Human Interest

 A forest fire along the Line of Control in Poonch’s Balakote area triggered at least six landmine explosions on Sunday. No damage was reported, and firefighting efforts continue in the heavily mined anti-infiltration zone near the zero line 

Prime Minister Modi gifted a handcrafted marble chess set from Agra to Russian President Putin, boosting global recognition for the city’s stone inlay handicrafts and raising hopes for increased demand and livelihood opportunities for local artisans

A 20-month-old male cheetah cub from Kuno National Park died after being hit by a vehicle on a highway near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Authorities have reduced traffic and are searching for another cub separated from the same mother

The Indian Army, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has deployed on-site 3D concrete printing in Sikkim for rapid construction of bunkers and sentry posts. The portable technology enhances ballistic resistance, customised designs, and operational readiness in mountainous forward areas

New Zealand’s plan to add feral cats to its Predator Free 2050 target marks a major cultural shift, raising ethical and welfare concerns. While feral cats are classified as pests, their overlap with domestic cats complicates control methods and sparks wider debates about human–animal relationships

The DGCA has eased flight duty norms amid IndiGo’s operational disruptions, allowing leaves to substitute the weekly rest period. The previous clause separating weekly rest and leaves was withdrawn to address pilot shortages and ensure operational continuity, following issues from the revised FDTL norms implemented on November 1

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu and HR Minister Nara Lokesh participated in a mega parent-teacher meeting in Bhamini, Parvatipuram Manyam district. They engaged with a student in a government school using a tablet for Telugu and English reading exercises, providing feedback on accuracy, pronunciation, and learning progress

A study by the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) finds that reducing salt intake to WHO-recommended levels (under 5g/day) is safe for Indians and will not cause iodine deficiency. The research supports public health efforts to cut sodium consumption, helping prevent hypertension and cardiovascular diseases while maintaining adequate iodine intake

AWCS, in collaboration with Rak Social Group, has set up 20 insulated cabins for street dogs in Hyderabad to help them survive the winter. The NGO seeks industrial donations of pallets and plastic drums for expanding the initiative

Dhanush and Kriti Sanon’s *Tere Ishk Mein*, directed by Aanand L Rai, has grossed Rs 118.76 crore worldwide in its first week. Backed by AR Rahman’s music, the film continues to draw strong audience turnout despite new competition

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking to ban Arundhati Roy’s memoir 'Mother Mary Comes to Me' over its cover showing her smoking a bidi, ruling the book and publisher did not violate tobacco advertising laws

Twinkle Khanna, daughter of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, shares how childhood injuries shaped her humor and writing. Her bestselling columns inspired “Mrs Funnybones” and its sequel, while her fiction and disciplined routine reflect her mastery of craft and creativity

At least five tigers, including L1 and T1, have migrated into Mancherial district forests from Maharashtra. While some are killing cattle, forest officials hope migration during the breeding season will boost tiger population, ensuring safety for humans and wildlife

A Babbel–Captioning Group list highlights the most mispronounced words in the U.S. in 2025, including names like Zohran Mamdani and terms like Louvre, acetaminophen, Murdaugh and Mounjaro. Linguists note rising pronunciation challenges as global news and culture influence language

Simone Tata, mother of Noel Tata and stepmother of the late Ratan Tata, passed away at 95 in Mumbai after a brief illness. Known for shaping Lakmé and founding Westside, she also contributed extensively to philanthropic initiatives. Last respects will be offered Saturday

Reviving lost species may help restore ecosystems, but it demands robust scientific oversight to ensure responsible use

Bangladesh’s ICT-BD issued an arrest warrant for ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajib Wajed Joy over crimes against humanity during the 2025 July Uprising. The tribunal also summoned former ministers Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman, and Junaid Ahmed Palak

Life insurance is a crucial financial tool for protecting your family’s future. This guide explains how to assess your needs, understand different policy types, compare features, and choose a plan that aligns with your long-term financial goals and life stage.

American zoologist Laurie Marker has maintained a cheetah sperm bank in Namibia for 35 years, preserving genetic diversity as wild populations drop to under 7,000. The bank serves as a last-resort conservation tool to prevent potential cheetah extinction

IndiGo cancelled over 180 flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru due to crew shortages following new Flight Duty Time Limitations norms. DGCA is investigating, while the pilots’ body urges stricter oversight and potential reallocation of slots to other airlines

The Supreme Court called the 16-year delay in a Delhi acid attack case a "national shame," directing all high courts to submit pending trial details within four weeks and urged the Centre to recognize survivors as persons with disabilities

The US has expanded social-media vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, requiring all profiles be public from December 15. The move tightens immigration scrutiny amid broader restrictions, including paused Green Card processing for 19 countries following a deadly shooting involving an Afghan national

PM Modi marked International Cheetah Day by highlighting Project Cheetah’s success in restoring ecological heritage, with cheetah numbers rising to 32 in India. He urged global wildlife enthusiasts to visit Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, praising public support and conservation efforts

A raccoon caused chaos in an Ashland, Virginia liquor store, smashing bottles and ceiling tiles while drinking scotch and whisky. Animal control officer Samantha Martin rescued the drunken intruder, who was later safely returned to the wild