflecting India’s balancing act between strategic ties with Russia and growing partnerships with the West. Putin’s rare overseas trip also underscores Moscow’s pivot to the Global South amid Western isolation. India, not a signatory to the ICC, is not obligated to act on the court’s warrant for Putin.
Quake Hits Philippines
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Philippines late Tuesday, killing at least 69 people and injuring over 200, with many still feared trapped. The epicenter was near Bogo City in Cebu province, where half the deaths occurred. Rescue efforts, hampered by rain and damaged roads, continue with backhoes, sniffer dogs and bare hands. Landslides buried mountain villages, while collapsing walls and debris caused deaths in nearby towns. The quake, one of the region’s strongest in a decade, followed a deadly tropical storm days earlier. A brief tsunami warning was lifted, but thousands remained outside due to fear and aftershocks. Over 600 aftershocks were recorded. Officials are considering foreign aid as trauma grips the disaster-hit region.
Israel orders Gaza evacuation
Israel’s Defence Minister has ordered all remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City, calling it their “last opportunity,” warning that those who stay will be treated as militants. Over 4,00,000 have fled, though many remain due to poverty or health issues. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 16 Palestinians, including at a school sheltering displaced people. Over 66,000 Palestinians have died in the war, while 48 hostages remain in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas is reviewing a US-proposed peace plan, which calls for hostages’ release, disarmament, and international governance of Gaza — without a path to statehood. A humanitarian flotilla sails toward Gaza amid Israeli warnings, and the Red Cross has suspended operations in Gaza City due to escalating violence.