France's Macron faces economic and trade challenges on China visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India for the first time since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss energy and defense cooperation. This visit comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on India regarding its ties with Russia and follows the imposition of tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil by the U.S.

Federica Mogherini, the former EU foreign policy chief, has resigned from her position as rector of the College of Europe amid a corruption investigation that has led to her indictment. In her resignation statement, she emphasized her commitment to fairness and rigor in her duties.

A restrictive sex education bill in Italy, backed by Georgia Meloni's far-right government, aims to combat what it terms 'gender ideology' in schools, sparking significant public outcry. Critics argue that the legislation is an attempt to limit comprehensive sex education, which is currently not mandatory in Italy despite evidence of its benefits in preventing violence against women and girls.

France's unique form of secularism, known as 'laïcité', is a fundamental principle of the French Republic, promoting the separation of church and state. This concept, established 120 years ago, remains a contentious issue, with supporters arguing it fosters social harmony, while critics claim it is increasingly used to marginalize Muslims.

The European Union has committed to phasing out Russian gas imports by September 2027 and banning liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by the end of 2025. This decision is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy independence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to enhance trade and diplomatic relations, focusing on cooperation in sectors such as aerospace, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence. The discussions also included a call for China to support a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The European Union has proposed measures aimed at removing barriers to create a unified financial market, part of a broader initiative to establish a savings and investment union. This effort is designed to enhance financing for businesses and stimulate economic growth within the bloc.

Australia will implement a ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16 starting December 10, 2025, as part of a new law aimed at protecting minors from online risks such as cyberbullying and harmful content. Meta has begun deactivating accounts of users under 16 in anticipation of this legislation.