Human Interest

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

Rajasthan experienced a significant drop in night temperatures, with Fatehpur recording the lowest at 5.3°C. Cold wave conditions are expected to persist in several areas, affecting daily life across the state, including Jaipur at 11.7°C

Around 200 children across Europe were conceived from a single sperm donor unknowingly carrying a rare cancer-linked mutation. The tragedy exposes gaps in genetic screening and cross-border donor limits, highlighting the urgent need for international oversight and coordinated tracking

European leaders back Ukraine amid US pressure for a swift peace deal. Zelenskyy resists ceding territory but may drop NATO bid if offered legal security guarantees. Germany, France, and the UK reaffirm support as Russia seeks eastern Donetsk control

Merriam Webster named “slop” its 2025 word of the year, reflecting the surge of low quality AI generated content online. The term highlights growing public awareness of fake digital material and a desire for authenticity amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence

Actress Soha Ali Khan shared a fun video showing her gym routine turning into a playful puppy chase. The fitness enthusiast amused fans with her pet parenting moments, workout humour and glimpses from her active lifestyle shared on social media 

Pilgrim footfall at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple has crossed 25 lakh during the ongoing Mandalam season. Police said darshan remains smooth due to effective planning despite higher turnout. Crowd surge is expected towards December end 

Kashmir’s higher reaches saw overnight snowfall, raising night temperatures above freezing in Srinagar for the first time this December. Pulwama remained the coldest at –2.7°C, while fog enveloped the valley as the region approaches the 40-day ‘Chillai Kalan’ winter

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal announced his engagement to long-time partner Gabriella Demetriades during Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast. The couple, dating since 2018, has two sons, Arik and Arav, while Rampal was previously married to Mehr Jesia

The Thailand–Cambodia border conflict, reignited on December 7, has killed over 20 civilians and displaced half a million. Domestic political pressures, nationalism, and economic distractions are driving renewed hostilities, with both countries leveraging the crisis for internal political gain

IATA warns of rising GPS spoofing and jamming incidents affecting global aviation, including India, with reported cases nearly doubling since 2022. Pilots are urged to remain vigilant, while authorities emphasize better coordination and awareness to mitigate risks

Former Karnataka MLA and doctor Anjali Nimbalkar saved an American passenger’s life by performing CPR during a Goa to New Delhi flight after the woman suffered a medical emergency mid air, earning praise from passengers, crew, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah