Football legend Lionel Messi received a rare luxury watch during his visit to India. The watch was gifted during his visit to Vantara, a wildlife centre founded by Anant Ambani. It is a Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon Asia Edition. The watch costs about Rs 10.9 crore. Only 12 such watches exist worldwide. It has a tourbillon movement and dual time display. The watch also shows power reserve and torque levels. It is made using carbon and titanium. Several global leaders and sports icons own this model. Messi was later seen wearing the watch after receiving it. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands gathered in Sydney on Wednesday for the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, killed in the Bondi Beach shooting. He was among 15 people shot dead during a Hanukkah festival. Schlanger was known as the Bondi Rabbi and helped organise the event. Community leaders called his death an unspeakable loss. Family members spoke of his kindness and service. Political leaders and diplomats attended the funeral. Other victim funerals are planned this week, including that of a 10-year-old girl. Police said charges against the main accused may proceed after medical checks. The attack was Australia’s deadliest shooting since 1996. (PC: BBC)

A migratory seagull fitted with a GPS tracker was spotted near the INS Kadamba naval base in Karwar, Karnataka. Local residents noticed the bird resting near a garden close to the coastline. Forest Department officials were alerted and later captured the bird for inspection. Officials found that the GPS device was linked to an international research project. The tracker is believed to be used to study bird movement and migration patterns. Authorities said there is no immediate security concern. Efforts are underway to contact the research group linked to the tracker. The matter is still under review. (PC: Republic)

India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah over security concerns in Dhaka. The Ministry of External Affairs raised strong concerns about the safety of the Indian mission. This followed reports of planned protests by extremist groups near the embassy. India asked the interim government in Bangladesh to ensure full security for all diplomatic missions. The MEA said the security situation in Bangladesh has worsened in recent days. It also rejected false claims made by some leaders against India. Relations between the two countries have remained tense since political changes in Bangladesh last year. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court has allowed authorities to act against old vehicles below BS IV standards in Delhi-NCR. The move comes as air quality remains poor in the region. The court modified its earlier order after the Delhi government sought changes. It said highly polluting older vehicles add to the air crisis. The bench clarified that BS IV and newer vehicles will not face action only due to age. Earlier, the court had protected diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years. The new order allows action against pre-BS IV end-of-life vehicles to help control pollution. (PC: India Today)

UK inflation fell more than expected in November, dropping to 3.2%, its lowest level since March, driven mainly by falling food prices such as cakes, biscuits and cereals. The sharper-than-forecast decline has strengthened expectations that the Bank of England will cut its main interest rate to 3.75% this week as the UK economy faces weak growth and rising unemployment. Finance minister Rachel Reeves welcomed the data, calling lower household bills a priority. Markets reacted immediately, with the pound weakening as traders priced in further rate cuts in 2026. Analysts say the fall in inflation is likely enough for Governor Andrew Bailey to approve another rate reduction, offering borrowers a “Christmas present.” (PC: The Economic Tiimes)

India's rupee has declined 6% against the US dollar in 2025, becoming one of the worst-performing global currencies amid widening trade deficits, punitive 50% US tariffs, and record $18 billion foreign equity outflows. Trading at a record low of 91.075 per dollar, the rupee's real effective exchange rate of 96 is the lowest in over a decade. Despite looking cheap, investors remain wary without a US trade deal. India's Chief Economic Advisor expects an agreement by March 2026, but analysts warn further weakness may be needed to offset tariffs. The rupee's depreciation has eroded dollar returns, with India's equity index rising just 2% compared to China's 30% gain this year. (PC: Reuters)

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has shared his first review of James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire And Ash from India. Rajamouli said he felt honoured to be the first Indian to watch the film before its release. He praised Cameron’s vision, visuals and storytelling. Rajamouli said the film made him feel like a child watching cinema again. He enjoyed the new worlds, characters and action scenes. He said Jake Sully’s moral struggle stayed in his mind even after the film ended. Rajamouli also praised the emotional conflicts shown in the story. Avatar: Fire And Ash will release in theatres on December 19. (PC: HT)

Delhi faced severe air pollution again this winter as smog covered the city. With air quality staying hazardous, the Chinese embassy offered help. It shared a step by step guide on how Beijing cleaned its air. China said both countries face pollution from fast growth. The post showed Delhi’s AQI at 447 and Beijing’s at 67. China listed strict vehicle rules, public transport, and electric cars. It also spoke about closing or moving heavy industries. Experts said these ideas are useful but hard to apply in Delhi without strong enforcement and state coordination. Stubble burning and weak checks remain problems. (PC: India Today)

Star Indian cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal was hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis following Mumbai's victory over Rajasthan in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League match in Pune on Tuesday. After scoring 15 runs off 16 balls, Jaiswal experienced worsening stomach cramps post-match and was admitted to Aditya Birla Hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad. He underwent CT and ultrasound tests, received IV medication, and was advised to rest and continue treatment. In three SMAT games, Jaiswal scored 145 runs at a 168.6 strike rate. Mumbai won the match by three wickets, chasing 217, with Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten 72 and Sarfaraz Khan's explosive 22-ball 73 leading the charge. (PC: AP)