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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu held a strategic telephone conversation Wednesday, reviewing their growing bilateral partnership and regional challenges. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism, reiterating zero-tolerance toward all forms of terror. They discussed the evolving West Asia situation, with Modi reaffirming India's support for just and durable peace, including early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. The conversation follows their October call when Netanyahu paused a cabinet meeting to speak with Modi, who had congratulated him on Gaza peace progress. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the continued momentum in India-Israel ties and committed to strengthening the partnership for mutual benefit. They agreed to remain in regular contact.(PC: The Hindu)

Sophie Kinsella, bestselling UK author of the Shopaholic series, has died at the age of 55. Her family said she passed away peacefully after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer diagnosed in 2022. Her family said, “We are heartbroken… she died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves.” Kinsella, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, sold over 50 million books worldwide and created the beloved character Becky Bloomwood. She once said writing was her way of “processing life through narrative.” Her family added, “She took nothing for granted and will be missed so much our hearts are breaking.” She leaves behind her husband, Henry, and their five children, who said they cannot imagine life without her radiance. (PC: Getty Images)

President Droupadi Murmu honoured India’s women boxers on Wednesday after their strong performance at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. She met the medal winners at Rashtrapati Bhavan and praised their “exceptional performances.” Jaismine Lamboria and Minakshi Hooda won gold medals, Nupur Sheoran took silver, and Pooja Rani won bronze. India finished the event with four medals in total. Minakshi defeated Paris 2024 bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay to win the 48 kg title. The President said their achievements highlight India’s growing strength in world boxing. Twenty Indian boxers competed, including Olympians Lovlina Borgohain and Nikhat Zareen. (PC: X/@rashtrapatibhvn)

Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, a three-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh, has become the youngest chess player to earn an official FIDE rating. Born in 2022, he received a rapid rating of 1572, well above the minimum 1400. Sarwagya won five of the eight rated games he played, defeating opponents much older than him. He began playing chess at two-and-a-half and now spends four to five hours a day practising, plus coaching sessions and video lessons. His father said the boy learned quickly and showed strong focus. Chess players and fans online have praised his achievement, calling it “incredible.” (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is finishing a 20-point peace plan and will present it to the United States “in the near future.” He said the plan aims to set clear terms for ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine and the US will hold more talks today on postwar rebuilding and economic support. He said the discussions are part of joint work with President Trump’s team and European partners. Zelenskyy also noted that a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing” will follow. He said Ukraine is working to ensure long-term security and prevent future aggression. (PC: Reuters)

The US plans to make tourists from about 40 visa-waiver countries share their social media history from the past five years. A notice from the Department of Homeland Security says social media will become a mandatory part of visa screening. Travellers may also need to give old phone numbers, email addresses, and family details. The rule will not apply to Indians under the visa-waiver system, but similar checks already affect many Indian visa applicants. The move is part of the Trump administration’s push for tighter digital screening. Officials say the goal is to improve security and prevent visa misuse. 

Smriti Mandhana made her first public appearance after calling off her wedding. She said she “doesn’t love anything in life more than cricket” while speaking at an event with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana recently helped India win the Women’s World Cup and has now been named vice-captain for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. She said wearing the India jersey makes her forget all personal problems. “You have a responsibility when India is written on it,” she said. Mandhana also said team disagreements are normal and show passion. She and composer Palash Muchhal cancelled their wedding on December 7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. Netanyahu called Modi to discuss ways to strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership. Both leaders said they are happy with the current progress in ties between the two nations. They also repeated their shared zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. According to an official statement, Modi and Netanyahu agreed to keep working together for security and mutual benefit. The conversation highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Israel in defence, technology, and other key areas. (PC: Reuters)

The United States said India has given its “best offer ever” in the current trade talks. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer called India a “tough nut to crack” but also “forward-leaning”. A US team led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer is in New Delhi for negotiations on farm goods and other products. Greer said India’s new proposals look promising as the US tries to expand its export markets. He added that the US will keep trade ties with China as well. Another US official, Allison Hooker, met India’s foreign secretary to push progress on the broader strategic partnership. (PC: AP)