Kerala has opened its first Gen Z post office at CMS College in Kottayam. It works as an extension of the Kottayam Head Post Office. The new facility is designed to attract young users. It offers digital services, QR code features, and modern design elements. The space also includes better seating, bright lighting, and updated counters. Officials say the aim is to make postal services more friendly and useful for students and young adults. The post office will help users access services faster and with more comfort. It is part of a plan to modernise post offices across the State. (PC: The Hindu)

The United States has proposed a new rule that may require foreign tourists to share their social media history from the past five years. The rule would apply to visitors from about 40 countries who travel to the US without a visa using the ESTA system. Officials say the move is to improve national security. The plan also asks for old phone numbers, email addresses, and details of family members. Digital rights groups warn it could harm privacy. Travel experts say the rule may slow down approvals and could reduce the number of people visiting the US. (PC: BBC)

The Goa government has formally requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to revoke the passports of nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, following the deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, which killed 25 people. The brothers left India soon after the incident, prompting the CBI to seek an Interpol Blue Corner notice. The MEA confirmed it is examining the request under the Passports Act of India. A Delhi court refused interim protection from arrest for the duo, while their lawyers argued they were only licensees, not owners, and uninvolved in daily operations. Meanwhile, Goa police have arrested five managers and staff members linked to the tragedy. (PC: NDTV)

Starting December 15, the US Department of State will expand its online presence review to all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, previously limited to student and exchange visitor visas. The review will scrutinize applicants’ social media, resumes, and online activity to ensure eligibility and security compliance. Many Indian applicants face rescheduled or delayed interviews, with some pushed into 2026. Inconsistencies between online profiles and visa applications may trigger additional scrutiny. The Embassy warns that arriving on old appointment dates will result in denial of entry. Experts caution delays could impact jobs, relocations, family reunifications, and school admissions for Indian professionals and dependents.

Smriti Mandhana opened up about her 12-year cricket journey in her first public appearance since calling off her marriage with musician Palash Mucchal. Speaking at the Amazon Smbhav Summit Wednesday, India's vice-captain declared, "I don't think I love anything more than cricket. Wearing that Indian jersey is the motivation that drives us." Reflecting on November's World Cup triumph, she called it "a reward for the battle we fought over years." The presence of veterans Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami at the final made emotions run high. "Seeing tears in their eyes made it feel like women's cricket itself was winning," she said, describing it as a victory for all.

Sophie Kinsella, bestselling author of the Shopaholic series, died peacefully Tuesday morning at age 55 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer diagnosed in 2022. Her family announced she spent her final days surrounded by "family, music, warmth, Christmas and joy." Kinsella's novels sold over 45 million copies in 60+ countries, translated into 40+ languages. Her first two Shopaholic books were adapted into the 2009 film starring Isla Fisher. She revealed her diagnosis publicly in April 2024, explaining she delayed sharing to protect her five children's privacy. Her most recent autobiographical work, What Does it Feel Like?, was published October 2024. She leaves behind husband Henry Wickham and five children.(PC: The New York Times)

Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar has become a viral sensation, with his line "Rehman dakait ki di hui maut badi kasainuma hoti hai" dominating social media. However, the late SP Chaudhry Aslam's wife, Noreen, disputes the film's portrayal, saying Rehman "was nothing in front of Aslam" and only controlled a specific area. The real Rehman Dakait, born 1975, murdered his mother at 19 and ordered opponents' severed heads used as footballs. He was killed at 34 in a 2009 police shootout. Noreen criticized the film's use of terms like "son of the devil" for her husband, calling them disrespectful to Muslims and his honest mother.(PC: India Today)

Goa nightclub fire owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra booked Thailand flight tickets at 1:17 AM on December 7 while rescue operations were underway at their burning club that killed 25 people. They boarded IndiGo flight 6E 1073 to Phuket from Delhi at 5:30 AM. Co-owner Ajay Gupta was detained in Delhi after being declared missing, while British national Surinder Kumar Khosla remains under Look Out Circular. Investigators discovered the brothers' SIM card was registered under their former driver Ram Hari Singh's name without his knowledge. Four luxury vehicles owned by the family have vanished. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice remains active. Their newly-built crore-rupee Goa house stands deserted.(PC: Moneycontrol & The Economic Times)

Japan experienced its third consecutive day of seismic activity with a magnitude 6.5 earthquake striking Wednesday, primarily affecting eastern Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures at 30 kilometers depth. No tsunami threat was issued. This follows Monday's devastating 7.6 magnitude quake that injured 51 people, triggered 70-centimeter tsunami waves, and damaged buildings and roads. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a rare "megaquake advisory," warning of elevated chances for a magnitude-eight-plus quake within the next week. The JMA noted concerning parallels with 2011's magnitude 9.0 disaster, which was preceded by 7.3 tremors two days earlier. Coastal residents were advised to maintain emergency preparedness and evacuate quickly if necessary.(PC: The New York Times & ABC7)

US trade delegation led by Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer arrived in India for crucial bilateral talks, meeting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and negotiating teams. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism, stating discussions are "progressing well" with "many dots connected." US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer praised India's "strongest trade proposals in years," calling New Delhi "quite forward-leaning." However, Trump's 50% cumulative tariffs on Indian goods complicate negotiations, causing Indian exports to decline 8.58% to $6.3 billion in October. Both nations pursue parallel tracks: a comprehensive trade agreement aiming to boost bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030, and a framework deal addressing tariff challenges. Officials hope for resolution this calendar year.