Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said that IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers was “apologising to the people of India” in the viral photo where he is seen folding his hands. The minister said the gesture was not directed at him alone but at all passengers who faced trouble due to IndiGo’s major flight disruptions this week. Thousands of travellers were stuck at airports across the country after the airline cancelled many flights. The minister said the government has asked IndiGo to fix the situation quickly. He also warned that airlines must not cause such problems for passengers again. (PC: X)

Lionel Messi will arrive in Kolkata on December 13 to begin his GOAT India Tour 2025. This will be his first visit to India since 2011, and the city is preparing for a huge welcome. Messi is scheduled for a meet-and-greet, the virtual unveiling of his statue, and a friendly match at Yuva Bharati Stadium. He will then fly to Hyderabad later in the day. Kolkata is expected to see large crowds as fans gather to see the football legend. Former Barcelona star Luis Suárez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul will join Messi for parts of the tour. (PC: X)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, linked to the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people, flew to Thailand soon after the blaze. With growing criticism, the Centre used Section 10A of the Passport Act to suspend their passports, making their stay in Thailand illegal. The CBI also issued a Blue Corner notice. Thai authorities then detained the brothers, and Indian officials are now travelling to bring them back. The fire began during a musical event where electric firecrackers were used. Heavy flammable decor and poor safety measures turned the club into a death trap. The brothers have sought anticipatory bail in Delhi.  (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has launched the “Trump Gold Card,” a new visa scheme for wealthy foreigners who pay at least $1 million. The card promises fast-tracked residency and a direct path to citizenship for qualified applicants. A $5 million “platinum” version with tax breaks will also be offered. Trump said the plan will help the US attract high-level talent. Critics say the scheme favours the rich, especially as the administration tightens other immigration rules and raises visa fees. The Gold Card requires a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee, and businesses sponsoring employees must pay $2 million. (PC: BBC)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, wanted in the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people, have been detained in Thailand. The first photos show the brothers in custody with their hands tied and passports in hand. They fled to Phuket hours after the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora. They face charges of culpable homicide and negligence. Officials say the process to send them back to India has begun. The fire started during a musical event and spread fast due to flammable decor and lack of safety gear. Police have already arrested four staff members and a business partner. (PC: HT)

A car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was displayed in the US Congress during a foreign policy hearing. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove used the image to warn that US actions are pushing India closer to Russia. She said the Trump administration’s pressure tactics are hurting long-term trust between Washington and New Delhi. The Congresswoman urged lawmakers to act fast to repair the relationship. The selfie was taken during Putin’s recent visit to Delhi, where he rode with Modi shortly after landing. Putin said the gesture was his idea and a symbol of friendship.

Italy’s cuisine has been added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, marking a major cultural win for the country. The UNESCO panel recognised Italian food as a social ritual that brings families and communities together. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the honour reflects Italy’s identity and long tradition of cooking. UNESCO praised the daily food customs, such as family lunches and recipes passed down through generations. The listing is expected to boost tourism and support small family-run restaurants facing economic pressure. Italy joins several nations whose food traditions have been recognised for their cultural importance. (PC; Al Jazeera)

Bangladesh is preparing for its first national election since Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024. The country has been run by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The Election Commission will announce the poll date on Thursday at 6 pm local time. Earlier, the poll body said elections would be held in the first week of February 2026. A national referendum on the “July Charter”, a major reform plan to limit executive power and strengthen institutions, is also expected on the same day. The BNP is seen as the frontrunner, while the Awami League remains barred. (PC: X)

The World Inequality Report 2026 shows that income and wealth gaps in India remain very high. The top 10% earn 58% of the country’s total income, while the bottom 50% get only 15%. Wealth inequality is even sharper, with the richest 10% holding 65% of all wealth. The top 1% alone owns 40%. The report says India’s average income is low and female labour participation remains just 15.7%. Globally too, wealth is highly unequal, with the richest 0.001% owning more than the bottom half of the world. The report warns that rising inequality threatens social and climate goals.

A 25-year-old Indian-origin man named Vaibhav has been arrested in Canada for exposing himself to female doctors and clinic staff in Mississauga. Police say he visited several clinics for months in 2025, pretending to have medical problems to force inappropriate contact. He also used a fake name, Akashdeep Singh, during some visits. Peel Regional Police charged him with indecent acts, identity fraud, possession of identity documents, and identity theft. He was arrested on December 4 and is still in custody. Investigators believe more victims may exist and have asked the public to share any information about similar incidents. (PC: NDTV)