Human Interest

Several Jeffrey Epstein-related files, including an image showing Donald Trump, disappeared from a US Justice Department webpage shortly after release, fuelling transparency concerns. Lawmakers and survivors criticised gaps, delays and heavy redactions in the long-awaited document disclosures

Snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains of Kashmir on Sunday marked the start of Chillai-Kalan, ending a prolonged dry spell. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Sadhna Top received fresh snow, bringing relief to residents and boosting hopes for winter tourism

A leopard entered a residential society in Thane, Maharashtra, injuring two to three people. Forest Department and Sanjay Gandhi National Park teams launched a rescue operation, monitoring the animal closely and urging residents to stay indoors and avoid crowding

Over 2.17 million Afghans, including 60% children, have been forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan, straining Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure. Refugees face harassment, extortion, and human rights violations, while UNDP urges international support to prevent worsening humanitarian crises

Sourav Ganguly has issued a Rs 50 crore defamation notice and filed a police complaint against Uttam Saha of the Argentina Football Fan Club for falsely linking him to Lionel Messi’s India tour and tarnishing his reputation

A Cessna C550 business jet crashed near Statesville, North Carolina, killing seven, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and children. The plane caught fire during a return attempt after takeoff. FAA and NTSB investigations are ongoing

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Telangana government to provide a trained elephant permanently for religious processions in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, citing difficulties caused by arranging elephants from other states after the previous one’s death

The Supreme Court criticized the trend of judges issuing numerous orders just before retirement, likening it to “hitting sixes” in cricket. It refused to interfere in a Madhya Pradesh judge’s suspension but allowed him to approach the high court for recalling the order

Amandeep Singh-Bola, of Indian-Kiwi origin, helped restrain one of the Bondi Beach attackers during a December 14 shooting that killed 15 and injured 40. He acted alongside police to subdue the suspect, demonstrating courage amid the terrorist attack

Anini village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley was awarded “Best Emerging Adventure Destination” at the 17th ATOAI convention in Srinagar, recognizing its trekking routes, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and efforts by local communities and tourism stakeholders

Dust storms in northern China, largely originating from Mongolia, highlight regional desertification and climate challenges. China is exporting anti-desertification expertise, including tree-planting and land management techniques, to Mongolia, balancing cooperation with local nomadic traditions and rising environmental diplomacy

Africa was the hardest hit by President Donald Trump’s expanded US travel restrictions, with several countries facing full or partial bans, prompting muted official reactions, concern over unfair treatment, and warnings of strained US–Africa relations and wider diplomatic, economic and social impacts

The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the start of astronomical winter and signals gradually lengthening days ahead, while explaining how Earth’s tilt, solstices, equinoxes, and seasonal definitions shape daylight and climate cycles

IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti said students trained in traditional music can pursue engineering at IIT-Madras, highlighting music’s mathematical foundations. He announced interdisciplinary initiatives including a mic-less bamboo auditorium and the Ilaiyaraja Centre for Excellence in Music

Before nominating APJ Abdul Kalam as India’s 11th President, BJP suggested Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who declined, citing democratic precedent. Vajpayee built consensus across parties, maintained a strong bond with Lal Krishna Advani, and handled crises like the 2001 Parliament attack

The Andaman and Nicobar administration has invited public suggestions to name 586 uninhabited islands, emphasizing local tribal heritage, historical events, and natural features. Finalized names will be approved by the MHA, with the Survey of India updating official maps

Due to technical glitches, some men in Darbhanga, Bihar, received Rs 10,000 under the women-only Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. Many have spent the money, prompting government notices and raising concerns over scheme implementation ahead of elections

Actor Rakul Preet Singh criticized a self-proclaimed doctor on Instagram who claimed she underwent cosmetic procedures. She urged fans not to trust such misleading claims, attributing her appearance changes to weight loss and hard work instead of surgery

India will send a 57-member delegation to the first Youth Delphic Games of SCO member states in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, showcasing national talent in music, dance, fine arts, and crafts, marking a milestone in global cultural diplomacy

Mahindra University and nonprofit Goonj have partnered to promote community development and environmental sustainability. A material donation centre will be set up on campus, enabling students and staff to contribute items for Goonj’s initiatives addressing disaster relief and social development

Olive Ridley turtles have begun mating near Odisha’s Rushikulya river mouth. Authorities have intensified patrolling to prevent poaching. Mass nesting is expected in February, while mechanised fishing is banned within 20 km to protect the endangered turtles during breeding season

Hyderabad’s Firewater Neo Bar and Kitchen has launched a Holiday Special Menu for December, featuring festive starters, mains, desserts, and winter-inspired cocktails. The menu blends global flavours with contemporary style, offering a seasonal culinary experience for diners in the Financial District

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Veerula Sainik Smarak in Hyderabad to mark Vijay Diwas, honouring Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The Governor, Deputy Chief Minister and Army officials paid tributes

Twenty-four endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are being rehabilitated in Florida after cold-stunning in frigid Cape Cod waters. Suffering from frostbite and pneumonia, they are receiving intensive care and are expected to be released into the Atlantic by spring